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Just my 2 pennies worth
Lsinc
Dougsey, yes... 215s will work without a fitment problem, except that your tire height will increase from 25.5" to 26"... so your speedo will be off by a tad, according to this tire size calculator . What about 225/60-R15? That will give you 25.6" of diameter, and the big fat footprint will look meaty!
My MPV is crying for a washing.
Thanks!
Lsinc
Measuring tape :-)
Workin' at the carwash baby... workin' at the carwash now...
- $2000 rebate
- Eager dealers ready to give you a deal
- S-plan pricing eligibility (Brings price below invoice)
- Lack of major problems reported (on MPV Probs board)
- Tail-gate rear seat feature (unique)
- Roll down sliding door windows (unique - till lifted off by Toyota)
- Disappearing 3rd row seat
- Side by slide system in 2nd row
- Sliding door open button on remote keyfob
- Nice safety ratings
- Made and Shipped from Japan
- Longer basic warranty (4 yr/50K)
- Dual power sliders option
- Traction control option
- 4 season pkg option
- Compact size for easier handling
- Not too many MPVs on the road
- Oh! And I must add, testimony/research of "Lsinc" :-)
Wish list:
- Split rear bench
- Center console shifter (instead of the 10 ft pole)
- MORE POWER (Arrrh, Arrhhh, Arhhh - aka Tim Taylor :-)
Is Mazda planning on changing anything in 2004/2005 models ? I would hate to buy a 2004 and then find that 2005 comes with a split rear bench or more power or center shifter !!! Maybe AudiA8q can give us some inside info ? :-)
Question to MPV ES owners:
What made you choose the ES trim over the LX trim ?
I bought a 2001 with the 2.5 engine, then in 2002 they put in the 3.0 liter,so feel sorry for me. I agree the rear seat should be split, the shifter should be blown up,and here's a few others: - headrest for the middle of the 3rd row
- the ability to store the head
rests into the seat
- a power lock switch on the passenger
side door.
- 3 pt. belt for rear middle position
- smaller dash
- better cup holders
- better mileage
acedriver – your list of positive features says it all. My eventual choice will be driven by a number of factors.
First of all – my situation complicated additionally as I intend to lease (or whatever they will be calling “leasing” these days – baloon payment option – balloonatics, whatever . . . )
Here’s my story, since you asked (well, you didn’t really, but I’m going to tell you anyway). In 1997 I leased a new Caravan (short length model, 189 inches or thereabouts). I was completely happy with the size and storage capacity. However the brakes went bad in the final 6 months of the traditional 36 month lease. I thought, that stinks, but it couldn’t happen again. I leased a 2000 Carvan SE (again, not the “Grand” but the short length model). I thought I was happy with this van. 3.3L engine. Decent pep. Of course I had to lug in and out the third row seating, but for the most part it has just been collecting dust in the garage, as my wife and two kids are the usual passengers. Guess what? Brakes go bad again. This at 20,000 miles! I’m sorry but Caravan brakes are terrible. Also, the tranny started to leak and I had to have the dealer fix that. Naturally, the warranry only covers breaks up to 12,000 miles (how convenient) so I believe they are designed to fail somewhere after that threshold.
I just want to state that I don’t “abuse” the brakes. I don’t drive my van to work. I use it do exciting things like trips to the supermarket and Wal Mart. A half-a-dozen times a year we go on vacations to all points in the NY tri-state area. I drove it *once* to Florida, but that was *after* I had to get the brake job. Bottom line – I’ll take my chances on another brand of vehicle.
Anway, I see the Odyssey and MVP as providing similar features. Since I don’t need the additional space, I am leaning towards the MPV. At lot will depend on the leasing deal, however. Bottom line is (as always) the monthly payment. If Odyssey’s resale value (the residual) actually forces the lease payment below the MVP, then I will have to give that serious consideration.
That’s my rant for the moment.
Any particular reason why you prefer leasing ? Please don't say it is cheaper .. For the short term - yes!, but over a longer term you end of owning nothing !! In 1997, if you had bought a reliable vehicle (and I don't mean DGC :-) you would have paid off the vehicle by now and enjoy the benefits of "NO car paymts" :-)
But anyways, if you are going to lease, it is better to pick a vehicle with higher residual value. 'Cause with leasing basically you are paying for the 3 yr depreciation costs on the vehicle. Higher depreciation means higher monthly paymt for you - E.g: Leasing a Kia would make no sense!
rests into the seat
There's a good feature I've never actually thought of, but that would be handy!
I'll take 2-3" more legroom for second row passengers... or aft-movement of the second-row seats, instead of (in reality) only fore movement. Yes, I know, they do move fore/aft, but 3" more possible legroom would be incredibly welcome, esp for people with rear-facing child seats.
Newer = better
I also prefer to lease because then I don’t have the hassle of having to become a car salesman when I want to get rid of my old vehicle. It says right there in the contract – finance company *has* to take this thing back. Let them worry about having to sell it (again).
As for the long-run – yes I may be paying more – but it’s a different vehicle every three years. If I ever love one of these vehicles so much that I can’t bear to part with it – well, then perhaps I’ll consider actually buying one.
(but of course, it would be a *new* one ;-)
Steve, Host
I just noticed on Mazda's web site they now have an LX-SV trim level available on the MPV. When was this introduced? It wasn't available back in March when I ordered my LX. It looks like its MSRP is about $1k less than the that of the LX, but I wouldn't have ordered one anyway because you can't get it with the 4 seasons package. I wanted the 4 seasons package because eventually we will end up doing some light towing with our MPV.
Steve, Host
Rutger3, try this MPV Maintence Schedule for your maintence schedule needs.
acedriver: I have 2 words for you. Very Funny!
javadoc: I have 2 words for you. No Way.
dave h2: The secret is out! UGH! Yes my name is Leslie. I also answer to Lsinc, Insync, and Insinc. I don't however sing. I'm glad my posts have been helpful.
I'm thinking I best start coming up with some down side issues of the MPV. I'm so afraid that if someone buys a troublesome MPV and paid attention to my "buy an MPV" posts, there will be a lynching party after me! ;o ) Of course, catching me might be an issue as I will drive off in my trustee steed leaving nothing but dust in my wake. Yes, that's right, my MPV! Zoom-Zoom!
Bad Points of the MPV.........hmmmmmmm........10 foot shifter/arm rest. Yes, that's right folks. Those of you who like to rest your right hand on the center shifter now have the option of resting your right arm on the 10 foot column shifer in the MPV. It will give you immediate access to any hard to reach controls. =o +
Ok, that's it for now, can't think of anymore issues. I also can't think anymore period! I spent most of my day researching genealogy. I think it's time to rest my brain.
Night folks!
Leslie
Allow me to explain. We have the Rear A/C and 4 seasons pkg on our '03 LX. The driver has NO control over the rear temp or the direction of the air. With the crazy weather we've been having, one day you want heat, next day AC, so my wife has to climb in the back, and set the controls there. The ONLY thing the driver can control is fan speed. I also wish the rear controls were placed to that the middle row people could also reach them. (Granted we knew all this before we bought it)
Other than a few really minor things, we LOVE our MPV.
My question is - Does anyone know why there are few to no MPV's with this option in the Northeast? We have yet to see one driving by dealers in MA, RI, or CT. Is this a Regional thing where we automatically get the 4-season package instead? Is this a dealer installed option or will it have to be factory ordered? I'd appreciate any insight anyone has. Thanks.
Ponder: Are there very few MPV ES owners here ?
*****
And since the LX and LX-Sv trim owners don't feel left out, could you post:
- Your MPV's trim level
- Feature list (Package option-wise) ?
Just wanted to get a feel of what are the most favorite options and the reasons why people chose those options.
Rich
Are you guys able to order and install the sills, etc. there at the dealership, or does Mazda insist on ordering the package directly from the factory?
Just wondering about the feasibility of adding the option to an LX on the lot in less time than the 12 weeks it takes to get one from Japan. Thanks again.
Jeff
Leslie
I'm slightly vertically challenged, 5'2" and my husband is 6' tall. I really would have loved the electronic seat but am living quite nicely without it. I simply don't allow my husband to change the seat position. (yes, his knees are bruised.) ;o ) The way I feel is if I have to drive this vehicle until the next century then don't mess with my seat position! Hey, it's fair!
Leslie
IMHO, the coolant should be changed every two years. 100k is a very long time. My opinion is that car manufacturers have extended service intervals on parts and fluids to decrease the maintenance costs that consumers will see when determining to buy a car. Having 100k miles between tune ups will save you a few bucks, as will the same interval for coolant. Besides... you car will be well out of warranty if/when it blows a head gasket b/c of having 80k miles on it with the original coolant in the radiator. EEK!
The factory does not spec a transmission fluid interval. I'm not certain as to why, but they don't. I changed mine to synthetic at about 15k miles, and recommend changing it every two years. It will cost about $100, or you can spend $4k buying a new transmission down the road... again, just b/c the factory says it doesn't need changing doesn't mean it's not wise or that it's harmful to change the fluid.
My 14c.
I guess you're right about the coolant. There's no harm in changing more often. Still haven't figured out the spark plug interval though. Even our POS Intrepid doesn't call for changing the plugs until 100K.
Steve, Host
My first posting was a question under MPV Problems in regards to our radio. (Thanks to everyone who answered. It'll be going back to the dealer on Monday to get taken care of.)
Anyway, I just read one of your more recent postings and I had a question for you. You mentioned covering your seats. May I ask you for some pointers in doing that? My husband always covers most of our seats, but the MPV poses new questions since we have airbags in the front two seats and then those middle row seats have that seatbelt bracket right in the seat. (One of my gripes about our new van.) Any info you can send our way would be greatly appreciated.
And by-the-way, so much of what you say sounds just like me! It's nice to see there's someone else "out there" doing lots of research and noticing little details! (And my husband is also banned from changing MY seat's settings)
Thanks!!!
What my husband and I did was we purchased our seat covers (any brand) and we cut holes for the side airbags. I took my sewing machine and sewed a stitch all around the cut out just so the material would be reinforced and not rip or anything. We took the arm rests off and the handles on the back of the seats and made small punctures so the screws would go back in.
The rear seats I cut slits for the seat belts. Same thing, I sewed along the cut out to reinforce it. I am no seamstress by any means and it was really easy to do. I think it took us all of an hour to do the whole car. The third seat was no big deal. I just got a small truck bench cover (to match my other covers) and popped that on. We keep the third seat tucked anyway and I pop it up when needed.
I tried covering the floor with those plastic runners and they aren't working. So I'm going out to get some indoor/outdoor carpeting and will remove the two back seats and lay that out and cut the appropriate areas so that the carpet is protected. My daughter is into equestrian so we have lots of "barn" dirt to deal with. UGH!
Hope this helped but feel free to ask me anything.
Leslie
Zoom-Zoom!
Drain and replace a quart of ATF every other time you change your oil (assuming you DIY the oil change). Some mechanics swear by this method, and I've been doing it in my Volvo. For the MPV, I've had the tranny fluid flushed every other year. It's due this summer, assuming it stays in the casa de java garage that long...
I can relate to that - but from the other side. Each time I try to enter our Passat after my DW has driven it, the steering wheel is right up against my chest and my legs are stuck in a awkward angle ... till I get hold of the knob and slide the seat back - all the way. Then, when I get in the seat, the roof is against my head .. so, I have to lower the seat. :-) Maybe we should try out the telescopic feature.. Hmmmmm!
Does the MPV ES have the option of seat memory when opening with different keyfobs ? I think not.
Where did you buy the seat covers for your MPV?
I have never bought seat covers before....
Thanks!
Leslie
Steve, Host
I do have an additional question about seat covers. Did you cover your head rests or not? (Which seat cover style did you use?) My husband had our head rests covered on our last van and I wasn't crazy about that since we couldn't adjust the head rests then. Just curious which way you went with your covers.
Any time you'd like to straighten me out about my gripes, I'd enjoy your input....we could start with the stupid placement of that seat belt bracket if you want.
Thanks again for your info...I was glad to see someone else may have also benefited from your instructions in seat covering! Sharon
What am I doing wrong when I'm typing my messages?
Thanks again, Sharon
The message box is set up for html, but it only accepts some html codes - that's probably what's throwing off your formatting.
Steve, Host
Yes, I covered the head rests too. The covers I bought fit perfectly and you can't tell that they are covered. The seats look like they are not covered as well. I have the grey interior and was able to get a light grey cloth cover that looks like the actual seat. The only seat cover that is too big is the third row. Again, I rarely use that seat so it didn't really matter.
As far as why what you type doesn't come out the way you want it to I have no idea. Steve may be able to answer that better than I.
Ok, I bit at your jab.
Leslie
As for my not completely loving my MPV, at least not yet. You summed it up correctly, it's not exactly what I wanted but then no one out there makes exactly what I want!
But anyway, I think I'm going through withdrawl in regards to our old van leaving us. Our old van was a 1993 Grand Voyager and even though it was mechanically challenged, I did like some of the features it had, most especially the roominess. (My husband is quite happy to be rid of it....we were on our 3rd transmission and he was beginning to think something was wrong with it again!) But anyway, I think I'm also experiencing some "burn out" due to all the looking and researching we did to find a new van. We looked at Kia and Honda and Toyota (and even Chrysler!) and I was on the internet for HOURS comparing features and ratings etc. I found myself liking something on one van, and then wondering why all the vans couldn't have that same feature. (Very frustrating!)
We've only had the MPV 6 days so I suppose I just need some time to get used to it? I adore that the 2nd row windows go down and in fact that was one of the biggest pluses for me. And I also love that the rear seat hides away in the floor and that it's NOT split, at least not a 50/50 split anyway because that type of seat is too uncomfortable for that 7th person. That rear seat was a huge plus for both of us, but especially my husband since he's the one that had to remove the bench seat from our old van and it was quite heavy!
My husband was especially interested in RELIABILITY and when doing our research, we found the Mazda to be rated quite high and so for him that was the biggest concern. We liked almost everything about the 04 Toyota but just couldn't justify spending so much more for it. And besides, somewhere I read something about transmission problems with that new Toyota and needless to say, with our past problems with transmissions, that's the last thing we wanted to encounter again!
If I was to list my bigger gripes, and some of these may not be fair due to it being a smaller van than I had, I'd have to say the seats are smaller (and having the seatbelt bracket IN the seat just shrinks those seats even more besides making them "lopsided", so-to-speak), the gear shifter is too long and in the way, I wish there were a couple more "cubbies", and that the cupholders were deeper. Gee, in the grand scheme of things I guess that's not a very long list....
Neither of us has ever owned a Mazda before and I think I'm just a little scared at the moment....hoping we made the right decision. We also, like you, plan to keep it forever and we want it to last without a lot of problems. I have to say that reading all of your upbeat comments has helped calm my nerves quite a bit and I'm truly looking forward to getting to know my MPV better and I'll hopefully "fall in love" with it soon!
Thanks for all your insight, and I do have to say, after my errands tonight, "zoom zoom" is quite true!
Sharon
The Sedona is a very nice van with many options, compfy seats, lot's of room to spread out and lot's of nooks and crannies to stuff things into. The price on a loaded Sedona is excellent. The reported gas mileage is daunting though. The ride was smooth but handling was typical for a larger van. To much body sway for me.
The MPV is smaller then my Villager but actually has more cargo even with the third row seat in place. I think the well that the third row seat folds into gives it more cargo capacity then if you had a flat floor.
It also has the option of not needing to remove the third row seat or seats as in the Sedona. I love being able to drive around with the third seat tucked, giving me all of that extra cargo room, and then when I need the seat, pop it up and off we go.
We have 2 girls and a Golden Retriever. Oh and two house rabbits who travel with us. Our girls are young yet, 10 and 7. They love having their very own seats and the huge bottle holders in the sliders are perfect for them. The fact that the second row seats recline and move forward and back is another plus. If need be we can slide the seats together quite easily. In the Honda Ody you actually have to tilt the seats forward and then slide them together. I didn't care for that.
I could go on and on about why I like the MPV and why we chose it. Bottom line; reliability, safety, price/options, size and fit and finish are what made the MPV the right choice for us. Some folks will come in and argue that if you're going to spend the money for a van you should get the larger vans. i.e. the Ody, Sienna. There is also the argument that the MPV is subpar to both the Ody and Sienna and can't even touch them in sales and reliability. The only thing I can't argue with is sales. I know sales have picked up on the MPV but certainly I don't see one every 2 feet like I do the Ody, Sienna, GM Triplets, and the Chrysler vans. What is going to happen is word is going to get out that the MPV has a new more powerful engine, it has excellent reliability, 5 star safety and is a quality van. This will drive sales up.
For retired couples who go to Florida or Arizona (I hear AZ is becoming quite popular for retired couples) the MPV is perfect. For families like mine with 2 children, again it's perfect.
I think you need to look at the pluses of owning an MPV and realize that no matter what you buy, there is no perfect van that is going to fit every need of your lifestyle.
Just my disertation on owning an MPV. Next I'll write a book. LOL! But in any event, thanks for the tip on the indoor/outdoor carpeting. I think we will go buy some. Barn dirt doesn't come out easily. Yikes! Atleast I have my daughter somewhat trained to remove her boots before getting into the van. I have a carpet in the back of the van that she places her muddy boots on.
Well I am off.
Leslie
Zoom-Zoom
I believe that wheeling around in a smaller van is easier then a larger one. You probably will have less damage to the van based on ease of parking. Just my 2 cents.
Leslie