-June 2024 Special Lease Deals-
2024 Chevy Blazer EV lease from Bayway Auto Group Click here
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee lease from Mark Dodge Click here
2025 Ram 1500 Factory Order Discounts from Mark Dodge Click here
2024 Chevy Blazer EV lease from Bayway Auto Group Click here
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee lease from Mark Dodge Click here
2025 Ram 1500 Factory Order Discounts from Mark Dodge Click here
Options
Suzuki Aerio Wagon
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Create an intelligent programmable (learning) cruise control? Nah!
Drove a Hyundai Elantra GLS 5 speed the other day. If anyone wants to swap an 03 for 03, I might be willing. Elantra is a very nice riding car on the highway. Soaks up bumps, quiet, rock steady.
Dealer offered $8,500 for Aerio, told them they were dreaming. (In less polite words)
Has anyone else had trouble remembering to turn on their headlights when starting the car at night? The dash already lights up, and the daytime running lights are on... and I just forget to turn all the lights on at the stalk. It's probably happened 4 or 5 times when I've taken an entire trip (one was 35 miles) without switching on the headlights.
It seems there might be some sort of light sensor-reminder system Suzuki might consider... it's dangerous.
Fun car, lots of room, kids love it. Upholstery on door wearing off where I rest my arm; seat fabric catches everything, a few rattles at top of windows, 'clunk' when I hit brakes first few times ... otherwise, no complaints.
Wanted a PT Cruiser but couldn't justify spending $20K instead of $13.5K after rebate - no PT rebates in California . . .
Has anyone done a plus one wheel / tire upgrade? Am a little worried about making the ride worse, but would like more tire to (hopefully) improve handling and braking a bit.
34 mpg on the return (with some stop/go on that tank). This is a good sign for the Florida trip at the end of the month.
I did get to puttz around in a 10 year old Miata and it was fun, but you can't compare the two.
Being without the Aerio has created an even deeper appreciation for the car. When I get it back I will look into tinting the windows and upgrading the speakers. (The car is in the shop due to a hail storm we had back in April). I have a silver car and I'm quite sure they'll do an excellent paint job. I'll let you know. Dang I miss that car!!
Started around 27, last tankful was over 30. Still only 2300 Mi on it so I expect to settle in at 32 or so for my normal driving habits.
It actually seems that Aerio owner experiences closely approach, and even exceed EPA estimates, which seems unusual.
I did politely insist that I drive the technician in the lot to demonstrate the problem, cuz I didn't want the old "could not duplicate" answer.
Tell them that there is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on the issue, and Suzuki has issued modified clips for the front brake calipers to reduce/remove the free-play that causes the clunking.
I don't know what the hardest car to wash was but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the Aerio. There seem to be inumerable nooks, crannies and seams that hold water......you almost need to blow-dry it to get it completely dry befor waxing!
you can't even dream to buy.
I own a 2002 GLXT Automatic Aerio Sedan. It is perfect for me. No ABS, No AWD, No spoilers, No unscrewable antennas and no other things that make me think twice about parking it in a mall. Have it since November, already changed oil and it has only 4000+ miles (use to drive also a '91 Toyota Previa that was sold two months ago).
Already got the two Suzuki technical manuals of this model from a very known auction site for only $30. Very informative, lots of pics and, yes, they are quite thick. They were worth it since I had already found the damn DRL plug. If you don't mind to miss the brake light in the dash when you pull the handbrake, the process is very simple. Found also the hidden antenna booster just in the middle of the rear driver side roof bar. Some advice; if you install plastic tint in your rear window, AM stations goes wacko (but if you disconnect DRL, there's no problem).
I would also like to put in perspective some "problems" found on this model and how I analyze them:
"Can't stand Brake Clunking": As Hankr just wrote; "Suzuki has issued modified clips for the front brake calipers to reduce/remove the free-play that causes the clunking". Meanwhile pricey SUV's and other sedans has been recalled with serious transmission, brakes and sudden fire problems, a visit to an authorized dealer could fix your "annoying" clunking issue.
"The fabric on the door panels were already showing wear": Even when this person doesn't tell the actual mileage of his Aerio, please let
me know when somebody create some fabric that may not wear off.
"It's difficult to wash it's tall roof": Ha! You gotta watch me when I used to wash my former Van (Toyota Previa). Plastic Rubbermaid style
steps are cheap and practical even for other household chores. Try it.
"Engine noise is loud and fuel economy is not it's best feature": Maybe, but is powerful and sure kicks out most of it's competence. Get the picture; a 145HP 2.0L engine in a light body. I personally raced it with a few plain equipped Matrixes, Corollas and Protegés and they can't simply match Aerio because they are heavier and, in the Toyota case, they have a smaller engine. If you like sport cars and their performance, the Aerio model could surprise you. Can similar models do the same? Of course, not!
"Can't believe that I would see another digital dashboard again": Ah, I love this one. Let's see, the people that complains about this haven't realized that digital displays are here to stay. Is the same people that has a digital watch, heat coffee in a digital displayed microwave, plays music in a digital displayed sound system, watch movies in a digital displayed VHS or DVD and even pump their gas from a digital displayed gas pump. Gimme'a break!
"Suzuki cars have steep depreciation... always have, its not new to the Aerio": Maybe where you live. Here in Puerto Rico, depreciation for Suzuki and Toyota models in GOOD condition are not that steep. You can still find a nice looking Suzuki GL 80's models (3 cylinders engine) that would not sell for less than $4000.
"X model car is a little more expensive but is better than Aerio": When you're spotting differences between a $5 bill and a $10 bill, you
will always find a $5 difference. Same size, same printing system but different value. That's exactly what's happening when you try to compare an Aerio with a "little more expensive" car. This is the same mistake that specialized car and consumer magazines do. They go as far as telling that every economic model is "cheap, bouncy and spartan". Simply is not fair.
This is not my first Suzuki. Got a '88 Samurai and later a '92 that I still own. 92,000 miles later it's still nice and has a nice resale
value.
In Puerto Rico, we don't have problems with geographic location of dealers. They are almost everywhere. Actually, Suzuki started selling their 4 wheeled models here in 1980, a few years before General Motors started offering them in 1985 as the Pontiac "Firefly" and the Chevrolet "Sprint".
About all the whining issue that I mentioned before, make clear the following statement: "When you buy a $16,000 car, you get a $16,000 car. Nothing more, nothing less". And if you can't simply afford an expensive car, stick with your own. Maybe you will miss it after you dump it.
Well, that's all for now. Read you later!
I was one who mentioned the brake clunk, but I also mentioned the dealer attempted to fix it with the modified clips and it did not rectify the problem. I know a couple other people have mentioned the same thing in here.
I also was one who complained about the wearing of the fabric on the door panel. I had a 2003 model and the wear started showing at a ridiculously low 5,000 miles. Again, others have mentioned the wear at very low mileage.
Pricey cars have been recalled for more serious problems? Well, conversely, some Aerio's are being recalled for a windshield that may detach itself from the car in an accident, thus allowing non-belted occupants to be ejected out. That's a pretty serious safety recall and one that I have never heard before.
The "powerful" engine in the Aerio has been proven in many different tests to be very average in performance and in fact slower than cars that weigh as much but have less power. So it's performance is no excuse for its average fuel economy or noisy nature.
As for resale, that may be the way it is in Puerto Rico, but here it is completely the opposite. Your 02 Aerio is worth a paltry 9k right now, if that. 80's Swift models routinely sell for $500-1000 max. If resale is that great there, more power to you. All I gotta say though is Puerto Rico must have one magically strong used car market.
If you like your Aerio, great. Just don't discount other's problems because you love yours so much.
But I am interested in hearing from anyone who may have done a plus one tire / wheel upgrade . . . anyone out there ???
About the "flying windshield", since I'm always belted got no problem with that. I do prefer keep myself in one piece than worrying for a windshield.
Maybe the engine is not enough powerful for you, but I insist in my own experience on the road. I don't know, maybe the baby under my hood is gifted.
Per capita salaries in Puerto Rico are not as high as in the mainland. And if you add trasportation and tax costs, new cars are much expensive. So, people here use to give a little more TLC to their used cars and that makes them last longer and lower their effect on depreciation. You maybe surprised by the number of 20+ years old GL's that are still here on the road.
Puerto Rico is an excellent place to sell mainland used cars. I bought an used but very nice '92 Samurai in North Carolina in 1999 for only $2000. Spent $650 in just shipping and some local tax paper work. After only a $800 investment on a few goodies (back seat, new soft top, tach cluster and other stuff) the less generous offer for it still goes over $4000.
Your own experiences are valid, but I think you are distorting the truth with your claims that the Aerio is not faster than most, if not all, of it's competitors.
Now, maybe my car was unusually slow, but its performance just didn't live up to its specs. The AC also seemed to sap way too much power from the engine. I think the Aerio's engine was just tuned wrong. It has the potential to be a lot faster than how it feels and how it tests, but I think Suzuki geared the ratios more towards economy and tuned the car more for low-end torque at the expense of mid-high end power. As a result, the car feels like its out of breath when you try to push the engine to pass or when driving on the highway. It honestly reminded me of a SOHC 8 valve engine rather than a DOHC 16 valve in its reluctance to rev and its lack of higher rpm power. I think variable valve timing would work wonders for this engine or at least better spaced shorter gearing. While I'm suggesting improvements, I think Suzuki needs to invest in a counter rotating balance shaft to smooth out the vibes.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the Aerio's versatility, hauling capacity, and comfortable seats. Suzuki worked wonders in the room and comfort departments and with current rebate deals the Aerio SX is a great value. I only wish I didn't encounter so many problems so I could have been a satisfied customer like you and saved myself thousands of dollars.
So far it has performed fine. The 0-60 mph acceleration isn't all that great, but good enough for me (I test drove the manual transmission version which performed better). However, I've noticed that the power drops a bit in the rain--have other owners noticed something similar?
Also, should I consider taking up the extended warranty? The Aerio SX is a recent model (came out in 2002), so long-term maintenance issues are an unknown. Am I better off taking up the extended warranty only when the factory warranty (3 year/30K miles bumper-bumper, and 7 year/100K mile on powertrain) is about to expire?
Thanks in advance for all your inputs.
-DS
Over half million 2001 thru 2003 VW’s and Audi’s has been recalled to replace their ignition coils (4 in total). These could lead to a partial loss of engine power that could cause an accident. Recalled models are TT, A4, Jetta, Golf, Beetle and Passat (including it’s V8).
2000 thru 2002 BMW X5 brake hose could rub against tire and leak.
2001 and 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe engine could stall unexpectedly due to defective crankshaft position sensors.
2003 Mitsubishi Outlander accelerator could be stuck due to ice on it’s throttle valve in extreme cold.
2002 Nissan Altima and Xterra airbag may not deploy in crash.
1998 thru 2002 Chrysler and Dodge Cars (all models!) driver’s seatback may recline suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in loss control and, possibly, crash.
1997 thru 2002 Chrysler and Plymouth Prowler suspension components could separate as a result of corrosion.
2002 Grand Caravans and Town & Countrys fuel could leak from tank and cause fire.
2000 thru 2002 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMS SUV’s potentially dangerous pinch points in rearward-folding head restraints on second-row seats.
2003 Infinity G35 fuel hose could be disconnected when engine is started or car is driven. Fire hazard is possible.
If after reading all these, you still think that the Aerio is a menace to your integrity or a threat to our nation security, I will just rest my case.
The fact that none of our Aerios has any of the mentioned SERIOUS faults, might make us think that we made an excellent purchase.
The SX had plenty of oomph the whole way, went through a few sudden storms, and handled admirably.
My serviece woman found the tsb for the brake calipers after I told her about it. She ordered the parts so I can have the work done once I return from Argentina.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards