Re: Would anyone here recommend a 2003 Pontiac Aztek

I understand that man, believe me. I actually drove one today, and the look does grow on you. It's not the ugly honestly, and I went all day saying those are the ugliest cars I have ever seen until I finally got to see one up really close. I guess it's in the eye of the beholder. Maybe it is ugly, but I need a car bad, and I am approved. I'm thinking I can get past the ugliness, just worried about performance at this point. So I'll probably be laughed at or thought of as a fool for getting such and ugly car, but I looked at it long and hard today for over an hour. it doesn't look that bad actually, especially the

2003

Dennis Smith wrote Only If you like Ugly things.

Didn't your Momma ever tell you, " If you can't sayanything nice don't say nothing at all."

========= Harryface =========

1991 Pontiac Bonneville LE, 3800 V6 _~_~_~_~276,100 miles_~_~_ ~_~_

If Dennis followed that rule we'd never see him post again, he'd have to just lurk.

Google search "intake manifold leak".

That's not specific to the Aztek - it's a 3800 Series 2 problem - and even affects some earlier 3.8s. Unlike the intake leaks on a WindStar, it is not necessarily fatal.

I was not aware GM was putting 3800's into Azteks. When did they start doing that?

They dont, clare must not know that the 3.1's and the 3.4's have lower=20 intake gasket failures. The 3800 Series II has intake failures at the=20 egr passage or throttle body gasket.

It sounds like you've already decided.

Also, that's the second time you mentioned being "approved" -- what exactly do you mean? If you are feeling urgency because of anything a dealer is telling you about financing, it's probably a bad sign. If you are talking about outside financing (from your bank), why would you be approved for one specific vehicle only; you should be equally able to get financing on any similar vehicle in the same price range. Also be aware of the true mileage and gas costs of this thing; if you are struggling to afford the car the gas may become an issue next. Do you really need an SUV-type thing?

JGM

Another poster mentioned the intake leak - my intent was to say if it is an issue on an Aztek that would disuade you from buying it, it is an issue on a whole lot more of GM's line. Also to say that the GM engine survives this better than the Ford 3.8

Do you need a car that large? In October of 2002, I was looking for a replacement for the '85 Astro I had been driving for 14 years. I thought I wanted an Aztek, so I went to drive one. I also ended up test driving a Pontiac Vibe, and that is what I ended up buying.

The size was more what I needed now since 3 of our 4 kids have moved out. It's smaller, easier to park etc, and easier on gas. After having the Vibe for 15 months now, I still love the car.

The Aztek had a very nice ride and all that, but it was a lot of vehicle for just around town type driving and the occasional 5 hour trip to visit the kids.

Melissa

Melissa wrote; The Aztek had a nice ride and all that but was alot of vehicle for just around town type of drivng.........

LOL...the Aztek " ALOT " of vehicle!?

My mother drove a 60 Electra 225, then a 70 Cadillac Sedan De Ville when we were kids....now that was Alot of vehicle for just driving around town.

Now at age 78 she's driving a 91 Cadillac Brougham which is 221 inches long, four inches shorter than the 60 & 70, she won't part with this one. She loves driving the big cars.

cheers.

========= Harryface =========

1991 Pontiac Bonneville LE, 3800 V6 _~_~_~_~276,100 miles_~_~_ ~_~_