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P.S. I think the Axiom is the third ugliest SUV, being the 1) Pontiac Aztek 2) Isuzu vehicross.:)
Also I like Toyota quality as I said TLC is my favorite SUV, just out of my price range (heck, off my radar screen even)
-mike
To be complete, I did pay the inland freight charge ($520) and an additional $930 (MSRP was $1,105) for the moonroof-which I didn't particularly want. The dealer couldn't find a 2WD LS without the moonroof (so he said). I also had the dealer install black side steps ($340). I refused to pay the advertising fee and the lot fee (they came up to around $600, as I remember).
Total damage was $27,679. I figure I got a good deal, and the dealer still got the full 3% holdback for the vehicle, as I picked it up about 8 hours after it arrived at his lot.
Charlie
I have found that the carpoint.com is the best indicator of invoice price so far, for Isuzus anyway.
-mike
As for the Trooper, it's a good SUV at a good price. As for style, it needs some updating and that is why you don't see more on the road. I understand a makeover is on the way.
Note: Visited the Isuzu dealer again tonight. All the Axioms that were on the lot a month ago are still sitting there.
By the way, I haven't seen too much movement on the lots as far as Axioms. There is such a huge onslaught of new SUV's that every one is trying to figure out which way to go: Ford/Mercury, the GM trio, the upcoming Buick, the Suzuki Vitara 7 passenger, and all the older SUV's. It't becoming more and more difficult to figure out what actually are your needs, your budget and whom to listen to.
2.9% for 2 years
3.9% for 3 years
4.9% for 4 years
5.9% for 5 years
-mike
-mike
PS: won't find any explorers in Africa I bet!
However, I prefer to lease my vehicles and this may be the sole reason that I will probably pass on the Axiom. When I discussed leasing with my local dealer, I found the monthly payment to be very high as the residual value on 48 months, per their bank, is 44% ( Isuzu doesn't have a lease program on the Axiom). If you run some quick numbers you will be surprised to find out that this payment matches that of the Acura MDX (in the base version and equally equipped) because while it is more expensive the residual is significantly higher (58%).
Again, I realize that the Axiom is a 2002 and the Acura MDX is a 2001 but if the leasing dollars are equal its makes it difficult to consider the Axiom at this time.
-mike
28" x 36" on the Trooper moonroof. I'd call em the same size roughly.
Much larger than the "roof vents" as I like to call em on other SUVs!
-mike
1) 5 speed automatic tranny
2) Rear Indy Suspension
3) 3 rows of seats
The Monty can learn from isuzu:
1) Boxy classier less cury looks
2) split rear doors (the one big door is PITA)
3) rear door open so that the open side is facing the pass side (for curbside loading)
4) 2wd mode available in the models with AWD.
Both can learn:
1) More power, at least optional
2) Marketing? They both seem like great trucks, but no one seems to be buying them.
-mike
Let's face it, most of the high-end vehicles ($30K+) are today leased. The monthly payment on a $30K vehicle (given a small down) would be nearly $700.00 and a lease would be around $400.00 (a big savings). Hence, if Isuzu wants to attract the higher-end customer they are going to have make it attractive.
In fact, my local dealer has only sold three in two months and his supply seems to sitting collecting dust. The return of "Joe" is cute and Isuzu sales are up (approximately 11%) but their Rodeo and Trooper sales and not Axiom.
Again, if you are keeping a vehicle for more than four years, your right it pays to purchase. However, I never seen a vehicle with a residual as low as Isuzu which in some ways makes me question their product despite the good reports I get from friends and associates.
First off, the gas and brake pedals are two close for comfort. I don't have a large foot but when it was on the gas pedal it was hard to find a position in which the brake didn't dig into my arch. Also the floor is a bit high in the second row causing someone who is tall to feel that their knees are in their face (not so in the front).
On the minor side, I would like to see a rear window that opened separately and a fuel door that locks. I would also like to see the antenna powered or eliminated (as in Acuras) and side step rails at least as an option (my wife is 5'-2").
On the design side, while I like the leather combination, its sharp and smart looking (Mercedes has one that is similar as a costly option) and it fits with the body design; but it doesn't work with the colors. I understand that Isuzu cannot provide countless alternatives as the dollars don't exist, however a black/silver scheme might work as an alternative.
-mike
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
-mike
http://isuzu-suvs.com
Sue
However, the styling of the Trooper to me is dated and it simply doesn't grab my attention (exterior or interior). The Axiom answers the emotional side of getting a new vehicle, but without a good lease program, I sorry to say mine (the one I would have gotten) is simply going to have to sit on the lot with its siblings.
-mike
Personally it you are purchasing a vehicle based on what it will be worth down the road then you are investing your money in the wrong arena. It should matter little what the value will be if it is the vehicle you like and you are going to be driving it for many years. However, value plays the most important role when you are considering a lease as it effects the payment; the reason why most people choose this route in the first place.
Again, I may return to the Axiom as their simply little out there of equal value but the lease deals to be had on a Acura MDX (if you can get one) may make that unlikely.
As I mentioned Isuzu took a page from the Acura playbook. Build a vehicle with good styling, performance, size and features and the public will come to you. However, if you cannot
Again, I have to give my dealer a pat on the back for trying to make a deal, but its still going to take somemore work on his part to get back in to the showroom. In fact, I drove to Miami for the holiday weekend (a 700 mile round trip) and while I saw two Axiom billboards (and more RX300 than oranges) I didn't see a single one on the road. Interesting?
-mike
Anyway, I definitely need a car with a roof rack for camping gear, skis, bikes, etc. How could Isuzu make an SUV without at least the potential of putting on a roof rack? Maybe you can help. Maybe I'm jumping the gun. Does anyone have any insights re: this? The question is: is it feasible or likely that either Isuzu or an after market company will make a rack for the car in the next 2-3 months? Can it even accommodate one? I have a good opportunity (end of month) to buy the car tonight, but can't get myself into a car that can't accommodate a rack.
Even with the latest news about Isuzu layoffs (& GM's dilemma) and even with the fact that the company generated a finance incentive on a brand new model (unheard of?), I still have decided on the Axiom, but this roof rack issue is eating at me. Thanks for any feedback.
JG
-mike
http://members.aol.com/prol1ne/mule.html
Add a roof rack
Add dual climate control
Add Onstar as option
Give the seats 8-way instead of 4-way positioning
Give an option of a rear spoiler
Put the CD changer in-dash instead of taking up room in the center console
Provide a little more room between brake and gas pedals.
Obviously, get rid of the "orange" cloth and upgrade the quality.
Give option of rear AC
*Upgrade the design of the headrests, but more importantly, allow the back seats to fold flat without having to remove the headrests, like in the Highlander.
Other than that, the ride is beautiful and the interior is sharp! Seems like a great value for the money.
However, if your looking for a few other items to include on your list let me offer the following addendum. It would be great to have a compartment to sotre a notebook computer and a space to hold a Palm/Visor. Buick has already addressed the former and its probably the nicest feature in their SUV.
Also the 2nd set of air-conditioning IMHO is just a waste of space and power on a 2-row vehicle. My Trooper's air works fine for the 2nd row of passengers w/o having 10,000 dials and buttons, and adjustments. But I'm sure once GM fully takes over Isuzu, we'll get all the crappy GM buttons and gadgetry. Simple is better IMHO. Those 2nd sets of A/C, and doo-dads don't last to 250K miles.
I'd like to see a laptop holder, but for $100 I can buy an aftermarket laptop stand that will be better than any stock one they can cook up.
-mike
As for rear A/C, I have yet to find one that really works well. I would welcome additional outlets in the center console if they really moved the air.
The main problem with the Axiom is that Isuzu is keeping it a secret and the competitors aren't worried about it (trust me when I mention the Axiom in my SUV hunt, most salespeople go "?").
Lets fact it the advertisements, while cute, don't promote the vehicle. If the vehicle is suppose to represent the edge, then the ads should have an edge. Its time for Isuzu to "let the dogs out."
Cheers,
Con
Personally, I am concerned about the future of Isuzu as an entity and possible future effects on owners of Isuzu vehicles.
Good wishes, "Troop on", I'm "Enjoying the Ride".
Thanks.
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html
-mike
Cheers,
Con