Mazda MPV

braja

has anyone found a 3rd party cd-radio-cassette
system (in-dash) for the 2000 (or 2001) MPV?
My van just came with the cd-radio system
and Mazda wants $1200 to replace it with
the newer cd-radio-casette system (!!!).

mpvfan1

After extensive research on-line looking at the new Honda, Dodge, and Mazda vans I settled on the MPV. I bought a 2001 Black Mica ES and it is gorgeous. I added the rear spoiler and front air defector to spiff it up. I was looking for a van with a smaller, sportier look, but still 7-passenger. I was VERY concerned with power after reading all the postings on this web-site and reading many on-line reviews at various sites. I drove a neighbor's MPV a few times and decided power was not an issue. I couldn't agree more with all of you who have pointed out that people don't drive mini-vans for drag racing. I have NO problem merging at 60 on the freeway and see no need to take risks when passing other cars. There is plenty of power to do so when the conditions are safe to pass in the first place. I think the MPV interior and sound system is superior to the Honda. I love leather and wasn't willing to pay $2000 aftermarket on the Honda. I found the Honda interior quite boring other than the individual lights and air controls for the back passengers. That's a nice feature. There were a few selling points for me with the MPV. I love the operational windows in the sliding doors (only mini-van with that feature). I love the ease with which the middle seat moves back and forth from bench to quad seats. I love the large windshield and good visibility in all directions. I love the car-like feel and easy handling. My new car is sharp-looking, easy to drive, and has enough power for this mom and her carpools.

steeplejack

Please remind me. I remember some discussion of the MPV shoulder belts "locking." I went to the dealer with this complaint and was told that they operate normally. Hmmm. I do not like being locked in so tightly. The Customer Service line claims to know nothing. No TB allegedly exist on this. Thanks

tboner1965

Check the owners manual. Happened the first night to my wife. If the belt is pulled out all the way, it will only retract, not give any more. This is to secure a car seat. Now why they all work that way, when car seats should only be in back is a good question. But that is how they work. I can't recall right now, but think they stay in that mode until you let them fully retract. But again, check your owners manual, it was pretty clear about how they work.

Cheers,

TB

hload

Just took the new van for a 300 mile day drive to the washington coast. Flat and hilly it drove great! Even took it over 70 mph today - with only 890 miles. Shhhh dont tell the honda guys how good this van is! 21 MPG. Next to do is get the windows tinted.

jimmcd47

I recently purchases a 2000 LX with the factory rear seat entertainment system. My problem is the TV tuner. Does it have one or not? Mazda salesman says it does, but can't seem to get mine working. I get nothing on my screen to indicate that there is one. Manual says the TV tuner must be purchased separately. Mazda Corp and Rosen state that TV tuner in included. Parts counter has no part number for the tuner just the optional antenna. Service stated the RSES is fine, and the optional antenna must be purchased to operate the TV tuner. Salesman had an MPV on the lot without the TV antenna and the TV tuner was working. Any ideas?

badgermomma

We weren't really planning on purchasing until later this winter or early spring, but my DH's car died on Wed so we were in a bind. I called the closest dealer and they had one van on the lot and it had all kinds of extras we didn't want. So I got on the phone and located essentially what we were hoping for about 3 hours away, conviently in DH's home town.

We paid invoice minus the 1000 rebate for a 2000 ES, red, 4 season's package, 3 n 1 audio and fog lights. Just what I would have ordered if given the chance. Picked it up on Sat and am thrilled with it. It is just great.

One problem which I think we have overcome is my daughters booster seat didn't work with the seat belt set up, the bottom of the seat can slide forward fairly easily. The solution was to purchase a seat saver mat (like a rubber floor mat ) and really sit on it to jamb in down and get the belt as tight as possible. The tether will help too once that is installed. The top of the seat doesn't move at all now, the bottom can still move out, but not as much and not as easily. We also installed a Fisher Price Safe Embrace convertible rear facing, and that went fine. Would really recommend that seat saver though, I am going to get another for the FPSE seat asap The fit problem is caused in part by the design of the seat belt, the receiver being forward of the seat back, dumb idea for a family car if I say so myself.

The 3 hour drive home was great, played with the stereo quiet a bit, and I must of fumbled with the wipers 100 times (frequent washing due to wet roads), that will take some getting used to.

Jane

pawnie

I bought 2000 MPG with the ROES system this past June. To the best of my knowledge, and according to my salesman and the owners manual, the system does not come with a tuner. My understanding is that you will have to purchase a tuner separately. If you happen to get your system to produce a t.. signal without purchasing an additional antenna or tuner, please post and explain how you did it. Good luck!

blondemom1

I would like to wish all my friends here, both old and new, a very happy new year. I also hope for all, a safe, prosperous, and memorable 2001.

cotton6

Before I go to the dealer, I would like some information about the side doors. We bought our MPV in Oct. and have approx. 3000 miles. Lately, my children and husband are experiencing great difficulty in opening and closing the side doors on both sides. I remember reading something recently in this forum, but since the format has changed, I do not have the patience to read through the postings. I would appreciate any feedback on this matter, before I head out to the dealer and complain. I feel that it is better to know whether or not this is a problem with the manufacture or just our particular van. All responses on this topic are welcome. Thanks.

Poppa

We bought a black mica 2001 ES last week, to add to our 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan.
I'm an even bigger minivan fan than my wife. (All those "macho" SUV drivers don't what they're missing.) She really likes the Dodge (and still misses our Miata days) but reluctantly admits that she also appreciates the flexibility, reliability, and size of the MPV.
I was looking for an LX with a moonroof and RES because in the NY metro area they're running a deal on a free entertainment system on in-stock MPVs. As you can imagine, these systems only seem to be available in the in-stock ES MPVs. I am not a fan of leather seats but I'm glad I got "forced" into buying an ES. When I'm sitting on one of these seats, listening to tunes on the nine speaker sound system with the sun pouring through the extra large moonroof (when did a sun roof become a moon roof?), all is well; Especially when the kids are watching a video instead of fighting.
The slow starts don't bother me because the engine is fine after 10mph and runs on regular gas, but little things do a bit, like two cup holders on the right side of the right second row seat and none on the left seat, and no individual lights for the second row passengers. And we too are having big problems opening and closing the sliding doors. Otherwise the ES is like driving a three row Millenia ( no, not quite a Miata). I and (if she would admit it) my wife highly recommend it!

brmuda

The factory eny sys does NOT come equipped w/TV tuner or antenna. They are additional Rosen options. I opted to not get the Rosen sys from factory because I did not like the location of VCP (under 2nd row seat). I was able to purchase the entire (includes TV tuner, TV antenna, jack box for hooking up Nintendo, video camera, etc. & 2 pair wireless headphones) Rosen ent sys from trim shop through my dealer for same price as factory unit. I believe the factory MSRP for these options are $95 for tuner, $150 for antenna, $75 for jackbox & $75 for headphones. VCP is installed under fr pass seat while jack box is installed under driver's fr seat. Be aware that TV reception is not good while vehicle is moving. I really didn't care about TV tuner & antenna - mainly wanted VCP mounted under pass fr seat. Be aware that TV reception sucks when vehice is in motion.

Now as a favor in return for my info, please reply to my following ques that no one has responded to as of yet. Many thanks.
----------------------------
I need a favor from you.
I just noticed the pass side of my upper dash pad
may be defective. It's right by the tweeter (2.5
inch round speaker). I originally thought there
was a crack in the dash but, the closer I looked,
there's an actual line outlining the round speaker
cutout. It looks like it may be from the mold when the dash pad was formed. This only exists on the pass side (driver's side has nothing like this.)

PLEASE check your dashboards and let me know if
any of you have the same.

vanmeister

Brmuda- regarding the "dash crack"- I just checked my 2000 LX manufactured 7/99 and found the line running from the passenger side tweeter. And there is NOT one on the driver side. I'm pretty sure its just a mold parting line of some sort, not a crack.

linchen

Got my 2000LX last week with touring and 4 seasons packages, plus moon roof, rear AC, roof rack and 3-in-1 audio. Paid $1801 under invoice, plus tax and license. I don't think I did too bad in price. This is in NYC.

Couple questions:

1. I though that the difference between sun and moon roof is that moon roof has darkened glass, vs. sun roof is clear. My is clear, so I guess it is sun roof? I would have liked it to be darkened glass.

2. Is the glass tinted? It feels really hot in direct sun light.

3. What are the good places to get accessories for it? I need cargo mat to go into the well behind the third seat. I saw on at www. weathertech.com. Does any one know it is just a flat piece of rubber or is it shaped to the well. Do I need to take out the mat before I fold the seat in? Where to get a cargo net?

Thanks for all the posting, that really helped me decides on this van.

akashs

Hi ppl...this is my first post here...so I don't know what to expect!..anywho...I'm 18 and my dad recently purchased a 2001 MPV LX. We bought it on Dec.30 at 5pm just b4 the last hour of the last business day of the year. Come to say, we got a really good deal! I really love how the MPV looks with fog lamps, and cannot imagine it without the lights. I asked the dealer and he said it was overpriced from Mazda and I should get it elsewhere. So, my question is, does anybody know where I can get cheap priced fog light in the Toronto region. Thank you in advance for any help.

Akash

brmuda

Sunroof vs. moonroof? They're essentially one in the same. What they're referred to/called depends on the manufacturer. I think the Germans (Mercedes, BMW & VW) are really the only ones still calling them sunroofs nowadays. Perhaps they call 'em sunroofs because they're not glass (sheet metal). The MPV's moonroof (I own an ES) is slightly tinted; yet, not as dark as privacy glass on rear windows.

I own the Weathertech floormats and the cargo mat which are manufactured by MacNeil Automotive. The cargo mat (I paid $79 at MacNeil's corp HQ located here in burbs of Chgo) is custom fit to the well behind the third seat. It's not flat - has curved up lip of approx 3 inches high so, if something were to spill on it, it would be contained on the mat. Because of it's custom fit, there's no need to remove it when folding down the third seat. Hope this info helps.

elvis_hoo

Since I'm a cheapskate and have no intention of buying a bulky, expensive TV/VCR for my MPV, I've come up with another solution. For my next long road-trip, I'm going to use my Sony camcorder for my daughter to watch video tapes. It has one of those color LCD screens for viewing tapes, and the power plug in the rear cargo area is convenient for giving it enough juice to play for the entire trip.

I plan to mount it by sliding the vertical bars of the 2nd row headrest (my daughter likes to sit in the 3rd row) through the hand strap, so it should be pretty secure. The LCD screen can be flipped around so that it is flush with the camcorder body, so it shouldn't be too cumbersome. Another advantage of this approach is that it's easy to remove the whole entertainment system after a trip, so there won't be the temptation to use it all the time, even for driving around town (I think that's a bad habit.).

What do y'all think? Obviously, my solution assumes camcorder ownership, but I'd be willing to bet that given the demographics of minivan owners (i.e. parents of young children), most of us already own a camcorder! And I believe that most camcorders these days have the LCD screen; it's no longer just a premium feature (my Sony was well under $500 two years ago).

One question for minivan TV veterans: is carsickness a problem? I wonder if staring at a small screen while in a moving vehicle for an extended period of time might lead to some queasiness.

kawazar

I have a 2000 MPV LX with 2800 miles on it. At around 2000 miles we had a hard time opening and closing the doors as well. I used some white lithium grease to lube the door tracks and the latches and it made a world of difference. Now they slide very smooth and even close easier.

Poppa

Re: The doors sticking, thanks for the lithium grease suggestion.
Re: the Sony Handy Cam inquiry, I would want to make sure that in the event of an accident the camera strap is strong enough to ensure that it will not allow the camcorder to become a missile, or move into a position that your child can bang her head into. I used to bring a small combo TV/VCR unit on long trips but I stopped because I didn't feel comfortable with it not being secure.
I also seem to remember reading that queasiness, although people are affected differently, is generally lessened when looking up at a screen. I'm sure the condition/contour of the road is also a factor.

cagney1

I'm looking at a new 2000 MPV-LX (still on the lot and loaded), but I've never owned a Mazda or a mini-van before. I'm looking at it mostly to carry my 2 big dogs--not kids or family. I've always had Honda cars and have liked the reliability and am wondering--

1--how is the reliability of Mazdas and how is the revamped MPV doing out there with you all

2--what kind of gas mileage are folks actually getting

3--how did those of you who always had sedans or small wagons before adjust to driving a mini-van--even a smaller one like the MPV

4--would those of you who bought an MPV buy one again? What do you like? What are you unhappy with?

Thanks--my first time using this and it's fun!!

hload

Anyone out there bought one? If so, how long and how much $$$

Thanks

Scott

checkengine

Hi all,

Thanks for all the input from DREW, tboner, JAVADOC, windowphobe6 and elvis_hoo.

After driving the van for another week, the light is finally gone.
Well, in this case, I won't call it a design fault because it can reset itself when the gas cap is tighten again.

However, I am surprise that the Mazda dealer and the Mazda North America customer service department DID NOT tell me that it will be reset. ALL they told me was IT IS NOT COVERED by warranty. I wrote a letter to Mazda North America about two weeks ago, and still didn't get any feedback. Well, maybe they just don't care.

Anyway, life is short, thanks everyone of you for your time.

jimmcd47

I purchased the "optional" antenna offered by Mazda for the RSES. The TV now works. Cost about $200 for parts and labor. Looking at the instructions provided with the antenna kit, it appears the TV tuner is included with the vehicle. It's the box that you plug the AV2 inputs into at the left rear quarter panel. To activate the TV tuner(according to the installation instructions), one must press and hold both channel buttons on the LCD display, then while holding onto the buttons, turn the vehicle ignition to the on position. When the video system turns on, release the buttons. The TV tuner should be activated. Not sure if this works without the antenna connected but if it does, reception will be poor, since there is no antenna connected to the box.

In response to #664, I also have that same line on the dashboard

Poppa

Re: post664: Brmuda, I checked my dash I didn't find what you described. Have you tried going down to the dealership to compare? My 2001 MPV only has 1,000 miles so I don't know if this occurs over time, was a 2000 model year thing, or neither.

gagp

Got my rear well cargo mat at Wal-Mart (covers almost all area and fits perfectly) and my cargo net at Canadian Tire (I know, I know, you don't have any Canadian Tire nearby but it could help other Canadian fellows...); both for half the price they ask for Mazda parts !

Silver (cheapo) Driver

brmuda

Thanks to those 2 folks that checked their dash and responded. It's not an actual "crack"; seems to be a line left from the mold that forms the upper dash pad. I haven't checked w/dealer yet although, not sure I wanna endure the hassle of having dealer replace the entire dash pad for a small line. Sounds like maybe it's no longer there on the 2001 (at least one owner claims he/she doesn't see it on theirs).

Dealer just lubed my sliding doors (which were both terribly "sticky" especially for my young boys to operate). They seem fine now.

brmuda

I own 2000 ES model (approx 4000 miles). So far, so good. I've owned several Maz 626's and 2 Honda Accords.

I've had good luck w/both mfrs. Honda definitely has the upper hand when comparing 626 to Accord. You pay more $ for the Accord but, I think it's well worth it.

I can't say the same for minivans. ODY are way over-priced & have a host of probs. Sevice mgr at my local Hon dealer (I currently own a '98 Accord, too) advised me to avoid the ODY when I mentioned to him mos ago that I was in the minivan market. He told me to NOT expect the same quality as I see w/Accord.

I found vast $ difference between the MPV vs ODY. My MPV is fully loaded & it cost me much less than a half-equipped ODY would've cost. ODY has a little more "oomph" under the hood but certainly not enough to justify its price. Frankly, I like the styling of the MPV. Call it the poor man's lookalike version of the Mercedes M320 (SUV). Good luck on your decision.

drew_

"all it the poor man's lookalike version of the Mercedes M320 (SUV)"

Funny, my neighbour has a '99 Ruby Red MB ML320, as well as a '00 Black Mazda MPV ES. Only from certain angles from the front does the MPV bear a very slight resemblance to the M-class; it's mostly because of the somewhat similarily shaped headlamps.


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Host
Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

pawnie

jimmcd47, thanks for the insight on the RSES. You are correct, the tuner is included with the vehicle. I followed your instructions and sure enough I had t.v. reception. Most channels were fuzzy, but a couple came in fairly clear. Did you shop around for the antenna or just opted for the antenna offered by Mazda? Also, do you think you could have installed the antenna yourself? Thanks!

tboner1965

Been in Vegas this week with the family. The weather is much better than home.

Been driving a Chrysler Voyager. (That's right, no more Plymouth, so they are called Chrysler Voyagers.) The tranny hasn't fallen out yet, but I just can't seem to park this thing straight. I guess it doesn't handle as well as the MPV.

I hope the valet guys are taking good care of the MPV while we are gone

TB

msgjvh

There is a Keyless Remote on Ebay for anyone interested. I thought a few post back had someone looking for one. Could be another vehicle. Anyway, here is the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=536920100&r=0&t=0

It won't close for a few days.

Good luck

Poppa

Brmuda, sorry for the misinfo; I took a look at the dashboard around the small speaker, in daylight, and there is in fact a line that runs half way around the speaker and to the side on my 2001 MPV. It is probably just part of the molding process and definitely not a crack.
And speaking of daylight, if anyone out there is considering getting an MPV, I highly recommend opting for the moon roof. It is much larger than any one I've had before, and really adds to the driving experience.

mpv_you_and_me

I've seen the references to the Walmart clutter catcher #542 in previous posts as a console with a good fit for the MPV. I checked out my local Walmart and didn't see it.

I decided to try to find it online. Can someone confirm whether this is the same console that's been discussed? (If the link doesn't work, just go to www.walmart.com, Automotive accessories, consoles, Minivan console, taupe.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?cat=14945&dept=3911&product_id=893751&path=0:3911:3912:14945&type=1

stever

Universal Minivan & Truck floor console

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jimmcd47

pawnie, I purchased the antenna kit offered by Mazda. The instructions that came with the kit are pretty good. As far as installating it yourself, it doesn't appear too difficult but does involve removing the rear quarter panels on both sides and making sure the adhesive for the antennas attach to the windows. There are 2 wire antennas in the shape of 45 degree anglethat attach to both rear windows. I opted to have the dealer install the antenna since the car was still new and under warranty. I'm not sure if Rosen sells an antenna kit separately.

msgjvh

Thats the one. You may have to install it backwards though so that the coin rack is too the rear. It works very well and you do not need to install it to the floor with the screws unless you want to. They also come in grey and blue I believe. I must warn you though it does impede your use of the hand brake. BTW, why doesn't the buzzer go crazy when the brake is engaged? I drove off and didn't notice it was engaged one time. I'm my olds 88 the thing screams like a banshee!

an85aggie

Howdy all - I'm new to this, so bear with me please. DH and I are in the market for a new vehicle. He wants a MPV ES and I'm leaning towards a Subaru Outback Ltd. Wgn.

Anyway, we've managed to locate a 2000 MPV ES, nicely loaded, priced under dealer invoice. The van looks and drives nice, but I have one concern. Dealer showed us a copy of the invoice and it's been on the lot since May. Isn't that a little strange? I'm going to call and ask the internet sales guy why (we didn't notice 'till we were home), but wanted to get someone else's take on this.

You folks don't seem to shy about sharing your opinions, so let me know what you think please!

javadoc

I installed that one in MochaVan. It works wonderfully, wife just loves it (hides lots and lots of clutter). Installed it from the rear. It interferes with the right side armrest if you don't leave it back a bit. Not a problem with ingress/egress in the second row, since our kids are little (1-1/2 and 5yrs)...might be an issue with bigger kids, might not. Ordered ours through Walmart.com per folk's recommendation on this board (thx again!). Msgivh is right, it impedes with the hand brake slightly, so you have to anticipate that.

--java

pawnie

jimmcd47, thanks for the info. If I decide to purchase I think I'll have the the dealer install. My local dealer quoted me $59.00 for the antenna. I'll find out tomorrow about the labor cost.

otish

This seems to be a problem with some of the seatbelts locking up when they really shouldn't. This has nothing to do with the feature for installing child safety seats which is different (that function locks only when fully extended so you don't need to use a locking clip). During a crash the seatbelt needs to lock you place (or something like that to hold you in place!) but the lap and shoulder belts have a tendency to lock up too easily with normal movement. In other cars I have had this happen also but only when I suddenly move forward or something like that. This seems to happen way too easily - especially in the 3rd row seats. People kept complaining about it so we had one of the belts replaced by Mazda and it seemed to help. They all seem to be hyper-sensitive to movement though but I have personally haven't had it happen in the driver's seat.

colleenr1

I have read these MPV boards for over a year and have yet to post. But now we are very seriously in market again and the incentives seem to have disappeared. The Edmunds incentives site does not carry any national or regional for Mazda right now. Several dealers I have talked to (in NJ)have been very reluctant to talk incentives. Is there still $1000 dealer incentive? Are the dealers all waiting for some special Mazda to dealer incentives that could be given out in spring in preparation of 2002 offer of larger engine? What gives? Has anyone had any success getting dealers to move below invoice recently?

stever

The Odyssey, MPV and PT Cruiser were the first vans tested (2001 Models):

Press Release

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andreapdx3

Does anybody have a recommendation on a good dealer in Oregon?

Also, what sort of deals are being had out there in the market?

I have recently fallen off the hunt for an Odyssey, since I can't stand to pay MSRP or above for one.

Now I am hoping to get a fully loaded MPV for below invoice. Any hope?

msgjvh

If your interested in some used Dunlops check out my auction on EBAY.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=538990045

Pics here:
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/msgjvh?d&.intl=us&.flabel=fld3&.src=ph&start=1

cinka1

Yes, there is hope. I dealt with Kimberly at Sunwest Mazda in Newport. I got the van for invoice plus $1000 rebate plus $400 recent graduate rebate. Ended up paying $24,000 for a 2000 ES I/Moonroof, 6cd, and 4 season. Invoice is $25468. Please tell her Ginger Nelson referred you. I told her I would highly recommend her. Her number is 1-800-282-5824. They can locate any van you want if they don't have it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

andreapdx3

Cinka1-I have not read anything on Edmunds about a 1k rebate....did you purchase recently? Is the rebate a dealer incentive or a customer incentive? Do you think I can expect the same incentive? Thank you for replying! I will definitely call Kimberly and tell her you sent me. I could use a drive to the coast!

cinka1

I beleive the rebate is on 2000 vans. I bought in mid November. Since there was no differences in the 2000 vs. 2001 regarding options, we went with the 2000 ES. It was equiped with exactly what we wanted. Good luck. You will like Kimberly. Where are you coming from? We are in Corvallis.

andreapdx3

I have already contacted Kimberly and I am hoping to cut the same deal. Here in Portland (where I am) the dealers are installing the entertainment systems for free, so maybe that is what they are doing with the rebate. I don't want the entertainment system because they install the VCR right in the middle of the rear floo cargo area! With two dogs rolling around back their, that VCR will probably work for about two movies! Thanks for all your help!

elay

I'm looking (probably) to buy an MPV in the Toronto area. Anybody able to recommend a dealer?

Also, anybody aware of any incentives? I got some info from carcostcanada which described an $850 Mazda Trading Dollars program, but none of the dealers I have spoken to seem to have any idea of what this might be (or so they say).

Thanks for any help you can give me.

alexv1n

I have bought my MPV LX in August 2000 in Ottawa but while I was looking for the van I was recommended to go to Toronto's Downtown Mazda in case I didn't find anything nearby. Thus I don't have any personal experiences with this dealer but that what was suggested to me. I thought I would share this info with you...