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http://www.rideanddrive.com/autoshow/detroit-99/pontiac-aztek-concept.html
mark156,
The plastic clading is still on there it's just painted.
Regards,
MAK
Such as the Aztek.. The facts are black and white...::::
1. GM has only sold 11,500 year do date their goal was 70,000. ( they have cut back that figure already)
2. It is the only car or minivan that I know of in 20 years of driving that is being redesigned in it's second year of production..I do not know in the automotive history of another car that was redesigned the SECOND YEAR OF PRODUCTION..:)
3. ALREADY in the Oralndo Auction a couple of Azteks have gone through at $12,000.
THIS IS A 50% LOSS IN SIX MONTHS...
Therefore when it comes to resale ( OH I know most Aztek owners will keep their minvan and give it to their grandkids..) a Aztek owner might be very.. very upset if he trades his 2001 for another vehicle.. So in conclusion If I change the mind of one person looking at the Aztek to maybe purchase a used 4Runner, Mazda tribute, wich Car and Driver rated # 1 for small S.U.V.
I feel that I would have done my duty..
Again I am looking at the decision for buying a vehicle from a Financial aspect..being resale...\\ As "Jmatero" put it best this is a forum not "love fest club for the Aztek"
Therefore, I believe my input is valuable to the person looking for a small S.U.V...
They described the Aztek as "Ugly enough to be French" and the Mazda Tribute "Sophisticated and expressive"
That site also recommended the tribute. Saying it is a Tribute to Mazda's design and engineering prowess".. The tribute I believe is in the same price range as a Aztek and they are still selling close to MSRP..
juancho : It's too bad GM didn't build that Aztek. it's VERY cool!
Why did GM not bring the Aztek pictured above out originally when they must have been aware of the polarizing view of the currently sold mode
The wheels and side of the new model look very nice. Again, too bad they were't included on the original.
kissfan : Glad the Sentra is working out for you. I am not a big fan of small cars, but that is one of the best on the market.
That is mentioned in the article on pg.32 of Car and Driver- part of the problem is that dealers are embarassed by the Aztek's sales flop and public ridicule. That are actually hiding the Azteks at the back of their lots. They don't want to use their prime display area for something that brings shame on their franchise.
The best "financial decision" you could make regarding a car, is to purchase an old VW for a great price. Drive it very little, but keep it very well maintained. After a couple of years, sell it for more than you bought it for. I bought a '72 microbus for $3200 3 years ago, I sold it last weekend for $3800. My brother-in-law bought a '85 Scirraco for $2300 and sold it last year for $4300. My father-in-law bought a VW diesel pickup, drove it for 5 years and sold it for $1000 more than he paid for it. I hope your other financial advise is better than your car advice.
Todd
But, what I really want to say is this: now that kissfan is on a well deserved break, who exactly is going to take up the slack for the 'Tek ? Ehm, I see juancho1 doing it already.... That is a great turnaround for someone who "wouldn't be caught dead in an Aztek" only a few weeks ago !
Being a kissfan replacement is a tough job. You gotta be able to post 5-6 times each day, and use lots of caps in your posts....
The 'Tek forum is becoming way too boring with it being one-sided and all. Let the topgn's and gonzo7's of this world have their say. It will only enrich this forum, not take away from it.
cygnusx1: The Tribute is no better or worse than the 'Tek when it comes to off-roading. None is designed for offroading, and if you don't believe it, try taking the 'Tek into the wilderness for "fun" and see how you fare. Don't knock the Tribute unnecessarily. SUV's these days are designed for niche markets, and the Tribute/Escape fits their niche markets well and are doing much better than the 'Tek on sales... Ultimately, you gotta ask which one is better marketed b/w the Tribute and the 'Tek ? The answer is 11,500-times obvious :-)
smile and have a wonderful weekend everyone... It is only a car, afterall, nothing to get worked up over...
outta here...and going golfing this weekend...
Orlando lottery.....I WANT proof.
You have mislead so many times you need to bridge the credibilty gap.
On Safety you twisted reality. Rental cars in Florida....I took the time to call Operations managers in Orlando.......I took the time and called the operation manager at the company you mentioned.....I posted his name and number and clearly saw that you were peddling false info about the AZTEK.........
Get it right.......If you say something......I will track it down.......
; ) .......you cannot hide from the AZTEK 's gaze!!
I leave next Friday!!
PS: OAC......lies and distortions spice up the board.....They are not allowed on x.5 BMW board( By HOSTS)....why should they be allowed here .
Not one iota, zilch, nada, butkus......I keep my vehicles
Love the AZTEK......Works flawless......Plus I get to drive it 25 hours next week...AWESOME!!
; ) .......that satisfied AZTEK owner smile!!!
If criticism of the Aztek is required, then equal, if not greater praise should be given for the idea behind this vehicle. It is a non-Soccermom minivan-based vehicle that does a lot and gets better mileage per horsepower when compared to the puny, boxy, ugly little Honda CRV (heh, there went my bias, right out in the open).
If I would criticize something, it would be ugly paint colors available --- the styling was enough, and only black is tolerable.
Give me the Aztek Salsa skin, and Sunfire/Grand Prix metallic Green --- and I will be a happy camper.
I am a multiple GM vehicle owner, and am convinced that this GM bashing amounts to no more than import-mania gripping the fanboyzzz out there.
Well, I am not impressed, Corolla-lovers.
Next thing you know, we will read posts about how bad the Chevy Prizm is. Ha ha. The joke is on the Corollas.
- Mason
High Price $27,490
Low Price $18,000
Auction........give me proof not more here say!!
http://www.cars.com
; ) .....aztek smile
Saw a 'tek west of Kalamazoo today and north of Grand Rapids last week. Have only seen 3 on the road in West Michigan.
EVERY Mazda Tribute advertisement (print and TV) shows the car on a race track (zoom-zoom) and the voice over doesn't even MENTION AWD... it speaks about a vehicle that is an activity vehicle that drives like a car. the Escape ads are the same... they show the car on the road, in a ski resort parking lot, the beach parking lot... all things you can do with a car only the Escape has more room.
The AZTEK, however, PRETENDS to be an SUV... the ads ALWAYS show it on a rocky cliff camping, driving in deep sand on the beach, going up steep mountain roads in the snow, and other unrealistic situations. This is another reason the vehicle is not selling well. With its styling, it pretends to be an SUV while it is just a minivan. It should be noted that the vehicles that DON'T claim to be SUVs have 8.5" of ground clearance while the vehicle that DOES pretend to be an SUV (Aztek) has only 6.5". Vehicles like the Escape/Tribute are no different than the Forester, the CR-V, the RAV-4 and the SantaFe... they are all car-based and they are all advertised as vehicles that offer SUV versatility with car-like ride/handling.... and suggest that they are for people that want the room an SUV offers, but never go off-road and just want better on-road car-like handling and all weather traction. The Aztek is always promoted as a vehicle you can drive to remote places in deep snow to have snow-ball fights... a vehicle you drive off-road into remote areas to go camping. You dis-like the Tribute for the wrong reasons if you think it's an "SUV Wannabe".
An article on the Buick Rendezvous in our local newspaper a few days ago gave me reason to smile and since the Aztek and Rendezvous are first cousins I thought I'd share it here. I do hope you find the pun entertaining as well.
In a discusion of the various attributes of the vehicle the article went on to describe the all-wheel drive system of the Rendezvous as:
"faux wheel drive"!
For those among you who are offended by the pun, my sincere apology. For those among you who also smiled, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Have a good day!
I went something like this.>>>>>
GM will cut the prices for the 2002 Aztek without cutting any equipment level's . They will also include 17" wheels as standard." Also it stated that designeers are working to give the Aztek a makeover... Well this is good news for the people that bought the 2001.. This is another example of GM not caring about it's customer's..
What do you think this will do to the resale value of the 2001 models...They will depreciate at unheard of level's...(I know resale doe's not matter) CARS are the 2 largest investment of $$$ the average American makes in his life, the first being his home.....YEA I know cars are not a investment, however; I am sure the average car buyer will not appreciate that fact that his vehicle will depreciate close to 50% in six months...
Oh another factiod , Ford Explorer is the # 1 selling SUV in the USA..DO you know what year took the largest hit in depreciation...............1995 Explorers, because in 1996 They redesigned the Explorer.
This is with the #1 selling SUV...
Also as "Jamtero" pointed out , there are barely used Aztek's selling at the dealer for retail of $16,000.....Now the inside scoup is those dealers bought those at trade in value of APX 12,000 to $13,000. How do I guess this , because I have two clients, one is a auto broker and one owns a used car dealership..Both try to buy vehicles at 2 to 3 thousand less than what they want to sell the vehcile at..So these dealers in California most likely purchased those Azteks close $13,000. Therefore trade-in value's of the Aztek are right at 50% of the purchase price NOW..!!!!
The above post should be helpfull to new consumers looking at buying the "2001 Aztek".
So that they can make a informed and educated decision when making one of the largest purchases of their life...!!!
Why.
Cars.com prices are listed:
1600 mile search
High Price $27,490
Low Price $18,000
Kelly Blue Book has no data.
Any post from Matero/Topgun are simple opinions not backed by fact.
The auction......I'm sorry......show me proof.
go to Cars.com & Kelly Blue Book.......That is info that is real and PROVABLE. I will wait for Kelly Blue Book to substantiate.
Thank you
DO YOU OWN RESEARCH...... HERE IS MY SOURCE:
http://www.kbb.com/
www.cars.com
SHOW ME YOUR SOURCES!!!
All else is opinion!!!!!
According to a sales list from Greater Phoenix Auto Auction, which is where the dealers buy, Azteks are bringing in the 12,800-15,100 range. Add a 2-3k profit and you end up at the 15-17 range that is consistant with asking prices.
Sadly, the 50% depreciation seems to be occurring.
I was at the Pontiac GMC dealer yesterday. I had been there last week for a Lube Oil , Filter and wash. In typical fashion They didn't lube it, overfilled the oil. the filter was loose and leaking and they din't wash it. While I was waiting for them to re- do the service I went to the show room.
I spoke to a salesman who gave me a classic line.
I referred the the AWD Aztek as "four wheel drive".
He corrected me: "You mean Mall Wheel Drive"
"It will take you over speed bumps but that's about all"
Now granted, I wouldn't touch either vehicle because GM's AWD drive systems are "reactive" rather than permanent, true all-wheel-drive which provides superior handling and safety. But if you want a true workhorse with a great ride (the Jimmy SLT has the luxury suspension set up w/Bilstein shocks) I'd take the Jimmy over the Aztek as a greater value anyday.
The pricing is fact, the value part is my opinion. No other representations made.
Your Milage May Vary. Do not attempt at home, professional driver on closed course.
I am new to this board and I have some non-Aztec related questions for you regarding another GM product. If you could e-mail me at HuJass@msn.com, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
The difference between the Honda CR-V and the minivan described here are too many to mention. However, one can begin by comparing the sales: best in segment vs. worst in segment; Quality: bullet-proof vs. questionable. Resale: outstandingly high vs. 12K. I think consumers have already made the selection on these 2 vehicles, haven't they?
Regards,
MAK
I'm close to purchasing a 'Tek and would certainly buy used if 25-50% discounts are available. The Yahoo search did not indicate any used Aztek deals (I have already been offered a GT at $4,100 off MSRP-about 15% off).
A search of autotrader.com identified some used GTs for under $17k. I'm contacting dealer to see if the 1sc package is included. Will report the results.
Have a nice day.
Kissfan, I don't think Kelly's blue book gives correct pricing. On the last two vehicles I priced for trade were way off (meaning Kelly's said it was worth more). I think Edmunds is a little closer but with a vehicle like the Aztek, it's in a different category all together. I don't think the listed prices can keep up with what really happening in the market. Have fun on your vacation!!!
Mark
You are right......lies and fabrications. First it was safety. When I exposed that they move to resale.
No question a Pontiac will not hold value like Toyota. Yes the smart way to buy is second hand....Let some one else take the depreciation.
However I.......buy and hold my vehicles. So the AZTEK will serve me very well.
Please....no more fabrications.
Just curious.
Since all anyone has to offer is their opinion on the safety issue how can conjecture be considered a lie?
I guess the face making and the name calling and incessantly bringing up irrelevant vehicles shows the strength of your arguements.
As far as resale, what evidence do you require to retract your uninformed posturing?
EXACTLY like I said, Post 1530 is finding used GT's in the $16k range.
What is a non GT worth? (A: less.)
If a dealer is selling them @ 16k- he wouldnt have paid more than 12-13k-
That is a fact.
If new ones are $6k off MSRP (around 17K)- Certainly everyone knows a used one is worth THOUSANDS less. Again we end up at a 12-13k wholesale price.
Again, FACT.
Regards,
MAK
As for my being accused of fabrication. Please name one.
I post my sources.
As an owner I have an interest in this vehicle.
; ).........your Aztek Smile
Could you please verify/deny this? I'm tired of getting the run around from my dealer and would love to feel safe with my family in this car.
Your help appreciated,
TC
Please move this thread over to Grand Am Problems. Thanks!
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Friendly, spirited discussion is always welcome on a site devoted to review of a vehicle's strong suits and shortcomings.
A while back, I was getting bids for SUV purchases. I asked for bids from 2 Pontiac dealers, and one faxed me a bunch of stuff on the Aztek. When I aked him why, he said, "oh I thought you guys would look really cool in that thing". I still laugh about it - I work in the public sector, and if someone saw any of us driving the Aztek, questions would be asked.
You have to get a modem set-up in FL Kissfan, else this board will drop off the 'hot' list. No doubt you will be visiting those rental agencies in Orlando to see if they have Azteks...
My mileage is inching to better number.......21.4MPG (city). I'm looking forward to seeing how it does on the long trip.
Interesting thing happened today. That little annoying back latch is working fine now.
I joked with GM DRONE that now the vehicle appears to be self healing......lol (That is a joke!!)
Told him GM used ONSTAR to fix it for me.... ; )
Anyways ....... all the very best!! To all AZTEK fans.
; )........ the aztek smile (a satisfied owner of a great vehicle)
Then, you run crying to the teacher that the big kids are picking on you.
Sounds like someone has resorted to name calling rather than debating the facts as posted in post 1535 and many others.
BTW Zircon- the new straight 6 is a great engine. However the Aztek traces it's mechanicals back to the 1980 Chevy Citation. It needs a sideways engine. Straight 6 is too long.
BUYER BEWARE-the only negative comments are from non-owners. I love my Aztek, in fact its the best of the six new cars I've owned.
Remember, if resale value is important don't buy a new car period. Buy used. If making the most with your money is important, buy a quality built car like the Aztek and keep it a long time. That's exactly what I'm going to do!
Mark
Gonzo, you have no interest in this vehicle other then to trash it and GM. It is unfortunate.
If you drove it daily like I do.......And other owners have you would understand that it is a remarkable vehicle.
As for the "running" to the teacher. I believe , as others do that an element on this board is bent on high jacking the discussion. It is not allowed on other boards.....Why should it be allowed here.