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Mazda MPV

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Comments

  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    Many manufacturers have done away with ashtrays as a small cost-saving device, because surveys showed that fewer consumers in certain market demographics are less likely to smoke in their car. Chrysler was the first domestic manufacturer to remove the ashtray as standard equipment, offering it as a dealer-installed option. I think the first car they did it with was the Cirrus/Stratus in the early '90s.
  • hoopofficialhoopofficial Member Posts: 21
    For what it is worth, I just purchased the Blue with grey leather. I like the way the combo looks. I personally thought the beige leather was too light. I would have liked a deeper grey but what can you do. Hopefully the wife and kids don't beat it up too bad.
  • hoopofficialhoopofficial Member Posts: 21
    As stated in a previous post, I just purchased a Blue MPV. Nice ride. My shopping experience lasted all of 1 day but it was a day of hell. I live in WMass but bought in CT. The MA dealer, Balise Mazda was totally ridiculous. Here is the deal that I settled for on a somewhat loaded ES. $300 over invoice with 0% financing for 48 months. Unfortunately, I had a trade with huge miles so I got less than I wanted but still thought it was a fair price when reviewed on Edmunds, NADA and Kelly Blue Book. I thought this was a good deal. I started far away from where I finished. Was it?

    After reading other posts, I am starting to wonder if I got beat up. Secondly, what is S pricing?
  • mefoghornmefoghorn Member Posts: 12
    Just took my week-old van in today and got the front door windows tinted with 35%. Looks so much better with all the windows consistent. The tint is barely lighter than the factory tinted windows.

    Good move of Mazda to go to 16" standard wheels for 2003. I am really missing the larger wheel/tire, not from performance but just the looks. The wheel well is huge. I would rather have larger wheels with covers than alloys this small. I offered my dealer $500 more for one with the luxury package just so I could get the wheels, but he had to have $1000. Maybe when my tires wear out I'll change.

    Actually kinda glad they didn't make us all regretful by coming out with Millenium Red.

    Upon entering the driver side, I find I keep hitting my right knee on the dash. Guess I'm just used to the old Grand Caravan.

    I think I am hearing a buzz on bumpy roads coming from the rear license plate holder. It certainly rattles bad when you shut the back gate. Any remedies?
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    My plate and frame is padded with the sticky foam tape used to insulate windows and doors. Works great to remove that rattle.

    Just peel off the backing and trace around the edge of the plate on the back.

    Ditto for the frame.

    TB
  • bob_mariabob_maria Member Posts: 3
    Hi everyone.
    I'm a newbie. This is my first post.
    Have a few questions. Appreciate any pointer.
    Thanks,bob

    - Does anyone know how much is going price for
    02 MPV LX in the Bay Area, Calif?

    - Does 02 MPV has "latch" anchors for child car seat? I know 03 cars are required to have latch.

    The quotes I got sofar from Fremont area.
    for 02 MPV. Price include the $2000 rebate
    which ends in 9/3/02

    CarDirect 23,593 ES
    19,036 LX
    19,892 LX+Security

    Magnussen 23,743 ES
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    I've been tied up with work and haven't been back here in weeks. I thought I'd better jump in and see if the earthquakes were rattling Java up there in the frozen north....We just have West Nile virus down here - eeek.

    In regards to the rear license plate - I got a 10" length of 3/8ths clear soft plastic tubing (Tygon), split it so it would cover the frame and stuck it to the bottom of the plate frame.

    My red '01 nearing 30K miles and zip problems and amazingly rattle free - can't say that about my wife's Sienna which develops rattles, stops and starts up somewhere else again. Nice van though.

    Soccer season started - fun to listen while hauling about 6 players and hearing "Hey, this is a cool van". Yeah, well, keep you muddy feet off the seats! :))
  • buzzhdbuzzhd Member Posts: 39
    I am just wondering if I can take both 0% and $2000.00, or just either one? Thanks!
  • suzubeesuzubee Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone. First time here, and the imput has be very informative.

    My husband and I are considering a 2002 MPV ES. It's a loaded demo with 7500 miles on it. MSRP is $30,132, but the dealer said they would take substantially less due to the mileage. What discount should we expect for the mileage, and are there any other concerns we should have for a slightly used "new" car?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Lots of new faces today - welcome everyone.


    Buzzhd, it'd be pretty unusual for a manufacturer to offer both a cheap interest rate and a rebate, although sometimes "dealer cash" gets thrown into the mix. Our Incentives and Rebates page may have more info.



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • buzzhdbuzzhd Member Posts: 39
    That's what I thought, but I asked anyway.

    Anyone has an idea what to take, 0% or $2000? Is it advisable to take $2000 cash rebate and finance with say 4-7%? Thanks!
  • buzzhdbuzzhd Member Posts: 39
    That's what I thought, but I asked anyway.

    Anyone has an idea what to take, 0% or $2000? Is it advisable to take $2000 cash rebate and finance with say 4-7%? Thanks!
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Steve,


    I couldn't find much useful info on Edmunds about MPV incentives or rebates. I had to visit that other site to get the latest rebate/incentive data when I made my purchase. Yo Edmunds, what gives?


    http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ind?kbb.CA;147760&90210;van&643&M23M9;;;;&&23&&&


    http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.tp?kbb&&627&inc1

  • rc168rc168 Member Posts: 12
    Which dealer did you get the car from? I am actively looking for an ES right now. Are you implying that I should avoid the dealership you did business with?
  • mikecomikeco Member Posts: 17
    I found mine are Dunlop SP40 a/s, while other MPV LX with 16' wheel has SP4000(better). I wonder if other MPV with 15' wheel has SP40.
  • mympvmympv Member Posts: 8
    I need a hitch for my 2001 mpv. Has anyone else had one put on? Do I have to go with the one the mazda dealer has, or can any car place do this? I want to tow a fairly light boat, 900 lbs.
    I'm a little wary of the mazda dealers around me. Service at 2 dealers has been horrible. 7 hours for an oil change, and lube a door at one dealer. I went to another dealer for a roof rack-7 hours there. The man that installs them called in sick, so they decided to wing it, but didn't tell me until 4 hours into it! The only plus was they didn't charge me for labor. Hope they put it on right......
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Mazda's hitch isn't too expensive, and you won't have to worry about warranty issues with theirs. There are probably other vendors with hitches for the MPV, but none come with the factory warranty and safety testing that Mazda does. My $.02.
  • mympvmympv Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for your 2; that's kind of what I thought. I would try the first dealer out again, but they didn't know anything about the hitch, and sounded very doubtful about installing it. The second is over an hour away. But......I hate to have any concerns with the warranty.
    There are 3 mpv's in my town now!
  • hoopofficialhoopofficial Member Posts: 21
    I bought from Tony March in Hartford. I would recommend them. I worked with a Courtney Phelps. She was new, 20 and well, very attractive. What I liked about her was that she wasn't a slick talker. She was a little ditsy but she was very helpful and left it up to her sales manager. She worked hard to earn the business. Hell, my wife liked her too. Mike Stacy, Sales Manager was nice also. He was a slick talker but I showed up prepared. He showed me the invoice for the vehicle I purchased which matched what Edmunds had. He gave me everything I wanted which makes me believe that I could have got more. I paid $300 over invoice + I got 0 percent interest rate for 48 months. I am sure they will make the money on my trade. Overall it was a pleasant experience.

    Stay away from Balise in West Springfield, MA. They are crooks. They tried to tell me that I could only get $1,000 off MSRP or the 48 months financing. I almost decked the guy.
  • hoopofficialhoopofficial Member Posts: 21
    As part of my recent purchase, I bought the auto dim mirror. However, it was not in stock, so I have to wait for install. Does anyone have any horror storys about the install process or the mirror itself. I loved it on my Outback but the last thing I want is rattles from the roof or loose panels. Any thoughts would be appreciated. If I get bad news, I will just get my money back for the mirror. Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I don't think we've ever had much about the various college grad incentives. I'll punt on the rest of your question and refer you to the Feedback Form (seems like I've given you that link before <g>).



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • mefoghornmefoghorn Member Posts: 12
    Mikeco: Yea, that's the tire I have. After reading here about all the praise for the Yokohama Avid's at Tirerack.com I checked it out and am buying 4 for my Tacoma.

    For those still shopping, I choose the rebate anyday over the 0%. This gives me the option to pay off or trade in early and still get all the incentive. Besides, the dealer will work hard to find you a low rate loan. Or try Netbank.com. Also, just saw a Dallas ad yesterday for MPV's: $4000 below MSRP.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    My first visit to THIS thread.
    I am researching the MPV. I came very close to purchasing a Toy Highlander, but backed off because of price over quantity....small cargo room for big price. I have owned Dodge mini's for 12 years and now looking at the MPV. It's got the neat feature of the rear seat deal and you seem to get lots of do-dads for not too much money. The LX and ES seem to have many features. The stereo unit has a great sound (compared to the Toy HL).
    I know that the cargo area is a tad narrower than the DC's...my current one has a width of 55" at the rear gate and 48" between the wells. The MPV I scoped at the dealer came in at about 44" between the wells and about 49" at the gate. However, I did notice that the opening height at the gate is about 3" more on the MPV than my DC. I also like the flexibility of sliding middle row and removal of them for more space...they're very light to pick up and out.
    I would like to know how owners like the FORD 200HP engine this year.
    Also, the drawer under pass. seat seems a tad cheap and weak compared to the one in my old van. Also, the slide out 'cup' holders on the rear middle seat seems weak and fragile too.
    Any comments; pro or con are welcome. I've driven this baby and it does feel like a sports car; zoom-zoom-zoom, etc.. Also like the power sliding doors and locking gas door too. Ok, I've rambled enough.
  • canielcaniel Member Posts: 28
    We just used the 2000 cash and the 500 college grad incentive on our purchase of 02 LX. If you go to the mazda website, there are details about how you qualify. If you are a recent graduate of college or are a junior or senior, you qualify. Also, if you are enrolled in any graduate school program, you qualify. All you need to do is have your school verify by faxing or mailing a brief letter/form indicating that you are currently enrolled at the school. Good luck. Zoom! Zoom!
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    I put a hitch from etrailer.com on my 2002 LX. It has worked out great. It was a bit tricky to install and took longer than the 15 minutes advertised. The one things that I did not expect, being a novice at towing, was the loud rattling, but I was able to abate that almost completely with a little creativity. HTH.
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    Both the middle row seats have a latch system. The center seat of the back row does too, but it's not a pretty sight if you want to use it. HTH
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The dealer you purchased from has the lowest CSI rating in the area. How did you managed to have a good experience?? haha. Their service fix it right the first time rating is under 50%.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Under 50%? Wow, that's right up there w/ a certain bug-eating cowboy that I've bought a car from... ;-)
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Hi Steve,

    Thanks for the response, but I'm still waiting for a reply from Edmunds to my question about when they are going to start a DC Owners Club from over a year ago.
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    A price of $4000 under MSRP sounds great . . . but that probably includes the $2000 cash incentive which works out to about 3% over invoice for the vehicle. That seems to be the point most dealers are willing to sell at. A lower price can usually be negotiated but of the quotes I have received over the phone, it is common to get a price of 3% over invoice from the dealer.

    Just my $.02
  • owr084owr084 Member Posts: 46
    That is way too much money for an demo ES. I bought mine in May 02 and paid 28000 out the door (price included tax, title, all fees, transportation, etc). My ES was stickered around 29,800 and that included moonroof, 6 CD changer, bumper plate, fog lamps, and 4 seasons. And, it only had 60 miles on it. At the time, Mazda was offering $1000 cash to the dealers of which I negotiated about 600-700 for me. Now, Mazda is offering 2000 rebate to customer. You should be able to get an MPV for a few hundred over invoice (see the Edmunds pages) before the $2000 rebate.

    I would not buy the demo unless it was going for significantly less than $27000 (approximate invoice value of the car). If you cannot get the $2000 rebate to take the price signicantly below $25000 forget it - you can find a new ES elsewhere for that price. Go back through the old messages in this group for prices paid. Also, go to www.mpvclub.com and look in the forums.

    RBB

    Suzubee wrote: "My husband and I are considering a 2002 MPV ES. It's a loaded demo with 7500 miles on it. MSRP is $30,132, but the dealer said they would take substantially less due to the mileage. What discount should we expect for the mileage, and are there any other concerns we should have for a slightly used "new" car?
    "
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    There is NO reason to buy a demo unless its the only one available. There is no extra incentive on our end to discount them any more or less than a brand new car that is still in the wrapper....But, if you have an availability problem like we do (northeast) then it might be your only choice.
  • basurfbasurf Member Posts: 42
    So far everything seems ok on my dealer install of the auto-dim mirror. My only concern is the temp is always so high but that isn't an install problem that you mentioned being concerned with.

    Someone else posted that is semi normal on mirrors with ext temp. I haven't driven it in hour long trips for it to normalize I guess. Compass works great though.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Karen does the Owner's Clubs and some are being created again. Best to post again in that board. Hope this helps ;-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • hoopofficialhoopofficial Member Posts: 21
    Lets face it, all dealers are slime. No disrespect intended but I have yet to buy a car without considerable pain and anguish. There are too many greedy sales people, sales manager's and GM's out there. For know, as far as I am concerned, Tony March is good. If they hack up the service, I will reevaluate where I bring the car for service. I am not married to the place. What dealership due you work at?
  • rc168rc168 Member Posts: 12
    I assume Audi was just a wee bit surprised. I am sure everyone here is happy for you that you had a pretty good experience this time around.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Well your colors have been clearly exposed. Anyone who makes such an absurd blanket statement like "all dealers are slime" shows your either ignorant or stupid...

    BTW. The so called crooks you eluded to have one of the best service departments and very high customer satisfaction in the area...To bad you couldnt figure it out.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    While the car buying and servicing experience clearly leaves much to be desired, there's no need to sling personal mud in here.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    since you let the cat outta the bag.

    How can customers get access to those CSI and service figures.

    It's not like those things are on the Mazda website for us to look at. (Or did I miss a link somewhere.)

    I can understand why many customers might feel the dealer with the better CSI score are crooks.

    (Now calm down 8^) ) The only data consumers have to compare with is the price. Just like the police like to give speeding tickets versus other, more subjective and harder to demonstrate tickets, consumers, lacking the CSI data, can only compare prices.

    Obviously, it is good if you know people to recommend a particular dealer from experience, that too is good.

    But it's not a perfect world. People move to different cities, Mazda doesn't sell as many vehicles as say Ford, Chevy, Honda, etc. So recommendations might even be harder to come by.

    So why don't the really good dealers push for the availability of CSI type data for consumers? I mean if you go to the trouble of running a good store, wouldn't you want people to know about it.

    Of course every store will tell you they are the best. Why not have Mazda confirm that for the potential buyer.

    Just wondering.

    TB
  • hoopofficialhoopofficial Member Posts: 21
    Talking about showing your true colors. By your comments, I can tell that you are an excellent car dealer. You guys think all your clients are either ignorant or stupid. That is why you try to screw them.

    If I were ignorant or stupid, I would have taken that "fine" deal that the "crooks" proposed. Sticker - $1,000 incentive. They weren't even throwing in the 0 percent financing. Secondly, they offered me $2,000 less for the trade. I would assume that you work for that fine dealership or one of their affiliates.

    Let me guess, If I dealt with you, I would have received full retail for my trade and you would have given me the MPV for wholesale. You just sound like an all around nice guy. Ya right!
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    hey now... can't we all just get along?

    audia8q had been a welcome addition here and gives us a great perspective. I could read the sarcasm that was flying around. :)
  • danandkatdanandkat Member Posts: 67
    I am going to duck in real quick to avoid the mud that is (uncharacteristically) being slung about today, and then duck out.


    tccmn1, check out this link (and links to further links) on the MPVClub board. It should set your mind at ease regarding the Duratec.


    http://www.mpvclub.com/forum/index.php?board=4;action=display;threadid=976


    Also, you might want to check out this Duratec dedicated group. I have never lurked or posted, but it sounds like it would be the perfect place to check.

    http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=duratec&submit=Search

    dan

  • dbs2001dbs2001 Member Posts: 46
    Scott is abosolutely correct. I've been lurking in these forums for over a year & Audia8q has given us a lot of useful information. And he's the only dealer that has given us info from a dealer's perspective. He's taken abuse from time-to-time and does not deserve it.

    Please appreciate him as a valued resource!

    Dennis
  • danandkatdanandkat Member Posts: 67
    You don't have to agree with someone's opinion, but name calling and mudslinging really serve no purpose. More than likely, it just deters legitimate discussion of topics. I can appreciate that someone might think a particular dealer is just great, and someone else had a bad experience with that dealer. Or a thousand other possibilites. Stuff happens. No one is perfect and we all have our own unique perspectives. Let's please keep on the topic of MPVs and avoid personal attacks.
    Sorry for lecturing. dan
  • pjd58pjd58 Member Posts: 366
    Scott, Dan and Dennis.....who needs the Edmund's Police:) with you guys here.

    Hasn't been this heated since a Kia owner disagreed with my opinion.

    Rich, I appreciate your insight and insider info on Mazda products. If I lived in New England, I wouldn't hesitate to patronize your dealership.

    Pjd58
  • asa0526asa0526 Member Posts: 26
    Bob_Maria,

    I bought an MPV 02 - LX with rear a/c, rear step, floor mats - just last July. Price for me was $21,569 + 895 (for the extra mentioned options) = $ 22,464.00. Then they gave me the $2000 rebate and $ 500.00 (recent grad discount).
    I visited the dealer in Fremont - hated the salesman - too pushy and insulting.
    I bought from the Menlo Mazda dealer. Try Putnam too.

    Hope this helps. BTW - go there prepared. Don't buy the crap about a price increase etc...
    Three dealers have specials on the LX - but usually bare options - only floormats - $ 17,890.00 or $ 17,980...
    Good Luck !
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Nope, I would not have given you full retail for the trade and certainly not a fire sale on the MPV..

    1. you would have received market value for your trade. no more or less.

    2. On the MPV you would be offered, once again market prices based upon supply and demand.

    The whole transaction would take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

    If you or any other the customer becomes noisy, obnoxious or just plain rude they are tossed. simple. We don't need these types of customers.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Today we got in a cargo tray for the back of the new MPV....it fit's in the area behind the third seat. If you have the need for something like this it looks very handy. It can easily be removed (without tools) to tumble under the third seat. This can be added to any 2002 MPV.

    Rich
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    Is this the MPV board? For a minute there I thought I clicked on the "Inconsiderate XYZ" board by mistake!

    Hey Pete, that was an *excellent* time, huh?!
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    Thanks Rich! I know a few folks looking for something like that. Any chance we can get a part number? I guess it would work in the '00-'01 too, eh?
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