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Mazda MPV

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Comments

  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Mazda offers a dealer installed, celing mounted DVD player with a flip-down monitor. I was looking at aftermarket in-dash DVD players and celing mount monitors, and the systems I was looking at would run anywhere between $1000 to $1500. The dealer installed option has an MSRP of $1200, but I'm guessing I'd be authorized S-Plan pricing on options as well as the price of the vehicle, so I could probably get this option for less than $1000.

    There are a couple things to consider here. Price isn't a big consideration as both are within a few hundred bucks of each other. The one major plus for the aftermarket system is, it would be superior to the dealer installed system. The down side would be that I would have to install the system myself, which could end up being a huge pain in the [non-permissible content removed]! The dealer would install the system if I chose their option, and I'm assuming since it was dealer installed, the system, and the installation iteself would be covered under the vehicle's warranty.

    Do any of you have this option? If so, how do you like it? I have kids, and we will be taking some long trips in the MPV, so in my case, a DVD player and monitor are a must.
  • bomangamibomangami Member Posts: 7
    Yes, we purchased a 2003 MPV LX last weekend, here in Florida. Our local dealer has 15 on the lot so we pretty much had our pick. Really wanted the DVD for our son. My wife and I are extremely pleased with the van (and dealer installed DVD). Thanks to everyone on this board for helping with our decision:)
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    How much did they charge you for the DVD option, if you don't mind me asking?
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I picked up a 2003 MPV brochure yesterday and I noticed it says the bumper-to-bumper warranty is 36 months/50K miles. Edmunds says it's 48 months/50K miles, and some of you have posted the same as what Edmunds says. So what is it really, and why the conflicting info?
  • kpevavkpevav Member Posts: 41
    I just bought a 2003 MPV LX yesterday. The paperwork from the dealer said 36 months but the salesman scratched it out and put 48 months. Then, I read the manual for the car and it says 48 months. Finally, when I got home and was poking around, I put down the driver's sunvisor and there was a large cardboard saying, '2003 Mazda MPV now 48 months/50,000 miles.'
  • bomangamibomangami Member Posts: 7
    MSRP with all options came to 26,770, DVD was already on the car. Dealer discount of $1500, plus the $2000 rebate. $23,270 + TTL out the door.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Wasn't the price of the DVD player option listed separately?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The warranty for 2003 Mazda vehicles was upgraded to 4 years after the 2003 brochures were printed. I know because I picked up a brochure this fall, before the new warranty terms were announced. Rest assured, it is 4 years/50k miles for 2003 models.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I was trying to figure out how I would decide which dealer to buy from. Since I qualify for S-Plan pricing, and the prices for this plan are fixed, what would be the deciding factor? With several dealerships in the Denver area having an inventory of 20-25 MPV's on the lot at any given time, selection really doesn't help me decide. The one thing that could make my decision for me is if any dealer would be willing to pay a portion, or all of the fees associated with the turn-in of my leased Intrepid. I'm estimating it'll cost me roughly $1500 to turn this vehicle in. The dealer that agrees to pay the biggest share of these fees gets my business.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If it were me, I'd base the decision on convenience and service quality. The first is pretty easy to determine, the second is not so easy. Check to see if some dealers offer more service features than others. For example, my Hyundai dealer offers free car washes, and free loaners whenever a car needs to be held overnight. Not every Hyundai dealer does that. They also offer free round-trip shuttle service to surrounding businesses, which happens to be a biggie for me because I can drop my car off in the morning, take their shuttle to the doorstep of my downtown office (avoiding a $12 parking fee), and pick up the shuttle in the afternoon on my doorstep. Of course, I could use any dealer I want for service, but I like patronizing the dealer at which I purchased the car whenever possible--it helps make up for the big discount I expect from them. ;-)
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    That really can't be a factor either. If I have to take it in for warranty work, it'll go to our local dealer. I can't buy from them because they don't offer S-Plan pricing, and I won't be taking the vehicle to whichever dealer in Denver I end up buying from because Denver's 100 miles away.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    ......if none of them will offer to pay any of my lease end fees, then it'll have to be a coin toss.
  • ficklefickle Member Posts: 98
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    S-Plan pricing is like getting an employee discount.

    Man, this place sure has been dead lately.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I know I have company that's keeping me off my computer :-)

    Steve, Host
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    Just curious if your MPV ever came into MO.??
    Your's sounded like it should have been arriving right behind mine here in MN. That was back in mid February.

    Hope you did get it and are enjoying it. I love mine so far.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I did purchase the rear area mat for my MPV online from MacNeil Automotive - Weathertech.
    I went with the black version for $119. It fits like a glove with a nice lip around the edges to hold dirt in, etc. Also can be rolled up for storage when you're using the third seat. Ordered online and got it within 4 days. They sell colored ones too for $10 more...but may show more dirt and wear than basic black does.

    I tried to find one locally and hit EVERY after market auto place around the Twin Cities. I inquired at Mazda and all they had was a CARPETED cargo mat...which I certainly did not want...I use my van for hauling stuff and the thought of paying big bucks for a carpet that would be stained up quick did not appeal to me.

    Just an FYI for those who want one for theirs.
  • dwsmhadwsmha Member Posts: 35
    No, I don't have it yet. There was more "miscommunication." The sales manager we had been talking with said it would be here end of Feb. Well, in the end of Feb, he said it would be another month. We blew up. We went to the general manager, and then the owner of the dealership. The GM and owner didn't know anything about the "promised but unmet" deadlines the sales manager kept saying. We even called Mazda HQ who gave us a different ETA than the dealership, and so is sending us a gift certificate for our waiting. I still only got a year's worth of oil changes from the dealership. ETA is March 19th. Dealership said each new delivery date they gave us was "factual at the time according to our available paperwork." Whatever. We're still waiting.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Um, a year's worth of oil changes is about 2.

    which is about $50.

    I don't think $50 would make me happy.

    Just my $0.02
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Wow! Today was a day jam packed full of info. I've narrowed down my dealer prospects to two in the Denver area. Both of the salesmen I'm dealing with seem to really be on the ball.

    My wife and I have decided we want an LX model with the 4 seasons package, rear air, roof rack, and the DVD player for options, in silver or sage green. Wanting the factory DVD option is causing a major problem. Both salesmen have told me that most of the MPV's that come with the factory DVD option are ES models. Very few LX's get the DVD's.

    Both salesmen did a nationwide search and came up with two sage green LX's in Washington state that are optioned the way we'd like them. That's it, the only two in the whole country!

    My salesmen said there are a couple of other options. They said the port facility (this is where the MPV's enter the U.S.) is where the factory DVD option is installed. The dealer can contact the port facility to have them earmark an MPV that has the options we want, then they'll install the DVD system, and ship the vehicle to their dealership. One salesman said this process would take about 2-3 weeks, while the other said this process doesn't guarantee they'd end up getting one that fits our needs. In that case we'd have to order one from the factory. To do this, in order to get the vehicle by June at the latest, I'd have to have the dealer place an order by no later than March 18th, which would also require a $500 deposit. I would have no problem ordering one from the factory, especially if it means we can get one exactly the way we want it, and we know we're getting one for sure. However, haven't some of you who have ordered one from the factory had to wait 5 or 6 months or more for yours to come in? I can't have this happen to me. We have to have ours by no later than June because that's when the lease on our current vehicle expires. I had no idea this ordeal could get so complex. What should I do?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Explain your predicament to the salespeople and see if they'll make you a great deal on an ES with DVD rather than go through the hassle of special-ordering the LX.

    Or get an LX with aftermarket DVD.

    Or if the one salesman is so confident that the port-install option will get you your van in 2-3 weeks, have the sales manager promise in writing that they'll loan you a new MPV for free until yours shows up, if it takes more than 3 weeks to arrive.

    Or if the salesman is so confident that the factory order will be in by June, have them promise in writing that they'll let you drive another MPV for free until yours is delivered, if yours is late.

    Or get a Caravan--there's thousands of those around crying to be purchased.
  • dwsmhadwsmha Member Posts: 35
    Scott31,

    Yeah, we know a couple of oil changes are worthless compared to over $20k for the van, but the owner said, "It's not in my POSSESSION. I don't even OWN it yet on my lot. Therefore I can't give you any more." Waaaaaaaah! We're blue in the face from arguing, and so just give us our van!

    Bottgers,

    We ordered an LX with a DVD player. Yes, only a few LX's have a DVD player, but we had to order one from scratch. I wanted it factory installed to make sure port workers or aftermarket people didn't screw up the wiring, but we've had to wait 4 months. The sales manager pulled up the inventory of over half the U.S., and only found one in Florida that was remotely close to what we wanted. Your list of desired options is pretty short, so you may find it at the port or be able to make the dealership trade for it. (Although trading can drive up the hidden cost a bit).
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    backy

    There's a reason there's thousands of those Caravans crying to be had. I have a DC product now, and I don't think I'll be buying another.

    dwsmha

    Both of the salesmen I'm working with said the factory installed DVD system is not installed at the factory, but at the port facility. I like the idea of ordering from the factory and getting it exactly the we want it, but the downside is the inconsistant delivery times. If I do order one and it doesn't come in by June, I'm screwed! And there isn't a dealer anywhere that will agree to let you drive another MPV until the one I ordered comes in if it's late getting there.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I can't believe how your deal has turned sour!
    At first you were getting yours way ahead of mine...now it's dragging on like a boat anchor in cement. That really sucks. Have them add stuff on; bug shield, dash carbon fiber...whatever you can. My dealer was very understanding when I complained about waiting 3.5 months after they said it would be 2 months...but you know my story already and it hurts now. I hope that it does REALLY come in when they say now. My dealer installed the carbon dash option and bug shield plus greatly reduced the extended warranty to appease me. I took the mellow approach though...I didn't rant too much and it seemed to work with them...but they all are different. My only screw up was when they temporarily lost my MPV right here in the Twin Cities! They found it after 5 days of tracing it...dah!

    Best of luck and hope you're zooming very soon!

    PS: I owned a 95 DC and to the comments made about them...it's true...they tend to suck. But they sure do sell them puppies everywhere.
  • searchingsuvsearchingsuv Member Posts: 1
    I test drove MPV and really liked driving it. It didn't have minivan feeling unlike Odyssey.
    But I am little skeptical about Mazda quality. I know I can get a good deal on MPV, basically on invoice, plus bunch of discounts.

    Did you guys also went through the same problem?
    Would like to know your comments
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Backy, do not get the ES. There is a LARGE price difference between the LX and the ES, and if you equip them similarly, the ONLY difference in the ES is the power drivers seat, and leather, not worth the $2k price difference IMHO.

    As for the quality issue, I read this board for months before I decided to get the MPV. No real quality issues stood out. There were a few broken window motors here and there, and such, but nothing huge. Mazda has roadside assistance, a 48 month warranty, and loaner car (plus 0% financing). Honda has NONE of those, and is $3k higher in price (before you consider interest)

    Seems like a no brainer to me.
  • mchuchramchuchra Member Posts: 25
    Hi, I'm new to the MPV discussion boards, but am very seriously considering purchasing a 2003 MPV LX -- there seems to be some great deals right now ($2000 dealer cash, subtracted from "near invoice" pricing). I have several questions that I am hoping you MPV experts can help me with.

    1. Rear A/C.

    A. Is this an option worth getting? I understand that the volume of air in a minivan is significantly larger than an average sedan, but does the standard "front" A/C have trouble cooling the whole vehicle adequately on a hot day?
    B. Is there a separate control for the rear A/C? Or does it come on whenever you turn on the A/C for the front?
    C. Does the rear A/C make the engine compartment extra crowded and difficult to do any routine work/maintenance?

    2. Traction Control (comes with Side Airbags package). For folks that have this option, are you glad that you got it? For those who don't, do you feel you should have sprung for traction control?

    Thanks for your help/insight!
  • dwsmhadwsmha Member Posts: 35
    I have a question. If rebates have improved since I ordered back in December, can I ask for the better rebate? In December, there was $1500 cash back, but now it looks like there is $2000. I should be getting my van in a week or so. Can rebates be changed depending on DELIVERY, or am I limited to WHEN I ORDERED?
  • tomj5tomj5 Member Posts: 209
    When we ordered our MPV I had a clause written into the contract that if it is not delivered in 12 weeks we get our deposit back... The dealer was glad to do it. It is due in May. If we get it great, if not we will try again someday... The dealer could only find nothing but plain janes... I wanted 4 seasons, tow pack, fancy rv mirror,and the ac pack. Thus the order..
    If the DVD hangs up the car several weeks, I would say forget it.

    I figured if WWIII starts the factory will probably shut down or get blown up... Or the boat will get blown out of the water... Did you see in the news about a load of Volvos sank over by England.. The old Mitsy has a few more years in it... I am not going to sweat it.....

    Speak of the devil, the dealer just called and said that the car is due first week of April and we will get the 2K rebate.. Wow!!! (yeah, I know, don't hold your breath)
  • tomj5tomj5 Member Posts: 209
    Yes the rear ac does have controls..Service should not be a problem...
    I would get a four seasons pack that adds cooling to the engine and tranny, plus a heavy duty battery and heater controls in the back... (ac option required)
    I agree with others that the LX is cheaper than the ES unless you want leather seats..
    Regarding traction control, read the forum.. Some say it is not worth it due to the fact it doesn't work too good and some say it is great??? Although the side air bags would be good.
    If you have a boat get the tow package..
    Get the auto rear view mirror (neat gadget)
    The Edmunds TMV price is a good figure to start with on pricing...
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    You'll get the incentive that's avaiable when you actually take dekivery of your MPV. Right now it's $2K.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Yes, get the traction control side airbags pkg. You can't put a price on safety in my opinion, and also, it's a good traction control system now (they apparently changed it mid 2002 to include engine retarding).
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The DVD player is port installed and not installed in Japan. You would be amazed at how much work is done at the port. The MazdaSpeed Portege, for example, gets all the Speed parts installed at the port. Turbo, suspension work, audio, etc....

    don't sweat it, they do a good job. No problems with any of the DVD units we have sold...

    Rich
  • mchuchramchuchra Member Posts: 25
    Thanks to TomJ5 and Scott31 for their insight.

    Can anyone confirm that the current '03 traction control employs engine retarding?

    Also, is there a button/control by which traction control can be disabled (i.e., temporarily turned off)?

    For those of you with a roof rack, is the factory rack a good quality design. Or did you ever wish you had just purchased an aftermarket, removable rack (like a Thule or Yakima rack system)?

    Thanks,
    MC
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Yes, the '03 traction control uses engine retarding (mentions it in the owners manual (if I remember correctly) and it did it on our test drive).

    Yes, there is a button to defeat it.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    searching--no need to be skeptical on MPV quality. For example, Consumer Reports rates it highly for reliability, right up there with the Ody and Sienna. Overall Mazda has an excellent reputation for quality and reliability.

    bottgers--I thought you would know I was kidding about the Caravan. I guess you didn't like any of my other ideas either, eh?
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    It's not that I didn't like any of your ideas, I just like the thought of ordering an MPV exactly the way I want it. I haven't done that with a vehicle since I ordered an '87 Buick Regal T-Type turbo. I know it's somewhat of a risk that it may not arrive in the claimed 9-12 weeks, but I guess it's a risk I'm willing to take. BTW, CR actually ranks the MPV ahead of the Ody in terms of reliability, and just barely behind the #1 ranked Sienna.
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    We only paid $700 last June to have a DVD system installed. It was done at one of those car stereo places with a lot of specials painted on the windows. The player is under the driver seat. The screen is 7" widescreen. You have to be careful with flipdown screen, they start blocking the rear view mirror very fast. That's one big advantage of wide screen. The original screen was replaced, under warranty, for a much nicer one.
    Overall they (I never get to watch it :-[) seem very happy with it. Note that it took them 4 hours to install it.
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    I don't understand Mazda and their strange design team. Why would they make you pay extra for rear air with controls and extra vents BUT not give you rear heat also? It seems like a waste to design a system just for air to reach the back but not heat. Our 94 Villager had rear air and heat combined,is this progress?
     Also, when will the Mfg's realize that safety should not be an option or only for the wealthy. Side airbags should be standard on the MPV,even head protection. Volkswagon has got this safety thing right.
     Now onto the Ody issue. It still amazes me that the demand for them is as high as it is after all these years. The one thing it has that most other vehicles do not is very high resale values. So high that even if you save $3000 on the MPV, you will probably get that back when you trade it in. I think the MPV is a better van than the Ody but for some reason the 'experts, and the general population love them.Too bad you have to deal with the Honda salespeople.
     I think the LX is a better buy than the ES, but again come resale time check out the difference between the two models. Sometimes when you buy the 'lower' level model and add options to it, you do not get as much back when trading it in.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    rutger3

    I despise leather so much I would pay for cloth seats as an option. I don't know why so many people like leather. It make look nice, and it may be more of a status symbol, but it's uncomfortable as he11. I will never own a vehicle with leather interior.

    prlamz

    There are couple of reasons I want the factory installed DVD. The main and most important reason is because it will be covered under the factory warranty. The other reason is so it will be in the vehicle the day we pick it up, and there will be no other hassles with it.
  • tomj5tomj5 Member Posts: 209
    I also got the factory roof rack..I can't imagine how a third party roof rack can be added without messing up the inside roof upholstery...

    Plus, the tow package.. The dealer said they cannot add it later. So I got the factory one. Wonder why?
    Probably requires changes to the gas tank?

    I agree the side airbags should be standard. Go figure....
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    There really is no tow package. The 4-seasons package (factory option) ads additional cooling for the transmission raising the towing cap. to 3000lbs. The tow hitch can be added to any MPV after the fact, but without the 4-seasons package, the MPV is rated for 2,200lbs.
  • drplasma64drplasma64 Member Posts: 1
    I've been lurking here for awhile, and seriously thinking about getting an MPV. I understand that the 4 season package has a "heavy duty" rear defogger, does this mean there is NO rear defogger at all if you don't get that package? I couldn't find mention of one in my brochure. Is it as necessary on a minivan with a straight back window as it is on a sedan that has a sloped back window? We don't have a garage and our rear defogger (on a '95 Protege ES) is a life saver.

    Comments and answers greatly appreciated.

    -Payton
  • bomangamibomangami Member Posts: 7
    Bottgers
    Sorry it took a while to get back. We bought a White LX MPV with fog lights, DVD, Wheel Locks, Rear Air, Power Sliders, 4-Seasons and Roof Rack. The DVD was listed for $1200 on the window sticker. The local dealer had 1 more LX with DVD on the lot (2 weeks ago). So far we love the van and my son loves the DVD. Email me at gami144@yahoo.com for any specific questions (i don't read this board everyday).
  • bomangamibomangami Member Posts: 7
    I have the 4-Seasons package, i.e. heavy duty de-fogger. It defogs really FAST (that's about all i can say):) 2x fast as my 4Runner...
  • anu0anu0 Member Posts: 13
    Does the traction control on the 2003 MPV work at all speeds or is it only at low speed.

    Also, read that the MPV is built on a Ford chassis. Anyone know which one? Thanks.
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    The MPV is not built on a Ford chassis. If I remember correctly, the MPV is based on a modified Mazda 626 chassis . . . and I have heard rumors that the MPV will be built on the Mazda6 chassis in the future.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    All MPVs have rear defoggers and wipers. In So Cal, we don't get to use them often.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    .....is the Duratec engine. If it's gotta have something from Ford in it, the Duratec is it. It may be the best piece of equipment Ford makes.
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