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Comments
Currently, Mazda does not offer the Navigational System for your
vehicle. However, Mazda is working with other vendors to have the
Navigational System available in near future.
You may be able to purchase this as after-market accessories. However, Mazda can not recommend or guarantee the use or durability of
after-market products. Also, your manufacturer's warranty will not cover any complications resulting from the installation or use of the
product.
Lsinc
I believe I already stated this in my original e-mail but the dealer wouldn't even look at our 2001 MPV so there was no discussion of what the trade-in amount would be. He just said that the price on the 2003 of $21,882 was based on there not being a trade-in and was not good if we wanted to do a trade-in also. Then he stated that he wasn't interested in a trade-in and we were welcome to sell our 2001 ourselves. We walked out at that point and we haven't heard a word from them since. It's no skin off our noses because we really wanted the All Sport package (which the 2003 we looked at didn't have) and we don't want the power sliding doors (which the 2003 did have).
Believe me, we are telling everyone we know about how this dealer treated us!
How do I contact Roadside Assistance?
1999 Millenia & MPV - (800) 955-4929
2000 & Newer Mazda (all models) - (800) 866-1998
Certified Pre-owned Vehicles - (800) 627-7797
Hearing Impaired - (800) 999-9035
And Oh! Never noticed that 5yr/50K warranty, hmmm!
Lsinc
P.S. What am I missing? 5yr/50K warranty??? I think it's actually 48 months (4 yrs.)/50K. Sorry to rob you of that additional year!
But I will still wait for the 04 Nissan Quest. Then the race will be on between 04 Quest, Sienna and MPV (Sedona has dropped from the race)
I've been over in the Chevy Venture site causing trouble. Can you tell I have way too much time on my hands! LOL!
Lsinc (AKA: Trouble Maker)
Trouble Maker
Since I always use the remote to lock and unlock my MPV, I never noticed that the switch wasn't on the passenger side door. To some that's an issue, but I guess it wasn't a big deal to me.
Lsinc
it does not if you plan to trade-in or sell sooner to buy something else.
Even 3.0 loses a lot of value even after considering the below- MSRP price that we pay.
My 2002 ES - I paid 23.5 vs MSRP of 27, i bet i can't sell it for more than 20 or 21.
Resale value is useless, unless you live in a bubble. If you really care about the numbers, you need to look at real world TCO (not based on MRSP, but on actual sale price). So...
After (almost) four years of ownership of my 2000MPV, I owe about $9k on it (fom a sale price of $23k), have paid $16,146, and the van's trade-in value is about $12k (per Edmunds), conservatively. So, in my twisted way of thinking, TCO has been $9,146. The 'other' van would've sold for $28k, I'd owe $11k after 46 payments totalling $20,378, and have a trade-in value of $15k (per Edmunds). This would've cost me $16,378. I'm assuming insurance and fuel costs to be similar... and negating the documented fact that the MPV is more reliable than the 'other' van.
Useless resale value aside, am I just crazy thinking my MPV cost my $5,200 fewer of my hard-earned clams? Where is the cost advantage, again?
Maybe my math is incorrect?
May I ask why it becomes an issue for you?
MPV makes sense or not ?
My point is: what actually matters, if you truly care about residual value, is how much the car actually cost you over N-yrs. So what if a Honda retains 65% of it's MSRP while an MPV retains 45% of MSRP after N-yrs.
My point is: If you are only planning on having a vehicle (any vehicle) for two years, you should lease it. Less hassle, no worrying about <sarcasm warning> "Oh my! Why did I buy this car? It has such poor resale value! What was I thinking? What will I ever do? Why doesn't it have a blown 4.6L V8 (whoops, that's an Evil-Ford motor!!!) under the hood and hot cocoa dispensers when everyone else does?" </sarcasm>
My point is: look at selling prices and not MSRP, what you pay over the timespan of ownership and how much cash that you have in-hand after selling the vehicle. An Ody, for instance, will cost you ultimately more over 4yrs, even w/a higher resale value (in my way of thinking, anyway)... so, in my book, the resale value doesn't matter so very much... it's how many of my dollars went to the winds during ownership. If the difference in value makes a material difference to you, then us that in your decision, but don't just use wrought "Resale Value" steer the decision's course, like in a herd.
My point is: You want a good resale value? Go buy a Lexus. If you want to own something which you like, then buy something which you like, and quit lamenting your decision. Live, enjoy things. :-)
If you want to see dismal resale value, buy a Dodge or Chevy, or Kia minivan. I'm fairly certain that people who buy those are more concerned with using and enjoying their purchase than worrying about how much they'll get for resale value in a few years.
Don't you guys just love it when I come in here and stir the pot?
Lsinc
Yes, inquiring minds what to know about the $2K incentive especially down here in southern FL. Without it, well, I'm all washed up because of RESALE VALUE! lol .... :-)
Anyone know the scoop? If I weren't fried, I'd check the incentives link :-)
Steve, Host
Malt - I don't want love, just money
I paid for my MPV in April and got the 2K rebate. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! The car is due this week..
Thank Goodness for Edmunds!!!!!!!
Overall Edmunds has saved me about 7000 Bucks...
TJ
Dealer cash, perhaps now, instead of 'consumer' cash?
-Brian
Tomj5, I gotta figure out a way to get a cut of that action :-)
Steve, Host
First, the actual $$$ you buy the car right now is much much more important than the percentage of depreciation you're going to deal with in the future. For example, if you pay $70,000 for a Lexus, after 4 years, you may get $35,000 back, how much you're going to lose... $35,000, right? For a Mazda MPV, you may pay $27,000 for the top of line ES with every toys on it, after 4 years, you may get back $12,000, how much you're going to lose... $15,000, right? The percentage shows Lexus has a higher resale value of 50% and the Mazda has a lower resale value of 44%, but it doesn't mean you are better off for losing $35000 than losing $15000. These example may be too extreme but it happens to me personally in reality! My advice is look at the actual dollars rather than the percentage which means nothing in real life!
Second, most buyers of the MPV is getting around $4000-4500 off of the MSRP right now, and you can get around $1000-$1500 discount on the Honda Odys, or around $500-$1000 discount on the Toyota Siennas. Remember, those are the actual dollars you are going to save right now, not the future value a few years later when you sell the van, the initial saving may lead you to get more money by investing on something else. And remember, you always have to earn more than one dollar in order to spend a dollar (tax issue)!
Finally, just pick the car you like the most within your budget! I think MPV is a very good choice since it is the most reliable van in the United States, Toyota Sienna was the best but history tell us first year model usually have recalls and bugs in it, Odys is ranked the fourth behind Toyota, Mazda and Mercury in terms of reliability issue! And MPV is the only van made in Japan, where the workers are more serious about quality control issue than the people in the North America. So I believe MPV is the most reliable van in the market place right now! The major drawbacks on the MPV are:
1. The space may not be big enough for some people!
2. The transmission is a little bit jerky when going uphill during slow speeds, I can feel it's almost running of stream.
3. Some control buttons are not perfect, like the gear shifter is blocking the air controls.
4. Some features are not available like homelink, heated leather seats, power liftgate, cassette player, all wheel drive, day time running light and auto-off headlight, even on the top of the line ES I got, it doesn't have those features!
As there is no perfect car in the world just like no perfect human beings!
Stay safe out there!
Steve, Host
Is there anyone here who has experimented with the traction control system in terms of gas mileage, road handling, emergency stopping, or rear end sliding? I am wondering if there is a need to ever use the traction control off switch or should I just leave it on all the time. Does anyone know if using it can prematurely wear out any components?
The TCS only limits the amount of power the front wheels get while accelerating. During braking, ABS is what will control the wheels from locking up.
-Brian
I can also tell you that my sisters driveway is AWFUL! It's basically uphill and non paved. During that same storm, I was able to get up into the driveway without too much difficulty. The thing to remember with TC is that you have to let it do it's job. I kept taking my foot off the excellerator and putting on the break. Once I got the hang of it, I really like having it.
I haven't played with shutting it off to see if my gas mileage would improve. What has helped is mid grade gas. I have been averaging 21 to 22 MPG around town and just under 26 MPG on a trip. When we first got our MPV, it had 10 miles on it. Our first trip came up to 18 MPG. My husband wasn't concerned as he felt the engine was still breaking in. He was right, the MPG has been climbing.
Good Luck!
Lsinc
My 6'2" friend rode in the third seat with my daughter and his son. He said he had plenty of head room (one of his biggest complaints) and ample leg room.
2. The transmission is a little bit jerky when going uphill during slow speeds, I can feel it's almost running of stream.
That's interesting, I have never noticed my tranny being jerky going uphill at slow speeds. As a matter of fact, I've never noticed it to be jerky in any situation. It's very smooth.
3. Some control buttons are not perfect, like the gear shifter is blocking the air controls.
You mean the 10 ft. long gear shifter? Yeah, it's a bit of a nuisance and I'm trying to figure out why they made it so long?
4. Some features are not available like homelink, heated leather seats, power liftgate, cassette player, all wheel drive, day time running light and auto-off headlight, even on the top of the line ES I got, it doesn't have those features!
Let's see, homelink I probably wouldn't go for. Even if the vehicle has it, don't you have to pay monthly for the service? I don't know much aboutit.
Heated leather seats scare me. I've heard of a few fires. That's just me of course and it would be a nice option for those who want it.
Cassette player is an available option. I have the 6 CD changer so I don't miss the cassette player. Again, that's just me.
AWD I have heard is available in Japan and just hasn't hit the US yet. Someone on one of the Mazda boards stated this info. Of course, being in Japan doesn't do us any good but just thought I'd throw that in.
Power liftgate would be nice. On the same token, it's not that big of a deal. I love the auto power doors though.
I had the daytime running lights on my Olds. Cutlass and got a break on my insurance. I will say though that at Christmas time when we wanted to drive through the living nativity, we had to take my husbands car because we couldn't shut off the headlights without shutting off the car. It is a nice option and frankly I think it's safer. You are more visible. Especially cars that are light in color and would be harder to see. i.e. I have the Silver Sand Metallic and it's harder to see during the day.
Just my 2 Cents. But your right, Nothing is perfect.
Lsinc
Page 5-18:
When TCS is on and you attempt to free the vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS will activate. Depressing the accelerator will not increase engine power and freeing the vehicle may be difficult. When this happen, turn off the TCS.
Page 5-16:
The Traction Control System (TCS) enhances traction and safety by regulating engine torque. When the TCS detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine torque to prevent loss of traction.
-Brian
My husband went unwillingly from a 5 speed subaru to an automatic subaru (long story). He misses shifting those gears so much that he actually shifts his automatic from 2nd to drive and back again! What is it with guys and shifters?? Ok, maybe don't answer that! I don't really need to know.
Lsinc slinks away in total embarassment!
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Expected deletion time: 8:10pm EST
Well, if there is no floor mounted shifter, where do I keep my right hand while driving ?? Ummm .. let's see on the steering for 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock position ?? Naah! That's just for winter driving !! So, I will think about resting my hand on MPV's shifter and see how it flies with me.
Funny: I have not taken a test drive yet :-)
Here are my first impressions at 6.5 miles on the ODO:
1. The front end is heavy, but the suspension is very good. It handles intersection dips easily.
2. There is a very slight "rumble" feel in the steering. Most would not notice it.
3. There is no "cushion" in the Dunlop tires. They feel like hard plastic. (35lbs) The Dunlops will be replaced with Michelins.
4.Engine power is excellent. Smooth throttle response. I feel like I could "burn" rubber if I wished.
5. Tranny shifts smooth as butter in all gears.
6. Basic radio works good. The shifter doesn't interfere with radio. Note: this is not a "music" radio. Speakers are not good quality, but ok for my talk shows and news. The controls work great and very handy.
7. The LX seat covers are not good. We are having the front seats redone in leather.
8. The hitch is a neat installation. There is a "logic" box with independent power and sensors to the car lights. The trailer lights cannot "knock out" the car lights. Order this from the factory. It would be extremely difficult to add later.
9. The dealer pointed out a danger with the rear seat. Do not put your fingers in the "loops" that are the retract controls. You could break your arm if the seat slams down with your fingers caught.
Childern should never retract the seat.
10. The side doors slide easily and the safety locks work great.
11. I love the dash controls and gauges and speedo are easy to see at night.
12. The ac will freeze you on high. It is 100 degrees here.
13. The 4 seasons rear air/heat works great.
14. The auto rearview mirror is great. It draws power from the car. Order it with the car. It would be hard to add later.
Overall impression: I LOVE IT!!!!. This is my ninth new car and it is the best!!!
More info will be forth coming...
A 2002 Oddy-lx was around 25K with no discounts and a long wait a year ago. The same unit is selling at the auctions around here at $19,000. The cost to the customer to drive the ody is apx $6000...same as the MPV
So remember....re-sale values alone don't tell the whole story!!!
I do worry about Joe's uncle who bought a car the week before a $2,000 incentive kicked in. His TCO just took a hit.
Steve, Host
I contacted my salesman yesterday about our MPV. It was originally scheduled for an early May build date, and as of yesterday, it still hadn't been built. The delays have started already. The 9-12 weeks I was told it would take to arrive after I ordered it would've made for a late May or early June delivery date. It already looks like that isn't going to happen. I still have a bit of a cushion before I have to turn in my leased vehicle, but that cushion has already started to disappear.
Pluses:
- very well put together; no rattles or squeaks, fit and finish are near perfect
- very good acceleration; more than adequate for the highways
- very maneouverable; I like what the stiff suspension does for its handling (my friend's Windstar is like driving a boat!)
- very roomy; more than enough for our family of four
- very comfy front seats; I esp. like the seat height adjustments
- love the sliding 2nd row seats
- love the 3rd row seat; easy as pie to fold down and put back up
- it's the best looking MV out there!!!
Minuses:
- tranny not very smooth, esp. at varying city speeds; gear shifts are noticable
- fuel economy could be better considering its smaller size
- the passenger side 2nd row seat doesn't slide as close to the door as possible (the driver side seat is closer); this makes the walkthough to the 3rd row narrower
- uncomfortable 3rd row; too low and hard (but who cares, my family will never be back there, only guests, LOL)
- a minor point: the shifter blocks some of the HVAC controls
By no means a complete list of observations, just the things I can think of right this minute.
Overall, we love it. Definitely should be on the short list of people who don't need the room of an Ody or Sienna.