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For your needs you will probably be happier with the MDX, since you don't plan on going off-road, and plan to re-sell it in 2-4 years time.
-mike
Isn't it unfortunate that the auto industry has failed to acknowledge that there are people like you out there who want a lot of space, AWD and decent handling. General Motors came close with the Astro AWD van, but that thing is such a pile that I wouldn't offer it to my worst enemy. Chyrsler has the AWD Town and Country, but some people (rightfully so, in my mind) are a little hesitant to jump on the Chrysler band wagon. Beyond those two vehicles exists a void.
Maybe Mazda will add AWD to its MPV - that would be the perfect vehicle for you.
Personally I'd get the Axiom, cause I know it will last for 200K miles and has the best awd system around.
-mike
Manly - Pretty much any car or truck will last 200,000 miles these days. I own one of the worst rattle traps produced, a Chevrolet Corsica, but it has close to 150,000 miles on it and it runs just fine. I'm no longer hoping for 200,000 miles, I'm expecting it.
-mike
-mike
Essentially we were in the same boat - new baby coming, my year and a half old Amigo was suddenly too small (though it's my work vehicle so we just decided to get something new for my wife). We looked at just about everything. Highlander, Santa Fe, Envoy, MDX, etc -but no minivans(she wasn't ready for one yet). I knew most of these choices ARE just dressed up minivans, but what mattered more to us was that it didn't LOOK like one.
We pretty much came to the same conclusion as you did w/ the Highlander (too much money for what we wanted compared to Axiom + the more we looked at it the more it looked like a minivan). We also found that in our area, it's still too hot a seller for dealers to bargain at this time.
If you really are stuck on the re-sale value thing- I would probably avoid the Isuzu and go for the MDX. Also don't forget that there are some updates to currently existing SUV's coming and some entirely new models as well (Saturn VUE w/ variable transmission, Land Rover Freelander, etc.)
After 6 months of test driving vehicle after vehicle, we bought a 2002 Axiom last month(entirely my wife's decision - I was pushing her to buy a Subaru WRX!). When we found the color she wanted (Anthracite : like a metallic grey) she sat in it and knew it was for her. We also took advantage of Isuzu's great financing promos (they run to the 4th of Sept)and got 2.9% on 4 year loan.
We've seen the 2002 interior choices, I don't think they're currently offering anything new - we went w/ the leather because that's what came w/ the XS. Also, the leather in our opinion wasn't as bad as the cloth - this is our only peeve w/ this model. So to answer your question, the leather interior you've already seen is pretty much the only one currently available. You would have to wait till 2003 model run for more interior options. We're going to cover the seats w/ Wet Okole seat covers anyway, and actually by now we're pretty used to the tan color.
1200 miles later we are still loving it. No major problems with it yet- I didn't expect any considering Isuzu took the best technology from their existing platforms (TOD from Trooper & Vehicross, excellent 3.5 V6 that pretty much is the same engine in all their best vehicles, and Intelligent Suspension Control from their Ironman series). W/ Torque On Demand AWD system I've got more peace of mind when she's driving in the wet n' slippery. It drives very smooth yet performance is very capable, looks great and love the attention it gets, AND we plan to keep it for a LONG while. I think the biggest part of our satisfaction is the rarity of the vehicle. I can drive around all day and see at least 5 Highlanders/MDX's/Santa Fe's/ - but very rarely see another Axiom. It's too bad these Axiom's are so underrated -my wife keeps catching me sneaking her Axiom out.
I may have overstated the re-sale factor as a consideration for a new car. We are both "drive it into the ground" kind of people, so that normally doesn't factor in. I was just shocked at how little our Amigo was worth after such a short time. We really don't want to sell it (and I am not letting anyone near my Contour SVT!) so the re-sale issue is just the one staring us in the face right now.
We test drove the Rendezvous. It seemed to be exactly the "compromise car" it was designed to be. It had enough room, but the handling was very uninspired. My wife (who is much more concerned about these things) did not like the aesthetics of either the interior or exterior. They managed to cram a lot of big chunky plastic pieces between front seats that don't seem to have much purpose.
So, we will keep looking. This weekend we will likely drive the Highlander and the Axiom again, and make a more direct comparison between these two. Thanks to all for their input.
In case of discussed vehicles I don't think that's the case. I went through the same issues, and very much settled on the Axiom, but mainly because on what it has to offer: engine, TOD, ISC, beam chassis, warranty and personally I like the interior: armrest, shifter and MID. For me the only interior I found superior to the Axiom was the MDX, but that for me is a different ball game.
Good luck in your decision making.
...at 7-8pm Pacific/10-11 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/isuzuchat.html
I fitted a Yakima Rack over the weekend, went smoothly, a lit bit tricky at first. I used the Q83 clips as recommended in a previous discussion.
I cut the crossbars to the following dimensions:
Front 49" long.
Rear 48" long.
This makes for a more elegant front profile, which I feel, this beautiful vehicle requires.
The distance between the towers:
Front 42.875"
Rear 41.75"
The rear towers (the datum) are as far back in the rear door frame as I can get.
The front towers are about 1.5" in front of the B pillar. This spacing is determined by the fact that I have a basket for my climbing gear located between then.
I also fitted a 38" fairing, although one might want to consider a 44" one.
Funcionality: excellent.
Working load: 165 lbs.
Appearence: sweet.
The handling between the 2x4 and 4x4 is virtually identical. That is, tight, smooth and powerful on mountain roads, with "sport" engaged. TOD certainly makes a difference on mountain roads, and, rather obviously, TOD and 4L make a huge difference in traction intensive applications.
On my local freeways the ride varies from jittery to smooth ("sport" off) depending upon concrete or asphalt, occasional bumps are handled beautifully.
I don't know why anyone would buy a 2x4 Axiom, apart from the looks.
When I think of Isuzu Amigo, I think of Chevy Tracker (underpower entry level SUV).
Rest assure that the resale value on the Axiom will be "competively" favorable to any other SUV in it's class. IMO.
By the way, check out GMC Envoy. You'll be very impress!
We love handling/performance. Only negative on ride is that it seems to let little ripple-type bumps through (bad concrete on exit ramps). I believe the ISC really works. Under braking/cornering there is not really any tilt/dive. I really like this.
The acceleration is nice, and appearance is untouchable IMHO. I think it is very tight (this being a positive term) vehicle. We got for combo of cargo space/handling/looks/value. We didn't want an impractical full-size SUV but the Escape/RAV4 size is impractical on the cargo-space for our needs.
We were looking at Xterras and Highlanders when we got the Ax. Way better engine/handling than the Xterra. Way better value than the Highlander. Tougher looking than the Highlander and more refined than the Xterra. Better warranty than both, and I'll admit the uniqueness got it points too. We never really considered an any domestic because of quality factor.
1. Strong grab or down shift when coming to a stop (10 mph or less).
2. Couple of rattles or squeaks. One coming from the dash under the gauges and the other from the rear (behind rear passenger seat).
3. Grabbing or hesitation when starting from a dead stop.
4. Passenger outside door latch not working.
As for the first item, the dealership said it was the engine down-shifting and was normal. Brakes checked out fine. Since they only have 1 tech who is trained to handle the Axiom, I don't have a lot of faith.
The squeaking and grabbing our going to be looked at this week. Since I use my vehicle for business as well as personal, it is disconcerting to have a brand new vehicle squeak and chirp at every bump in the road. By the way, it occurs in both sport and std mode.
The latch for the passenger door is been on order for 6 weeks now. The story I am getting is that parts are hard to come by.
If I can fix these flaws, I will be a happy camper again. I still haven't lost my enthusiasm for the ride.....just yet.
I suspect a linkage, or spring strength problem.
Obsolutely no squeaks and rattles, even on rocky terrain the vehicle is very tight.
They are going to take care of the squeak - given they can pin-point it.
The foreman went on a test drive with me, he said the grabbing from a complete stop is the drive line engaging. I informed him that it did not happen until the last 500 miles or so (I have 6,400 already), was intermittent at first and now has been regular. They are going to look at it none the less.
I do not know much about cars so any insight as to whether the prognosis was just smoke up my .... to get me to say "okay". I would like to have some ammunition so to speak if they come back and say everything is fine.
Thanks for help.
-mike
This is my theory based on what I have read about drivelines...I just can't remember every specific, so the I believe the gist is right, but I may be off in a few places.
The dealership hasn't called back yet, but I'll let you know. My guess is that everything will "check out fine".
Darin
Would your theory hold true on the take-off as well (grabbing)?
Perhaps I am just not used to the braking/trans system yet.
-mike
This is in contrast to a Honda Civic that downshift early, providing engine brake and helping to slow down when you push the brake pedal.
With a manual tranny, when you want to slow down in a hurry, you downshift early and use engine braking for more effective stopping. Honda civic simulates that sequence but not my Honda Passport.
I wish Honda can transplant the shift pattern of their cars to the Passport.
Oh and about the resale value.... its not good on my 99 Rodeo LS. Your not buying Honda or Toyota resale value thats for sure. But I've owned both those brands and love the Rodeo best, not a single problem in two years. Best auto I've ever owned.
-mike
Thanks
In the article they did mention that the LSD was almost non-existent, maybe there was a problem? Just one of the interesting (possibly innacurate) points in the article.
-mike
What does it mean e-brake? I am not a 4WD expert.
Could some one give me a link for the 4 wheeler article? Yesterday during my browsing I couldn't find it.
Thanks Frank
By putting some pressure on the wheels, in the rear it locks the LSD. Also on the isuzus the parking brake isn't the regular pads so you don't need to worry about wearing it out.
-mike
http://www.fourwheeler.com/
http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/index.html
-mike
...at 7-8pm Pacific/10-11 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/isuzuchat.html
The other day I was lying on the couch watching TV and reading my Axiom window sticker (I know, get a life). I suddenly noticed that under "exterior" the sticker said "molded front and rear mudflaps". I went into my driveway and looked at my beautful 4 x 4 Axiom: no mudflaps.
Very puzzling. I haven't done anything about it yet, I figured I'd talk to my dealer when I get my 7,500 mile service. I did e-mail Isuzu and true to form they told me to talk to the dealer.
Has anyone else experienced the missing mudflaps?
Jim
Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
-mike
-mike
btw, welcome back from vacation.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
-mike