Hello, I'm looking at two 'Teks. One has the 1SC, the premium stereo and a sunroof. Another has 1SB and a power drivers seat. I don't care too much about the differences between 1SB and 1SC so it seems to me like I should go for the cheaper one.
Couple of questions, how is the 100 series AM/FM CD and 6 speakers that come with 1SB? Is this a decent stereo? I'm not looking to blow the doors off, but I would like a decent radio.
Where are the 6 speakers located? I imagine a total of 4 are in the doors, but I don't know where the other 2 are. Are there tweeters or are the other two in the cargo bay?
Is it easy to replace the speakers, or do they have proprietary wiring or something stupid that would make it hard ( ex. the Infinity speakers you can get on Chrysler products).
Finally, I have a Jeep Wrangler so I don't care about off road ability. I want good traction in the snow or camping. Is traction control on FWD good enough?
kermitek wrote: checheche - what color was the one you saw in Nebraska? We were just there a few weeks ago in our green Aztek GT (MI plates) visiting in-laws in Omaha...
and i respond... i cant remember the colors, because we actually saw a few! we passed one on the freeway - the 80 - going west, and got up close, and actually WAVED... was that YOU??? i think that one was a green one, but i cant remember. it was also near the end of our trip, probably between des moines and omaha around august 18th???
wouldnt THAT be a hoot! also saw alot on the 35 which goes from des moines to duluth. mn. thats where we saw the most azteks.
oh well Checheche... turns out we were in Omaha in the first week of July. Thanks for responding... and happy motoring!
wem003 - Our Aztek has the 6-CD stereo, and it's the best stereo I have yet had in any car. four spkrs in the front doors and two large spkrs in the cargo hold. sorry no knowledge of the wiring.
by now you have talked to the dealer and figured out what the problem is. If you did have an after the factory anti-theft system installed, then I would put money on this being your problem. In many cases you have kids basically installing these things, and they mess up the car's factory anti-theft electronics, short out the ignition, and worse. Sorry about your experience, but if you think you should have bought a Ford instead - let me tell you about the problems I have had with EVERY Ford I owned.
We needed tires for the wifey's Aztek. So I got to looking at www.tirerack.com , and figured we could make the jump to some cool 17" wheels. I've known for a while the Mille Miglia EVO-5's are the same as what is found as optional equipment on the 2002's - the only difference I can discern is the center caps having the Pontiac emblem.
So we took the plunge! The wheels were $189, and we got some 235/55HR17 Dunlop SP Sport A2 tires at $111 apiece as well. They look great, handle much better than the stock tires and have no additional noise from what I can hear. Plus they got very good survey ratings from other tirerack customers.
Take a look at our wheels at www.mwshowgo67.com/kermit/index.htm !
Did A LOT of research before buying my Maple Red 2002 Aztek. I'm 42, with two kids, work in technology--apparently, this is the perfect profile for the typical Aztek buyer. List price was $23,335. With the GM "friends and family" program discount (my brother works for GM), got the vehicle for just under $21,000. But leave it to Uncle Sam to find a new way to soak us for new taxes. The discount I received is considered a taxable benefit at my brother's place of employment. They nailed him for about $350.00, which I am re-imbursing. I love my Aztec--it's a high quality vehicle at a bargain price. Even got the 5 year, 0 percent financing! Almost bought a Toyota Matrix for the same price. I knew the Pontiac Vibe was a Matrix twin, so I wanted to drive that as a comparison. While in the showroom, the salesman showed me the Aztec, and it didn't take long to see that in every feature, the Aztec was superior. I had reservations about the styling, and still am not used to the look. In fact, I think the 2001 version with the black plastic lower panels actually looks better. Also, I insisted on having a moonroof, and the dealer had to go out of state to find one. I got all the features I wanted, plus some, including an excellent 10 speaker sound system. However, in a perfect world, I would have opted for the 5 spoke aluminum wheels rather that the three spoke wheels, which look somewhat odd. The Aztec has a very smooth and quiet ride--in fact, it is the quietest vehicle I have ever driven. Wind noise is non-existant. The only complaint I have is a low pitched vibration when traveling at low speeds on concrete surfaces, such as the street I live on. Has anyone else noticed this? Other than that, I have zero complaints, and I'm about as fussy as they come! I bought the factory seat covers to protect the upholstery--They really are terrific because I don't have to yell at the kids about ruining the seats! Sometimes, I catch myself looking at people to see how they react to my Aztec. I thought I would get all kinds of stares and odd looks, but really haven't noticed anything. Maybe the look is catching on. Beware though, this vehicle is definitely NOT a chick magnet. It has "married with kids" written all over it, so if you are looking for a true mid life crisis vehicle, try a red Mustang!
I was able to convince my husband to buy me a Pontiac Aztek AWD with the full package 2001. Needless to say we should have kept our Honda CRV. I love the Aztek, I put over 1000 miles a month, not to mention another 4000 when we go home. Well I got my first flat, though the dealership (FOX Chevrolet in Laurel) said something about the air being let out. And to discover there was fix a flat in our tire. Has anyone else had this problem????? They failed to see any damage though. My question is how did fix a flat get in our tire...and of course everyone denies this. Well it went flat again that evening. Pontiac roadside assistance didn't show up, luckily my husband did. Took it to a different service station to discover there was sidewall damage, no problem, got a new tire. Contacted the BBB to get a refund on the labor since they failed to even state the problem. The Pontiac website said basically tough luck, not very friendly. Sent out a mass e-mail to all the higher ups in GM...Also the air compressor in the back didn't work, the paint on the tailight is chipping off, rear hatch doesn't always unlock on the first try, dashboard is lifting up, and all sorts of clanking and mysterious noises. Of course everything else is covered under warranty, but of course only I hear the noises. Very unsatisfied at the makemanship of the vehicle, I can only hope the 2003 model is much much better. Love the car for the comfortableness and OnStar! Hate it b/c of all the mechanical problems, after only one year, how will it drive after 2?
If you have "full package" 2001 AWD Aztek, it very well could have come from the factory with "puncture sealant" feature to the tires. Could this acount for the "fix a flat" in the tires?
Over $100 a piece for the wheels? Could you spell out the TOTAL cost? They improve handling, what about gas mileage? Also, does it mess up the odometer? My 01 FWD Tek is about to roll 30,000 miles and I'm beyond ready to get rid of my Firestone Wilderness HT's (not that I had any problems, but...)
-Okay ! I know I probably going to go to auto hell ... but I just love bashing the Aztek. -The following are from the New York Times 10/23/02 which did a huge auto section.
Article about Cross-Over Vehicles:- by Phil Patton
"The century, in fact began with one failed cross-over experiment, the Pontiac Aztek, which is already legendary for it's ugliness, and another that succeeded beyond expectations: the Chrysler PT Cruiser."
Cars for the Young & Restless:-
"Another Crossover vehicle, the Pontiac Aztek, illustrates - none too prettily - the pitfalls of trying to change a tiger's stripes. Designers' attempts to hide the Aztek's mini van origins simply made it look bizarre, and its sales have been disappointing despite its innovative interior features."
An article about Bob Lutz coming back to GM:- (Bob Lutz is as legendary as Harvey Earl in Auto history):- "More than anything, Mr. Lutz is shifting GM.'s culture. "I encourage dissent", he said, adding that a "cultural defect", in which employees had avoided criticizing the company, had existed before his arrival. He cited the Aztek, an awkwardly pubescent cross between a car and an SUV. Some people, he said, "voiced doubts that the Aztek was the right thing to do". "They were taken to the woodshed and told, "Listen, a failure to support the Aztek is tantamount to corporate disloyalty".
I LOVE IT !!! Gave me a good breakfast chuckle !! Later...
I moved UP from a Saturn to an all wheel drive Aztek. Yes, you don't have to hassle about a Saturns price, you simple pay the high (too high) sticker price for a VUE, and act as if you got a good deal. I had considered a VUE, but was shocked by the price they wanted for the rather simple and primitive, boring looking vehicle. It is in the class of a Tracker and the Aztek is clearly a class higher than the VUE. I tested both and bought the Tek from a dealer that gives as good (or better) service than the Saturn dealer gave me.
gehe, since you dream of a VUE (and seem to have one now), I hope you will be happy with it, but leave TEk owners alone! I think the VUE is boring and a little bit on the ugly side, I feel that the TEK looks interesting, is cutting edge and very modern! all that of course, is in the eyes of the beholder!
Would anyone at GM attempt to slap the hatch from the buick RDV onto an AZTEK ?? I think getting rid of the 'citation' look would make it a winner. Shouldn't take more than 4-6 weeks of engineering work. It would add to the cargo volume as well.
Anybody know how to change the headlight bulb on a 2001 Aztek? My driver's side low-beam bulb burned out and I can't figure out how to get to it. It appears you have to pull up on the white plastic clip to release the light housing - is this correct? If so, is there a trick to pulling the clip? Thanks in advance.
Instructions 'should be' on pages 6-34 and 6-35 of owners manual. You have to lift retaining clip partway , then unsnap headlamp assmenly by pulling it foward , away from vehicle, then disconnect electrical connector. Remove bulb access cover and turn bulb socket 1/4 turn to remove.
Hi all. I testdrove a 2003 Aztek (I had been eyeing one for a long time and finally just had some time to kill so I went for it) over the weekend. IT ABSOLUTELY ROCKED!!! I now sadly still own a Dodge Caravan ONLY because it's either buy a house or an Aztek. My 4 year old son feverishly recommended the Aztek. FOFL. I had to literally keep myself at home all weekend because I KNEW I would end up going down there and buying that Aztek!!! I really didn't like the exterior color the dealership had (electric blue, whatever it is they call it specifically, I do not know) but I was still ready to buy it because of the interior. The one I drove did NOT have all the bells and whistles on it, but I would highly recommend it. Only problem, which wasn't really a problem for me, I could see is that the acceleration is not what I'd call "sporty". LOL. I also testdrove a VIBE GT model and it had some get up and go! But alas, its interior seating sucked, and I could not see driving on long trips with the VIBE GT. (I might add that the dashboard was too cool on it though)
I drove the VIBE first, drove the AZTEK second. All I had to do was open the door to the Aztek and that was all she wrote. THAT CAR ABSOLUTELY ROCKS. I have dreamed of it ever since.... My dealership oddly enough has a loaded 2001 model in their showroom...sticker is 30K!!!!! (SHOCK!) but since it is a 2001, they kinda said they'd make me a deal. Unfortunately I do not want leather seating (which the 2001 they have, has), and I don't want BLACK (since I have nobody to help wash it! I asked the car salesman if, somewhere on that sticker price, there was included someone to help wash it, since it was black and would show every single dirt spot??!?!)
ANYHOW I had to write and share my absolute enthusiasm and I'm writing Santa right now and telling him I've been a good girl this year...
Ray80 - Thanks for the info. I didn't even think to look in the owner's manual - kick me and call me stupid!
Waymoresblues - At 45,000+ miles I'm out of warranty. However, I'm not surprised by your experience with the dealer. Probably half of the MANY trips I went to the dealer for warranty repairs were to redo what they hadn't fixed right the first time.
If you look back at the postings on this board over the past several month you will notice that headlights have been mentioned frequently. One person attempts humor on one occasion (in proper context, I might add) with the old "changing lightbulbs" joke and we're ready to call in the Supreme Court?
Hi. I wrote a post a few days back about a test drive. Ok. I am asking everyone here, since you know...I have an opportunity to buy a used 2001 Aztek w/ 24K miles on it (granted I wanted a 2002/2003). Buying used does not particularly bother me, but I am wondering this: I have been reading your posts and most of the problems I have read about seem to be related to the 2001 model. Am I just incorrect in my assumption, and would anyone here say one year's model is better than another? Does anyone know the specific upgrades from year to year (ex.. what makes a 2003 better than a 2002, etc. //performance wise) Any help would be appreciated.
While I love my 2001, I would say that if you have a choice, get a later model. Which is really true for any car (the first year Taurus was a disaster. I know. I owned one...).
waymoresblues - Sorry about late response.... "Over $100 a piece for the wheels? Could you spell out the TOTAL cost? They improve handling, what about gas mileage? Also, does it mess up the odometer? "
We paid $111 + 189 times 4 = 1200 plus about 65 shipping. It makes a big impact on how 'sporty' our Aztek looks, IMO. Also improves handling on freeway ramps As for the odo, I doubt it affects that much... this is a stock size for the 02's. There are sites for calculating wheel size/diameter and effects on odo's (maybe even on tirerack.com where we got ours). Hope that helps. One tip: if you get these wheels and plan to install yourself, get some anti-seize at a car parts store and apply to wheel hub before mounting centering rings. These wheels come with centering rings and centering lug nuts since they do not perfectly match the bolt circle of the stock hub. The above instructions are also shipped with wheels sent by tirerack.
Hey folks, looking for advice. I have my eye on a 2003 AWD Aztec with the Basic Plus option group. The MSRP (including Destination charge is $24,890) By my calculations, I should be thinking of stating negotiations at the price (invoice minus 4% holdback plus invoice of options plus destination), that is $21,429 - $746 + $797 + $575 = $22,055. Any ideas how much profit above this number I should be willing to offer? (I also have $2000 cash allowance and $1500 from my GM card points, so even if he gets all the holdback I could still walk away with the Aztec for $19,301. Is it reasonable to expect I could pull something like this off? Thanks for you input.
Simple--Yes, you might get the dealer to sell for invoice less rebates. Not sure were you numbers come from, but GM holdback is 3% of MSRP less destination, therefore it includes options. Also many dealers, not just GM , have advertising assessments added to the invoice (1% is popular but could be higher). But your estimate is probably in the ball park.
You are right, hold back is 3% of MSRP (I used 3% on my calculation but wrote 4% in the email). My only concern on the Aztec is that it will be relatively worthless on resale in about 4 years and that makes me lean more towards something like a Forester.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Aztek was renamed but I still don't see how the Aztek is any more ugly than the new Honda Element. I guess the Element comes from Honda and Honda can do no wrong so..
Look for possible increase in Aztek rebates as month goes along. Can't advise you of the future, but I would think features and size should help hold value versus appearance.
I am having the same electrical problem reported by kevinnh1 last year--the gauges light up, but the needles do not register information, and the other idiot lights do not come on. It's intermittent. Loose connector? Car is under warranty, so it went right back to the dealership for repair. We had owned it for all of 2 hours when this happened!!!
Anyone else have this problem? Kevin never wrote back to say how it was fixed.
Anyone with an '01 cloth interior have any problems with holes from wear? I've got a Sheepskin throwover so just now noticed this after 29,000 miles. I wonder if this is covered under warranty? I'm thinking not, but...? I'd rather ask here than the dealer if anyone knows.
Kermit: 17" tires sound too pricey for my budget but tempting nonetheless. Had a Fender bender the other day and waiting for an estimate.
NOT UGLY. NOT UGLY, NOT UGLY!!!!! Why does everyone think it is ugly? The front end is perfectly normal. It certainly isn't ugly. The rear end, I agree, is a bit controversial, but I have grown to love the top of the rear end where the rear window is. I love it!
Well my Aztek is over two years old and I was one of the original adopters and often defended the AZTEK. After two years of ownership I'm hear to tell you all I was WRONG!!!!!
I have a 2002 Aztec. I was so thrilled with this automobile because of its quiet and smooth ride. I previously owned an Isuzu Rodeo.. got rid of it in less then a year because it was such a rough ride. Anyway my car has 29000 miles on it and whenever I hit a bump the front end sounds like its going to fall out. I also have a sound when driving that sounds and feels like I'm riding on a washboard. I've already had the wheels balanced and rotated..didn't solve the problem. I also have a clicking noise which the dealership said is possibly a brake clip missing. They said whoever put new brakes on the car didn't replace the clip. Well the problem is that this car hasn't had new brakes and they are the only people that have ever touched it. Let me know if anyone else is having this problem. I can also hear a lot of road noise now as well.
I don't know that I had the same problem, but my 2001 had a buzzing noise that came from the front end. It apparently was due to vibration of the front spoiler and/or grille. The dealer stiffened it up somehow (baling wire? duct tape? chewing gum?) and the noise went away. Several months later I noticed that half my front spoiler was gone. I don't know if I hit something that knocked it off or if it fatigue cracked from the vibration and fell off. Hope you find the problem.
Quote "My only concern on the Aztec is that it will be relatively worthless on resale in about 4 years and that makes me lean more towards something like a Forester."
Just remember "Pontiac" certainly wouldn't want to name it after a group of Native Americans, i.e., Aztec, since that would not be politically correct.
Comments
Couple of questions, how is the 100 series AM/FM CD and 6 speakers that come with 1SB? Is this a decent stereo? I'm not looking to blow the doors off, but I would like a decent radio.
Where are the 6 speakers located? I imagine a total of 4 are in the doors, but I don't know where the other 2 are. Are there tweeters or are the other two in the cargo bay?
Is it easy to replace the speakers, or do they have proprietary wiring or something stupid that would make it hard ( ex. the Infinity speakers you can get on Chrysler products).
Finally, I have a Jeep Wrangler so I don't care about off road ability. I want good traction in the snow or camping. Is traction control on FWD good enough?
Thanks,
Eric
checheche - what color was the one you saw in Nebraska? We were just there a few weeks ago in our green Aztek GT (MI plates) visiting in-laws in Omaha...
and i respond...
i cant remember the colors, because we actually
saw a few! we passed one on the freeway - the 80 - going west, and got up close, and actually WAVED... was that YOU??? i think that one was a green one, but i cant remember. it was also near the end of our trip, probably between des moines and omaha around august 18th???
wouldnt THAT be a hoot! also saw alot on the 35 which goes from des moines to duluth. mn. thats where we saw the most azteks.
i felt "at home"...
wem003 - Our Aztek has the 6-CD stereo, and it's the best stereo I have yet had in any car. four spkrs in the front doors and two large spkrs in the cargo hold. sorry no knowledge of the wiring.
$3000 rebate and cavernous cargo capacity. I took
it to the local street and parked. When i
returned, the car wouldnt start. At first, I
thought it was the anti-theft system that was
causing the trouble. However, the service guy
from the anti-theft manufacturere couldnt fix it.
So, I had to tow the vehicle. The car has 198
miles on it. I've never had this kind of problem
in any of my new and used cars before and this
incident just shocks me. I am speechless.
The car is only 3 days old. Will I be eligible
for the full refund on this car? Will the dealer
take away some fees they had charged me(such as
advertising, license fees)?
Any input will be appreciated. Thank you.
So we took the plunge! The wheels were $189, and we got some 235/55HR17 Dunlop SP Sport A2 tires at $111 apiece as well. They look great, handle much better than the stock tires and have no additional noise from what I can hear. Plus they got very good survey ratings from other tirerack customers.
Take a look at our wheels at www.mwshowgo67.com/kermit/index.htm !
I love my Aztec--it's a high quality vehicle at a bargain price. Even got the 5 year, 0 percent financing! Almost bought a Toyota Matrix for the same price. I knew the Pontiac Vibe was a Matrix twin, so I wanted to drive that as a comparison. While in the showroom, the salesman showed me the Aztec, and it didn't take long to see that in every feature, the Aztec was superior. I had reservations about the styling, and still am not used to the look. In fact, I think the 2001 version with the black plastic lower panels actually looks better. Also, I insisted on having a moonroof, and the dealer had to go out of state to find one. I got all the features I wanted, plus some, including an excellent 10 speaker sound system. However, in a perfect world, I would have opted for the 5 spoke aluminum wheels rather that the three spoke wheels, which look somewhat odd.
The Aztec has a very smooth and quiet ride--in fact, it is the quietest vehicle I have ever driven. Wind noise is non-existant. The only complaint I have is a low pitched vibration when traveling at low speeds on concrete surfaces, such as the street I live on. Has anyone else noticed this? Other than that, I have zero complaints, and I'm about as fussy as they come! I bought the factory seat covers to protect the upholstery--They really are terrific because I don't have to yell at the kids about ruining the seats!
Sometimes, I catch myself looking at people to see how they react to my Aztec. I thought I would get all kinds of stares and odd looks, but really haven't noticed anything. Maybe the look is catching on. Beware though, this vehicle is definitely NOT a chick magnet. It has "married with kids" written all over it, so if you are looking for a true mid life crisis vehicle, try a red Mustang!
Posts and pix to come.
C
-The following are from the New York Times 10/23/02 which did a huge auto section.
Article about Cross-Over Vehicles:- by Phil Patton
"The century, in fact began with one failed cross-over experiment, the Pontiac Aztek, which is already legendary for it's ugliness, and another that succeeded beyond expectations: the Chrysler PT Cruiser."
Cars for the Young & Restless:-
"Another Crossover vehicle, the Pontiac Aztek, illustrates - none too prettily - the pitfalls of trying to change a tiger's stripes. Designers' attempts to hide the Aztek's mini van origins simply made it look bizarre, and its sales have been disappointing despite its innovative interior features."
An article about Bob Lutz coming back to GM:- (Bob Lutz is as legendary as Harvey Earl in Auto history):-
"More than anything, Mr. Lutz is shifting GM.'s culture.
"I encourage dissent", he said, adding that a "cultural defect", in which employees had avoided criticizing the company, had existed before his arrival. He cited the Aztek, an awkwardly pubescent cross between a car and an SUV. Some people, he said, "voiced doubts that the Aztek was the right thing to do".
"They were taken to the woodshed and told, "Listen, a failure to support the Aztek is tantamount to corporate disloyalty".
I LOVE IT !!! Gave me a good breakfast chuckle !!
Later...
Real cool observation dude!!!!
You really shouldn't throw rocks if you live in a glass house
~Ken
gehe, since you dream of a VUE (and seem to have one now), I hope you will be happy with it, but leave TEk owners alone! I think the VUE is boring and a little bit on the ugly side, I feel that the TEK looks interesting, is cutting edge and very modern!
all that of course, is in the eyes of the beholder!
Shouldn't take more than 4-6 weeks of engineering work. It would add to the cargo volume as well.
I drove the VIBE first, drove the AZTEK second. All I had to do was open the door to the Aztek and that was all she wrote. THAT CAR ABSOLUTELY ROCKS. I have dreamed of it ever since.... My dealership oddly enough has a loaded 2001 model in their showroom...sticker is 30K!!!!! (SHOCK!) but since it is a 2001, they kinda said they'd make me a deal. Unfortunately I do not want leather seating (which the 2001 they have, has), and I don't want BLACK (since I have nobody to help wash it! I asked the car salesman if, somewhere on that sticker price, there was included someone to help wash it, since it was black and would show every single dirt spot??!?!)
ANYHOW I had to write and share my absolute enthusiasm and I'm writing Santa right now and telling him I've been a good girl this year...
Waymoresblues - At 45,000+ miles I'm out of warranty. However, I'm not surprised by your experience with the dealer. Probably half of the MANY trips I went to the dealer for warranty repairs were to redo what they hadn't fixed right the first time.
How long does this insult get to remain on the site?
Until we get a really funny answer! :-)
tidester, host
No pun intended but we should all lighten up! :-)
tidester, host
Thanks.
Peggy.
We paid $111 + 189 times 4 = 1200 plus about 65 shipping. It makes a big impact on how 'sporty' our Aztek looks, IMO. Also improves handling on freeway ramps
I guess even re-done the name would have been too much a problem, even though most of it is unjustified.
I have my eye on a 2003 AWD Aztec with the Basic Plus option group.
The MSRP (including Destination charge is $24,890)
By my calculations, I should be thinking of stating negotiations at the price (invoice minus 4% holdback plus invoice of options plus destination), that is $21,429 - $746 + $797 + $575 = $22,055.
Any ideas how much profit above this number I should be willing to offer? (I also have $2000 cash allowance and $1500 from my GM card points, so even if he gets all the holdback I could still walk away with the Aztec for $19,301. Is it reasonable to expect I could pull something like this off? Thanks for you input.
Not sure were you numbers come from, but GM holdback is 3% of MSRP less destination, therefore it includes options. Also many dealers, not just GM , have advertising assessments added to the invoice (1% is popular but could be higher). But your estimate is probably in the ball park.
My only concern on the Aztec is that it will be relatively worthless on resale in about 4 years and that makes me lean more towards something like a Forester.
Anyone else have this problem? Kevin never wrote back to say how it was fixed.
Kermit: 17" tires sound too pricey for my budget
but tempting nonetheless. Had a Fender bender the other day and waiting for an estimate.
Steve, Host
Subarus don't have good resale value either.
tidester, host