New Car opinions

[Shad0wguy]

Hey all. Since wrecking the GA I have been thinking about what to get next. I have 3 cars in mind and all have their own factors I like about them. So now I come to you looking for your opinions...

- 2002-2003 Pontiac Aztek
$8K-$11K
Cargo room, towing power, good styling(IMO)

- 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe GT
$9K-$12K
Speed, Versatility, cargo room, Awesome styling

- 1995-1998 Lexus SC300/SC400
$10K+
High milage due to Lexus name, awesome styling, very fast

So thats what I am looking at. I know most of you are gonna say no to the Aztek cause everyone hates its styling. But the Vibe seems to be the top runner in my book as it is a mix of the Aztek and Lexus with decent storage and cargo ability, along with decent performance (170HP/6-speed MT).

So now I want your opinions.

[gran_dam98]

From that list, I'd say the Vibe.. You got it right about my opinion of the aztek.. and the lexus.. well I would want newer than that. I don't know about your area, but in my area, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, all of them don't exist.. so fixing something could be a PITA.
I've driven the Vibe GT.. Nice car, decent power.. same engine out of the Celica GTS. That get's my vote

[lagetur]

I like the way the lexus looks but i think it would be better to have a newer car. So i would say the vibe. Aztecs dont appeal to me but its your choice.

[praasch]

i'd say vibe....i've been kinda looking at those lately for when i move away from the grand am down the road....decent looking vehicle...i'd take that over the aztec any day...

[Chain]

anything but that butt ugly Aztek.

[DoubleOZeroGAse]

IMO Vibe GTs (and their twin, the Toyota Matrix XRS) suck, they run Toyota's 180hp 140lb-ft 1.8L I4, which is very high strung, I drove a manual Vibe GT at Autoshow in Motion and I hated it, needed to rev to over 3k just to get it moving. I would say Pontiac Aztec, I also like the styling, and the 3.4L motor has good torque and overall it still gets good gas mileage. Good luck finding that Lexus without being overpriced or beat on...just my $0.02

[Crackers]

Go for the Vibe.

The Lexus will cost you a fortune to fix, and given it's age you will have to fix a lot.
The aztec; not really good for towing power (don't forget it is a FWD without a frame), and bad resale given it's low popularity.

[rabidpanda69]

yeah, an aztek wont tow a whole lot. If I were comparing cars, that wouldnt be on the plus list for the aztek. Other wise I pretty much agree that the vibe is the way to go. I've never been a fan of lexus, and I've seen quite a few in the shop. The aztek seems too big for what it is.

[SpecialFX]

Def. not the lexus. Like everyone said, its old, will ahve high miles and be expensive. I actually like the aztecs, too. For me, between the aztec and vibe, i'd shop around and see which I could get the best deal on. Vibe is sportier, but the aztec is bigger, and i love that it stands out in a crowd.

[Shad0wguy]

I appreciate all your feed back.

Nice thing is I got to drive a base model Vibe when I rented it in Florida. When I get back to NY I am gonna try and see if I can find a dealer with an Aztek to test drive.

I think you are right about the Lexus. Just cause it's a lexus it cost alot even with 150K+ miles is still $9K.

So the Vibe GT is top runner with the Aztek a close second.

Keep those opinions coming.

[Prospeeder]

As long as the azteck has colored bumpers, if not, there disgusting. THe Vibes are kinda, station wagonish, and Lexus's will be beat on and expensive as hell

[Subtle_Cynicism]

I haven't read this thread, just putting my input in.

I know the Vibe GT's knock if you don't put Premium in. Again, usually not an issue, but some people don't like to pay extra for premium.

The Aztek is and will forever be a cult classic. Loved by few, hated by many. I used to be one of the many who hated it; but towards the end of it's life, I saw some wonderful things done to it; and I think they look pretty damn sharp as a result of it. The versitility to them is endless.

I know nothing about Lexus, and I'll keep it that way :).

[born4drivn]

I say it comes down to how much room you want, screw the lexus for many, many reason's, but as some have said, the vibe is sportier, but the aztec is one of the most versitile vehicles out there!!!! which ones suites you best, sportiness, or versitility???

[Bouchie11982]

get the vibe...it is nice the aztek looks too...umm..odd to me. but get whatever u like :)

[born4drivn]

THIS MAY HELP A LITTLE TOO, www.cars.com They have reviews and lots of info

[Frosty]

I would forget the Lexus like everyone has already said. Over priced for what you'll get. If towing is a main concern for you then i would forget the Aztec and look into a small GM truck. Like the Colorado, then you'd at least have a full frame for towing and the inline 5cyl gets pretty decent gas mileage for a truck and with the addition of a lockable toneau cover you'd have good storage too. However if towing is not your main concern then your first choice of the Vibe is still probably your best bet. That Toyota engine is suppose to be pretty reliable.

[Shad0wguy]

Thanks for all the feedback. I have decided to go with the Aztek for its versatility and gas mileage. And of course, price.

I am currently in the process of convincing my mother to allow me to get this Aztek (http://tinyurl.com/bt7a2). I don't NEED her aproval as I can get a loan w/o a co-signer. But I still want her to be OK with it, since I still live at home.

But this Aztek is a great value for the price, and if I get it I will be sure to post pics.

And I will also put my GA up for sale either as a whole or parting it if there is enough interest.

[Shad0wguy]

Ok, it's a go. I will check out the 'tek in the next week and make the decision if I want it or not.