looking to purchase an aztek... help

Hi! I am looking to purchase a vehicle that I can rely on taking me on a 1000 mile trip 3 to 5 times a year as well as daily driving around town. I have never purchased a new vehicle and I currently drive a 1992 Chevy that has been very good to me. I have been looking at the Aztek as its price is fair (to me). I have found lots of great reviews from owners who are very loyal to it but most critics I have found compare it to very high end SUVs... which doesn't give the Aztek much of a chance. I am simply looking for a quality vehicle I can rely on. At first, I did not like the styling of the Aztek when it first came out but I can see Pontiac's attempt to fix that... and I like what I see. I don't think I can pass up the financial incentives that are out there right now... I am going to need a new car in the next few months and I think the Aztek may be the vehicle for me... as it provides plenty of room for hauling at a modest price. I have read some owners' reviews about the "hatchback" not working properly, but many times, I know that human error is to blame for such problems (e.g., not completely closing the hatchback). However, I have read about some issues with the air conditioning....

What do you think? What are the pros and cons to owning an Aztek (besides any ribbing you may take from your friends over such an exoticly designed vehicle :) )?

Thanks so much.

As an owner of an 01 Red Tek I can tell you that it will be an awesome vehicle for you. Just like any new vehicle the Tek had had it's problems. Most of the AC problems were associated with the 01's and early 02's. The problem with the hatch is kind of universal. It has to do with the springs on the hatch release not staying open long enough to come off the secondary stops. It only happens when the temperature is below 50 degrees and is an annoyance but not a big problem.

As for the razzing you may receive from friends, once they drive in a Tek it will shut them up. Most of the people I know may not of liked the looks but once they road in one they were hooked.

Someplace to further your search for info would be www.aztekfanclub.com and on Yahoo there's a Metro Detroit Aztek Fan Club. Check them out.

If you need any more info feel free to e-mail me at nxthome1@apk.net. We can meet in live chat at Azttek Fan CLub.

Jack
01 Red Tek
Mighty Quinn IV
Senior Moderator Aztek Fan CLub