Pontiac Aztek

gonzo7

There were about 15 Azteks on the lot. About 10 of those were delivered on 7/11/00 and 7/18/00.
(The inventory sticker had the delivery date)
They have "$6000 off" painted on the windshields and that will certainly increase so Aztek lovers,
there will be deals to be had.

drzoom1

Sunny2001, thanks for the news from Texas. Dealers I've talked to in Ohio and Michigan are not going lower than dealer invoice (with an additional $1,500 off and the camp package). Needless to say, we are still "lot-lurkers" waiting for the right price. You think the general would increase the incentive package when the current incentives expire on April 2. In addition to the redesign and the Rendevous, Saturn has their SUV coming out that I think is based in the mid 20s.

tonychrys, something must be happening between the dealerships and the general. I've seen several original 'teks on dealer's lots and they do not seem motivated to move them. I travel alot for work and have driven by several Pontiac dealerships....only one has had a 'Tek out front.

gonzo7, what State has the July 2000 'Teks on the lot?

Hopefully the 2001 production will stay ahead of demand!

Future 'Tek owner (new?, used?...it is all up to GM!)

gonzo7

Sun Pontiac-Scottsdale, AZ

tonychrys

I can't see how you can't get a good deal soon on an Aztek. If you watch Wall Street, the biggest problem right now is the fact that too many manufacturers, across diverse sectors, are sitting on too much excess inventory. Besides screwing up cash flow (which investors hate), it ties up capital that could be used for other purposes (pay down debt, etc.)

If you really want an Aztek, I think time is on your side and you won't have to wait too long. I get the feeling that some dealers won't be too happy unless the General makes further concessions, which they have, evidenced by the recent TV ads. It's a buyers market.

mark156

Hi Folks, I don't mean to re-hash about the style of the Aztek, but I was driving with a friend today and we are driving down the highway here in California next to a white PT Cruiser. Although I would not buy a Cruiser, they are really nice looking. Not long after "our" PT admiration, we saw a dark burgundy Aztek driving the other way. In my mirror, I could see a perfect shot of the rear end of the Aztek. It makes me wonder about the person responsible for the design, how could they make the back look like such an "after thought" compared to the front (the front is not all that bad) when the PT Crusier is so sleek looking all the way around.

Here in my city, I have seen Aztek advertised with $6,000 off list. I feel the deals will be coming for those who want a good deal.

Mark

theiceman

I've been perusing this forum every other day and just finished catching up. I wanted to let you know that your post no. 1747 was well stated and aimed - buying a vehicle with controversial styling is not for the thin-skinned. Still, it's nice to see that this forum is no longer entirely about the Aztek's styling.

We too are watching the deals being offered by GM. We know that we can right now get $1000 or so below invoice plus 1.9% financing. That works out to be about $5000 (CDN) off list - about where they should be pricing it in the first place (IMHO). We're in no particular hurry and if no better deal comes along, then I guess we'll be buying something else....

theiceman

mscroggin

I bought an Aztec GT for my wife and we liked it so much I went back a week later and bought one for myself. The styling is 'unique', but we like them and that is all that matters.

The rear hatch not releasing all the way in a common problem and my dealer has talked to Pontiac about it and they have a heavier duty latch on order.

It's nice having 2, that way if something is wrong with one and not the other the dealer can't tell me "This is normal".

drzoom1

I agree with you about 'Teks tying up dealers inventories. Another factor is the report last week that indicated a 160 day inventory of 'Teks - or 4 months. I think that means enough 'Teks have been produced AS OF TODAY to supply dealers thru July. Of course, the 2002 model year starts around August. Is GM going to shift production to 100% Rendevous? I doubt it.

I think that when the General provides enough incentives to properly price the 'Tek, sales will increase. As priced, it does not compare well to other SUV, minivan or sedan options (has been discussed many times in this forum).

jmatero

First, let me say that there is currently $1000 customer cash-back from Pontiac AND a $500 dealer incentive. So, before you even HAGGLE, knock $1500 off of the sticker and work down from there. You know, the real losers here are Pontiac dealers. The want to move these vehicles, I'm sure, but the longer they "hang around" the more payments they make on them and the harder it is to knock $$ off... it's a catch-22 really. If you live in the North-east, Suburban Cadillac/Pontiac in Stamford, CT has over 30 AZTEKS displayed on his lot (I counted 34 with the 1 inside the dealership and 3 near the service bays). Most are covered in dust and since I pass there every day on my way to work, I can tell you most have been there a WHILE. He has every color (except yellow... but LOTS of the silver/beige color) and some AWD models as well. I'm SURE you could get them for DIRT CHEAP if you're looking. He's right near I-95 as well, so getting there is easy. Hope this helps

tonychrys

Having bought many a new car (including GMs) I'll just disagree with one of jmatero's points. Since the Aztek is not a high demand car, throw the sticker away when it comes to cutting a deal. It means nothing. You should price the car with the options you want, determine the invoice, knock off $1500 (if these are all the rebates), then add 3% (or less) for dealer profit. This is a fair deal for a car that is just sitting on the lot and any dealer should jump on it. Don't work with a "newbie" salesperson, try to talk to the fleet or sales manager, they have the authority to move the cars off the lot.

Stick to your guns and you'll be driving a new Aztek, if that's what you really want.

gonzo7

I agree-forget the sticker.

Start with invoice (look it up here on edmunds)
and subtract incentives.(www.cars.com)

Go when they are closed and snoop at their inventory- maybe write some stock #'s of units you're interested in. Note the options and calculate the invoice-before you talk to anyone

Only talk to the sales manager.Do it on the phone-they'll be more receptive when you are a hang-up away from ending negotiation. If you in and sit down- you'll get bullied.

Don't go in person until you've hammered out a deal.

During my recent visit to the Pontiac/GMC dealer, I was offered a Extra Cab Sierra pick-up with a 26700 MSRP and a 22100 invoice for an even $20K- and that's for something that is popular.

Imagine what deal you could work on an Aztek.
GM gives the dealers special "secret" incentives to move stale units.

beanboy

Stick the 3.8 in there, redesign it and get rid of those silly Montana minivan ads with it flying off-road and replace it with an AWD Aztek.

-Beanboy

drzoom1

Best offer I have seen is $1,500 below dealer invoice (equivalent to Edmunds dealer invoice less dealer and consumer incentives). We are still holding out. If we were offered 2k below invoice in addition to the $1,500 total incentives, as was Gonzo7, we would be in a 'Tek at this very moment. This may seem low, but I think it is very reasonable considering the previously discussed unknowns surrounding the 'Tek.

As much as we like the 'Tek, if we had to make a buy decision this weekend based on current prices/incentives, a 'Tek would not be in our garage come Monday.

isellpotiac

last night who traveled to Florida on business. He told me he normally will request a Grand Prix from the rental company but they were out, he was offered an Aztec and agreed(reluctantly) When he got to where he was going he took a ribbing from all his coworkers but everyone wanted to drive it. 3 coworkers returned home and purchased new Aztecs'. He is ready to buy and has his trade in the paper for sale. Pontiac is flooding the rental market to garner interest in this vehicle and I think they are. 50% of every person I get behind the wheel of the Aztec buys. That is an unheard of close ratio.

tonychrys

"50% of every person I get behind the wheel of the Aztec buys."

Interesting, but could you be more specific? What I mean is that when the person comes in, do the majority say "I'd like to see an Aztek" or do you lead them there?

jmatero

I can't speak for him, but I think he means that 50% of everyone who comes in looking to test-drive an Aztek prior to purchase, actually purchases one. If 50% of people SHOWN the aztek purchased one, they'd sell well over 75,000 a year. But considering the total sold, I'm thinking that unless they came particularly to see the Aztek, they couldn't - in most cases - be "steered" into one.

topgn

There was a article on the CNN Financial news webb page in the automotive section about the Grand Am..The author had some good things to say about the Grand Am being Pontiac's # 1 selling auto..However, he did digress to the Aztek .......I cannot post what he stated, last time I did that I was deleted, (even though it was his opinion not mine)....needles to say it was not kind words..

Although he did say according to his sources in Ponitiac , the Aztek is missing it's sales target by 80%....I guess they have only sold 20% of their sales goal.....!

Also, all this talk about dealers selling 2001's at below invoice..>>>>>>
What does this do to the family that want's to trade in their Aztek....????????

stever

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gonzo7

Pitre Pontiac GMC's ad:

"Below invoice sale: All Azteks $4000 below invoice! No games! Just add tax, title and license!"

(Please don't delete this one- It's straight from the newspaper)

mark156

In my city paper today... at Plaza Motors Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Buick, GMC......there was an ad: "2001 Aztec" (note wrong spelling) $18,895 includes all GM incentives. Also, free tent with every purchase or lease.

What does the cheapest Aztek list for? Does anyone know? Mark

kissfan1

KissFan....Live on location in Florida (Tongue in Cheek)

Well Florida ....or at least Orlando is teaming with AZTEKS. Pulled into Disney MGM today. As luck would have it I pulled up beside a Yellow 'Tek. As we were slopping on that SPF 6000 to protect tender Canadian skin I started chatting with guy who drove it.

Well he loved the vehicle. Hated the look at first but he has been living with it for one week.
Guess what......his second car lease is coming due. He is convinced the "tek is his next vehicle.

Live with the AZTEK......is to LOVE the AZTEK!! Is to OWN an AZTEK.

I leave here on Monday..... In my GREAT VEHICLE!!!!!

; )..........the AZTEK smile

bdreggors

Good to hear from you about your trip. Have fun at Disney World! Oh, maybe you'll want to drop buy the Test Track ride at EPCOT Center and pick up some Pontiac stuff :-)

Have fun!

teo

Your Toyota *Love* cheap sales pitch posts are growing very old and TIRED. Nothing else to do around the dealership? How about pulling some toilet paper in the restrooms or serving refreshments for your TOYOTA customers?

Topgn secretely wants an Aztek in his driveway....hmmmmmmmm

drzoom1

Edmunds reports the entry level Aztek dealer invoice is $19,622 + destination ($550) = $20,172. If this amount is reduced by the current $1,500 dealer/consumer incentives (that are known to exist), the amount is $18,672. If the $18,895 you are seeing advertised is for the base 'Tek, it is not a great deal....just seems like one. You should very easily be able to get a base 'Tek for $18,672 with the tent package.

Some of these entry 'Teks are also likely to be the used ones being advertised with 10,000 miles and asking prices in the mid-teens.

IMHO, if you are going to get a 'Tek, enjoy the full "Tek experience" and get a GT for $22,917.

dindak

topgn : FYI.. GM sells more midsize sedans and trucks than Toyota. Aztek does not equal GM. You telling other's they "have nothing better to do" is the ultimate in ridiculous!

gonzo : That may be what the ad says, but since when do you believe everything you read in newspaper ads?

montanafan

Ran across this info which I believe puts the whole Aztek debate in prespective. Over 94% of current owners, in recent research done for Pontiac, test drove the Aztek before buying. Of consumers who rejected the Aztek only 25% test drove it.
There was an Aztek in the St. Patrick's Day parade in our neighboring town. It was representing the local animal shelter and had some of the volunteers and some dogs in it. The people standing near me thought it looked pretty cool with people sitting on the tailgate and the seats folded up so the dogs could roam inside.
Current owners keep and eye on the mail, Pontiac may be starting a "refer-a-friend" program for their "greatest ambasadors".
2002 production is scheduled to start on June 25th, 2001.

drzoom1

Why would a dealer sell a 'Tek at a loss? Why not just hold unto it until the General provides enough incentives (either dealer or consumer) to make the deal happen? If you are a dealership and you sell all your 'Teks (including some at a loss), would not the GM rep "muscle" you into buying more just to have some on your lot?

Maybe I'm missing something.

gonzo7

They sell them at a loss because that is better than the current situation, which is not selling them at all.

What part of: "No Games-All Azteks $4000 under invoice-just add tax title and license" confuses you? No fine print.

The factory provides dealers incentives to move stale units. Thus, the offer I had to sell me a new, fancy GMC truck with a 26k sticker and a 22k invoice for an even 20K

bdreggors

I'm beginning to think that myself!

dindak

Well if that's "the deal", then it's pretty good. I'm glad you know you have such an honest dealer in your neck of the woods.

ziogio

I've checked out a number of Aztek dealerships in the Puget Sound area (Seattle and surrounding communities) and none of them have AWD Azteks. I was told by one dealership that the AWD weren't available yet. Are other communities out there being told the AWD Aztek isn't available yet?

I must say, though, that the Azteks I've seen look like they've been sitting there for a while and the dealers are VERY eager to get them off their lots. I want to thank those who provided pricing information and preached patience. That advice may prove valuable.

Does anyone know where I can find details of the 2002 Aztek?

Thanks!

gonzo7

I doubt the phrase "honest dealer" applies. But there was no asterisk or "1 at this price" disclamer on a small print stock #.
It said "all Azteks" and "No Games"

kilton

I went to our local dealer armed with all this Aztek information. First of all the guy said he does not go by all that stuff on the internet. Best deal I could get was $20500 on a base Aztek with the 1sb package. He said he he would throw in the tent package a "900 value". He never heard of the $500 dealer incentive.
Thanks for all the information.

drzoom1

kilton, the $500 dealer incentive may only be available in the midwest region. What state are you looking in? Have you checked Edmunds or any of teh other on-line sources for dealer incentives in your area? How does the $20,500 deal you were offered compare to the dealer invoice for those options? I hope you are doing more homework for your next car purchase than simply reading posting boards.

This dealer is not providing you with good data as the tent package is worth $195, not $900 (see http://www.pontiac.com/currentoffers/current_offers.html). Additionaly, the dealership is not "throwing in the tent package", GM is giving you the tent package. It is not costing the dealership anything! I suggest you print out the Pontiac offer page that reports the tent package is worth $195 and being provided by Pontiac, return to the dealership and ask the salesman why you should believe anything he tells you!

Regarding the $500 incentive, I have come accross a dealership that refused to pass along the dealer incentive. I have no problem with that. Each dealership has the option of giving you the incentive, keeping it to themselves, or splitting it with you. Likewise, you have the choice of what dealership to buy your next auto from. I suggest you buy it from someone who will give you the entire $500 incentive - these dealers do exist.

kilton, I'm sure many on this forum would agree that a good dealerships/salesman will not b.s. you about dealer invoice costs or current incentives. Find a good dealership/salesman, your local dealer who "does not go by all that stuff on the internet" tells you that for a reason.

Good luck!

theiceman

you should show them info you've printed out from the net on incentives available & special offers that GM has for your region but if you want to do business with that region, do it without attitude or they'll turn their minds off to anything you say....unless of course they're terribly desperate. I think that 1 good way to challenge them on their $900 quote for the tent package is to ask them what else they are throwing in because, you see, GM is throwing in the tent option and they value it at $200.....

Look, the Aztek isn't selling and the dealerships know that these '01s are going to start to age on the lot. Some will try to dump them ASAP, the rest will wait it out, put pressure on the regional GM reps to pump more into local advertising and to provide even more incentives to the dealers. Either way, the bottom is not limitless.

theiceman

drzoom1

theiceman is right, no need to allienate the dealership. Especially if you do not have multiple dealerships in the area. Afterall, the salesman is just doing his job. Depending on incentives in your region, $20,500 may be an o.k. (not great) deal. The point is that you should know what you want, what the dealer invoices are (check several sources to compare) and what incentives are in your area before you talk $$ with a dealership.

Kilton, let us know what you do.

drzoom1

gonzo7, your post #1776 included:

"...What part of: "No Games-All Azteks $4000 under invoice-just add tax title and license" confuses you? No fine print..."

I contacted the dealership (Pitre Automotive) by e-mail. They reported they will sell at $500 below invoice and keep $3,500 worth of incentives including the college grad and an "Olds Coupon". If you meet all of the rebate criteria, this would be a good deal (one I would take from a local dealer if offered).

The bottom line is, the dealership is only losing $500 (and even that may be a factory to dealer incentive), not $4,000. Big difference!

I do not see any incentive for dealerships to take a loss on a 'Tek now - GM reps will only push the dealership into taking more 'Teks. Dealership may take a hit late in the model year to clear them off the lot knowing that they will not have to purchase any more 2001's. Until then, it is all up to the General.

Current incentive program ends April 2. I think it will be extended as is, with no tent package.

theiceman

I agree. I cannot see the incentive for a dealership to take a huge loss to move them - the slower they sell, the more they can argue with GM for compensation for inventory financing, for advertising and for more consumer incentives. Otherwise, they'll find GM sending them more Azteks to replace the ones they've sold.

The good news / bad news is that they do appear to be selling better - at least in these parts. Chalk it up to advertising, promotion and discounts. We are seeing increasing numbers on the road and one local dealership has already sold 50 since last Fall! (gotta be a record) The bad side of that is that GM could cut the incentives if they don't think they're necessary to move remaining '01 stock. So, it's the old waiting game crap shoot - the incentives are pretty good right now & we all expect that they'll get a little better - for a while - but selection will keep getting thinner and eventually the price will creep back up.

theiceman

rotterdamron

Been following the posts and decided leasing is my best way to go. The "rock bottom" deal I am currently looking at is $4,100 total cash down which includes tax etc, and $239 for 36 months. Any thoughts or comments?

theiceman

For which model? any options?

gonzo7

I never said the dealer is losing $4000. The offer is 4K under invoice. All that matters is that you don't pay the $4k. I really don't care if the dealer or GM eats it.
The GMC truck for example: It can be had for $2k under invoice. $1500 of that comes from GM, $500 from the dealer but they have volume incentives that will compensate for the "shell game" so called $500 loss.
Bottom line: Be patient, know your stuff. There are a lot more Azteks than there are people interested in Azteks.. Supply/Demand is on your side.

kilton

Hello drzoom1 I am in TX I think the dealer rebate should be effective here. Will print out the information on the tent package and show the salesman.
thanks

akajoe

I don't like the Aztek styling - particularly the rear hatch. The original concept car was not too bad, but changes were made on the way to production; with as many people and processes involved in taking a new vehicle to market, I can't understand how things have gone so terribly wrong. In their defense, I've seen Nike shoes as radical as this car. Unfortunately, Aztek is not a sneaker.

Also, Pontiac has spend the better part of 2 decades trying to position their target market segment to follow baby boomers and their (post-college age children) who were Pontiac customers as in their youth but now in their prime earning years look to Pontiac for an SUV. The Aztek appeals to rebellious 15-17 year olds, their old customer base. It fails to consider the tastes of their real target segment for which they own their recent successes. For this, they have failed to consider their customers in their pursuit of a big risky splash (hoping for a PT Cruiser success). Risk for risque sake and publicity won't sell cars.

Check out this link that suggests design changes

http://www.automotive-review.com/design5.htm

lbthedog

The changes suggested are right on the money. I really believe that the styling can be "tweaked" in subtle ways. Pontiac isn't as far away from having a winner as some here want you to believe. There is nothing wrong with the vehicle mechanically. Biggest problem with one suggested change is the wheel wells. I don't think anything over a 17" wheel will fit. Front end does need to sit lower and the roof rack is useless. Over time, I believe the doom and gloomers will have to eat their words. But by then they'll find something else to whine about.

drzoom1

Gonzo, I think we agree....be patient and know your stuff!

We are looking for about $5k off the sticker of a loaded GT. Best we've found is about $4k off. We could seal the deal right now, but as you say, supply/demand is on our side. Think we'll wait until a dealership exceeds simply offering us sticker less factory incentives. I'm looking for a dealer who is being afforded special (volume?) incentives by the General and will pass a portion along to me. I'M NOT LOOKING FOR A DEALER TO SELL AT A LOSS.

Kilton, you may want to negotiate over the web. Use GM's buypower web site to select model and dealership. The standard offer I've seen is $100 over dealer invoice less all the factory incentives. Not a bad deal.

zircon

Dindak, what are you pricing? We're in the market for an under-30K 4-WD, 6-cyl vehicle for towing. Astro, Rodeo, Cherokee all too poor in quality. Japanese ones all 4-cyl or too $. Escape quality improving?

Consumer Reports 2001 puts quality difference between NA and Japanese brands diminishing in absolute but not relative terms. CR-V most troublefree - too bad no 6-cyl.

Got back from Chile - top to bottom and not one Aztek spotted. They sell just about every brand available, and many GM, etc not available here, but, suprisingly, no Chileans bought Azteks. Actually, to be fair, they probably were not available.

Had to do some serious bowe/stomach purging down yonder; Kissfan you were right - I am full of ----!

drzoom1

Roof rack is useless? Can you tell why? We (family of four) are looking forward to using the roof rack for extended stay trips (about 3 or 4 a year). I assume a roof carrier can be attached.

drzoom1

before driving your new 'Tek off the lot. Is the hatch release problem only with the manual release, or is it also with the remote release (assuming their is a remote release).

I'm not aware of any other problems with the suprisingly reliable 2001 'Tek. Should I be?

tonychrys

Saw 2 in last two days (NY metro area), plus another new TV ad (the one where they're at the fruit market). The General is starting to push these things...

labrador4

Since the Aztek sits on the same frame as the Montana, should I expect the same poor crash results? Any data out there? Any opinions out there? Thanks.