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Steve, Host
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heater hoses mis routed wiring mis routed causing the speed sensor to fail. Needless to say I have been in contact with the area rep for my area and the one over the indianapolis area. Im currently working on getting Mazda to buy back the vehicle. One way or another im getting rid of the vehicle and buying a NISSAN Pathfinder. Oh and If anyone needs to get in touch with the rep over the Indiana area I have his address and phone number.
They have the retractable cover at the lowest price for new that I have seen.
What I want to find is an Escape with the front end totaled, so I can get the recent rear storage compartment out of it.
1...in many cases the dealership may not be able to tell why the engine failed unless they completely tear it apart, and they won't be doing that. The failed engine will get shipped back to mazda and they will tear it down. Engines, like anything have a certain failure rate..for any number of reasons. We have found that if there is going to be a total failure it often happens sooner than later.
2. The dealership does not buy back cars. The manufacturer buys back cars if it meets the states lemon law requirements. one failed and replaced engine isnt enough to trigger lemon law. The consumer should keep detailed records of all service records and repairs. If the consumer has multiple repairs for the same item, then lemon laws may very well apply, but if the consumer does not keep all records it may not be easy...
3. Does the consumers state have arbitration or not? if it gets to this, then a lawyer may help..but they don't come free and many states don't require the manufacturer to pay for the lawyer...some states make lemon law easy for the consumer and some don't. The owners manual/portfolio should have a booklet that has each states lemon law info.
I love absolutely everything about this SUV, although, I havent had a chance to try the 4WD out yet as we have not had any snow since I bought it.
My only problem with it is the gas mileage. I am averaging 13 MPG in the city, about 18 MPG on the highway. This thing is costing me a fortune to drive. I've tried fuel injector cleaners, gas additives and stuff like that. Nothing helps. Mileage has not gotten better at all. I drive it like a little old lady in hopes of improving the mileage.... nada.
Also, on occasion, when I start it, the engine revs really hard for about 30 seconds, its almost like the gas pedal is stuck down. It doesnt happen every time, but often enough to cause some concern.
Anyone have any ideas as to why this is happening?? Any suggestions on how to improve the mileage? At this rate, I just may have to get rid of it to get something more economical.
3500 lbs but would it be safe and even able to get boat and trailer out of water
with 2 wheel drive?
Ron
First of all, I want a manual transmission. No cruise control is available with a manual transmission. Does anybody have any experience with adding a cruise control, and if so, how is it?
Second, I can't seem to locate a 4 cyl, 4WD, manual trans. model within 200 miles of western NY. Are these that hard to come by? I really don't like auto transmissions, and unfortunately my options are very limited by wanting a manual, regardless of what manufacturer I look at.
Cheers!!
I was told today that Mazda has discontinued them all together.
Now let me ask this as well. How effective is the front wheel drive in the snows that we get up here in the northeast? How much better will a 4x4 be for this? Is it really noticeable or is it negligible?
In other words, what would you prefer?
I've had other 4x4 vehicles, but never had a FWD vehicle that I've driven in the snow and ice.
As for cruise, again, Ford gets the nod. You can get cruise with a 5 speed Escape. I asked the Ford dealership about purchasing the components from them, and having them do the installation. I was told the cost would be through the roof.
When he placed the call to find out about getting one he was informed that Mazda had bought them back and is discontinuing the production of these. So bottom line is that I can't get one. That leaves me wih having to decide to get an automatic (which probably means V6) or a FWD 4 banger with manual.
There are several disadvantages from my point of view with the Fords. The warranty is not as good, and the list of standard equipment is not as good. The incentives right now are nowhere near as good.
Tough decisions.
Has anybody spent much time with a FWD model in the snow??
My local dealer may still have a 4 cyl automatic AWD on the lot.
I have 2006's on order that have been accepted so they arent canceled yet.....but I expect the very limited availability to continue. If you want one you should get your order in by this thursday. This is when this months allocation runs...
I drove a 4 cyl. auto trans today. I wouldn't really recommend it. It was pretty sluggish compared to the 4 cyl., manual, FWD. The auto with V6 was nice though.
My issue is that I want a manual transmission so I guess I will have to settle for FWD instead of 4WD.
The local dealer's guess is that Mazda has had problems with the manuals with 4WD. Makes me wonder about the Escapes with the same setup.
I think the Mazdas are nicer than the Fords. Better incentives and better value IMHO.
New question: Does anybody know why Mazda only offers cruise control with auto trannys? Is there any reason that the factory cruise won't work with a manula tranny??
I will say that the FWD 5 speed was more lively than mine is, but perhaps not by much. I am sure the gas mileage is better with the FWD.
I want to find out if maybe the local dealer just doesn't want to be bothered so he can sell something that's already sitting on his lot.
When I hear back from him, I will let you kno what he says.
I understand your concern and hope that this is just misinformation.
I'm talking about the regular one with the four speakers.
I would like to be able to hook up an iPod, and I'm trying to find the best way to do this, but it's not easy finding info on the factory stereo, particularly since I don't own a Tribute yet.
Thanks for any info you can supply.
By the way, the guy from Mazda USA called back and basically said they had no knowledge of the buy backs and could not find out anything either. I think it was BS because when I originally called he claimed that they had a program where they could look within a radius that I defined from where I live and check stock on a vehicle that I was looking for. When I asked about this after the call back, he said that he couldn't do that.
I think audia8q is right though that if there was a problem, it would be out by now. I never got an answer about whether a 4 cyl, manual, 4WD version would be available as a 2006 model.
Right now my biggest gripe of all things is the unbelievable amount of static shock I receive when getting out of the vehicle. It snaps and hurts like heck. Must be the tire compound I guess. I need to remember the procedure for getting out of a vehicle prone to that.
The other complaint is the brake dust on the front wheels. Even though it is under warranty, I will probably switch to a ceramic pad.
Handles great in the snow, though. A little too well, it's hard to play around.
I had cruise installed for about $300 through the dealer. A little steep, but I factored it into the negotiation at sale time.
Overall great ride, but I would love to know where the 29 mpg hwy is.
Just curious about the cruise. Is it a factory Mazda one, or is it an aftermarket cruise? I would really like to have the steering wheel controls instead of another stalk.
It really is a very nice vehicle.
I rarely use cruise, but if I could get the "factory" setup for $300, I would.
I did finally install the bug deflector I bought for mine last year. Wouldn't it be nice if that increased gas mileage...... very doubtful. Based on my results to date, I doubt I'll ever see 30 mpg out of it, at least not in my local terrain. Next install is the casette deck I have laying around as well.
The vehicle is certainly more fun to drive now that I am nearly past my standard break-in of 1000 miles. I'll go for redline this weekend.
I called to ask if anybody knew if the factory cruise would work with a manual model. They said they didn't know, but that I should talk to someone in parts. The guys in parts had no clue. They said tat they guessed not because Mazda didn't offer it as a factory option. When I asked what they thought would keep it from working, they said they didn't know. Anybody know of any good reason why an aftermarket one would work, but not the factory one??
As for cruise, it is offered on the 4 cyl 5 speed Escape from the factory
I already checked witha local guy about putting a Ford Escape cruise in the Tribute and he said it would work, but that he can't seem to be able to get the kits from Ford.
thanks
So far, I have not regretted my decision to purchase this vehicle for a second. It has handled all of the inclement weather mother nature has thrown at it and has had no major issues to date. The only problem that I had was with an airbag light which came on. Dropped it off at the dealer on my way to work and they gave me a loaner for the day until they replaced the sensor.
Likes:
- Love the heated leather seats. The seats in this car are more comfortable than the seats I have owned in more expensive vehicles. The leather so far still looks brand new and seems to be of good quality.
- Stereo sounds great, and while it is not quite as nice as the Bose radio in my 02 Nissan Altima, I have no complaints. The sub woofer sounds good, and I like the 6 disc changer.
- Cabin layout. For a "compact" SUV this vehicle has a ton of legroom and cargo space. I have had to use the vehicle for hauling multiple times, and it has come in handy. Many of my friends are shocked when they ask me how much I paid for it after they have ridden in it. Love the big sunroof, and use it all the time.
- Fit and finish. Overall, no complaints. Not one rattle, squeak, or weird sound coming from the vehicle. As I said, the leather is of good quality and seems to be wearing very well. I find the plastics to be of good quality, but could do without the black marble-like trim.
- AWD and seating position. Although our winter was not as brutal as past winters, I loved the way the Tribute handled the snow, ice, and rain. I live up a pretty steep hill and this vehicle has no issues negotiating the climb (as opposed to some of my neighbors, and my Altima!). I love the fact that AWD kicks in whenever you need it and am very impressed with this system. I have been offroad in my friends 05 Escape, and these things have no problem with moderate to mild offroading.
- Seating position. This is my first SUV, and I have to be honest, I love sitting up higher in this vehicle as opposed to my Altima. This was supposed to be my wife's vehicle, but I have been primarily driving it since purchase and I really prefer sitting up higher. Can't imagine not owning SUV's from here on out...
- Handling and performance. Love the V6 and although the mpg could be a little better, I would not trade it on a 4 cylinder any day! This thing moves! I was surprised how quick this vehicle is (my Altima is very fast with a 245hp V6 engine), and how well it handles. One of the primary reasons for purchasing the Tribute, after driving everything else, was the handling and power of the V6 engine. The automatic transmission is flawless and does not have any issues trying to hunt for the right gear. Love to drive this vehicle, Mazda did a great job in engineering this vehicle. Zoom zoom is no joke!
- Looks. I think the Tribute is an attractive SUV and has a good mix of ruggedness and curves. I struggled with the bland styling of the Honda CRV, and Subaru Forester, and really am happy with the looks of this vehicle. I think this vehicle will age well, and still look good in three years.
- Value. With the incentives, I was able to purchase my loaded Tribute for less than the Escape, CRV, and other vehicles in its class. This vehicle, to me, was the best balance of features, functionality, roominess, cargo capacity, and performance for the money...
Dislikes:
- MPG. Okay, I know I bought a V6 and while I am averaging between 18-21mpg, now that gas prices have gone up I wish the vehicle had a 5 speed auto transmission to help improve both performance and mpg. Like I said, I still would not trade it in for a 4 cylinder, and the hybrid Escape is still too much $$.
- Placement of the seat heater switch. C'mon Mazda.. You could have placed these switches in a much better location. I am now used to the location, but still think this is poor engineering.
- Sirius radio. The term "Sirius Ready" is a joke. It costs several hundred more dollars to actually receive the Sirius signal and then the monthly fee. They should wither reduce the cost of the antenna/receiver, or include it to really make it ready.
- Radio controls on the steering wheel. I am spoiled with my Altima. I still hunt for the radio controls in the Tribute and think this would be a great addition.
So far, those are my only complaints, and are pretty mild. I am really impressed with the Tribute, and am very pleased with my purchase. Browns Alexandria Mazda (Alexandria Virginia) has treated me wonderfully and I definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a Mazda. Set the price on the Tribute through their Internet sales manager and was able to buy the vehicle at 4K under invoice (after 4K in incentives). They also gave me Kelly Blue Book value on my trade-in, after some negotiation. Service department has been friendly and courteous.
If you are shopping for a small SUV, you have to drive the Tribute..
I like to get the molded kind for both front and rear with the color matching my unpainted graphite grey bumper and moldings.
Does anyone know a good brand that would fit and a good place to have these installed? (I'm not much of a mechanic)
I live in the Vancouver (Canada) area and if anyone can give me some pointers it would be really appreciated.
THANKS