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Comments
$23 was great price on the bumper plate. Bought it today for $32.
Last night I saw Mazda's new ad for the 2001 MPV: the theme is "zoom, zoom, zoom", the music is upbeat and playful, and they compare it to the RX-7 and the Miata! Any bets that there's a bigger engine in the MPV's future?
Mazda has said since it's introduction that they want to position the MPV as the "sports car of mini-vans", but they've taken a beating in the press, as we all know, because of the sub-par acceleration performance (sorry, but a spade is a spade is a spade).
I know that plenty of people like myself have been keeping a close eye on the MPV because it fits so well with our needs (I really don't need a bus, but I would like 7 passenger seating), and one of our mutual concerns has been power. In my case, we live in the mountains and I want to tow a small tent camper - the 2.5l just won't cut it.
(My Forester's 2.5l 4-cylinder beats Mazda's 6 in HP, peak torque, and low-end pulling power, and does all that while meeting NLEV emissions in all 50 states. What the heck is Mazda doing with those extra cylinders anyway?)
The ad said that August 17th is the official launch date for the 2001's.
By the way, there have been a few posts from people who have called Mazda or a dealer on the larger engine issue for next year. As someone who's been involved with product launches before, I can tell you that those people who do know at Mazda have been sworn to secrecy under penalty of losing their job, and those that don't know won't find out until after the fact. Mazda has to move their current inventory, and that's just the way it's done.
I'm very hopeful for the bigger engine. Advertising is expensive. They wouldn't spend the money on image if they couldn't fit the bill.
Food for thought...sorry for the long post.
Thus, I find it difficult to believe that the 3.0L will magically appear in the 2001 MPV without any advance warning. I would be very pleasantly surprised if Mazda were to do so, but I wouldn't get my hopes up on it at this point. A few months ago, I would have bet on the 3.0L appearing very soon, but since I've seen absolutely nothing in the press about it, I'm downgrading my prediction.
They will have to do something soon, but I fear that they are hunkering down until 2002 or very late in the 2001 model year. Not that it matters much to me, as I've been enjoying my 2.5L MPV since March, but I do hate to see my vehicle harangued in the press for being underpowered.
-derek
It's clear that the mainstream automotive media are willing partners in advertising up and coming models, i.e. that they're fed information intended by the manufacturers for public consumption (all the "secret" exposes notwithstanding - with the amount of money on the line, no magazine is going to risk irritating an auto manufacturer).
I do wonder about the case where the manufacturer is concerned about moving inventory at the end of the model year.
Probably wishful thinking on my part. Fortunately, we have only a few weeks before we find out.
Sorry if I rambled on too long,
Anxiously awaiting September 6th,
Steve
I've read that you can't put a 4x8' sheet of plywood flat into the MPV. Will they fit on edge?
I don't haul building supplies very often, and when I do, it's typically small amounts (in fact, I've put 2-3 sheets of drywall up on a roof rack before to get them home). I'm wondering if you can get the hatch closed with a 4x8' sheet in the van.
I'm assuming that there's enough height to get the sheets in on their edge if you lean them over a bit.
TIA
Don't forget that the MPV is based on the 626 platform, so it has a short wheelbase for a minivan. By comparison, it's 14" shorter and 4" narrower than the Odyssey. You can't fit quite as much in the back, but it's a lot easier to park or fit into a narrow garage. Also, as you pointed out, you can easily strap sheets of plywood or drywall to the roof.
I am joining the MPV club too. I am just closing a deal for LX silver with 4 seasons, security pkg, rear a/c, roof rack, 3 in 1 audio for 23,250. I am also getting 2.9% for 36 months. I am paying 250 above invoice. I know many people have got much much better deals, but I am new to USA and I dont have a great credit history, so nobody will give me even the normal APR finance. The only one I got approved was for 10.59%. So I decided to take the dealers offer. Even though it is higher than what others paid, I will still save on the interest which will make things even. ( I hope so).
I have a question. My van does not have mud guards and rear bumper step plate. I wanted to add them and the dealer wont give them in invoice price any more. The labour charges he adds is very high. Is it possible to buy them and fit them by myslef? Any opinions on this?
Thanks in advance.
One more question? Any body bought extended warranty from the dealer? How is it priced?
Thanks.
(about 8" between the two front seats).
Take care.
I'd guess (only a guess) that we won't see a 3.0 motor until the 2002 model year. With the Tribute/Escape arriving, I don't think there will be the capacity for supplying all those 3.0s to the salavating masses (us). But, who knows...
Cheers!
--Java
The rubbing alcohol removes any wax or polish on the bumper. If you clean only with water, the plate may only be sticking to the thin wax layer which will wear away in time.
I installed the bumper plate a couple of weeks ago, and am pleased with it.
--Java
The front mud flaps are a bit more difficult to attach than the rear as they require you to drill one hole in the bottom of each front wheel well so that a rivet can hold it more securely. Other than that they have two other screws that hold each of them in place. The rear flaps simply attach (in about five minutes) with a couple of screws at the edge of the wheel well opening. There are no special skills required and the directions are very explicit.
Thanks for the reply. I will try myself to fix the bumper step plate and mud guards.
Thanks again.
Don't get the extended warrenty from the dealer, you can get a much better deal from just about any car insurance company. From the dealer, I was quoted a price of $1200 for a 5 year 75,000 mile warrenty. By comparison, Allstate had a 5 year 90,000 mile warrenty for about $650.
-Java
I'm finally ready to buy the MPV. I have been to a dealer today and tried to talk about numbers slightly and when I mentioned the holdback I was told that there's no such thing for import cars here. Is it true that Mazda doesn't provide Canadian dealers with holdbacks? Any Canadian buyers who accounted for holdbacks out there? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
for more info on apa and other canadian tips, go to topic 1258
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=Vans&f=0&t=1258
re: the bumper recall. My dealer also showed me a memo from Mazda talking about the recall. Said it was supposed to be issued "beginning in July," but July just barely ended. I think it'll be along the same timing as the tire pressure recall. That started in June, and I got my literature just last Friday. So, it'll probably be issued sometime mid-to-late September. Also, the factory could be using all their available parts for the 2001 models, which are surely being constructed right now.
--Java
If Mazda (or the dealer) already put new (correct) stickers on, why the need for a recall?
Perhaps older models didn't have the updated manuals? Just a guess.
Kudos to our dealership The Mazda Gallery in Massachusetts for your diligence on this matter .
Has anyone done this? I got the smoke one, it looks pretty good. After going to the Jersey shore a few times I noticed the very front of the hood was getting marked up. Hope this helps the situation. I paid $68 from the dealer, and I put it on in about 10 minutes.