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Mazda Millenia

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Comments

  • banker74banker74 Member Posts: 26
    Just had my engine hooked up to the computer this morning. Has anybody ever gotten a 1525 and 1526 (Solenoid Valve?) code? In addition to that I got the O2 Sensors, Bank 1 and Bank 2.

    Any insights?

    Thanks,
    Derek
  • gtspecgtspec Member Posts: 55
    Derek: what's your codes for the O2 Sensors problems?

    Andy
  • softwarescsoftwaresc Member Posts: 3
    Can anyone recommend a do-it-yourself manual covering minor
    repair for 98 2.5L Millenia?
  • banker74banker74 Member Posts: 26
    First off, GT I don't remember what they were. Thanks for trying to help. All I know is that it was Bank one and two.

    I've actually decided to go another route and trade in my car rather than deal w/ all these repairs (another bigger reason is at the bottom of page).

    My question is what you all, being the knowlegeable owners you are, would accept as a trade in value? KBB blue book trade in, at "Good" condition, was $7,540. Fair condition is $6,250. So far the Mazda dealer offered me $5,000. Seems pretty low, and that I'm getting raped.

    BTW, the trade-in will not occur at a Mazda dealer.

    The car - here's the deal.

    Black Millenia S
    130,000 miles
    Everything except heated seats.
    Straight body - one minor door ding

    Problems:
    Antenna doesn't go down (they may not notice?).

    Front Axles (if they don't drive it and hear the clicking, they may not notice.) Otherwise I know that it's about a $580 repair (to the consumer)

    O2 Sensors (since two banks, at least two...but they don't know that)

    Otherwise the car runs great. Also, I feel that were I to do the repairs this would be it and it would run fine)

    Given this, is the car in Good or Fair condition? Also, what value might you shoot for?

    Thanks in advance - this forum and everybody has been great. I'm looking to buy this weekend, so the sooner the better. By the way, I'm in Southern California if that matters.

    Derek

    P.S. I love the Millenia and will miss it a lot. Nonetheless, I'd really like a somewhat sportier car that I can do some performance modifications to. Hence I'm looking at the 2001 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro.
  • herndonsherndons Member Posts: 17
    Hi
    I am considering upgrading my wheels/tires on my Millenia to an 18 inch combo. Are there any of you out there running 18s on your Millenia? The wheel is an 18x8 and the tire is a 235/40/18. Is there anybody running this combination? Are 8" wide tires too wide? Any suggestions? Thanks!!!
  • brandongraybrandongray Member Posts: 3
    No one's talking about the 2001. What's up with that? Anyone own one?

    I did an extensive test drive of one versus a 2000, and posted a report a while back, but there was no response.

    Any word on how much longer the Millenia will last?
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Derek, I feel for you man. It's hard to get anything decent from dealership. I myself is trying to get rid of my wife's '95 BMW 325is. Dealer only offer $11K, while KBB trade-in is around $13K. I'm pretty sure if I sell it privately I can get about $15K, but needs to be patient, which I don't have right now. so if you have time, I'm pretty sure you can get much more than what the dealer's offering you. Good Luck.
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Stephen,

    The wheel well of Millenia is very big, I'm pretty sure even a 19" would have no problem in it. As long as the offset is the correct one for your car, you should have no problem. 18x8 is a perfect size for this car, same goes for your tire size selection 235/40/18. If I have spare money, I would do the same to my Millenia. I used to own a '93 626ES, and fit a BBS RX 18"x8 rims with 225/40/18 tires, no problem.

    Check out this wheel called Axis Se7en, looks very cool and size up to 19".


    http://www.wheelwarehouse.com/buypackage.cfm?PackageID=53&CatID=1

  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Brandon,
    So what do you think about the 2001 Millenia? Which model did you test drove and how is it compare to the 2000 model.
    I saw a black S model when I serviced my car. I really like the front end design now, especially on dark colored Millenia. I don't really like the two tone color on the new model, it fits the '99-00 model very well, but not the 2001. I'm already saving my money to replace my 2000 Millenia S' rear tail lights with the 2001s. It will cost me about $1400 if I get it from this dealership, before discounts. I'm pretty sure I can get it somewhere else for less money. It shouldn't be hard to replace. and like I said before, I love the improvements they made to the interior, Optitron speedometer, leather covered center armrest, re-design armrest, two-tone steering wheel and the 9-speaker system audio system with 6 disc in-dash changer. I'm already trying to get my wife to trade in her car for a 2001 Millenia Premium, which I can get for about $23500. wish me luck.

    Cheers.
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Are you guys getting this same 100 character limit on each post that I'm experiencing. I was going to put all that post in one, but couldn't.

    ?????
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    There is indeed a word-length limit of 100 characters, which means you cannot post an unbroken string of characters longer than that. You sometimes will run into that issue when trying to post a link because in and of itself it has to be an unbroken string of characters.

    I can't imagine why you couldn't put your two messages into one post box, though. Could it have been that the link itself contained more characters in the message that wouldn't post than what you actually ended up posting?

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • rbrubakerrbrubaker Member Posts: 54
    Try going to tirerack.com. Enter the info for your car, and a picture of a millenia will appear in the color of your choice. You then select which wheels you want to appear on the car. Kind of nice way to see what the car will look like with the wheels on prior to buying them.

    You might have to replace the trunk lid a well as the lights. The 2001 lenses look like they have a sharper lower left corner than previous years.

    Good to see that Consumer Reports still recommends the Millenia as a trouble free used car. You wouldn't think it, from hearing the problems mentioned in this forum.
  • herndonsherndons Member Posts: 17
    Okay
    Sounds like 18s will fit. Does anybody have any experience with 18" or larger rims with a 1.5" drop; with Eibach or H&R springs? Is there enough clearance in the wheel wells?
  • ddrake30ddrake30 Member Posts: 18
    Herndons,

    Just as a counterpoint, I put 17 x 7.5" rims on my '96 millenia that I ordered through Discount Tire Direct (tires.com). They recommended that I not use greater than 7.5" wide rims, and to not go above 225 series tires, particularly if I wanted the tire to fit inside the wheel well. On the other hand, their information may not necessarily be correct, and wheel offset may make a difference.
  • milleniaman1milleniaman1 Member Posts: 110
    I went the Atlanta Journal Auto Show yesterday. After looking at everything it looks like I will probably replace my 99 Millenia with a 2002 S model when my lease runs up. I was really excited about the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class...but it was just too small in person. I sell real estate...so I need a car that is not too cramped for my customers. I also don't think my real estate signs would fit in the trunk of the C-Class...it seemed too narrow. I also checked out the other competition...I30, 3.2TL, etc, etc...I just still like the Millenia better than all the other near-luxury cars.
  • mellodmellod Member Posts: 1
    Do most Millenia's make a fairly loud clank when the a/c engages and then make a rattle noise like an 82 Ford Escort? Kind of embarrassing at stop lights.
    I have a 2000 s w/ 9k miles and it has always made the noise.
    Havent taken it in yet, but just wanted to know if I am going to hear "its normal" from the dealer or if anyone else has had it fixed.
  • ecafecaf Member Posts: 44
    yo mellod. I've got a similar experience with my '95 S. All was quiet until last year at just over 100K miles when the climate control fan began to rattle a bit at low speeds. I'm very surprised to hear the same thing on your car with only 9K. Looks like we gotta replace the fan a$$embly. Damn.
  • adam68adam68 Member Posts: 59
    Just purchased my 4th Millenia. For the price, there is nothing on the market that even comes close. Paid 27K for the S with chrome wheels.
    If you don't mind the lack of a fancy label, or showrooms with cappuccino bars, the Millenia should be on the top of your list.

    I spent the last two months looking at other cars in the 30-40K range..

    BMW 330 - Very small car.
    BMW 530 - Aging design, not enough car for the $$
    MercC320- MERC want to be....
    I30 - Cheap plastic is the theme
    ES300- I'm not dead yet
    Audi A6- People seem to love or hate the look...I find it very obese looking.

    I find the Millenia to have a nice classic look without attempting to be something it's not. It's a very tight, solid ride. I do recommend the S as the base millenia with 170hp is sluggish at best.
  • mantagmantag Member Posts: 47
    I have a 95 S w/ 90k, but I am have begun my search for a replacement. The 2001 is nice, alot of improvements, but... why no v8 option or a more powerful v6? The S is an amazing engine, but there are plenty of other of engines just as good and not as complicated to fix. Fortunatley, no problem with mine ,but will sell before it hits 120k to avoid the cost of the 60K service.

    I have looked at several models, I would have not considered the Acura TL before, but now with the 2002 TL-S version, 260hp really ups the bar.
  • adam68adam68 Member Posts: 59
    I have a 2000 TL and am very dissapointed with it. You do get a lot of car for your money...but this comes at a cost. The interior is filled with lots of plastic. The driver seating position is extremely awkward...I'm 5 10 and my head hits the ceiling. I think there are better choices out there in this price category..
  • mill700mill700 Member Posts: 7
    Cars don't have air compressors unless you have air brakes, which is only on big vehicles. That seems like a scam to me. A new engine doesn't cost that much. You better get a second opinion, and fast. Your A/C compressor shouldn't be causing your engine oil to drop either. They are separate systems.
    You need to have your system evacuated to remove the freon before maintenance can be done on the compressor too. You just need a person qualified by the EPA for MOV refrigerant systems to do it. I have 70K on my Millenia, and the A/C is fine.
  • herndonsherndons Member Posts: 17
    I believe the air compressor they are speaking of is the supercharger.
  • philw2philw2 Member Posts: 36
    Just drove 2000 Type S. Liked it quite a bit. Since its a 2000, they quickly offered 25k, listed for $31 and change. I saw someone bot 01 for 27k. What do you think? Also, what has depreciation been like? Thanks.
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Phil, I personally would love to trade in my 2000 S for the 2001 Millenia S. It's an overall better car inside and out. Some poeple might disagree with me about the front styling of the 2001 model (including my wife), but it really does look modern and mean looking; especially in dark color. The rear looks a lot beter too, which is why I'm trying to convert my 2000 S's rear to the 2001 model ones. The interior is also much improved from the 2000 model. Better speedometer, leather arm rest (instead of plastic), lumbar support, two-tone steering wheel color, etc,etc. For $2K extra, I would get the 2001 model. Please test drive the 2001 before you make a decision and let us know what you think.

    cheers
  • adam68adam68 Member Posts: 59
    I find the 2001 Millenia S to be a much improved version of previous models. Aside from the improved styling, interior improvements such as:

    Steering wheel audio controls
    Power lumbar support
    200 watt 9 speaker boss audio system
    Restyled instrument panel

    ....make this more of a drivers car than ever before. The 2001 suspension was made 35%
    firmer.
  • mill700mill700 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 95 Millenia L. My rear suspension is squeaking like an old bed. It happens when I sit in the car and drive in the driveway going slow. It is getting annoying, and I am thinking maybe the shocks need to be replaced. Has anybody else had this problem?
  • premier5premier5 Member Posts: 2
    I am really having trouble choosing between two car's that I really like. While they both have my interest, I'm leaning more towards the millennia. I've been getting back mixed responses on the millennia, more negative then positive. One of the problems that I hear often is that the transmission are one of the first things to go after 100,000 miles. Another is the car is to sluggish/ no power. Even though the gallant isn't as sheik & stylish, I've gotten no bad reviews so far. I really would appreciate any input on either.
  • premier5premier5 Member Posts: 2
    specs :Millenia 95, 83k miles/pwr/ltr/mnrf/ Galant 96, 34k miles/pwr/ltr Both cars going for $6,500 it may look like a real good deal on both cars, but I'm looking for a dependable vehicle that won't cost a fortune to repair when needs be. P.S. condition on Millenia emaculant, Galant exellent.
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    The Supercharger... First, let me say that you are the first one in this forum that has the same exact problem I do with my...you guessed it SUPERCHARGER.
    I've been posting my grievances with Mazda Corp for over a year now. I purchased my 95 Millenia S in Feb 2000. I have spent so much coin replacing everything from O2 sensors, radiators to oil pressure sender switches. I'll spare you the gruesome details.
    Do you get the beautiful white smoke on start up? When you're idle for longer than 3 minutes do you get a surge of white smoke when you accelerate? My faulty supercharger (with a gasket leak) was diagnosed in April 2000. The situation will do several things to your car. Have you replaced the Catalytic Converters yet? There is a Pre-Cat and the main Cat. Be aware that there is an 8/80,000 manufacturer's warranty on both. I had mine replaced at 79556k!! What timing...Oh crap don't remind me about that BELT! Anyway, the oil that leaks into the supercharger chamber and will foul out your plugs. The next thing to go will be your Cats. Mine went out. Thank GAWD I was covered. For both...$2500. I won't replace my Supercharger for the $4000. No way. I am considering purchasing a used one with 25k - 35k for $1500. Call a Mazda Recycling store near you. Mazda Recycling in CA, 916-635-5900. You need to find a repair shop that will install used parts. The Dealer absolutely will not and never will.
    One year ago, I was stupid and naive. I thought I was buying this really cool car that looked pretty. Well it is pretty but it's far from cool. I'm just at that point where I won't be upside down when I sell it. I put almost nothing down when I bought it (that was silly) Oh, the extended warranty would not have covered anything anyway. I got the $2400 refunded after 2 months.
    The 95 Millenia has too many faults. A first model year car is a bad purchase. I do regret it. This car is not built to last longer than 120k...for the most part. It has a poor drivetrain too. My mechanic head friends tell me this. Ok, enough of my negativity. Good luck with your supercharger problem. Oh, emissions. Just use Zmax before you go get tested. Pray that there is not a long line at the emissions testing facility. You don't want to dazzle the staff with all of your white smoke! More later.
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    The Mazda Millenia has one of the worst residual values of any car manufactured. It broke my heart when I found out the Mazda dealership would only offer me $7000 for my 95 Millenia S 88k Immaculate condition, upon trade in. Sheeeesh! Consumer Guide and Consumer Reports verify the resale problem as well.
  • gtspecgtspec Member Posts: 55
    Hi NGRECXT, I just wanna tell you that NOT every 1995 Millenia S is a piece of SH*%. My 95 S is still going strong with 75K miles. Well, GOOD LUCK with yours : )
  • susy1susy1 Member Posts: 4
    I am considering buying a 97 millenia L with 55k miles, but have heard that routine maintenance costs are very high. Is major maintenance required at 60k? Should I check anything specific on this car?
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The L version, though, is cheaper to maintain than the S; this is basically the same V6 that's in the 626, with mostly the same service recommendations. What with timing belt, plug wires and whatnot, you're probably looking at $600, and that's assuming you don't need new valve-cover gaskets or CV joints, both of which tend to get cranky after 60k miles. And though it's not on the recommended-service list, spend $125 for a tranny flush.
  • herndonsherndons Member Posts: 17
    Oh boy
    Here we go again. The Millenia is now back in the shop. This time it is for real. The oil leak that I've been talking about was a combination of 2 things: the valve cover gaskets(fixed) and a cam shaft seal. However, when the valve cover gaskets were taken off, along with the camshaft caps (that bolt the camshaft to the head), the dealership said "come out here, you have to see this!"
    I went in to take a look and almost threw up with what I saw. The camshaft, at the point where it is attached to the head, was ground down about 20% along with the head and the cap! Holy S@#t!!!! Apparently, at one time, the engine was starved for oil. (probably as a result of this oil leak) I was used to older push rod engines that use camshaft bearings. But these 2.5s don't. The head is the bearing!!
    Now, I'm looking at replacing the engine at a $2500 price tag. I tell ya. I'm now up to $1000 in repairs plus the newer engine!!
    I guess the moral of the story is that if you have any type of leak on this engine, get it fixed. Always check your level! Always. Apparently the oiling system couldn't get enough oil to the camshaft farthest away from the pump and spun both the head an camshaft. This car has been a nightmare!!! The shop tech tells me that it is usually do to improper maintenance. I can believe that. But everything that has gone wrong on this thing is not all a result of improper maintenance. I'll probably replace the engine, sell the car and deal with the losses. This means I'll have to drive my 90 Accord for alot longer than I expected!!!! I've had this accord for three years. Minor issues! I've spent more on this Millenia in 2 months than the accord in 3 years! I'm going down hard! But hey, I guess there not all that bad! Only the ones in this forum!
  • milleniaman1milleniaman1 Member Posts: 110
    Just thought I'd let everyone know that I just hit 32,000 miles on my base 99 Millenia and everything is still running great! I still get compliments on it all the time! Good luck to everyone who has been having problems with their Millenias...hope ya'll can get everything fixed...it really is a great car when everything is working properly.
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    Herdons....$2500 is a remarkable price for a new L version engine. The S model costs $13000! For that price, it should come with one of those Mazda engineers who designed this nightmare of an engine. ngrecxt....what are you going to do about the oil leak? I hope your still with us. The 95 S is enough to drive any sane man off a cliff. Let me know. Thanks
  • spridledogspridledog Member Posts: 63
    Hi there! This is my first attempt at joining a discussion, so if I don't do it right, forgive me. I'm responding to Mill700's questions about a squeaking noise from the suspension. My '96 "S" had the same problem - three times! All with the rear. First on the driver's side, then the passenger side, then the driver's side again. The tech at my dealer admitted that they've seen this ALOT with Millenias. So much so that they stock the parts to fix it! The problem, you'll find, is not the shocks, but some part of the suspension itself - a bushing, or something - I forgot exactly. Fortunately, mine was still under warranty, so I didn't have to pay. I think it's about $100-$150 to fix it. It's not a safety issue at all, it's just annoying as heck! It drove me nuts, too. Good luck..
  • soloflight98soloflight98 Member Posts: 13
    im thinking about buying a s model soon the cost to me is taxes everything will be under 25000 or i could get a 2001 for about 5oo more both are brand new no miles. this will be a car i will keep until the wheels fall of i have a 94 sable with 128000 good car and can be easily worked how. how is the millenia s to be worked on a do it yourself guy. is the car worth it and let me know is it easy to be worked on thanks.
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    Hi,
    If you're a do it yourself mechanic...the Millenia S is not for you. I have a 95 Millenia S with 84,000 miles. The Miller Cycle is their special engine that is the only one of it's kind. It is the most compressed and complicated engine I've ever experienced. I can't even get to the back three spark plugs because they are halfway under the engine. It's a 2.3 liter, supercharged nightmare. Granted, the engine is powerful enough but it was engineered as one of the most difficult to access. Read some of the other previous posts. Let me know what you decide to do. Later.
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    The exterior and interior look and feel are my favorite of any car on the road (in the price range). It's just the drivetrain and engine that have me blue.....
  • mantagmantag Member Posts: 47
    Sorry to hear any of you with problems with your "S's". I have been fortunate(knock on fake wood hear at my desk), no engine problems. I have 91k on it my 95 S. I think my next bill will be for the right front CV outer boot, better to replace that BEFORE it rubber breaks open and then have to replace/remanufacture the transaxle. Approx $85. I the only monor annoyance is the driver door button on the bottom of the door that triggers when the door lights go on. There may be a short in it.
  • mazda_nutmazda_nut Member Posts: 25
    herndons - Man, your story just gets scarier! Sell it soon...$2500 is about right for a used 2.5. BTW, the SC engine goes for $6325 new - not $13,000 (whomever posted that - just FYI).

    I fell like all I do it tell people about the bad things that happen to my 95 L, but take it from herndons and myself - the 2.5L is simply junk. I have taken care of this car with everything I have and maintain a few race cars on the side.

    We just had ours in the shop last week as it was overheating and the heater was not blowing out hot air.

    Well, it does not take a rocket scientist to know that these are signs of a bad heater core - and how do you remove the heater core? By removing the DASH. Over $1000 for this job.

    We are putting ours in the paper next week and hope you all do not have the same problems we had with our car.
  • soloflight98soloflight98 Member Posts: 13
    going to pick up a 2000 millenia s 24,895 taxes and all i guess that was a good deal had the four seasons and 200 miles on her. i hope i made the right decision on getting the supercharged instead of the 2.5. anyone have any good luck with the supercharged i havent read any but the 95 s--k badly
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    Dealer at University Mazda in Seattle, told me $13k for a new S engine. Is he lying? Ok...it wouldn't surprise me. I'm putting my 95 S in the paper this week. I'm gonna get me a nice PASSAT!!! German baby!
  • ecafecaf Member Posts: 44
    "Dealer... told me $13k for a new S engine. I'm putting my 95 S in the paper this week. I'm gonna get me a nice PASSAT!!! German baby!"

    Pick up the Consumer Reports annual auto issue and you'll find that the VW Passat's reliability ratings are worse than the Millenia's by a healthy margin. Furthermore, VW backs its products with a pitiful 24,000 mile warranty (compared with Mazda's 50,000 mile warranty). If you are still smitten by that (admittedly) slick new VW, save a few more pennies for an Audi A4 2.8. Only then will you get a warranty comparable to a new Mazda, to say nothing of the increased costs of ownership typical of German cars. IMHO, you'd be better off with a Toyota... a Lexus IS300! Kick [non-permissible content removed] performance combined with the dull reliability of a Corolla.

    Good luck!
  • barbie1959barbie1959 Member Posts: 1
    I purchased my 97 Millenia last summer and have been very happy with it. Lately the rear passenger's side suspension squeeks like crazy! I was wondering if there is an easy way to fix this without taking it to a dealer and paying high repair costs? Is this something that can be lubricated by any mechanic or is it more complicated than that -- anybody know?
  • emeraldcityemeraldcity Member Posts: 19
    What model year Millenia do you have? Would your next car be another Millenia? I'll have to find the ratings for the Passat. I know the Jettas have a poor reliabliy (Assembly in Mexico may or may not contribute). I would be leasing a Passat at Carter Volkswagon, in Seattle, for 24 months. The 2.8 Passat has the same engine as the A6. Both are assembled in Germany. All scheduled maintenance is free plus free loaner cars. I do like the A4's but leasing options are more rigid. I checked. I'm a leasing kind of guy right now. I'm afraid to put all my eggs in one basket. I did it with my 95 s and I'm spending coin on everything in repairs. Regardless of the ratings, this car is very unreliable. Oh well, I'm very frustrated with my 95 S. more later....
  • spridledogspridledog Member Posts: 63
    About that squeaking suspension, see my previous post (#591). As far as I know, this is not something that lubrication will cure, unfortunately. Good luck.
  • rzawarskirzawarski Member Posts: 47
    75,000 miles is not a test wail till you get 105,000 then you will find out it is a peice of sh$$. The Miller Cycle Engine was an exorcize in egotism by some Japanese engineers that did not have the customer in mind.
  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    The upper link (the one you can see above the tire) is the culprit. These are very common on 96-98 millenias especially, but have been known to make nosie on other years as well. I am referring to the rear wheel but lately we have seen some front links go bad as well. You cannot lubricate this part, so it must be replaced. And as for the high cost of dealers, taking it in and getting it fixed the first time by a techician for $100-$150 beats taking it to your "mechanic" and having him/her attempt to fix it several times at $50-$100 a clip.
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