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We're back from our trip!
The tent performed beautifully, going up in about 10 minutes. We tried the 'lift-gate up last'
setup, but we think we'll go back to the instructions method. We had a bit of trouble with
the alignment so as it looked a bit slack when done by the above method.
The air mattress took about 12 minutes to pump up with a foot-pump (think we'll go 12 V electric next time) and tended to slide around and make a plasticy squawking noise as it rubbed
against the inside panels. We're gonna wrap in in a flannel fitted sheet next time. We also
noted that the mattress tilts up high at the tailgate, which was exaggerated as we were
parked on a slight down-grade (rear high). We slid about 8-10 inches back into the 'Tek
during the night moving around.
We ended up totally dismounting one of the rear seats to fit me (6') comfortably and will probably leave both at home next time we go camping. All-in-all we were dry and comfortable.
The biggest kick was all the people who stopped by to ask if they could take a look! Over
a dozen individuals and couples just walked up to say "I've heard about these, but never saw one setup". We cheerfully gave tours!
Robyn
SE Michigan Aztek GT
You are right. On an emotional level, the Aztek is not as good a vehicle as the RX300 because it is cheaper, not as luxurious, not as well engineered, and does not possess a certain "je ne sais quois."
You are wrong. According to carpoint.com, the Aztek is as good as the RX300 because, what it lacks in the above mentioned features, it makes up for in versatility, value, comfort.
In reality, they cannot be compared with each other because they have different missions, different advantages, and are marketed to different demographics.
Your basic argument regarding the Kia Rio also scoring 69% is also incorrect. On an emotional level, it works, however, you cannot use carpoint.com ratings to support your argument because that claim is invalid. Here's why.
The Kia Rio's rating does not correlate to the Aztek's in any way. The Rio's 69% is only 0.6% higher than the average for PASSENGER CARS. Also, the Rio scored below average in Engineering, Driving, and Comfort. In fact Budget is the only area where the Rio scored significantly above average.
On the other hand, the Aztek scored 4.6% above the average for SUV's, which is significantly better than the Rio. In fact, the Aztek scored at least average or above in every category.
While I wholeheartedly agree with your basic observations regarding the Aztek and RX300 (and the Kia Rio), remember that they are based on opinion and emotion, not on carpoint.com statistics.
Caveat - Carpoint.com should in no way be interpreted as the definitive evaluation source for all things automotive. Ultimately, Mr. Heraud's ratings are nothing more than his opinion supported by a somewhat scientific evaluation.
That is exactly why you cannot compare apples and oranges.
The Aztek is no better and no worse than the RX300, just different.
;-)
What you posted sounded strange until I saw my daughter's swin teacher's Aztek manual on Sunday. The "Caution" really says nothing longer or wider then the carrier. The "Body" of the instructions say that you use the eight tie-down loops inside the cross rails to secure cargo as long as they are not wider then the carrier. GM offers ski/kayak/canoe carriers for the Aztek, so they must work somehow. A possible interpretation would be that what ever is carried must be secured within the dimensions of the carrier. I think there is an ask a question section on the Pontiac web site, maybe they could provide a definative answer.
With that said, why in the *#*%$ did Pontiac put the middle child seat top teather strap anchor on the floor beneath the pull-out cargo tray? Had to re-open my GM New Car survey just to add how displeased I was. Enough room to store a sheet of plywood and they put the child seat latch under the cargo tray. Go figure. I'll bet a buck that the engineer responsible for that design does not have kids!
I see the future of the AZTEK , different from your crystal ball. Due to the limited numbers of 2001 AZTEKs produced and the unique futuristic styling, this could become a very well sought after car. The AZTEK is a police car in the coming movie, ONE HOUR PHOTO. Far from the 'cult car' you envision. The AZTEK might share the fate of the Delorean BACK TO THE FUTURE car. I could be right. You could be wrong. Or the other way around. That's why, these are speculations. Only the future will tell.
it looks like a Bloated Chevette that got beat on the [non-permissible content removed] with an Ugly Stick!
In the old days, General Motors used to make decent-looking Unreliable american garbage.
now with the Aztek, GM has Proven that they can make Ugly AND Unreliable garbage!
P.S. Have you heard about the Union-made Head Gaskets used on Pontiac vehicles? You know the ones made from recycled GM Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls.
;-)
It's sad that some misguided children have driven people from these boards.
Recently passed the 13k mark with my "Tek". One small problem along the way. The hatch wouldn't "pop" every time. Found the answer and I will pass that along. There are two small rubber "bumpers" that the hatch closes on. Turned both out about a half turn. No problem since. But that's no surprise. Aztek's have no problems.
My customer just bought a beautiful RED Aztek 2 days ago for CDN$29,000, same like my SF. But the Aztek was original asking for $34,000! With this low price counter attack I do think if Aztek is not gonna discontinue, then the mini SUV price war is starting!
Now My wife is thinking to trade our GMC safari for the AZTEK! Aztek's interior is gorgeous!
Please click
http://community.webshots.com/album/16577754pQzmPkeOUm
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Everybody knows Ad Naseum that the Aztek is ugly. But this kind of permissible bickering in town hall is growing old and tired very quickly.
Steve, can you step up to the plate??
Gee. Thanks for voicing my opinion for me. I guess I'm not qualified to do it myself.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I love the looks of my Aztek. If I wanted something that looked like everything else I would have bought a HondToyotNissan.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Have you check out a Rendezvous yet?
k
I mean, it's not Axiom ugly, but it's not what I expected.
Oh well, to each his own.
Your Aztek is still humming along ok?
Ours usually will not work on the first try unless it is a very warm day. You must give it a little manual assist to fully release the mechanism. This is true with both the remote and dashboard buttons. It virtually always works the second time you try, and of course it works when you try to show the dealer. The dealer tried to adjust the mechanism but said there was no adjustment possible and they could not duplicate the problem.
We really love the car/truck/SUV/SRV, but this is quite a nuisance with an armful of groceries, etc.
Let me know if you have similar problem, or better yet if you fixed a similar problem.
Thanks, Phil
P.S. my wife calls her aztek "Bunny Butt"
Ours usually will not work on the first try unless it is a very warm day. You must give it a little manual assist to fully release the mechanism. This is true with both the remote and dashboard buttons. It virtually always works the second time you try, and of course it works when you try to show the dealer. The dealer tried to adjust the mechanism but said there was no adjustment possible and they could not duplicate the problem.
We really love the car/truck/SUV/SRV, but this is quite a nuisance with an armful of groceries, etc.
Let me know if you have similar problem, or better yet if you fixed a similar problem.
Thanks, Phil
P.S. my wife calls her aztek "Bunny Butt"
That's the only very minor problems I have had with my Aztek, absolutely love it!
Thanks, I adjusted the stops as you suggested but won't know till later if that works (it always works on the second try) but! I may have found the basic problem. I listened carefully when it tried to open and failed. it did partially release but not fully, when I hit the button the second time and gave it a little assistance, I could hear the sound of the insulating strip releasing from the hatch. This would be consistent with the cold morning, 1st attempt factors we have noticed. So if the stopper adjustment does not work I will attend to preventing the weather seal from sticking. (any suggestions?)
CRESKPR, We also have the warning light staying on unless the hatch is slammed. You say yours stopped by itself with no adjustment? Now that I know there is a stopper adjustment I would guess that turning those IN would extinguish the light. Unfortunately that would not help the release problem. Unless it is the weather strip sticking and holding in which case......
We will be away for a week, I'll keep you updated after we return.
Isn't it nice to have this as the only problem with a new car, especially a new model?
Thanks all..... Phil
Thanks, I adjusted the stops as you suggested but won't know till later if that works (it always works on the second try) but! I may have found the basic problem. I listened carefully when it tried to open and failed. it did partially release but not fully, when I hit the button the second time and gave it a little assistance, I could hear the sound of the insulating strip releasing from the hatch. This would be consistent with the cold morning, 1st attempt factors we have noticed. So if the stopper adjustment does not work I will attend to preventing the weather seal from sticking. (any suggestions?)
CRESKPR, We also have the warning light staying on unless the hatch is slammed. You say yours stopped by itself with no adjustment? Now that I know there is a stopper adjustment I would guess that turning those IN would extinguish the light. Unfortunately that would not help the release problem. Unless it is the weather strip sticking and holding in which case......
We will be away for a week, I'll keep you updated after we return.
Isn't it nice to have this as the only problem with a new car, especially a new model?
Thanks all..... Phil
"ZYMOL SEAL RUBBER CONDITIONER
A glycerin, aloe vera and coconut oil rubber conditioner that feeds and protects all soft rubber seals and gaskets. Does not contain any damaging solvents or formaldehyde. Helps prolong the life and resiliency of "live" rubber gaskets. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth, work into the rubber, allow to penetrate and buff off the excess."
BRING IT IN and easy fix!!
Other than adjusting the interior light settings, any advice on using the tent package? When camping, where have you been storing the second row seats and the cargo tray (they must come out, right)?
If interest, I'll let you know how it worked when we get back.
5,000 miles and as good as the day we drove it off the lot.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
It seems to me that there are so many variables/factors at play in a rollover situation that the resulting damage to the vehicle and the condition of the occupants could turn out many different ways in different rollovers of the same type of vehicle.
Who knows what this particular vehicle might have rolled over INTO or ONTO that might have caught the edge of that rear door and bent it open like that?
I'll bet this vehicle slid sideways and hit a curb on the left side (that's what took out both left tires) and then flipped over. And who (other than the driver and the cops) could possibly know what happened from there?
Pure speculation so as to shed a negative light on this particular vehicle is unfair. Just the other day on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles I saw a big Suburban flipped over in the carpool lane. Seemed to be a single vehicle accident. Bright sunshine, dry road, not and not even rush hour traffic. Beats me how the hell it got like that! But it did. That's the nature of these vehicle with a high center of gravity.
Good luck,
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Judging by how quickly Edmunds fell all over itself calling the Axiom's stying "distinctive" and the Aztek's "ugly" I wonder if Edmunds has an agenda to push.
Showing one isolated rollover crash where excessive speed was clearly a factor (I'm a firefighter and I've seen my share of high-speed rollovers to know one right away) doesn't seem like the 'impartial' thing to do.
Next time when you post something like that why don't you include the Insurance Institutes crash ratings for the vehicle in the post like this:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/ncap/cars/1717.html
Second, the IIHS's crash test rating for the Montana (which the Aztek is based on) is pretty pitiful: http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/96026.htm
Hope this clarifies things.