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Mazda MPV

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Comments

  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I we're talking about non-synthetic 5W-20 weight oil, Pennzoil's is superior anyone's, including Castrol's. Penn is the only company that uses as much as 70% group III base. I've seen many analysis results on the 5W-20's, and Penn absolutely kills its competitors!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    ...it didn't say anything about it being bad for the system by running it in the recirculated mode.

    That's not the point, although I have heard about A/C systems in other cars being prone to freeze-up and mold growth when left in recirc all the time. What I was trying to point out is that it could be hazardous to the systems of the people in the MPV running the A/C in recirc mode all the time, as fresh air isn't coming into the cabin then (or at least not much). I'm surprised there isn't some mention of that hazard in the owner's manual; I've seen it in other owner's manuals.
  • libertycatlibertycat Member Posts: 593
    bottgers-I'm so happy for you!!! Is Sage Green a light, dark, regular, or forest green?
    pugnose-Good luck on convincing your husband to get an MPV.
    everyone-My favorite MPV color is the gold/metallic tan one. I forgot what it is called.
  • kmcgkmcg Member Posts: 14
    I just picked up my new 03 midnight blue mica MPV yesterday, and thought I should introduce myself and thank the people here for all the great info you've generated. It confirmed my initial impressions when I first drove the MPV on Wednesday, after a few months of looking at VW Eurovan, Honda Pilot and 04 Sienna. The MPV and the Pilot were the most fun to drive, and the price difference made me think about the fact that the Pilot is really just a minivan without the sliding doors. Why spring for an extra $10k? The Eurovan with pop-up camper offered enticing lifestyle possibilities, but again, the price difference was hard for me to justify. The Sienna was very nice, but huge, and the only ones available around Seattle were fully loaded to the tune of $40k plus! Yikes!

    So I bought the MPV LX-SV with no options. Some will think that's a really weird decision, but at $18k after rebate, I couldn't resist. That was about $550 under invoice - obviously advertised as a "loss leader" by a high volume dealership. I couldn't get the smaller dealer that I really liked to come close to that price.

    The purchase transaction was very smooth and quick - no pressure from the dealer to upgrade or buy warranties. I was pleasantly surprised! I got it in time to drive my daughter 50 miles to her soccer tournament, and absolutely loved everything about it - steering, pickup and the stereo especially! My daughter loved the back with the seats down, and the easy access from the second row. She's 12, so she needs an in-car dressing room ;)

    Now I will just need to add a few things, like floormats, rear bumper step guard, and possibly tint the windows. Does anyone have experience with tint products like SolarGard? Would you recommend it? The other thing the SV lacks is the side molding strip, and it does look a little naked without it. The dealer said they could order it for about $300, plus installation. Does anyone know of after-market alternatives?

    Thanks!
    Kathy
  • libertycatlibertycat Member Posts: 593
    I'm SOOOOO happy for you. You'll love your MPV and I like Midnight Blue metallic a lot.
  • ajacat1ajacat1 Member Posts: 87
    Hi you all--we're still in the process of deciding although we drove a Quest SE yesterday and had an instantaneous "gottahaveit" reaction...when the acceleration threw me back against the seat when my husband was driving I said "this is it" LOL

    But our economical sides say we should keep looking at the MPV--and then yesterday we saw the JD Power report that showed reliability for Mazda in general to be below the industry average...

    I'm wondering--what are people's experiences with Mazda problems with the MPV specifically? Is it by any chance any better than average reliability-wise? Our Camry V6 takes a lickin and keeps on tickin, as it were--not one problem at all in the two years we've had it (and it was 3 years used at that point).

    Any thoughts on MPV reliability would be much appreciated--
    tia
  • libertycatlibertycat Member Posts: 593
    according to Consumer Reports is BETTER than the Odyssey and ALL other 2003 minivans.
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I had a '95 Villager which is the same as the Quest. I really liked it. I will say this though, the MPV is better.

    When I got rid of my Villager I had a lifter going on it. The people who had it before me had a new engine put in it at 20k miles. The brakes were replaced again when I bought it at 70k. I had to have new rear shocks put in at 70k. The van was never quiet and when the kids closed the slider it sounded very tinny.

    My MPV now has 5k on it and I haven't had a single issue with it. In the past, after buying new cars, I always had "warranty" fix-ums. Not the MPV. The MPV is solid, runs great and is super fun to drive.

    JD Powers seems to be the only one who rates the MPV low. I'm not sure why. I still feel that the size of the MPV is what drives some of the low ratings. If it's not big and they haven't sold over 1 million then how can it be good? Atleast that's how I see some folks opinions.

    My neighbors have a '97 MPV with the dreaded 2.5 liter engine. They are extremely hard on cars. It runs like a champ. I'm also not downing the Quest as I really did like my Villager. What I didn't like was reading the overall safety ratings on the Quest. But not everyone holds much value in those ratings. I do so when it came down to buying a new van, I steered away from the Quest and looked at the 5 star rated vans. I also wanted the hide away third row seat. The MPV has that.

    Good luck.

    Leslie
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    .....is about the worst info you can base your vehicle decisions on. I mean come on, they always rank GM vehicles amoung the best, and we all know that ain't the case. CR is the best source, and of course the forums right here in Edmunds. BTW, CR ranks the MPV #2, just barely behind the Sienna, and better than all other minivans in terms or reliability.

    libertycat - Sage green is a very light green.
  • ajacat1ajacat1 Member Posts: 87
    I know that CR and here are really very valuable resources--have to say I don't sub to CR and I hadn't looked in there yet--funny, because I usually do when looking for a car but this time I just spaced it. GREAT news about the MPV's ratings there.

    Sage green is the color we'd want, actually--that or black. That sage green is beautiful, IMO.

    I think re the earlier models of Quest, that the thing we've driven is just a different species altogether. It's not a remodel, it's basically a new design. I guess for reliability the most telling analogues would be the Altima or Max.

    Well, back to try another MPV, then!
    thanks
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    .....timing chain I see when I remove the oil fill cap?
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I noticed the factory oil filter isn't shaped on the bottom of the canister like normal filters are. Most filters are shaped in sort of a hex shape so you can use the filter sockets to remove them. However, the factory filter is more gear-like shaped. How did you remove yours? Did you have to resort to the ol' puncture it with a screwdriver method?
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    ...but you can buy a filter end cap wrench, which fits the filter end like a large socket (can even connect it to a socket wrench). I bought one that fits not only the Motorcraft filter, but can fit others as well.

    -Brian
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    This first voyage of my new MPV complete, I'm happy to report it handled magnificently. Everything about this vehicle is top notch. Lots of power on the expressway (I95) and great road handling doing the inevitable 'went-the-wrong-way-have-to-make-questionable-Uturn-here.

    The DVD system works great and the kids totally love it. I love my 6 CD super sound system. Had to get used to the number of times I have to press my keyless remote to open all the doors and get the power doors to work, but I think I've got it down now.

    Leslie and Ace - I passed on most of your suggestions of things to see - all were a little further than I really planned on driving to (since I already drove about 85 miles each way to get to the hotel). We did go to the Lighthouse park which does has a pretty good beach. Yes, I can see what you mean about New Haven Harbor, Leslie, and I'm sure there are neicer beaches in West Haven - next time we will check those out.

    Got to historic Yale field to see the Binghampton Mets trounce the New Haven Ravens in game 1 of a double header (had to leave before the second game).

    Love my "PeeVee"

    Zoom Zoom
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    That's what I was talking about. I have several different sizes of the filter end cap wrenches, but it seems to me like they wouldn't work. The factory filter isn't shaped like normal filters are. Instead of being shaped to fit the filter wrench, it has a gear tooth shape. It doesn't seem to me like a normal filter wrench will fit the factory filter.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I bought my end cap wrench at Wal-Mart. It's orange colored and fits the FL-820S filter just fine, at least on mine.

    FWIW, I only used the end cap wrench to get the old filter off. I hand tightened the new one, which was partially filled with M-1, btw.

    -Brian
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    Did you test drive an '04 Quest? I didn't think they would be out until the fall? If you test drove an '03 then no they aren't any different then my '95. Same engine, same platform. They changed the front end a little but again it's based off of the Maxima just like my Villager was. That's not to say that my Villager wasn't good, as I said, I liked it. I bought it with 70k on it and in two years exactly traded it with 103k on it. I would still be driving it if Mazda hadn't had such a good deal on the MPV.

    When I was researching which van to get I really liked the '03 Quest but again, the MPV one out and I still feel it is the better van at a comperable size.

    The '04 Quest will be totally redesigned.

    Leslie
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Quest changed in '99 - got a second slider, more horsepower, etc. The new Quests hit the showrooms last week but it's still rare to find one. It won't be hard to miss though, since it'll look huge compared to the nicely sized MPV.

    Steve, Host
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I think there was no Quest Minivan 2003. Correct me if I am wrong.

    MB
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I have MPV ES 2002 Sage Green bought last year in February. I have now 23,000 miles and I had one problem with a leaking fog light which was replaced last year. MPVs performance and comfort is outstanding. I tested SUVs and other minivans before deciding on MPV but most SUVs handle like a boat on three wheels and other minivans didn't fit my needs. The weakest point I see with ES MPV are tires which are excellent while new. They wear out fairly quickly and become very hydroplaning prone while they still appear to be good (very dangerous combination). Dunlop is the only maker for this size of tire other than Michelin Arctic which is out of question in my case since arctic weather is rather not very common if South Florida where I live.

    MG
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Availability. One look on the Tire Rack's web site revealed 51 different tires, and 11 different brands in the 215/60/16 size. When the Dunlops go, I think I'll look into the Good Year Aquatreds. I've always heard nothing but good things about them, and I think they're an 80K mile tire now.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    you are lucky. I don't think 16" wheels are much different from 17" as it comes to handling aren't they? I wished I could choose other brands. Dunlops are great but considering quick wear (17,000 miles front tires) they are not cheap that's for sure. I was thinking of going to 16" but then good wheels are expensive as well so I don't think for the time I intend to keep MPV it would be worth it.

    MB
  • libertycatlibertycat Member Posts: 593
    Yes, you are correct. No such thing as a 2003 Quest.
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I wasn't aware that they had made changes to the
    Quest/Villager in '99. I did also forget that they didn't come out with an '03 Quest. I do know that they stopped making the Villager.

    :)

    Leslie
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I would think the 17's would ride even choppier than the 16's do. The 16's seem to have a bit of a hard time soaking up the quick, choppy bumps. I was a little surprised to find out they require 35 psi. That could be contributing to the stiff ride. I was thinking about running them at a lower pressure, but I don't want to hurt my fuel economy, or cut down on the life of the tires. I wonder if any of the other 16" tires ride smoother than the Dunlops?
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    and they ride as smooth as a baby's a -er, face.

    Choppy? I don't think so.

    I prefer these Dunlops to the BF Goodrich, 16" tires I had on the Caravan.
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    Ok dave, what did you really mean?? A baby's face is anything but smoothe. Especially after a yummy meal in which the child has food caked all over his/her face. Now on the other hand, if you meant the baby's back side, well maybe it's smoothe after a bath? I think we need a new comparison.

    See, I can always find something to argue about. hehehehehehehehehehe! ;o )

    Leslie
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    .......the 17's being smoother riding than the 16's, with their shorter, stiffer sidewalls and all.
  • moonpie2moonpie2 Member Posts: 26
    You hear so much arguing about minutia on these message boards. Which oil is the best? Which wax is the best? Which tire size is best? Technology is now so much more advanced then it was a few years ago. All of the products are pretty high quality at this point, and they all do their jobs very well.

    Back in the early 90's, large diameter wheels (16's and 17's) only came on corvettes and other performance cars where ride was secondary to performance. Those tires had super stiff and short sidewalls that would not flex at all. Now, 16's are practically the most common tire size available, they do come on mini vans after all. The new Dodge trucks come with 20 inch wheels from the factory. Its almost impossible to find a new car that comes with 12's or 13's which were very common just a few years ago. Compare the sidewall of a mid 90's econo car with 14's to the sidewall of your MPV with 17's. I bet the 17 inch sidewall is actually taller than the 14. I believe the overall tire and wheel diameters are getting larger. Also, all the tire companies are spending lots of money developing tires that provide a smoother ride while increasing performance as well. Most luxury car now come with big wheels and run flat tires. These tires have extremely stiff sidewalls but you don't hear anyone complaining about the stiff ride of their cadillac or lexus. Which brings me to the next point. The modern cars also have more responsive and forgiving suspension systems which transmit more useful information to the driver while filtering out unnecessary info. I'm not saying your MPV has the same suspension as a lexus, but it is certainly more advanced then the caravan of old.

     I bet that there is practically no perceivable difference in ride between the 16's and 17's on the MPV's. The primary differences are probably appearance and cost with a very minor, if any, performance edge. The bigger wheels look better to those whole like the "performance" appearance but will also cost a little more to replace.
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    I won’t be sucked into your web of viscious arguments, Leslie. You just have to go back to baiting the Honda Odyssey folks for that. ;-)

    We all know what part of a baby is smooth.

    bottgers – it almost sounds like you have to justify every aspect of your model selection. Be happy with your LX and the 16” wheels. I am quite happy with my ES and the 17’s.

    “I bet that there is practically no perceivable difference in ride between the 16's and 17's on the MPV's. The primary differences are probably appearance and cost with a very minor, if any, performance edge. The bigger wheels look better to those whole like the "performance" appearance but will also cost a little more to replace.”

    Well said, Moonpie.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The ride comments are good. But I never see my tires while I'm driving my van, unless I happen to crusie by a big plate glass window. Ditto fancy wheels with spinning hubcaps :-) I'd rather have nicer interior stuff myself, assuming the ride's ok.

    The other problem with the increase in OEM tire size is the replacement expense. The come-on ads for new tires always look great until you realize they are promoting the 14 (or 13!) inch sizes with the low price banner. When you start talking about 17" tires, you're looking at real money.

    And it's not unusual to hear about people dropping ten grand on a new set of 20" tires and wheels.

    Steve, Host
  • moonpie2moonpie2 Member Posts: 26
    Word! (I concur!)

    I changed tires for about 6 years back in high school and college. I used to put some big, expensive wheel and tire packages on for the gangbangers around here. But now, if you shop around, you can pick-up sets of chrome 20's and tires for some common vehicles (Escalades, Expeditions, etc.) for as low as $2500.

    But, now we're getting off topic. I can't imagine any of us bumpin' around town in a slammed MPV with 20's. Although, that might be pretty cool.

    For those most interested in utility and cost, which is most likely the reason you're looking at a MPV in the first place, 17's will cost more to replace and you should be aware that the "$99.00 for four new tires" ad you see on the highway is not for you. Take a look at a Tire Rack or Discount Tire Co. ( or America's Tire Co.) ad to get an idea of what replacement cost will actually be.

    Also, for those wondering about which brand to use as replacement tires and alternate sizes. Go talk to somebody at your local, nondenominational tire-shop like one's metioned above. Try to do it on a weekday morning or afternoon so they won't be too busy. If the person helping you doesn't seem too knowledgeable, asked to speak to the manager. These guys get paid big bucks for customer satisfaction and are very interested in getting your return business. They know alot about comparable tire sizes and all brands. They're not going to push you to use a particular brand like Firestone or Goodyear. They sell every brand and will try to get you the right tire for your needs. One last thing, buying tires from most of these companies is like buying a car, never pay sticker price. These companies can negotiate to some degree on price, but don't be too big of a jerk because you'll want them for service (flat repairs, rotations, balances, etc.) down the line.
  • mpvmikempvmike Member Posts: 6
    I picked up my 2003 Pure White MPV LX last night. Whoo hooo! I've read nothing but good things about the van everywhere except MSN. It seems that there are a couple pretty angry people out there that are putting multiple posts on that site bad-mouthing the MVP and bringing it's average down...but I digress...I never thought I'd actually be happy about picking up a new minivan, but I can honestly say that the people I dealt with at the dealer (Bill Jacobs Mazda, Aurora IL) made my decision alot easier. I traded in a 1996 T&C with 86,000 miles, a bad transmission, inop drivers window, warm air AC and check engine light on. Mazda offered the best value for my money and I'm very happy to join the MPV crowd!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Congrats on the new ride; love the white.

    You'll get multiple posts here too if you refresh after posting - it's a feature of our software. You have to click elsewhere on Edmunds and then come back to the discussion to avoid this bug. Thanks!

    Steve, Host
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Moonpie

    You think talking about oil, wax, and tires is manutia? You got something better to talk about? I'm game.

    dave_h2

    Why would think I have a need to justify my choices? I didn't buy the more expensive ES model. I'm 110% happy with my choice.
  • moonpie2moonpie2 Member Posts: 26
    It's O.K. everyone, bottgers is just a little self consciuous about the smallness of his....uh wheels. Can't we all just get along?

    As a matter of fact, I do believe I remember someone talking about doing water color paintings of their vans in scenic locations. Maybe we could talk about that.....oh wait, I think that was on the Ody board!

    But seriously bottgers, you know what I mean, for the average novice loging-in for a little info regarding their new van, the conversations can become so specific that they can't decipher them. I'm just trying to be a voice of moderation, pointing out that alot of the available product are really great and will serve the average person very well. As long as you're not buying a bunch of off brand junk, and you do a fair amount of research, and you follow the manufacturers (not the guy at the dealer who's trying to sell you services) recommendations, you'll probably be fine.

    Now bottgers, can't we kiss and make up?
  • dave_h2dave_h2 Member Posts: 100
    on your new "peevee". Come join the slugfest (er, I mean party).

    So - after how many miles should I expect to replace my ultra-expensive 17" tires, anyway?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    My guess is that you'll be lucky to get 35,000 miles out of them, regardless of make of the van or the size of the tire.

    Steve, Host
  • moonpie2moonpie2 Member Posts: 26
    I concur with steve_HOST. Keep those puppies properly inflated and rotate them often to avoid premature and uneven wear.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Kiss and make up? I don't know, can we? You were the one who called everything I was dicussing manutia. I think the dicussion got more specific because all the golly-gee-whiz-general stuff had all been pretty much talked out. Besides, if some of the folks don't want to read the more specific stuff, they'll just scroll past.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I don't agree that you have to rotate tires. There is absolutely no evidence that rotating impedes premature wearing. I could even argue that rotating tires actually speeds up wearing process. In fact, rotating only makes front and rear tires to wear on all four wheels more evenly at the same time.

    I never rotate tires and I always ask my dealer not to do it on my car. Once, however, the dealer rotated Goodyear tires on my VW Passat anyways. The effect of that was that I ended up replacing all four tires prematurely because they became so noisy that I couldn't stand them anymore.

    MB
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    It looks great! You really can't see it until you get up close, and even then you can only see the seams. I had the whole front end done, up to about 12" up the hood. The only portions that didn't get covered are the sections that angle back and are closer to being horizontal rather than vertical. The installer said the near horizontal portions are less suseptable to damage than the vertical areas. Makes sense. He told me to park in the sun for the next couple of days. This is supposed to really make the film adhere well, and make it really tighten up to the surface. My headlight film kit is due in later this week and will be installed when it comes in.

    Being that I've never used the film before, I don't know how well it will hold up, or how well it will protect. I do like the fact that unlike a bra, I never need to remove it, and it doesn't alter the factory look of the vehicle.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    How much?

    Steve, Host
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Where did you get the film? I'm interested in it for my next new car purchase...
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    We (that'd be the dw and I) will be test driving an '03 MPV ES tomorrow... white, GFX, 4Seasons, monster moonroof, power doors, DVD... man, everything. The sticker shock is pretty hefty... thank goodness for the deals that are out there these days. ;-) Too bad we don't want white. I've found a number of them in the colors that I could live with, in the PNW.

    Anyway, aside from her constantly mentioning that she wants an RX300/330, we're close to just pulling the trigger on an '03.

    I'm trying to decide whether to sell or trade-in the 'ol Mochavan! And I just got vanity plates for it!

    Steve, too bad you're not up here. I'm going to go slay some silvers on a charter on Sunday! My sister is restocking my freezer w/my favorite Star$ beans too (visiting from your area).
  • lsinclsinc Member Posts: 270
    I'm thinking that you're a chicken! Yes, I know I can be vicious. I do have a reputation to keep up here. ;p

    Could you suggest someone else to pick on? The Ody folks aren't fun anymore. I've already picked on the Venture folks. Thoughts? Suggestions? ;P

    Leslie
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Pictures, Bottgers, pictures please!

    Java, certainly you can call the new van Mochavan - just spill some freshly brewed Mocha-latte on the test drive in it! ;-)

    -Brian
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I was looking at RX300 when I was shopping for a car and I heard horror stories about RX300 from my friends. RX300 is great while it is new but they have it for three years and this thing is rusting, rattling, and paint is peeling. They live in South Florida and probably Sun and salt from the ocean have something to do with it. However, my co-worker has 11 years old Volvo sedan, color red and he parks it outside all the time. It is amazing, the paint is like new.

    MB
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    MPV manual says nothing about a need for transmission fluid replacement. Does anyone have any suggestions if this should be done and if yes then how often?

    MB
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