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Comments
Unless you've angered a large group of shady characters, I don't think you have the least bit to worry about. A person could just as easily key your car, dent it, or flatten a tire.
Santa Fe is a nice car. I think both are good choices.
If you're 6'2 really give yourself some time to sit in the Tek. Play with the seat and spend some time in it. It's not the easiest seat to get comfy in. Also, with your seat lowered and fully back, you completely kill the rear seat legroom (at least with rear captains chairs, I assume it's as bad with bench).
Dan
Volvo uses on demand systems as well.
;-)
A Light off-road event in Southern New Jersey! Come enjoy the trails!
-mike
P# 10313998
P# 10313997
__________
I take it in on Friday, fingers crossed for luck.
I also would like to do something to protect the front against parking lot mishaps, since this vehicle has no real bumper. I tried to find either a bumper bar or similar. Again, the only thing I could find here is the Manik front bar for $387.
Did anybody out there find anything better in these two areas?
thirdly, has anybody identified any mud flaps that would work with our vehicles?
I appreciate any advise and help with my search!
Thanks much!
Re: Problems with '01 AZTEK GT purchased new 21 Oct '01. Oil pan leak. It took 3 trips to dealer for repair. They did dye check, gasket replacement and furnish rental car. Service manager was extremenly apologetic and treated wife with utmost in courtesy and concern. In fact they were on a first name basis with discussions of his horses (service manager). Hmmm, i frowned somewhat, but all in all the dealer made it right and gave discount coupons for synthetic oil changes (Mobil 1).
Thanks.
Good luck in your search.
Regards,
Andy
My choice would be the AZTEK GT with trailer towing package for greater handling. Plenty of Pontiac Dealers to meet your service needs. Regarding safety. We have new grandson all of 2 mos. And look forward to taking him out in complete confidence in our AZTEK GT.
Re: Reliability, IMHO buying ANY new vehicle is like throwing dice, you win some, loose some. Not because of poor design, quality but because there is the possibility of getting a "LEMON". No car maker is immune. With current consumer protection laws, you can invoke GM Buy back if you purchase a defective vehicle. Have owned over 40 vehicles since 1961. Imports and domestics. Most trouble free were my Ford F-150 pick-ups and an '87 Chevy S10 4x4 ext. cab mini truck that Consumer's Union advised not to purchase.
Good luck in your research.
Regards,
Andy
In the area of crash avoidance I think the Tek wins out. Traction control or AWD/4WD is available on both models. The Aztek will keep your eyes on the road. If you get the Head-up-Display and steering wheel controls, your eyes will never leave the road. You'll be amazed how much more attention you give the road when you never have to look down at the speedometer or radio.
Gas mileage is about the same even though the Tek is heavier. The Santa Fe 4WD one ups the AWD Tek in the city, but the Tek one ups the Santa Fe on the highway.
The Tek is bigger. You get more rear leg room, and way more hip and shoulder room all around. You also get 15cu.ft. more cargo room.
I think if you're going to compare the Tek to the Santa Fe it really depends on which Tek and which Santa Fe. If you're looking at a base Tek or a base Santa Fe, it's a pretty close bet. The Santa Fe would be cheaper, and the 4-banger gets better mileage. If you're comparing both top end loaded miles, the Tek definately is the choice. It's more expensive, but with an in-dash CD changer, moonroof, Head-up-display, steering wheel mounted controls, and power seats you're definately getting a better car.
I do recomend an extended warranty. I have a 7yr/100k bumper to bumper from warranty gold. Remember that Hyundai offers an extended powertrain warranty. That leaves a lot out.
A lot of people, in the media that is, have huge problems with the Aztek's rear hatch. I wanted to point out that the BMW X5 model line is now using a liftgate/tailgate duo. Of course on a BMW it is innovative and snazzy. On an Aztek is is cumbersome and reviewers complain of leaning over it. BMW solves that with a sliding rear floor, wonder how pontiac solved it. Just me 2cents on that one.
The Tek has had pretty good reliability for such a new model. They have quirks from time to time so check out the service center where you buy. I haven't heard of frequent major problems and have had none myself. Reliability on the Hyundai is probably going to be worse, though its resale may be more.
Good luck on whichever you choose and hope this helps.
Another concern is the traction. On a base tek with no traction control, just the Fwd, will that be ok for everyday driving. We live in AZ with not much rain, but when it does, I want to know the tek will be ok.
And here is a biggie!! I was told that the aztek would not be made next year and that the person, or persons, who designed it was fired. Anyone heard anything about this or was this just another ploy of a dealer trying to steer me away from buying a pontiac?
Thanks again for all the input, looks like we may have some closure on the decision soon.
Now if I could only decide between the yellow and the white!!! Will let you know the outcome
For the record, my husband drove the aztek, Fwd the other day and felt that it had a lot of sway to it. worried about how it would handle itself on the freeway if you had to suddenly move out of the way of a hazard. As I said, check the suv board of the pontiac aztek, there is more conversation and input there. Good luck.
Dealers say so many things (The Vibe is the replacement for the Aztek. Remember that one?) most of them crap.
The 'tek is alive and well and deep into development for 2003. I know the development team, and I can tell you that, yes, the original design team leader was replaced with Jim Vurlipatt (who's name I just butchered. Sorry Jim.) and he is a great guy. He's the one that had the foresight to ditch the puke green color and the captain's chairs that don't sell.
The 2002 is selling quite well with the new skin change. Once people get IN the vehicle they fall in love with it. But with Motor Trend, and Car and Driver telling the sheep... oops, people... that they weren't supposed to like it because it's ugly AHEM--Santa Fe--AHEM people were embarassed to bring one home for fear that their neighbors would make fun of them or something. Funny how little things have changed from elementary school when you couldn't wear THOSE sneakers 'cuz the kids would laugh at you.
Next time a dealer tells you crap like that, call Pontiac directly at 1-800-762-2737 and let them know that they have a [non-permissible content removed] dealer who doesn't know what he's talking about. They LOVE hearing that. And any dealer that will try to steer you away from the 'tek won't want to service it either, so take your business elsewhere.
Ah, it's good to be back. I lost my password so I had to get a new logon name. Anyone miss me?
I personally wouldn't recommend either of the base models. Actually, I wouldn't recommend an SUV if you live out in Arizona. The Tek is a bit lacking in ground clearance and probably won't get you through deep rain any better than a sedan would, not to mention you shouldn't be driving through water that deep to begin with.
I see you currently own a Maxima. If I were you, and had a kid where safety was concerned and also a budget, I would be looking to sedans or big cars. You can get a strong V6 in a base Impala. Those cars got awesome crash tests from both the IIHS and NHTSA (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration if you didn't know). An Impala would be a large, comfy car with good safety, great gas mileage (22 and 32 I think), and leave you some money for some comfort options. If you want something sportier go for a Monte Carlo. It's just an Impala with a different skin on it. They're the same size with the same equipment underneath.
I don't know if you'd be too happy with either of the base SUVs. You're really selling yourself short. The Santa Fe's 4banger will be very underpowered. The Aztek's shine is really the combination of pure luxury that you only see in top of the line pontiac and Cadillac sedans, and other high-end options.
Greg,
I got an email from pontiac saying they delayed the XM introduction until 2003 Azteks so I too can confirm the junk Dealers are saying. I am glad that my Tek is a one-of-a-kind first, but also that other teks selling better may open up the aftermarket to us all.
Okay, I'm done writing.
3.1L 6 cylinder engine.
Quiet, refined ride.
Buick quality and reliability.
Good safety ratings.
Good resale.
Substitute the Aztek steering wheel and seat movement scores (which is reasonable since they are the same vehicle) and the Rendezvous becomes a "good" performer and a "best pick". Same for the Aztek.
In looking at sedans we had to find one with a trunk big enough to easily get the stroller in and out of , and the impala has a huge trunk. but the price drove us away, then we started looking at small suvs and loved the room in them. So I guess thats why we'd like one, I've always had a car, and would like something different, like the feeling of sitting up high, we don't get much rain here and if the suv isnt much better than a sedan, we'd prefer the suv.
Because dealer is giving the double rebate, that is the reason the aztek has gotten into the race. otherwise the base model of the aztek is out of the question. All the other suvs we have looked at have been 4 cylinders, to keep in our price range, I was happy to see something that was out of our range become a possibility for us because of this deal.
As far as the base model of the tek, or the santa fe, they are both equipped pretty well. I don't need a lot of fancy stuff, I don't need a moonroof, which my maxima has and I hardly ever use. Dont cut the base model of the tek short, its pretty nice, I will use it for everyday errands and the luxury feel it has is much better that what I have. Just the fact that its new and isnt preowned by someone is a plus.
my last new car was in 1986. anyway, besides the price on the impala doesnt leave me with much, and I would have to haggle with the chevy dealers to get it to 18,000 out the door.
I looked at saturns vue,and I liked it, unfortunately, they are on back order, and there again, the price is a little higher on a manual 4 and saturn dealers dont deal very much.
I loved the vibe, the pontiac dealer had one, again, stroller didnt fit very well in the back, we tested it. It would if one of the seats were folded down, then what happens if my little one gets a sibling down the road. One quirk of the vibe I found was the placement of the steering wheel. It blocks some of the dials. You can only clearly see the speedometer, through a cutout on the wheel the other (what do you call them) tach and fuel gauges I guess were blocked. Just a fyi..
we even looked at a pt cruiser, but had the same problem as the vibe, had to have one of the seats folded down to fit the stroller, sure we could get a different stroller, but again, if another little one joins the family we would still need a little extra room.
I wish they would retest the aztek.
triumpher - are you in the Detroit area? We are and I could refer to the place in Keego Harbor where we got our hitch but don't have the name with me. I can look it up and post later if you like and you could call them even if not local and get a price point and part number. We have the factory tow pkg, and got a 2" receiver hitch put on there for well less than $300. Seems like it was less than $200. I will check.
jwalt2/dgrpk - we are very happy with our Aztek, and have been since last August when we got it! We have 10K miles on it and have had it camping with the 'Aztent' four times now. It's the most convenient tent I have ever had, in my three decades of tent/trailer camping. My wife loves our Aztek, and it operates well in the snow. Very seldom does the TCS kick in - I believe one could do without it with the right tires. My advice though would be to spring for upgraded tires like the puncture-sealing white letter ones. Our dealer swapped a set on from another Aztek on the lot, for just the difference in cost of the tires (about $150). The only real issues we've had so far maintenance wise were two. First, we got an SES light and dealer fixed it by reprogramming the PCM. Second, we are waiting for the dealer to get new liftglass hydraulic struts to put so the glass will unlatch every time in cold weather. It's only a problem below about 40F. Other than that, no troubles! We also have a K&N drop-in air filter. IMHO you can't beat the value of all that comes with the Aztek, and I like the bold and unique styling... I like a vehicle that stands out in the crowd. I talk to Aztek owners when I see them in parking lots. I have yet to find one that does not love their car! As for Santa Fe vs Aztek, that's been discussed before - do a search - but the Aztek wins hands down IMO due to features, room and power. I don't see how anyone can stand a 4-cyl SUV - maybe it's me but I like the power and smoothness of a V6. The Aztek will continue next year and beyond, and the competition should take notice.
noastar - as for the BMW's sliding floor - the Aztek's sliding cargo tray is essentially the same functionality is it not? Ground clearance for the Aztek seems about average to me - here's a few numbers from www.carpoint.com - Aztek 7.2" ground clearance, Maxima 5.5, Windstar 8.7 (wow!), GMC Envoy 8.0, Santa Fe 8.1, DCX Voyager 5.5. Seven or eight in. is plenty of clearance IMO. Most folks are unlikely to notice the difference between 7" and 8" in all but the most extreme offroading. As for base vs. loaded, the base Aztek is pretty well-packed compared to some other vehicles in its size/price range. And it's the only one with an optional tent!
see our wild and bold Citrus Green Metallic Aztek GT at:
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
and its safety/crashworthiness analysis page at:
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/safety.htm
They have a black one at the local dealer and it looks ok, probably the best I've seen for 02 so far.
noastar - the X5's are nice but way out of my price range... not to mention lack of interior volume...
There's a small list of non-covered items found at their website www.warrantygold.com. The items are things like brake pads and rotors and what not. My power seat motors are covered, Head-up-display, factory stereo including speakers, everything.
I have no deductible. All free.
Insurance stuff isn't covered just like it wouldn't be by the manufacturer. A windshield broken by a rock is insurance as is a physical break in the seats or interior trim. Paint isn't covered and niether are body panels. All those are insurance.
The warranty doesn't kick in until the factory one is up so even though I have it now, I can't use it. This is the same with all of them. The warranty is up when the odometer hits 100k miles (regardless of starting mileage) or 7yrs after the date of the warranty purchase (not the car purchase, I got mine about 6 months after purchase so it's really 7.5yrs). If you wait you get more time, but the price goes up the longer you've had your car. 7/100k is the best aftermarket you'll find.
Check out who insures the warranty. In the event that warranty Gold goes bankrupt, they have an insurer rated A- by AM Best to back up your warranty. That company is backed by a reinsurer rated A+. I believe both are domestic insurers so no oversea junk.
Hope that helped. Edmunds has an article about buying extended warranties, but it's really bad and doesn't help much.
Thanks for your help!
I can email you pix of our hitch if you email me at mwwiseman@earthlink.net - but it looks exactly like the 'detail' picture on the etrailer web site for item 75117 (it's not straight - it's kind of v-shaped to fit around the resonator). Hope this helps.
(for you hyundai readers, and those who are considering a santa fe, I wouldn't have been disappointed with a santa fe, they are both nice cars with a luxury feel and lots of standard features, just couldn't afford one, they couldn't match or near match the price on the tek, even for a 4 cylinder. I wish hyundai would offer rebates for us dollar conscience consumers) anyway.,
I have my life back and can move on to other things besides car shopping!!!!
Still in a bit of overwhelming shock. Car is going in next week so they can buff out a scratch that was on the side when I picked it up, they are giving me a loaner car.
Despite some upsets along the way, I feel we got a fair deal, the finance mgr treated us well last night which was a plus.
They offered a loaner car while they fix the scratch, which impressed me. I hope all things go smooth with my new car, and any dealings I may have to bring my car in for service.
I'll check back from time to time to see whats up and let you know how life with my aztek is going.
Thanks for all who gave their opinion and input.
Now for a well needed nap then off to put some miles on my tek!!!
I agree about having a good dealer - it makes a big difference. I've seen the whole gamut. We settled in one just one or two who definitely go the extra mile for the customer.
I love the shade of yellow on the Azteks. Wifey and I test drove a yellow one and yellow was a real contender for us, next to Citrus Green Met. My wife really wanted the green. She said she was tired of dark-colored cars.
Hope you get many happy miles out of your new Tek!
Did you get an 01' or an 02'?
Or did you already say and I didn't notice?