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Mazda MPV

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Comments

  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I think you would wait no matter which manufacturer you are dealing with. I know Honda did have a long wait period for factory ordered vans. Not sure if it's so anymore.

    Just my 2 pennies worth

    Lsinc
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    My sales person told me today the $2000 cash back is good through July 31st. I don't know where he got this info because I thought incentives went on a month by month basis. I'm not complaining, I just hope this info is accurate.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Honda had long order-time issues because (my theory) they artificially have a shortfall in production capacity. I guess it can happen when you build that many different models on the same assembly line.

    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!
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Have any of you installed a transmission pan drain plug kit on you MPV? I know there are kits available for a vareity of vehicles. Where did you get yours and what brand did you get? I plan on changing the tranny fluid in my MPV about every 10K miles and having a drain plug in the pan makes this process much easier. I still don't understand why they don't factory install these plugs.
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I have a GFX package, car wash question. My van has the side sills which are pretty low to the ground. Has anyone who has the side sills gone through the car wash. I'm worried that when I drive into the car wash and my front wheel goes into the automatic track puller thingy (don't know what else to call it) that the side sill won't clear the track.

    My MPV is crying for a washing.

    Thanks!

    Lsinc
  • acedriveracedriver Member Posts: 131
    I got two words for you Lsinc:

    Measuring tape :-)
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Bucket, hose...

    Workin' at the carwash baby... workin' at the carwash now...
  • acedriveracedriver Member Posts: 131
    Could you post what features tilted you towards the MPV. For me, they are :

    - $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 ?
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    acedriver: Buy when the time is right for you,it is very hard to determine in advance what the next model year will have that the current one doesn't. OTOH,if you know that a better engine or more options are on the way, then wait a bit,but the pricing may not be as good. OTOH,the pricing may be better with the economy the way it is.
     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
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    lsinc (it’s Leslie, right?), I’ve been reading through the archives of this (and other) threads here in the MVP forum and I just have to tell you that I found nearly all of your post informative (and often amusing). Since I don’t want to wait for my vehicle, I will take from existing stock, be it an Odyssey or an MVP.

    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.
  • acedriveracedriver Member Posts: 131
    Since you posted your rant without asking :-) ...

    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!
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    the ability to store the head
    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.
  • acedriveracedriver Member Posts: 131
    In addition to 2nd row seat, does the 3rd row seat also slide fore/aft ?
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    I prefer leasing because I get to drive a new vehicle every three years. New features, innovations, etc. The thought of driving a 10 year old car doesn’t appeal to me at all. According to your scenario, I’d still have to pull the third row seating in and out of the van. I wouldn’t have a CD player and there wouldn’t be a Rear Entertainment System for the kids.

    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 ;-)
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Thanks for ignoring my posts.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Try the Mazda MPV Club: Aftermarket & Accessories discussion instead. There's more "buying" talk here than drain plugs....

    Steve, Host
  • jwtotojwtoto Member Posts: 11
    The inside of the windshield is huge in the MPV. Have any of you resourceful people discovered a way to wash this massive expanse of glass? I'm almost ready to shop for a pet orangutan so I can train him to do it.
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    What is really needed on the 30,000 mile service for a 2001 ? What should it cost?
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    The inside of the windshield is actually the same size as the outside of it. :)

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Rutger3, check The Edmunds Maintenance Guide for what we think it should cost.

    Steve, Host
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    ...was introduced earlier this year. It's a feature-reduced version of the LX. Mazda deleted the DX version in 2002, and I suppose this, in a way, makes up somewhat for that. ;)

    Rutger3, try this MPV Maintence Schedule for your maintence schedule needs.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Under the typical five-year replacement cycle, isn't the MPV do for a redesign (maybe based on the Mazda 6 platform) for the 2005 model year? And wouldn't that mean a low likelihood of significant changes for 2004?
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I noticed a few things I thought were a little strange about that maintenance schedule. It recommends changing the plugs at 60K miles. Most platinum plugs now days are good for 100K miles. I wonder why these aren't? Next they recommend changing the engine coolant the first time at 45K miles. I thought most manufacturers were using the 100K coolant now? Apparently not. Lastly, I didn't see any mention about changing the tranny fluid and filter. What's up with that?
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    Wow, it's been busy in here since I checked in this morning.

    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
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    My biggest gripe with the MPV is....lack of driver control of and placement of the rear climate controls.

    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.
  • jeffatlmjeffatlm Member Posts: 8
    My wife and I are considering the MPV and have been looking at the inventory on the lots. After looking over the brochure and seeing a few on the road we kind of like the GFX or Sport package. I know it is just an appearance package, but it does give the MPV a distinctive look (in a good way).

    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.
  • acedriveracedriver Member Posts: 131
    Maybe everyone missed my teeny-tiny itty-bitty question in my last post to the MPV ES trim owners - What features/reasons made you choose the ES trim over the LX trim ?

    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.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    We usually only stock one GFX at a time...If the demand was stronger we would stock more..I order 80% of our stock LX-MPV with the four seasons, rear a/c, roof rack and rear bumper step plate. This is the package that the majority of our connecticut buyers are looking for...the GFX package units I order are usually loaded with alot of options.

    Rich
  • jeffatlmjeffatlm Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the info, 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
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I have the GFX package on my '03 MPV. There were two on the lot when we purchased ours. One was an ES and the one we bought is an LX. We live in CT and I agree. I haven't seen many at all with the GFX option. I also agree that it gives it a distinctive look. My husband and I are quite happy we chose that option.

    Leslie
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I didn't miss your teeny-tiny itty-bitty question. I saw it and since I don't have an ES can't really answer it. I can however give you my 2 teeny-tiny itty-bitty cents on the issue. Here it goes wether you like it or not. ;) I think some folks go with the ES because you can get leather seats, auto seats and the upgraded sound system. We chose the LX because we didn't want leather seats. My girls begged me not to get leather. They hate sticking to the seats when it get's hot and they have shorts on. I also wanted to be able to cover the seats (and the entire interior of the van) since I have to drive my MPV until the next century. This is according to my husband. I doubt very much that he will win on this one.

    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!

    :o +

    Leslie
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    I'm not sure why they have the change interval for the plugs at 60k, but my Contour w/the same engine, had a 100k change interval. I changed the plugs in the Contour at 20k and they really needed it. I haven't changed the plugs in the MPV and it has 34k miles.

    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. ;)
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I'm assuming since you said it costs about $100 to change your tranny fluid that means you have it flushed every 15K. I had that done with my wife's interpid one time, and another time I did it myself. The time I had it done, the idiot overtorqued one of the pan bolts and stripped it. The time I did it, it was a huge mess. I also don't like the fact that don't change the filter when they do a flush either. I won't be doing any flushes with the MPV. However, I will be draining the fluid, and changing the fliter every 10K, and because I'll be doing myself, it'll cost me a fraction of the cost to have a flush done. I know, this only drains about half of the fluid, but doing this every 10K, plus changing the filter each time should keep the fluid fairly clean.

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I've heard that it's a good idea to pull them at 60k (or earlier) and make sure the threads aren't seizing up in the engine block. Did you have that kind of trouble with the Intrepid?

    Steve, Host
  • moibmoib Member Posts: 49
    I'm new to all of this "stuff" (?chats?, ?discussions?). I've read a lot of old postings, but I'm sure I've missed a lot of them.

    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!!!
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I'm glad I've been helpful. :)

    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!
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Here's a tip that I learned, and have been doing on my Volvo for the past while:

    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...
  • acedriveracedriver Member Posts: 131
    (And my husband is also banned from changing MY seat's settings)

    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.
  • vrmvrm Member Posts: 310
    Hi,
    Where did you buy the seat covers for your MPV?
    I have never bought seat covers before....

    Thanks!
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I bought them at Walmart. You can get them online or at any department stores. The container will tell you what kinds of seats the covers will fit. Some cars have the removeable headrest like the MPV and others are all one unit.

    Leslie
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I don't know. The Intrepid has 65K on it right now, and it will be turned in (lease vehicle) next month. I guess I won't get to find out.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hopefully some anti-seize stuff was used on them initially.

    Steve, Host
  • moibmoib Member Posts: 49
    Hi Leslie! Thanks for your response to my question about seat covers. It was very helpful. I was disappointed that you didn't nibble at my "jab" about the seats though! :) (I had said I had a gripe about the seat belt bracket being IN the seat itself. That's just one of many gripes but overall the van does seem to be a good van.) :) I am trying hard to love this new van of mine, small faults and all! :)

    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. :) (Or am I being too picky?)

    Thanks again for your info...I was glad to see someone else may have also benefited from your instructions in seat covering! Sharon
  • moibmoib Member Posts: 49
    Hi again! Like I've said before, I'm new to this whole discussions thing....I just looked at my recent message to you about seat covers and I don't understand why my carefully typed message with appropriate spaces between sentences or smile faces gets all smashed together when it posts.

    What am I doing wrong when I'm typing my messages?

    Thanks again, Sharon
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Your messages look fine to me but I guess you are trying to format them a certain way.

    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
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    moib: Ok, hmmmmmmm I do know that I was in a rush the other day when I replied. The seats are designed that way so that everything stays neat and tidy. One of the things that drove me nuts in my other van was the seat belt latches were attached to the floor next to the seat. They always got in the way. With the MPV seat belt design, once you take the rear seats out, you don't have to contend with the seat belt latches sticking up from the floor of the van. I think it's rather clever. Also, when folding down the seats, they tuck into the slit and are out of the way. When I take my dog in the car, I tuck the latch away and it doesn't dig into her side.

    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. :p Question, why are you having to try to like your MPV? Just curious. Is it not exactly what you wanted?

    Leslie
  • moibmoib Member Posts: 49
    Hi again Leslie and thanks again for your reply. Seat covers almost seem like such a silly topic to keep asking about but the more info (or hints) I can give to my husband, the better (and faster) he can install some. :) And by-the-way, my husband used that indoor/outdoor type carpet to cover areas in our old van and it really worked out well for us.

    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! :) Ha, I think I just opened myself up to some comments with that one!

    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
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I was wondering if the small size of the MPV compared to full-sized vans is a plus in the body-shop-avoidance area. I've owned two Caravans, a '91 Caravan base model and currently a '99 GCS. The '91 got a couple of dings and had one parking lot accident (someone backed into it) in 8 years. The '99 has been in the body shop constantly for various scrapes, bumps, front bumpers pulling off (darn that low front overhang!), damaged wheel covers (those are pricey buggers too), dings etc. I've probably spent over $3000 in various exterior repairs in the past 4 years, and I have numerous assorted work waiting to be done on the front and rear bumpers and on at least 5 body panels. The front bumper and maybe the back bumper will need to be replaced this time. I've never seen a vehicle collect so much incidental damage! I am coming to the conclusion that a main reason for all the damage is the sheer size of the van. It's a foot-and-a-half longer than the '91 van and very wide also. I just think my lovely wife (who drives it 95% of the time) has trouble keeping it out of harm's way. Are there any MPV owners out there who owned a large van prior to the MPV who had a similar experience with their old vans, and found a difference with the MPV?
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    Before my MPV I owned a Mercury Villager. I bought it used. I purchased it in the Spring of '01 (it was a '95) with 72k on it. When I traded it in in April of '03 it had 103k on it. In two years I put 31k on it. I have to say, I really liked that van. It drove like a car and the seats were comfy. It had very few mechanical issues and never left me stranded. I have to say, when we decided on a new van, I wanted a new Nissan Quest which is the clone to the Villager. After researching and test driving (about 6 months worth) it came down to the Kia Sedona and the MPV.

    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
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    The largest van I owned was my Villager. I never bumped it or got bumped. Scratches are unavoidable in any car. What does help with general scratches is a heavy coat of wax. The MPV certainly is easy to park and I find visibility very good. I have had a few close calls but one in particular in a parking lot. I started to pull into a space and the guy driving the pickup next to that space decided that he was going to back out without looking. Needless to say, I stopped and he kept going and cut his wheel to the right a little too quickly and almost took off my right front fender. He even had the ordasity to blame me! I thought he was going to get out of the car and pick a fight with me. I was with my Mother and he was a big guy! Nothing came of it and he didn't hit my van so "All's well that ends well".

    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
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