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P.S. I can't recommend the towing package anymore highly than this! The towing package makes this car perform like a car, and it's the most valuable package available. You get tighter suspension and more includes automatic level control rear air suspension, 3500 lb. trailer tow capacity, wiring harness, engine oil cooler, high output alternator, heavy duty engine cooling system and auxiliary air compressor outlet in cargo area. A truly exceptional deal at just over $300!
Ok what does a lower residual mean? Lower resale value?
Hmmmm Trailblazer is starting to look tempting.....
Has anyone tried to sell thier 2001 Aztek...
resale must be awfull when GM redisigned this vehilce in it's second year. I cannot remember a car that was "made over" in just it's second year ( I have been driving for 22 years).!!
With few exceptions, you're going to be faced with a big depreciation hit selling any one year old car. You can look at the True Market Value numbers to get some idea of how big a hit you'd take.
Steve
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I have a question, what was your grammar teachers reaction when she saw your post??? It must have been awfull especially when you could've hit spell check....
Let's see, I guess you can't really classify the Aztek with anything else, but let's try! Hum... ok the Aztek is roughly the same size as the new CRV, so lets start there. Ok the Aztek has far more room and cargo space, can tow 3500 pounds, has a V6 with more power, comes with more standard features, it's quieter, it's more luxurious, but it's the closest cause it's about the same price and gets around the same gas mileage. Well maybe the RX300 is closer, it's about the same size, comes with most of the same options, can tow 3500 pounds, has more horsepower, same torque, less room and cargo space, worse mileage, just as quiet, just as smooth, overall very nice, but alas it cost $12k more. Hum... Maybe the Escape, well it's too small to have anywhere near the room, and well it's generally more expensive and gets worse mileage. Maybe the Acura MDX, it's based on the Odyssey minivan, so it's gotta be close. First it's larger, has a 3rd row seat for small children, gets worse mileage, still has less room and cargo space, it's louder, the engine has plenty of horsepower and torque, but you can't feel it cause it's about 700 pounds heavier than the Aztek, has most of the same features, only one major problem $40k!!! Well, maybe you can't really classify the Tek with anything else, so what do you do? I'm going to go ahead and make up a classification for the Aztek, and we can just refer it to it by that. Ok here it is we'll call this classification "The Best".
It is my hope that the Aztek will much later be known as a car that started a great change. The Aztek is the first techno-futuristic production car. Every Japan auto show has had these styles as concepts, but Pontiac was the first to put them into production on a still new idea of a minivan/suv crossover platform. You may hate the Aztek, but it did break some ground. While Ford is entering its retro stage, GM seems to be going 21st century on us. The cadillacs followed with the Escalade and CTS.
If anyone's kept up with the detroit auto show, just look at the Ford Tonka concept. Look at the Acura mentioned above. It's not so much that these are influenced by the Aztek as it is they all have a common theme. That of exagerated proportions to look very sci-fi. I doubt the Aztek will be remembered as a huge influence of a genre of autos, but I do think it will be remembered as the first production model of the genre.
See the Latest from the L.A. auto show
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
No. 1:
I have the trunk drawer device, which as such, is very handy, but everything that sits on top of it slides around at every turn.
Does anybody have an idea/solution for this? Like applying some anti-slip coating of some sorts?
No. 2:
I have the 17" 235 tires that provide a great handling, but they are sitting so close to the outside of the vehicle that the sides are getting heavily soiled by the road spray, which leads to rather dirty pants legs during excitting the car. Are there any fender extension available that would fit this car?
As for fender extensions... I haven't seen anything.
getting ready to take "lulu" (my bright red 'tek) in for a 20,000 mile check up (bought in may... i drive alot) - thanks for posting the part numbers and info for the rear hatch problem which happens to me only when i am in freezing weather.
another thing.... sometimes i cannot get fuel into the tank. even when i am on empty. the gas will just shut off after putting in a half gallon - i have tried fudging with it - trying to let some air into the tank, trying to get the plastic over the round thing, with no luck. it will just click off like the tank is filled and you are trying to top off... i thought i had filled up the other day, and when i got in the car and started her up, it was only 3/4 full.... now, (for those of you who are saying, "dumb chick doesnt even know how to put gas in her car...") i have NEVER had this problem with any other car. has anyone here had the prob and what can i do to fix it????
also - still getting tons of thumbs up and people interested in what this car is all about. i should do a commercial the way that i have been out there promoting this vehicle. i think that the bright red paint with the sunroof and also ski racks on the top make it really cute. i am also in the ski/snowboarding/surf/music industry crowd, so maybe that makes a difference??? although alot of older folks like it too - especially women who need more room to carry stuff i.e. kids, etc.
p.s. i didnt like the look of the side cladding, but you know, i have seen people open their doors in the parking lot and slam them against my car, and you know what? NO DINGS, NO PAINT CHIPS, NO WORRIES. i am DIGGING this car.
drives FABULOUSLY in the snow and ice, and i can finally get up my road at my mountain home (it was tough with my old 2WD blazer even with cables... slid all over....) with no problem. i am SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!!!!!
xo che HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Best thing I can tell you is to put the nozzle all the way in, then pull it out about 3/4 of an inch. You should be able to fuel it safely that way without it shutting off.
BTW. Mine has 15k miles and no dings too!
As for the fuel, my brother has had cars that do that. It's annoying and only happens with some pumps. Best bet is to let the air in by not jamming it in all the way and putting it on the first click to start. I listen for a moment then add another click and push the nozzle the rest of the way in. I wouldn't recommend filling the whole thing on the first click or with the nozzle halfway out since it'll likely overflow, not that that happened to me:-(
As for the fender flares. It'd be nice. The 2001's 215 16" tires kick up tons of mud and dirt too. They stick out too. So far there is no Aztek specific aftermarket except for Manik's brush guard set and a single company that makes a very cheesy interior kit. We'll have to hope the 2002s sell really well so the aftermarket will get interested. I'm sure you could get some generic mud flaps, but I doubt they would do a lick of good. Until then, wash and wash often every warm chance you get.
Oh yeah, got my hatch fixed today. I started going to another dealer for service (the one I bought from was a joke). It took a while to get the part, but they kept me informed. They drove me home and picked me up an hour or so later when that was done and my console was replaced (they accidentally cracked it during a previous repair, it happens).
Checheche, why lulu?
My Tek is a black GT AWD, 1SC w/ moonroof, captains chairs, and towing. Her name is Maxx. First tek I saw was on Dark Angel and that chick's name is max (plus it looks like it came from Mad Max). Just curious why you picked lulu.
Your best bet would be to buy an aftermarket rubber mat or a truck bed mat and cut it to size to fit. We did this a few times for mock-ups and it seems to work pretty good. There are some adhesives out there that will bond to PP and I can give you some leads if you are interested (expensive stuff).
Good luck & let us know if you do it.
p.s.
I appreciate your logical and honest postings regarding this vehicle. Some people are furiously biased with their vehicles (to the point of nya! nya! playground immaturity) and some are just content with their purchases. It takes all types. I still think a low mileage 01 will be worth a fortune in 30 years.
Some times I don't know why I bother coming to the Edmunds site. But for the amount of grief that Aztek owners get, they do respond in a civil and controlled manner. It's not just this thread but it's the whole Town Hall. It was written in an earlier post, there's a playground mentality around here. Saw the ol' "resale value" theme has come around again, next week it will be crash tests.
I guess there is all kinds of options. I assume that double-sticky tape (that stuff is amazing) would work to hold down an aftermarket mat. I guess the issues for me would be durablility and to keep it looking clean and not cheap. A glued mat would look pretty cheap. So would a peeling or flaking spray.
Another option I've considered is buying some cheap black carpet and sewing a main cover (with doors cut out) and then pieces to cover the doors. Using some double sticky to hold it tight would work nicely. I know, I'm quite the little seamstress for a guy. I think the exterior trim tape will hold up to the heat while at the same time being completely removable should I choose to take it off. The pain would like in cutting the patterns, but it would look pretty nice.
ibthedog, I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice the heavy repetition in these forums. But if you want really one sided repetition there are some other forums (not edmunds) that shall remain nameless. It's not too bad, just a little miffy at times.
Enfurio, what adhesive will bond to the tray? I am a labby at 3M and can get all sorts of adhesives and tapes, just point me into a direction and I can try it out and share my experience with the forum.
Noastar, it might be difficult to get a good adhesive bond to mot kinds of carpets using double sticky tape. The best way is to use spray-on carpet adhesive which would make that carpet a permanent fixture, but you need to prime the plastic for any kind of adhesive, it seems to have ridues from the mold release (might be silicon based) on it.
I think it is not possible to avoid some repetition. New members (like me)come on, and there is no way that one can read all 3463 previous messages. A decent search feature would help.
I am assured that Edmund's will be revamping the search engine though I don't have a definite timescale quite yet.
tidester
Host
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I'm not that adventurous to put a spray down on my tray. I have the complete interior of my Samurai coated with DuraBak rubber and don't feel that it is appropriate for the Aztek.
Enfurio,
I have mostly good things to say about the Aztek in the 7000 miles and half year I have had it.
For the negatives:
The armrests are placed poorly.
Could have better (just a little bit,) access for the oil filter wrench.
The rear hatch release thing.
For the positive:
I like it and plan on keeping it for a long time.
I don't see where the engine power issue is, I like high mpgs and find the Tek gets up the freeway limits quite well.
Ok the truth, I just saw The Fast and the Furious, and I need some speed items in a hurry.
A few unsolicited quotes from passengers and drivers of my Aztek:
Don't even bother calling shotgun, I got the back.
Boy, it didn't take me long to get spoiled driving it.
Cool truck.
Later,
Dan
Go Packers!
my bright red aztek gt with sunroof just is so
kicky and fun, kind of betty boopish in a modern
way, and "lulu" just came to me... she looks
like a lulu! ha ha! where do we come up with these things....???????
what kind of guitar amp? i also play and have
taken that roll out black plastic container thing whatever its called, out of the car. i carry a full p.a. and 4 guitars, mics and stands, etc, on a regular basis, and didnt want to ruin that carrier, so took it out. every time i want to put it back in, i look at my gig schedule and if i have one within the next 2-3 nights, i leave the stuff in my shed.... alas, until i become a big rock star with other people lugging my gear in a truck, that slide out tray container will probably remain in my shed. oh well....... ;D
che
I'm in love. It's luxury mixed with far-out pontiac styling. By the way, we both love its looks, which only makes the complete package that much better. Looking forward to chatting with other owners about the vehicle's performance, versatility, etc.
Hope everyone else is enjoying theirs as much as we are ours.
Troy and Donna
Just about everyone I know is a musician though so I go with them every now and then to sam ash for purchase and repair.
My question is re: oil changes - am getting conflicting info here. My 'Tek has the 'feature' where it tells you when to do an oil change, in my case it happened at 6K miles.....dealership tells me not to pay attention to that, as it's just a gimmick and not to be taken seriously, that I should have oil changed every 3K regardless of what info board tells me.
If that's the case - what's the point of this?
So - please - any voices of experience on this subject? Thanks for any input here.
There are conflicting opinions. The one thing we all agree on (I think) is that 3000 miles is too soon for today's oils in normal driving conditions. I stick by closer to 5000 miles, myself. And my computer in the dash tends to be pretty close to that.
The computer is pretty good at computing things that determine how the oil will break down. But it does fail to take into account any contaminants in the oil, etc...
My recommendation would be to check your oil regularly, especially after 3000 miles. And when it starts to get darker significantly, get it changed. After a while, you will just know, that 'okay, I've got 4500 miles or so on the oil, time to get it changed.'
But, as I said. Opinions differ and I'm sure there will be plenty of posts with different suggestions.
If you are interested in attending this year's rally, please email me at greg.easton@home.com for details.
enfurio, no I do not work in Detroit, I am in the main offices in St. Paul, MN. My concern with Scotch Weld is that it gets really hard and could crack if used in plane and thin applications. I would tend to use Gasket and Trim Adhesive for carpet applications on a surface that is cleaned well. I would apply a thin coat to both parts and let it dry for a few minutes and then apply the carpet under pressure.
Now I come with another question: My car came with the tray and a net that has six buckles. How and where does one use this net. I can understand that the four side buckles are used with the side tie-downs, but what does one do with the two bottom ones? And also, if the net is placed at the rear tie-downs, it is not possible to roll-out the tray, and the fronty tie-downs (the upper ones) are to far appart to work. I can't find anything in the user handbook that syas anything about this net.
Here I am sitting with a perfectly (probably expensive) net and don't know how to use it. Any advise out there?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I did contact Bose and asked about it. I regret to inform our group that Bose radios can't be adapted for XM radio because of their make up. Even the after market radios being offered by Sony and others won't work with a Bose system.
I've listened to XM radio, and would probably have gone that route if I hadn't purchased a Bose system, which, BTW, is astounding in its sound reproduction without distortion.
Are you an Aztek owner??? If so, why the Bose. The upgraded 10spkr pioneer system is simply amazing. I really couldn't imagine every doing anything to it. For one it's tied into the HUD and the duplicate radio controls.
Tek owners,
Well, for all us Tek owners with 6disk changers and the premium system there is good news! I did some checking at the site and apparently the Pioneer 6disk changer systems are all upgradable! There is a small receiver that needs to be mounted and can be plugged directly into the existing deck. There is no "second screen" like an external CD changer has. Apparently it plugs into the back of the deck and works just like another radio band.
I'm going by the site's info at xmradio.com so forgive me if I'm off a bit. I do know our CD players are upgradable and runs off the existing radio screen, but how it comes up, whether it works with the HUD, or how it is navigated is still unknown. Cost is probably around 300-350 to upgrade with the receiver and an antenna. I think the receiver will fit snug into the glove box.
Pretty cool. I emailed them some questions to see how it actually interfaces and works with the factory radio, but if all is good I think I'll buy!
When: Saturday Jan 19
Where: Pine Barrens (Lebanon State Forest, NJ)
Meet: Intersection of Rte 70 and 72 near Whiting, NJ
Time: 10:45-11am
Who: AWD/4wd Vehicles (no 2wd please)
What: Off-road Trail Ride through the barrens, will be fun for all, we encourage Subarus, Rav4s, CRVs, Isuzus, Highlanders, 4-runners, Santa Fe, Explorers, etc.
****Details****
Cladding is here to stay, folks. It cuts down on parking lot dings from morons who can't seem to control their doors. It deflects small stones from the road that would ding the paint, and protects the car from sand and salt damage in the winter.
Pontiac made a strange decision to PAINT the cladding. Now the paint is just gonna chip anyways.