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Steve
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Believe it or not, the phrase was kicked around with the Aztek marketing team during the Aztek rally last summer. Whether they were just joking, or drunk, or a bit of both (it was a great weekend...) it was toted as the possible 2002 marketing slogan.
Carolyn bought her Aztek right off the lot that way. It was a custom job done by the dealership for a car show. She doesn't know where to get the parts. We've already tried to get that information from her.
The soon to be discontinued 3.5L is found in the Intrigue, not the Alero.
I don't think it is worth GM's time and expense to offer the 3.8L in the Aztek for a gain of only 15 hp...the difference in power probably wouldn't even be noticeable by seat of the pants, although it is definitely a smoother operator.
http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-Sport_Utility
It will give you a 360 view of the 02 Aztek.
I haven't found my Aztek to be failing at what I need it to do. If Pontiac does not sell another Aztek, it doesn't matter to me. If someone is looking for a nice car, I reccomend looking at the Aztek.
Dan
I wish society wasn't filled with idiots that buy products because of style and brand marketing. One example of this is the Mustang VS. Camaro and Firebird, now the Camaro and Firebird are gone. In my opinion and in a few others, the GM version is much better than the Ford version. Oh well I guess change is welcome, but I like it to be better not worse.
By the way there were 4 negative reviews on eopinions three of which had actually been in the car. Some may have found it too aesthetically offensive to drive.
Nice job, Ford. How many problems does this make for the Focus now? A whole lot more than the 'lousy' Aztek.
Dan
amorales - come see our wild and bold Aztek GT at
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
My wife and I love the Citrus Green Metallic. To each his/her own.
Regards
Andy and Yolanda
I seem to recall my Rendezvous owners manual stating that it is only an estimate based on information in the trip computer.
Personally, I'll stay with every 3000 miles, or 5000 miles when I switch to synthetic.
As for synthetic, I don't like it because natural oils have a habit of clogging tiny leaks all by themselves. As far as I know, synthetics don't do this so very tiny leaks can become bigger.
I check my oil once a week ( I used to be an engineer in the service so preventive maintenance is my thing) and it still looks nearly as clean and clear as it did when the Valvoline place changed it almost 6000 miles ago.
I prefer to change my oil at a regular interval, just to be sure. I don't think you can accurately assess how contaminated your oil is just by looking at it (you certainly can't see the miniscule metal particles it contains) and I don't know how accurate the DIC is. If you have any info on how the DIC determines oil life, please let me know, I'm very curious now.
On the oil matter I agree that 3k is a huge ripoff. I go roughly by the oil monitor. It's been about 5k and I have 40% reading so I'll probably get it checked soon or around 30%. I do make sure to look at the oil and realize that small contaminants cannot be seen. I'd like to switch to synth, but I need to learn how to change my own first since the lube places charge way too much extra for it.
The medicine thing is for those that may have seen me say I'm a psychology student at Ohio University trying to become a doctory. Well, today I got my letter saying I got into medical school! I got into Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I'm really stoked since it was my first pick. Kudos to me=)
My oil leaks have been from loose oil filters and drain plugs only. Of the more than 35 vehicles
I 've owned since 1961, my '52 Chevy pick-up leaked oil due to the cracked cork gaskets on oil pan and valve covers. Being a starving student, i had no money to buy new gaskets. .
If i planned to drive our AZTEK GT to moon i would use the space age oil designed for spacecraft, ie Pennzoil Synthetic with PENNZANE. It cost more than Mobil 1, and the bottle says to change your oil every 3,000 mi in severe condition. Hmmmm
They put Mobil 1 in all new Corvettes, Porsches, BMW. Viper....from the factory. No need to break in your dino oil. If it is good enough for the high end sports cars, it is good enough for a high end AZTEK GT....i may change it within 24 hours instead.....
Regards to all AZTEK lovers and wannabes
Change your oil often...it may be a rip-off, but it's still cheap insurance.
Re: Trailer towing package. Does anyone know if you add dealer installed or aftermarket package, do you get the oil/tranny cooler?
They seem like a good deal since they cover all the high tech components on the Aztek along with squeeks and rattles.
This is through CNA, is a Corporate Credit Card type (so accepted at the majority of dealers), doubles the warranty to 6yr/72000 mile, and does include diagnostics and gaskets. Cost is $1250.
How do you feel about these? Thanks! Phil
They have been around quite a few years too.
Claims can be authorized at the mechanics discression and paid via corporate card over the phone.
My quote was $1224.
I would never take GM Major guard since I think GM's service departments are jokes. They know you're stuck using them, where-as an outside mechanic must rely on either cheating you or treating you well to get repeat business. I have had nothing but headaches from dealerships and Pontiac has advised me to use another dealer for repairs. This one seems just as shady as the last. With an aftermarket warranty you're free to take it to a dealership, but if they give you the run around you can take it anywhere you like. This is a HUGE difference between factory warranties. Also the quote above included a $0 deductible and 100% money back if policy is never used.
The 2002 is due to be fully released here in january, at that point they will be getting more in. The Aztek is not discontinued and it is not being replaced by the vibe. :-)
I think it's taken Pontiac a lot longer than they thought to clear the leftover 01 Azteks. I think people are waiting for the 02s.
Dan
And for the record, who were you dealing with so those of us in New England dont give them any business?
I just saw a 2002 white Aztek today at the GM tech center in Warren MI. I've done considerable work as a supplier on the program and am not particularly fond of the vehicle, but I must say that the new face lift is a marked improvement. It truly looks like a different model with just a few cosmetic tricks. Its funny because a lot of the people who worked on them had the same suggestions about how to make them look better from day one (larger tires, less "grey" plastic, etc.) It's funny how an arrogant company like GM works, sometimes I'm amazed that cars even roll off the line (which, incidentally, is in Ramos Arizpe, MX.) The only thing that can change their mind is MONEY, or lack thereof because of less than forecasted sales.
Yes, I have driven them and spent more time than I really wanted to around them (this always causes people to despise any vehicle that they are working on in this industry), but I still can't say that I like them. It's cool that people have different opinions than me and buy them (keeps me in a job, too!) but I think the reputation will improve once there are more 02's out there. The smartest thing to do with your 01 would be to mothball it for 50 years and own a piece priceless (and infamous) automotive history.
I also saw the new Cadillac Escalde EXT (Cadillac Avalanche). That is one overpriced, gargantuan ugly [non-permissible content removed]. In my opinion, of course.
The good one that was very helpful to me was Ragsdale Pontiac / Cadillac in Auburn Ma. :-) Now I'm patiently waiting until January, can't wait :-)