Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 09:31:14 AM
I've always rather liked the look of the Aztek--not attractive, but maxing out interior space in a fairly efficient shape that looks to drive like a car. Looks like a very functional vehicle to me. Ian has always said they are ugly as sin, so I might have a hard time selling him on this one.
Just thinking about it. The more I think about it, the more I don't want another tiny Saturn micro-sedan, even if it does have a nice trim package.
Odd that we can get an '04 Aztek for the same price as an '03 Saturn Ion, roughly similar condition. Strange.
Thoughts?
Post by: Manedwolf on September 29, 2008, 09:32:13 AM
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 09:33:22 AM
No, I'm sorry. They're not just ugly. They're the only car whose looks would be improved by a front end collision.
This might well be true. I know some people like that too.
But it is an ugly that I can get along with.
Post by: Gewehr98 on September 29, 2008, 09:38:49 AM
Anything ugly enough to garner Manedwolf's displeasure is definitely worth buying.
I rented one in Omaha a few years back, and got acquainted with it over the course of a week.
It ain't the prettiest thing, but by gawd it is very utilitarian, and if you have kids you'll discover all sorts of features geared towards that particular hobby.
Since so many folks are revulsed at the lack of rice-ishness, you can probably find one for pretty cheap these days.
Had I not bought a new Jeep Liberty a couple weeks ago, I was seriously considering finding a low-mileage Aztek to buzz around in. FWD in the Wisconsin snow would work just fine. Alas, the 4WD of the Liberty was my downfall.
Post by: roo_ster on September 29, 2008, 09:59:54 AM
First, the Honda Uglyment is high on your list. I own and appreciate mine, but I am under no illusion that it is a fine lookin' automobile.
Then, you are interested in the only auto on the market that makes an Uglyment look good in comparison. If the Uglyment is homely, the Aztek is "scare the children" fugly.
I have no idea how one would drive. If their reliability record is good and it will do what you need it to, don't let its looks stop you.
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 10:10:04 AM
I decided to skip the Element because of the high miles. The Element was appealing for its utility, as well as my positive personal experiences with it. I was selling new cars for Honda when it came out, and I sold a lot of them. I really liked it then, too. The Aztek is a more reachable car with some of the same utilitarian value. Too bad it's all carpeted.
The most useful vehicles tend to not be the prettiest.
I'm giving up my 1993 Jeep Cherokee. My first 4WD. It was not attractive, but it was a very useful vehicle. Sadly, it had too many problems to be safe, but it sure was handy last winter when we got record amounts of snow, spread out over an unprecedented number of snowfalls. I'll miss it this winter.
I'm sad that I can't get the Element, but it really is still beyond my price range. My real misgiving about the Aztek isn't looks, but gas mileage. <20 mpgs. Just barely under 20 for highway, but still not good. My Jeep was around 12 mpg, and the gas was just about breaking us.
Post by: Gewehr98 on September 29, 2008, 10:12:42 AM
She's not looking for a beauty queen of an automobile.
She's looking for something to tote herself and her family around, with good internal space and functionality.
She's already mentioned the looks of the Aztec don't dissuade her from what could be a nice vehicle for her purposes.
I've driven one for a while, and had subordinates who owned a couple.
Beauty is only skin-deep, and with the Aztec, the depth of ugly is very shallow.
Go drive one, BridgeWalker. You may be pleasantly surprised, and you'll be comforted to know at least some of the folks here at APS won't steal it.
Post by: Harold Tuttle on September 29, 2008, 10:14:18 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Rendezvous
It could not pull itsself down a snow covered road that had been driven on by several 4wd trucks
It high sided the belly pan and gas tank on the 8 inches of snow between the tracks and was immobilized
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 10:29:28 AM
I am sure gonna miss my Jeep when the snow flies. Our neighbor with a Rendezvous had no problems this winter. The key to crossovers seems to be remembering that they are cars with the interior flexibility of a small SUV.
Post by: Scout26 on September 29, 2008, 10:38:29 AM
I've always rather liked the look of the Aztek
You been hittin' the sauce again ??
On the plus side the Azbutts are sooooo fugly, that Pontiac was practically giving them away just to get them off the lots. So they should be fairly cheap to buy used. Got pretty good JD Powers scores IIRC, on everything except exterior style.....Yep, here Wiki's take on it.....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Aztek
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 10:53:40 AM
I like the look because I want something that looks useful rather than pretty.
Incidentally, I'm also considering a Grand AM GT
Better gas mileage than the Aztek.
I dunno. I'm all the place, just trying to find something that has enough practically and excitement and interesting-ness to last me five or six years.
I had a Sunbird years ago, but even that classically girly econobox had the typical Pontiac red lit dash with a just enough overdesigned IP that it's fun to look at.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 29, 2008, 11:27:23 AM
Chris
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 11:28:37 AM
Bridgewalker, it was a Grand Am SSE (similar to GT) that tried to kill me.
Chris
Chris
Details?
Post by: Balog on September 29, 2008, 11:36:14 AM
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 11:43:01 AM
Consumer reports archives empirical data on reliability. Undoubtedly a more useful resource if you want actual info.
But less interesting than hearing the story.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 29, 2008, 12:01:05 PM
Bridgewalker, it was a Grand Am SSE (similar to GT) that tried to kill me.
Chris
Chris
Details?
Cruise control tried to engage 3 times while puttering along at 10mph in DC Metro rush hour traffic. Each time I had to stand on the brake and kill the engine.
Otherwise, it was merely a lemon. Wife rebuilt on tranny and had a new one installed later before we got married and I got involved. Third tranny was on it's way out when we sold it. It never ran right during the time it was under my care. Power windows were flaky. ABS failed. Stopping was interesting while it was in the process of failing, sometimes it would stop normally, othertimes it would think we were skidding and engage. Etc and so on. Her dad and brother had Grand Ams as well, both of them had all sorts of problems. Her brother's blew a head gasket and overheated.
I don't recall the year, but I think all three were mid to late 90s models.
Chris
Post by: Manedwolf on September 29, 2008, 12:04:03 PM
Post by: Ryan in Maine on September 29, 2008, 12:22:02 PM
Post by: Kwelz on September 29, 2008, 12:41:16 PM
However, I have a friend who dries one and loves it. He will tell you it is ugly but he likes the way it drives.
Post by: Tallpine on September 29, 2008, 02:01:41 PM
Have you looked at the Chevy HHR ? Lot's of room and about 30mpg
Post by: Bigjake on September 29, 2008, 03:49:10 PM
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 04:10:30 PM
We finally found the car we want. We're sure. It's good. And so far my father in law and my best friend have both told us we are morons for considering it.
It's a 2006 Pontiac G6 with 60,000 miles. It is $11,000. That is $1000 more than we were gonna spend. It is comfortable. It is not too big (I hate driving full-size sedans). It has some safety features. It looks ok. We like it. It is in good condition.
Yeah, we'd rather it had half as many miles, but it's also a couple thousand bucks less than it would be with fewer miles. I dunno. I am so stressed about this whole car thing that I'm just thoroughly miserable.
Post by: BReilley on September 29, 2008, 05:14:55 PM
First, the bad:
I find them to be very underbuilt. Rear shocks have been seen to leak as early as 15,000 miles. Has that stupid 60-degree V6 with the lower intake manifold gasket that likes to leak, seen to fail as early as 30,000 miles.
Let's talk about that engine bay - replacing a battery is easily a half-hour's work, *with* proper(air) tools. As I recall, the job requires a 13mm socket, an 11mm socket, a 10mm socket, and an 8mm ratcheting wrench, and you have to move all kinds of electrical wiring and a big junction box aside, plus lift the heavy battery straight up and out. And that's a "routine" repair. For comparison, I need a 10mm socket to replace the battery in any of my Toyotas or my wife's Miata.
Now, the good:
I thoroughly enjoyed test-driving a few customers' Azteks. They are quite comfortable, roomy and all that. Drove nicely enough, more like a minivan than anything else. Fairly quiet inside.
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 05:16:18 PM
Post by: Kwelz on September 29, 2008, 05:22:06 PM
Post by: Calumus on September 29, 2008, 05:37:09 PM
Shawn
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 05:51:19 PM
G6 shares the same platform as the Chevy Malibu and the Saturn Aura. I personally drive the Aura and love it. I looked at the G6 but am not a huge fan of the interior of the G6. There is nothing wrong with it but it just isn't my style.
I've always loved Pontiac interiors. The over-done instrumentation and the red lighting are right up my alley.
Post by: BridgeRunner on September 29, 2008, 05:52:48 PM
A quick question, does your local dealership have a website? Unless I'm reading wrong (and it has been a long day) it sounds like you're only looking in one place. If they had a site we might be able to make some suggestions by looking at their stock. The Aztec was very utilitarian, but when you mention mileage ratings you're going by the official numbers. The Aztec was massively underpowered, which means that in order to get rolling remotely quickly you have to hammer on it. That'll drop your milage to the mid teens. At that point you might as well look for another jeep. Cheers,
Shawn
Shawn
Yeah, I've pretty much decided against the Aztek at this point because of the mileage issue. I'm looking a several dealers, actually. There's one I'll probably buy from.
Just wish I could feel less of a feeling of impending doom about the one I've sorta' kinda' chosen.
Post by: cfabe on September 30, 2008, 04:26:15 AM
The G6/Malibu/Aura cars are nice. Why were you advised to avoid them? I've driven them a few times and have found them to be pretty comfortable cars, though my wife finds the seats uncomfortable.
Post by: Kwelz on September 30, 2008, 06:24:22 AM
G6 shares the same platform as the Chevy Malibu and the Saturn Aura. I personally drive the Aura and love it. I looked at the G6 but am not a huge fan of the interior of the G6. There is nothing wrong with it but it just isn't my style.
I've always loved Pontiac interiors. The over-done instrumentation and the red lighting are right up my alley.
LOl then it is right up your alley
Seriously though, it is built on a great platform. Although if you are willing to spend a bit mroe maybe look at a used Saturn Aura XE. I had an 07 XR, then traded it for an Acura TL then actually went back to an Aura. They are solid card, drive and look great. Mine is the higher end because I wanted 260HP but I almost got an XE. Heck with gas at the price it is I wish I would have.
Post by: BrokenPaw on September 30, 2008, 07:29:07 AM
BrokenMa has an '07 Pontiac G6 that she absolutely adores. She got it after we got me an '05 Grand Prix GXP, which she also loves, but which is too big for her (she can't reach the pedals without being too close to the steering wheel -- she's 5' even). The G6 is perfectly-sized for her and for me (I'm 5'11"), because it has adjustable pedals, gets pretty good mileage, and we haven't had a single problem with it other than a slow leak in a tire from a nail...not even GM-haters can blame that on the make.
If you like the G6, get the G6. Just like with guns, no matter what car you pick, there's someone out there who hates it and will tell you you're a fool for having it. Shoot what shoots well in your hands, and likewise drive what drives well.
-BP
Post by: brimic on September 30, 2008, 08:52:01 AM
Quote
Stopping was interesting while it was in the process of failing, sometimes it would stop normally, othertimes it would think we were skidding and engage. Etc and so on. Her dad and brother had Grand Ams as well, both of them had all sorts of problems. Her brother's blew a head gasket and overheated.
I don't recall the year, but I think all three were mid to late 90s models.
I don't recall the year, but I think all three were mid to late 90s models.
The mid to late 90s Grand AMs ( I'm pretty sure of all engine types) and the Grand Prixs with the 3.1L or Series II 3.8 L V-6s had serious engineering problems. Inadequate cheap gaskets that wouldn't hold up to the new coolant, hot EGR tubes running through plastic intake manifolds and a lack of heat shielding meant that a lot of these cars would have intake or gasket failures that would dump coolant into the crancase or cylinders without notice or warning. My wife's car has a Series II 3.8L, it started running really rough and I found a hole burned in the intake manifold. A redesigned replacement manifold with proper heat shielding cost over $500, I can't rememebr what the labor would have cost at a shop or dealership, but my neighbor charged me a day of babysitting his kids and a twelver of Miller Lite to do it.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 30, 2008, 08:56:12 AM
Chris
Post by: mfree on September 30, 2008, 09:01:24 AM
Quote
haven't had a single problem with it other than a slow leak in a tire from a nail...not even GM-haters can blame that on the make.
Pansy G6, my Accord would have flung that nail out into the intake, sucked it through the filter, past the throttle and into the cylinder and then chewed it into powder before farting it out into the street as so much black dust with NO DAMAGE and it would have LIKED IT.
And then the tire would have gone flat.
Post by: Manedwolf on September 30, 2008, 09:03:53 AM
Quote
haven't had a single problem with it other than a slow leak in a tire from a nail...not even GM-haters can blame that on the make.
Pansy G6, my Accord would have flung that nail out into the intake, sucked it through the filter, past the throttle and into the cylinder and then chewed it into powder before farting it out into the street as so much black dust with NO DAMAGE and it would have LIKED IT.
And then the tire would have gone flat.
I think the intake I have in mine would at least suck a nail against itself like a vacuum cleaner on a shirt.
You can hear the suction hiss sound fade if you shut it down with the windows open. Sure raised gas mileage, though. Engine doesn't have to work as hard to breathe as it did with the heavy de-resonated "family car" maze box.
Post by: Uncle Bubba on September 30, 2008, 09:06:46 AM
I recall reading that when the Aztek was unveiled at that year's big auto show for dealers, reps, writers, and such, the initial reaction was a stunned silence. One of the reps immediately dubbed it the Pontiac A$$crack.
Post by: Manedwolf on September 30, 2008, 09:08:22 AM
Just because mention of it reminded me of this, did anyone else think when the Aztek was introduced that it appeared to be no more than a newer-generation Le Mans whose body panels had been made taller? I figured Pontiac's bean-counters had told the design team to find a way to get them into the burgeoning SUV market on the cheap by using the then-current manufacturing setup for the Le Mans with only a relative few modifications.
I recall reading that when the Aztek was unveiled at that year's big auto show for dealers, reps, writers, and such, the initial reaction was a stunned silence. One of the reps immediately dubbed it the Pontiac A$$crack.
I recall reading that when the Aztek was unveiled at that year's big auto show for dealers, reps, writers, and such, the initial reaction was a stunned silence. One of the reps immediately dubbed it the Pontiac A$$crack.
It's just that front end. Japanese designers talk about a car having a "face". The Aztek has a face by Picasso.
Post by: Gewehr98 on September 30, 2008, 10:18:29 AM
Who would've thought there was a Honda Accord and/or Japanese automotive superiority threadjack coming down the pike in this thread?
Not me.
She asked about an Aztek, folks.
Jeebus.
Sound familiar?
"Hey, which version of 1911 should I get?"
"You should get a Glock!"
Post by: mfree on October 06, 2008, 02:04:32 PM
(which gives me the opportunity to say my bit about the accord was a sarcastic poke at those who do tout their own vehicles in threads like this)