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I have owned Mazdas exclusively for the last 10 years, but at this exact moment, my next minivan looks to be a KIA. I can't even believe that I am saying that.
BUT...Kia is releasing the new Sedona in a short-wheelbase version. Their people are saying that this will be a "sporty" version. The same powerful 3.8 liter, firmer independent suspension, but nicely sized for parking and for those of us who don't want a mammoth.
The only van that could compare would be the latest MPV...hmmm...I can't buy that one!!!!!
It is a sad day when Kia is picking up the ZOOMZOOM mantra for an entire vehicle segment that Mazda has apparently abandoned.
Fortunately my current MPV will last me a few more years so Mazda has time to change their mind.
Odie
Duratec supposedly one of Ford's best, proven longevity and track record.
Tranny is from Japan, aside from some software issues on some of the years, it has been a solid unit.
No complaints here. I might swap it for a Mazda 5 diesel in couple years, otherwise I will keep it for at least 10 years.
John
Odie
I beg to differ. The base engine was sent over to Japan from Ford. Mazda did some control work to it. It would be a stretch to call it a Japanese product.
John
The only reason CR has downgraded the MPV from one of those most reliable, to not recommended, is because of the
programming software issue with the trans. that was easily rectified. CR doesn't differentiate a mild software upgrade for the transmission to one that has the trans. falling out from beneath your vehilce. So, I wouldn't worry about that as it affected 2003 and early 2004 models.
The only Ford part I know about is the Duratec engine...one of their best. MPV is built in Japan...fit and finish, as well as overall quality, is outstanding in my opinion.
I've noticed in a few of your postings, mentioning about the M5 DIESEL?
Where did you get that for US?
Just curious....coming from Diesel Land of Europe.
Thanks,
Dan
Last update was that it was coming to Canada.
Mazda US surveys are asking about whether people will be interested in it.
It is only my opinion, but the US diesel version seems a logical next step once the fuel gets cleaned up here.
An no, I don't work for Mazda or Ford or any car maker, I am just a normal guy.
John
I was recently in Austria and drove a manual 6 spd Diesel M6 wagon....it's a ZOOM-ZOOM come true!!!
Diesel technology ( in Europe) is light years ahead of what Diesel engines represent on some US trucks.
Or it could be ( according to other folks I spoke with)...a political issue of not encouraging Diesel for the US auto-market.
Now grasp that....
Thanks for clarifying, John
It is changing though. Even Pres. Bush publicly stated that he wanted the clean diesels coming in.
It just makes sense, from a global perspective, to get the best technology in place. I think the emissions bug-a-boo will eventually get addressed. Then once we get a funtional modern diesel engine car available in all 50 states, the word will spread.
Mercedes (IIRC) is planning on being in all 50 this fall, with their Blu-tec engines and technology.
John
Don't know why you mechanic would have a problem finding parts. I believe every manufactuer is required by law to prodvide parts for any vehicle they sell for up to 3 to 5 years(?)after its discontinuance. It's not like the Mazda MPV's parts aren't used by other models and makes. The Ford Duratec engine is used in 4 or 5 other vehilces. Japanese trans. is widely used as well.
Resale? If you keep it 6 or 7 years resale won't matter much. The MPV will remain a cult favorite I believe. A true quality built "smaller" minivan that handles very well and doesn't ride like a bus. If any serious problems crop up you can drive 50 miles to the Mazda dealer...your local mechanic should be able to handle all the other stuff. Good luck gurney...you'll be fine because you have thought everything out.
P.S I'm betting Mazda will bring back the all new MPV model in 2 or 3 years...ZOOOOOOOOMMMM ZOOOOOMMMM ZoooMMM
I certainly understand the value of a quality local mechanic...but in this case your mechanic is wrong. If the MPV had something unusual like a rotary engine I would understand his concerns. (not everyone can work on a rotary)...the 3.0L V6 is found in quite a few other products. (tribute, escape, mariner, mazda6, fusion, milan, 500, montego, etc)...if parts were hard to find you would hear alot of noise from alot of people. Any Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer can work on the MPV...Also MPV parts are NOT hard to get. If your thinking about an extended warranty, most Ford dealers will take a Mazda MEPP warranty since its backed by Ford.
....Also, worried about resale value taking a nose-dive because that's usually what happens when brands are dropped. In five years will people say, "Mazda M-P-what??"....
IF your like many van owners after 5 years of carting around kids and stuff there isnt much van left to worry about resale values.lol... Also, MPV are selling at substantial discounts compared to some other import vans...so even if resale value is less, it cost you alot less to buy the van...so your out of pocket expenses are similar.
Jipster has provided you with some great first hand information and as you have read on here...MPV owners seem to be a very happy bunch compared to other vans. If you feel the MPV is the perfect vehicle for you then buy it.
First, the bad.
1. This was the first time I wished we had a bigger van. This same group rented a Town and Country about a year ago for a week long trip in Orlando and had no problem fitting everything behind the 3 row. This trip we packed lighter, but still had to place luggage below our kids feet. Everything fit, but it was very tight.
2. I thought the middle row seats were uncomfortable. They felt a little low, and I'm not a tall guy (5'8", with a 30" inseam).
The good.
1. Power. Alot of folks seem to think the MPV is underpowered, but I never felt that way on this trip. I was a little worried about crossing over Siskyou Summit and the Grapevine, but the MPV did fine. While I wouldn't call it effortless, the MPV felt strong, never strained.
This is a nice driving car. Not like the 6 we test drove and almost bought, or even my wife's Passat, but not bad either.
One thing that is dissapointing is the mpg. My normal route to work (about 40% city and 60% freeway) is averaging right around 18 mpg. With it's EPA estimates, I was hoping for 20 mpg or better. And it's getting slightly worse as time goes on. (They do change the gas here in Portland in the winter, so maybe things will improve in the spring.) FWIW, our V8 Explorer averaged about 15 mpg for the same route.
I've also noticed a crunching sound that sounds like it's coming from the steering column or under the dash when I turn to the left.
Overall, it's been a terrific van. For us, the size is just fine 99% of the time. Being able to out to dinner with my folks and not having to take 2 cars is great.
Too bad the MPV will soon RIP.
Vic
Hope this helps
Odie
The small and midsize SUV market can't seat 7 as comfortable as a minivan. Only the monster SUV's...at $$$.
So, a carlike minivan would be a good alternative between the big minis and suv's.
1. '06 Mazda MPV
2. '06 Scion xB
3. '06 Mazda 5
4. '06 Saturn Vue (wife likes this one)
5. '06 Pontiac Torrent
We are still sticking to the price cap of $28,000 and MPG is going to be a deciding factor.
MPG's (price range);
1. MPV - 18 cty / 22 hwy ($26k - $28k)
2. xB - 30 cty / 34 hwy ($16k - $18k)
3. Mazda 5 - 20 cty / 24 hwy ($19k - $20k)
4. Vue - 19 cty / 25 hwy ($18k - $24k)
5. Torrent 19 cty / 25 hwy ($24k - $26k)
I know most people look at the xB and go "Eeewwwww" but I did have a wrangler at one point so I'm use to driving a box on wheels, but the MPG is nice.
Odie
-Brian
The 2005's are going for a song these days. You could get a fully loaded ES for around 22.5. If you can find one you like with low miles. The 2005 is identical(save exterior color choices) to the 2006 model.
The 250hp Honda engine would be nice in the Vue.
1. Highlander
2. Rav 4 (the 06 is bigger than the last version)
3. MPV
We live in Arizona, and have almost no use for 4WD, but i would hate to buy a suv without 4wd for resale. The MPV came into the picture recently, and i really dont know too much about it.
Questions:
1. I have read many of the posts here, and there have been many positive comments. Do you guys have ANY problems/dislikes about the MPV.
2. How is reliabilty?
3. Pricing - i think i should be able to get below invoice - is that a fair statement???
4. Anything in general i should know???
Thanks for your help in advance!
dan
But we paid about $23.5k in 2002 for an LX.
Only problem is that resale is very low now since the new ones are so cheap. By all means get a new one, it is a bargain and a half for a great van.
John
Odie
Big discounts on the leftover 05's.$2,000 rebates and $500 off if finance thru Mazda on the 06's. So, you'll probably save about 4-6k over comparably equipped Highlander or Rav 4.
Some people complain about lack of side curtain airbags and vehilce stability control. Also navigation not available. So, if you "need" those things...then you probably won't care for the MPV. Good luck.
Except for our one trip to SoCal a couple of months ago, the MPV is the perfect size for our family of 4.
We also test drove the Highlander. My wife and I loved it. I'll admit, if it weren't for the huge rebates and discounts we got on the MPV last summer, we'd probably have got the Highlander.
I still see ads for 05 MPVs in the paper. Sometimes up to $9K off MSRP. (We got ours $6K off last summer.) So yes, you should be able to get one below invoice right now. They probably won't have great resale in the future though, due to current rebates and the fact that it will be RIP after this model year.
Just one last thing. Have you also considered the Mazda5? It's smaller than the MPV, but still holds six people. This was another car on my radar last summer, but they were not on the lots when our Explorer lease ended. I've heard the 3rd row is pretty tight, but I'd bet it's no worse than those in the Highlander and new RAV4.
Good luck.
Vic
Thanks in advance for your assistance...
The 2003 and very early 2004 had a transmission issue with "shift shock". The fix was having transmission control module reprogrammed at the dealership...which was a simple procedure. If you are buying at Mazda dealership I would have them check to make sure all warranty/TSB issues have been taken care of. Or, you could take the vans VIN number in to have it checked out. Try to find out as much as you can about its repair history.
Odie
Odie's Garage
Hope you are correct about it coming back in 2008.
Odie
Odie's Garage
Per Mazda press release, "Mazda Motor Corporation has announced its plan to launch the all-new MPV in Hong Kong, where it will be named Mazda 8, in May 2006" It has already been released in Japan where it is still called the MPV. The artilce also stated that a decision to bring the Mazda 8 to other global markets hasn't been decided.
The Mazda MPV/Mazda 8 will have a 4cyl, but it will be turbo charged and produce around 240hp. I have read that it will have a lower profile/style like the Mazda5, but that it will have third row seats.
-Brian
Manual says a bunch of vague things about being careful not to hit any of the buttons with the remote battery out, or else it may need to go back to the dealer for repair.
Obviously, if the remote battery is very dead then the buttons usually will get punched a bunch of times trying to get it to work.
So am I dooomed to the dealer, or does anyone have an idea?
John
Do a search (e.g. using the search engine that starts with "g") on "Mazda MPV remote reprogram". One of the links should take you to an eBay offer for reprogramming instructions for $3.95.
How about e-mailing me the link?
Thanks,
John
Nevermind, got it. Instructions follow:
Open drivers door and leave open.
Lock and unlock the drivers door using the power door lock switch on the door.
Insert key into the ignition.
Turn key to on position and return to off position. (IMPORTANT - use ON position NOT ACC position)
Do this 3 times within 10 seconds. Leave key in the ignition
Open and close the drivers door 3 times. (Door should be left open after this step)
ECU should respond by locking and unlocking the doors.
Press any button on remote #1. ECU responds by locking and unlocking the car doors.
Press any button on remote #2 (etc.) Each time the ECU will respond by locking & unlocking the doors.
When you're done, remove the key from the ignition and the ECU will respond a final time with a series of door locks and unlocks.
Works fine now, took about 2 mins to do it. Other posters over at mazdaworld tried it on their 3 and their 6 and it worked for them too.
Now we have the scoop here at Edmunds, not even $3.95 needed! Thanks to all.
John
I'm looking for a 2000 MAZDA MPV manual.
If any body has one I can photocopy or scan it
TKS
TKS
Do you keep the 2000 MPV?
Thanks