Mazda MPV

bottgers

jipster

 

I could see the 17's being described as more controlled than the 16's, but not more comfortable. The 17's have even a shorter sidewall than 16's which means an even choppier ride. Our Dunnies currently have about 23K miles and I'd say they have about 5-6K miles left on them. I don't care. As soon as I can afford it, these things gone!

 

Kinko

 

I've got no shimmy, but I can feel every little blemish in the pavement as these Dunnies transmit every little pavement imperfection directly to the driver, and into the rest of the interior. Also, I wouldn't call Yokahamas "cheap" tires. I'd actually call them very good tires for the price.

bottgers

We had some good discussions going, let's not stop now.

audia8q

Good question...I will find out for you.

i_l_aveo

after 54 months, i only got less than 40k miles on my 2000 mpv Dx & the front tires in bad shape while the warranty for up to 60 months.

Can i get free repalcement for these tires ?

tccmn1

I posted on the 'problems' thread, but no one answered, so here I am:

I have an 03 MPV that has a creaking sound when I go over things like speed bumps at slow speeds and temps below 20F. I was told it's 'normal' by my friendly North Pole Mazda dealer in St. Paul.

I also have that lifter tappet noise and I THOUGHT someone said there is a bulletin to fix that??

 

Thank you.

Tom

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audia8q

I have confirmed that the 2005 MPV all in one key fob will NOT work on previous year MPV's. The chip is different.

subearu

Dowh! Too bad, I think some of the pre '05 MPV'ers were looking to be able to use that new FOB. Thanks for checking.

 

Any updates on the MPV you can share?

 

-Brian

audia8q

They are going to do an MPV-SV version again this year...production is April and may.

 

like last year its a price leader that is $895 less than the LX version. They take away the alloys, diff grill, no side sills, etc.

 

Last year they didnt build enough and dealers didnt order many and we had a tough time filling the orders once people saw the ad prices.

jipster

C.R came out with their yearly rankings of minivans. Got the March issue today.The Mazda MPV wasn't tested, but it ranked 4th out of 8 listed.

I use to think they knew what they were doing...now I'm not to sure.They have the MPV listed as "poor"reliability in todays issue( in paragraph above rating says MPV reliability has been "subpar")Thats in the same category as the 2004 Nissan Quest.I've read the Quest problems board/recalls/TSB's...there is absolutely no way on Gods green earth that the MPV's reliability/problems are close to those of the Quests. In their 2005 yearly review the MPV's reliablity is rated as average.The ONLY blemish a half red circle instead of a full red circle in the transmission category.Anyhow,the Ody and Sienna could do no wrong according to the reviewers... and the Grand Caravan and Saturn Relay got little respect.

elie

What do you meant that "in their 2005 yearly review, the MPV's reliability is rated as average"? The latest CR review of MPV gives it a "Much worse than average" assessment, and the same poor rating in the latest yearly reviews of both the 04 and 03 models. Only the 02 has an "average" rating, while earlier models are better than average. The downswing is all due to the transmission problem (which is correctable), which we all discussed back on pages 377-378 of this forum. By the way, if you look at the details of the Nissan in their reliability ratings, the Nissan is clearly worse. As I noted earlier, I contacted CR and in their response they basically admitted that they dont even know the details about the problems that determine their reliability ratings.

stever

Mazda Styles Up an Even Mini-er Minivan for the U.S. (Inside Line)

 

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jipster

elie, in their "reliability records" it had scores that were: 2000 model-2002 MPV were given a check for above average reliability. The latest model tested(the 2003)which is reported in the CR 2005 Buyers Guide Booklet...was given a dash which means average reliablity.BUT,"predicted reliability" was said to be "poor". Which raises the question...how can a vehicle with average reliability rating in their latest survey be given a score of "poor" in predicted reliabiltiy?

elie

jipster, i looked at the online reliability ratings (yes, I have an online subscription!) They gave the '02 an "average" rating, but the '03 and '04 models "worse than average" --thus the predicted "poor" rating. That would make sense if their assessment of the '03 and '04 models make sense, but it doesnt. They ignore every single criteria except the transmission problems, and yet they dont even know what the transmission problem was!! (I've taken their auto poll, by the way, there is no place to describe your problems in any specific detail.) Even the 'average' rating for the '02 model seems irrational--only blemish is an 'average' rating for 'fuel" system problem--so the whole overall reliability rating for the '02 goes down to 'average'?! Now if you ask CR to explain, they will tell you that 'average' can mean 'worse than average' if the average number of problems of all cars manufactured in that year was 'better than average'---in other words, average sometimes means average, sometimes it means worse than average, sometimes it means better than average. Got that?! CR's strategy seems to be to just make the logic of the ratings so indecipherable that if you try and question them, you will give up in confusion before you get very far....!

kinko

My has just hit the 12K mile mark. I took the mpv to the dealer for a 4 wheel alignment service and the replacement of new rear brake pads.

The shuttle they used to take me back and forth was a Mazda6. My instant feeling on the Mazda6 was that it's the smallest among the mid-sizes out there. The interior wasn't as roomy as my long gone 99 Camry, not to mention the new Camry and Accord. I feel that Mazda has not desire to biggie sized the product line, while the big guys make their cars and vans bigger and better. Even the next KIA van is getting bigger for the size and horsepower. Take a look at the stats of upcoming Mazda5, it is going back to the size of the long gone first generation Honda Ody. Are they going to biggie sized the MPV to call it Mazda7 in the near future? I don't believe this company is heading toward the right direction now.

I heard friends complained about the size of Mazda cars that are too small for them to fit in. For instance, the Miata. Does sporty attribute has to mean less space being offered?

What happened to the 929? I think it was the best looking Mazda they've ever built.

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bottgers

I was able to get one of the local tire places to price match the Tire Rack's price on the Yokahama Avid Touring tire. Their price for a set of 4 tires mounted and balanced is $307 including tax. I didn't think that was too bad of a price for an 80K mile tire (that should be far superior to the crappy OEM Dunnies). He had to order them and they should be in on Tuesday. I'll let you know how they ride after I have them mounted.

mpvoutback

Has anyone purchased the seat covers available from Mazda? What is the quality and feel of the fabric? Do they cover the whole seat? and how easy are they to install.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated

http://home.comcast.net/~aarongill/04_MPV_SeatCovers.jpg

mcsap

Just picked up an '05 MPV LX for the teaser price of $17,900.

The only things extra on it was the roof rack and the rear bumper step. The van seems nice ( we traded in an 02 Express LT) and on our 2nd tank we got 26 mpg highway. The engine seems plenty powerful and overall we like it so far ( one week old) . I am not thrilled about having to pay extra for the "chip" embedded key though. The alloy are nice, the CD/radio is nice.

It didn't come with body side moulding and the dealer wants $582 for the moulding and the installation.

My last Mazda was a '73 RX-3 rotary in 1979.

stever

Killer deal. What color did you get?

Steve, Host

jaserb

What was the MSRP? This sounds like the LX-SV that Rich (audia8q) mentioned would be available. I know for '04 all the MPVs had the side molding standard.

Enjoy your van - we like ours a lot!

-Jason

jipster

The bodyside moldings came with the LX Plus Pkg on the 2004's.That Pkg included floormats,foglights and rear privacy glass for about $500.

jaserb

You're right, I do have LX+. For some reason I didn't remember the side moldings as part of that pkg. Ours has 4 seasons as well, which is worth it just for the rear heat.

-Jason

bottgers

I had the Yoks put on the PeeVee today and what a difference! The ride is much smoother and quieter compared to the Dunnies. I also didn't any notice degradation of cornering ability either, then again, I'm not a real aggressive driver. Forgoing good wear mileage, I would highly recommend these tires to anyone looking to improve the ride quality of the Dunnies.

rgb2

Has anyone heard of an aftermarket activated-carbon cabin air filter for MPV? I am interested in getting one. From what I understand the activated carbon removes odors from the incoming air. The regular filter just removes dust particles.

carzzz

When will be the redesign of MPV due? is Mazda5 a "replacement" of MPV?

su_a_ve

Well, we picked our 05 LX yesterday (LX+, 4Ses, PwrDoors, Trac/SAB).

And there is NO Immobilizer. Of course the sales person insisted is standard, but after reading the manual, it shows it's an option (both immobilizer and alarm). But either one should show the car icon with the key in the middle. This one doesn't have it...

The brochures mention security system as an accessory option but late availability. Nowhere it mentions the immobilizer, neither for the LX nor the SE.

The question is now, do I have the chip in the key or not ? With the new fobs, you can't tell. If the chip is there, then it would be a matter of adding the module only (I HOPE !), but otherwise, no immobilizer for me. I would hope to be at least be able to add the alarm module later though.

Darn misinformed sales people...

kinko

my guess is the next MPV will the size of first generation Sienna(just under 200 inches) and 3.5L V6 from Ford. It should be called Mazda7, and it's based on the Mazda6. It should not compete with the Mazda5 head to head. The sporty attribute keeps it stays undersized than the Big 3.

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jerseyvan

Bought a "certified" used '04 MPV yesterday - 10 months old and 14K miles. Options included Plus package, 4 seas, roof rack, PSD, and trac control. Price ended up being right at 17K plus what we expected for our trade, but was a very difficult negotiating session and very stressful.

Bought the van from Maple Shade Mazda in NJ, which is pretty much the only option in this area. They get all the certified cars for 100 miles or more around and and there are not many other newer, used MPVs out there beyond the off rentals.

The sales person did not like the way we wanted to look at the vans (he preferred to do it while sitting at his desk) and was not a very agreeable or sociable person throughout the whole process. He always seemed to "hover" while we were trying to discuss things. This got worse as the deal progressed and, on delivery, it almost seemed to border on hostile. The only thing I can imagine that would cause this is that we got a really good deal!!

From what I have read about this dealer, however, this is not that unusual and something you just have to prepare yourself for. In their defense, a friend of mine bought a Mazda 6 there and said he had a great experience.

We liked the fold away third seat, the smaller size (just two of us, but occasionally tote the grandkids), and the easier accessibility for "stuff" as well as grandkids than our sedan.

asafonov

The sales person did not like the way we wanted to look at the vans (he preferred to do it while sitting at his desk)

Sorry, I could not parse it. Did he want to sit at this desk and watch you through the window as you look at the vans?

sweet_subie

thanks. i am desparate to change my dunlop tires. i hate it.

they don't have 17 inch ?
how is yok for winter ?

sweet_subie

02 doesn't show a chip on the outside but it does have immobilizer. your window sticker should state all std equip

mdfly

Hi,
I'm considering purchasing a used 2000-2004 MPV. However, I've read many posts regarding the hard-shifting problems that are prevalent in the 2002-2004 models. I would like to get the bigger V6 that was introduced in 2002, but should I avoid these later models? Is the 2.5 V6 that was used in the 2000-2001 models that anemic as I've read on other reviews?

subearu

the fix for the '02+ shift issue is just a TSB for TCM reprogramming.

-Brian

bob57

I've owned my '01 since new - I wouldn't call it anemic but then again it's in the "feel" of the beholder. Yes, it won't race a Camero off the line but I cruise 70-80mph with the big boys on the highways.
I just turned 76K miles and it's still the best trouble-free automobile I've owned - and I've had a bunch of them!

stever

Mazda MPV garners top scores (Clarion-Ledger)

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elie

Mdfly,

Look for a 2002 MPV. You have the advantage of larger engine and also retuned suspension and a better 5-speed automatic transmission, plus the transmission hard-shift problems dont really seem to have been too prevalent until the 2003 models. I have a 2002 ES which I bought 1 year old with 8K Miles. We now have 20K Miles on it, and have had no problems at all.

dpeterson

Can anyone tell me where the MPV is manufactured. I was wondering if they are still made only in Japan or if they have some US production yet.

Thanks

bottgers

I don't know if the Avid Tourings are available in a 17" size. I've only driven the van once in snow with the Avids and they seem to be at least as good as the Dunnies. They are much better in every other catagory though.

jipster

The MPV is still made in Japan..Hiroshima I believe.

newhampster

Great overall crash test results for the MPV -- all *****. But rollover rating is only ***, perhaps because it is narrower than other minivans. The last MPV rollover test was done for a 2003 model, but I doubt anything has changed since then. See: http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/2450.html

Also IIHS only gives the Mazda MPV an "Acceptable" rating from its crash testing:
http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/00011.htm
But this is for a 2000 model year MPV, and current models are probably better.

newhampster

We had the same lack of knowledge when we picked up our Maxda MPV LX and were shocked that we only got two keys (with the bulky "switchblade" fobs). This was after our salesperson said there were three keys. To their credit our dealer made us a third key gratis.
The service dept. fretted over the immobilizer chip that they seemed to think for certain was part of the key. I took the new key without any programming and it works fine. $40 for a non-immobilizer key if I had paid for it. The standalone key seems like it has a chip in it, because the plastic grip is quite bulky. I probably could have used a $1.50 hardware store version, and it would be much less bulky in my pocket.

jipster

The 2004 MPV has the "Triple H" steel structural reinforcements for extra strength and impact protection-per Mazda.I don't know if it was new for that model year though.

Sylvia

Your question has been moved to the discussion Mazda MPV Owners: Problems & Solutions where it can be answered.

Thanks and good luck!

audia8q

built in japan and the MPV continues to have the triple H contruction. Something that has been in many mazda products for a few years.

lumbar

Does having this on the steering column bug owners? I'm really surprised Mazda has stuck with this throughout this generation of the MPV, particularly since it seemed obtrusive as to the radio/dash when I sat in one. MPV seems to represent good value, but I'm not sure I'd get used to seeing this everytime I looked in that direction. There can't hardly be any vehicles still being manufactured using this configuration.

jipster

It's not the shifter obstruction that bothers me lumbar...it's the fact that the gearshift shaft is right next to...and very close to... the windshield wiper control shaft. A very stupid design in my opinion.

elie

Up until 2004, the NCAP did not actually test cars for rollovers. The ratings were based purely on a height vs width ratio for a given car. It dif not take into account any differences in handling and traction capabilities of cars. (There is no 2004 rollover rating yet for the MPV). The MPV is a bit taller and narrower than other minivans, therefore the *** rating, but even then--if you study the data, it is right on the verge of a **** rating. (This explains their ratings system: Rollover Ratings FAQ ) Besides, it handles better than most other minivans, so in my mind that more than compensates for a theoretical disadvantage based purely on the dimensional ratio.