Congratulations on your new MPV! It sounds like mine except I have the Sunlight Silver Metallic and a moon-roof. What don't you like about the GFX package if you don't mind me asking? Mine has it and I think it looks sportier with the Side Sill Extensions and the sporty front and rear. Just curious.
I still love this van even though I only drive it on weekends. Finally went out on the Highway for a little bit and got it up to 70 mph. It definitely is a shifter when it comes to any sort of incline. However, drives like a charm compared to my Olds Intrigue. In fact, just went through old receipts on the Intrigue, can't believe how many times I had it back to the dealer for repairs.
2nd tank of gas yielded 20.7 mpg - up 1 from last week. Very satisfied as have not done a full tank on highway yet.
Will take it back to dealer because of vent issue. Rained in Florida, so couldn't wash it today.
Not avail w/power doors? Odd, I wonder why. If not available w/ roof rack, I'm all for it. hat package has the one item I wish Mazda had left available for the LX models, which is the 9speaker sound system.
That would really make it sporty, maybe a 1.5" drop, a few extra ponies, higher spring rates.
Sorry, I was dreaming for a second.
The AWD might be a toughy. Where does the fuel tank go? Time to go back to my drawing board and work on those plans to put electric motors at each wheel.
It's just too bad a 75HP motor weighs so much, not to mention generators to generate enough power to run them, or this would be a great idea that solves a lot of packaging issues with the automobile. Of course, I'm not sure I could keep the MPV in tires with 75HP at each wheel, LOL
Yes, that is dumb that they don't offer it with power sliders. I ordered an LX from Japan back in Mid October with all these things on it except the spoiler, (obvious) ES 17" wheels and leather wrapped wheel. My MPV DOES have the power sliders though.
I'm a little confused on the cd/cass/9speaker system. I ordered what was called a 'premium' system with 6cd changer AND Cass. in this LX. I asked several dealers if this would be the same radio setup as the ES premium. All said YES and one guy even said it would be a BOSE system. I don't think so. But I am interested in hearing comments as to what you get when you order a 6cd changer with cass. system...do you get the 9 speakers too? Thanks.
I believe the MPV is offered in Japan with an AWD option so it looks like Mazda has already solved the dilemna of where to put the gas tank. I guess Mazda is concerned with not being able to sell enough AWD units in the US to bring it over here. I sure would like to have an AWD MPV stateside though.
The powerplant involved isn't going to change anything downstream package-wise except that the downpipe will be 2-3pipe headers instead of one 1-4pipe header. After that, it's all the same really.
Since the thread for this issue is READ ONLY now, I state my 2cents here. I stopped by a local KIA dealer to peek at this van. First impressions; very nicely appointed. All seats are very soft and plush feeling...back ones too! The MPV's are more 'firm' (or hard) as I would call it than this van. Power passenger seat is something unique in mini's these days!! Dashboard was nicely laid out and big dials for controls. Very roomy inside. Sliders open nice and wide too...compared to the 24" opening that the MPV allows...don't know why the MPV couldn't have those sliders go back further. My old DC shorty opens like the Sedona!! Nice and wide. Also liked the garage door fob overhead..MPV and DC does not have that.
The sales person did admit that this thing is a heavy weight and it affects the mpg's, but the ride is smooth as silk because of the weight. It's no race car, the MPV jumps off the line better, but it does ride like a road car. He really was beating up the Dodge and Chyrs. mini's in particular as he showed me around the KIA. They must be particularly attacking the king of the mini's more than others. If I was looking for a bigger van, this would be my serious choice for the money...even though the mpg's are lower than DC or MPV.
In my visit again to a local north side MPV dealer, I noticed that they now have a TREMENDOUS amount of Tributes on the lot compared to a year ago...and the MPV's are low in supply. Must have something to do with the domestic build/supply chain of the Tribute compared to the Japan pipeline...? Any ideas why the MPV's are scarce on lots now? A year ago, when I was thinking of a Tribute, they had one on the lot and a waiting list!
I have been so happy with an automobile purchase (or lease) before.
We took it upstate (500 miles round trip) for the weekend. Folded down the third seat for extra storage, then put it back up when we went out with three other people.
Some thoughts: I have read that the new engine is still slightly under powered and searches for the right gear. I don't know what van they are talking about, but it sure isn't mine! Up steep inclines, with luggage, not a problem. Also, it shifts so effortlessly you don't even feel it.
Other pros: The sliding second seat was very useful to allow two adults into the third row.
I've never had volume controls on the steering wheel. I love to play with stuff like that (and it's especially important since that five foot shifter blocks the radio!)
It was also nice to open the back window and let air into the van.
It really is fun to drive. I don't miss the SUV at all!
I didn't realize until I was driving it how great the sight lines are. It's like looking through a picture window.
Some minor cons: The seat could be wider (or I could be thinner!). It got a little uncomfortable after a few hours.
The tray in between the front seats could be bigger.
We would've liked one more outlet. We plug in our cell phone and the tv/vcr. We ran the tv plug from the back, but if we want to add more items in the future it could get tight.
That's about it. I only get to drive it on weekends (why is it that the wife always gets the new car- I'm driving a 95 Maxima with 130,000 miles on it) so I'm counting the days!
After over a year of lurking on this site, I finally purchased a '02 LX. I got it for 22,400 out the door, with the roof rack, spoiler, and dual ac (really all I wanted or needed).
I still own my '92 Toyota Previa, which now has about 230k on it. The Honda wasn't an option for our new van. Two of my relatives and my best friend own one, so gatherings started to look like a Honda dealership and I just didn't care for it that much (especially for the price). For the longest time I was split between the Sienna and MPV up until I went to buy one. The Toyota dealerships I went to sucked. That was the first thing that turned me off and the second was the Sienna is a nice van, but nothing special. I think the finish was better on the Sienna, but that was it.
The Bill Lang dealership in Vallejo, CA got 9 out of 10 stars from my wife and I. For the most part very little pressure and not a whole lot of BS. I test drove the van first with just the salesperson and came away with a good impression. The next day they let me take the van w/o the salesperson to pick my wife up. We had the van for 3 hours before we came back. The only thing that dropped them 1 star was they tried to seal the deal that night after I said that I had to feed my kids. Not major, but... The Toyota dealers (both of them, Vallejo and Vacaville) didn't even want me to test the Sienna w/o the wife and when we did test drive it, they wanted to get back to the dealer ASAP. On top of that, the sales process there was the typical back and forth and just turned me off completely from getting a Toyota. Now at the Mazda dealer, I said that I've read from different sites what I could expect to pay, gave them what I wanted to pay, and the deal was done 3 min. later.
Two months later I can say that I do not regret buying the MPV one bit. It has been everything I expected from what I've read from this site and maybe a lit more. More than enough power (the Previa I have is heavier and had about 125hp new) and the "size" is a non-issue since what you have is very usable. The only downfalls so far is the shifter knob is in the way of the stereo (not that big of a deal since most of the controls are on the steering wheel) and I wish the e-brake was by the door (like my Previa) or as a pedal.
I prefer the handle as well, it just the Previa has the handle on the left of the drivers seat out of the way of my wife's purse, diaper bag, and everything else we seem to through there. The down side on the Previa is my *&@?# seatbelt would get caught on it. I think you're right though about past vehicles, comfort zone thing.
Actually I did forget one thing that I would like above anything else. The folding rear seat it great (major buying point), but I wish you had the option of folding one side at a time. Two car seats and a booster seat for the little ones (all boys) make the extra storage null when the family is loaded in. Not a big thing, just would be nice.
I agree with the split folding rear seat idea. If Mazda could develop a 65/35 split in the rear most bench it would really add a lot of utility to the vehicle. Just imagine, you could use the split seat option to carry 5 or 6 people in the van and increase cargo storage space just by folding down one side or the other. If Mazda is clever about this, they could create a retro-fit kit to make this an aftermarket option as well (for those of us that already own an MPV). Are you listening Mazda?
I'm not sure the reason why they don't offer AWD with 3.0L engine in Japan now, but the previous models with 2.5L did have AWD and fold-away seat just like in North America.
And the gas tank is below 3rd seat (between 3rd and 2nd row of seats).
I heard from a dealer rep that there is an aftermarket stick that can be substituted for the yard stick...? Anyone else hear of this? I'm asking him for more info. That would be a nice deal. I don't know how that OD button would reconnect, but they must have something figured out.
I just recently purchased the 2002 LX with dual A/C, 6-CD changer, side airbags, roofrack for $21,554 in Norman, OK.
My original plan was to wait til after June 20th - the expected bith of my first child - but couldn't resist this discount price. I already knew that I would either purchase the MPV or the Honda Odyssey for that "magical" folding 3rd-row seat (I have two large dogs)that does not have to be removed. But since I am driving an '89 Dodge (Mitsubishi) Colt and my wife is driving a '94 Blazer, I hated to take the chance that my Colt may break down in the middle of the winter when the price incentives would not be as great. Oh well - so what if I have my MPV nine months earlier than planned (although, I must admit that I would feel better if one of our other vehicles died, as this would further justify my new car purchase)?
I should inform everyone that my Mazda purchase is no small feat. I have GM connections (price discount) through my father and have over $3,000 in credit rebate earnings saved up on the GM credit card, nevertheless, I still opted for the Mazda MPV, which appears to be more reliable, safer, and utilitarian (at least for my needs). Thanks to everyone for sharing their MPV experiences, which reaffirmed my decision to forgo a GM minivan.
I've been reading a lot of the posts and all of the positive opinions and the excitement I have seen here have been big factors in my choosing to buy the MPV instead of the Sienna. So, a couple of days ago I emailed a dealership about a 2002 LX model and the salesman emailed me back saying that they have one with rear ac, luxury package, roof rack,and step plate for a total of $21513 which is $500 over invoice. This is the break down---invoice price is $23013.00 + $500.00 dealer profit - $2000.00 dealer cash = $21513.00 before ttl. He seems to be a straightforward guy by stating all this, but I think it could be a little better-maybe only $300 over invoice (which is what I was able to buy another car for last year) since it is already a year old car, but somehow I feel like this is his no haggle price and he'll withdraw it if I counter. I would really appreciate your opinions about this. Thanks
MO is that anything up to $500 over invoice is acceptable for a MPV. They are hot vehicles in many areas. I paid close to that for our 02 LX up here NY. Don't forget that your local market is the big factor. No close competition means higher prices with this vehicle.
Sure, you will read stories of master negotiators purchasing vehicles for $100.00 over invoice or less. Most of these are in large metropolitan areas.
If you are in these areas then by all means try for $300 over. Also push hard the fact that it is already depreciated one year. The dealer will also have already lost their holdback due to the time on the lot for the vehicle. So, don't figure it in your negotiations. You will have much more success without a trade.
There was actually a reason for the long shifter....When the MPV is in drive and you rest your hand on top of the shifter, your finger tips are aimed directly at the radio buttons...nah, the car won't slip out of gear.
perhaps it was poor execution but there really was a reason. haha
I bought my 02 ES over a month ago for invoice exactly. My friend bought his a couple of weeks after mine and he got the ES with 4 season, 6 disc, fog lights, for 26,700 out the door so he did even better than I did. Something like 300 below invoice.
I'm just the messenger of the message... had two different people from mazda plus a ride and drive rep tell me that about the long shifter...They even made a point to tell us. Same thing with the Tribute.
The guys from Mazda huddled in the basement in Irvine and smoked some really good stuff, drank some cheap whiskey and came up with that explination.
Hi all. Thanks for all the great information on these boards. I'm about to pull the trigger (or should I say pull out the checkbook) on a 2003 ES. Spent some time on these boards and saw all the love for the MPV. After looking and driving the Dodges, Chryslers, Hondas, Kias, etc, no question in my mind which one we're getting. Wife won't buy any other van (I knew she had good taste). The MPV is hands down--best drive and best value--to us at least. I only wonder why there aren't more of these on the road (probably lack of marketing I suppose).
One thing I can't seem to clear up. I can definitely get the car for invoice (before incentives)--as validated by many here. The dealer (who seems to be a straight shooter) is telling me that the incentive is EITHER $1500 rebate OR 0.0% financing. Is that right? Or is there 0/0 with a dealer incentive? Different web sites seem to have different information. Any help, guidance or words of wisdom would be welcome. Thanks in advance for any help. We're looking forward to bringing our silver MPV home.
If you can belive ads, all the ads I've seen that mention the rebate and financing on the '03s say clearly $1500 cash OR 0% interest. These looked like regional ads vs. dealer ads. Think about it: it would be highly unusual to offer a big rebate PLUS 0% financing on a popular '03 model like the MPV.
Agreed - occasionally you'll run across 0% financing and "dealer cash" but it'd be very unusual to get 0% and a rebate. But car sales have been in the dumper the last two months, so who knows!
Congratulations on your new educated purchase. The reason why you don't see too many MPVs (although sales have picked up) is that most people who buy a new car do so with little or no research. The proof of that is the size of the specific boards in Townhall compared to sales. DC, for example, outsales everyone yet their presence here is very muted. Same thing with the GM and Ford products.
Like you, but nine months back I was watching the Odyssey and Sedona board until the new engine lead me to check out the MPV. This board and the S-plan clinched it. I have yet to have a problem or regrets. :-)
>>> The reason why you don't see too many MPVs... <<<
I am seeing <i>tons of MPVs driving around my town. This has been in just the past year or so. Before that, I didn't see many. The engine change for 2002 must have made a big difference in acceptance, I'll bet. I know I would never have considered the MPV with the 170 hp engine. Now it's on the top of my list.
Congratulations! I thought that my price of $21,554 was good, but that was for a 2002 LX. Your 2003 has one more feature than mine (step plate). How did you manage to get this price? - there were no mark-downs on 2003 MPVs and staunch resistance to negotiating on their price (just the 2002s) in my region.
Comments
Have Fun!
Lsinc
Zoom-Zoom!
I checked a couple of other sites re Ding King. They gave it a failing grade.
See: http://kfdx.com/test_it_tuesday.htm http://www.kfor.com/Global/category.asp?C=9666&nav=6uyB
So, I would not get my hopes up!
Dennis
2nd tank of gas yielded 20.7 mpg - up 1 from last week. Very satisfied as have not done a full tank on highway yet.
Will take it back to dealer because of vent issue. Rained in Florida, so couldn't wash it today.
The MPV ALL SPORT PKG
-17'' alloys
-GFX
-Fog lamps
-Rear spoiler
-9 speaker, 180 watt audio W/subwoofer
-CD changer
-compass/outside temp auto dim mirror
-leather wrapped steering wheel
MSRP $795
not avail w/ coastal, sage, sand
requires..rear A/C, side airbags and traction
not avail with roof rack, pwr doors.
Nice content for the $, but maybe a new package name is in order.
Steve, Host
Sweet price though.
We thought the price was great also...
Rich
That would really make it sporty, maybe a 1.5" drop, a few extra ponies, higher spring rates.
Sorry, I was dreaming for a second.
The AWD might be a toughy. Where does the fuel tank go? Time to go back to my drawing board and work on those plans to put electric motors at each wheel.
It's just too bad a 75HP motor weighs so much, not to mention generators to generate enough power to run them, or this would be a great idea that solves a lot of packaging issues with the automobile. Of course, I'm not sure I could keep the MPV in tires with 75HP at each wheel, LOL
TB
I'm a little confused on the cd/cass/9speaker system. I ordered what was called a 'premium' system with 6cd changer AND Cass. in this LX. I asked several dealers if this would be the same radio setup as the ES premium. All said YES and one guy even said it would be a BOSE system. I don't think so. But I am interested in hearing comments as to what you get when you order a 6cd changer with cass. system...do you get the 9 speakers too? Thanks.
Mark.
The powerplant involved isn't going to change anything downstream package-wise except that the downpipe will be 2-3pipe headers instead of one 1-4pipe header. After that, it's all the same really.
The MPV's are more 'firm' (or hard) as I would call it than this van.
Power passenger seat is something unique in mini's these days!! Dashboard was nicely laid out and big dials for controls. Very roomy inside. Sliders open nice and wide too...compared to the 24" opening that the MPV allows...don't know why the MPV couldn't have those sliders go back further. My old DC shorty opens like the Sedona!! Nice and wide.
Also liked the garage door fob overhead..MPV and DC does not have that.
The sales person did admit that this thing is a heavy weight and it affects the mpg's, but the ride is smooth as silk because of the weight. It's no race car, the MPV jumps off the line better, but it does ride like a road car. He really was beating up the Dodge and Chyrs. mini's in particular as he showed me around the KIA. They must be particularly attacking the king of the mini's more than others.
If I was looking for a bigger van, this would be my serious choice for the money...even though the mpg's are lower than DC or MPV.
A year ago, when I was thinking of a Tribute, they had one on the lot and a waiting list!
Kia Sedona vs. Mazda MPV
(maybe you landed on the old '02 vs '02 one?)
Steve, Host
We took it upstate (500 miles round trip) for the weekend. Folded down the third seat for extra storage, then put it back up when we went out with three other people.
Some thoughts: I have read that the new engine is still slightly under powered and searches for the right gear. I don't know what van they are talking about, but it sure isn't mine! Up steep inclines, with luggage, not a problem. Also, it shifts so effortlessly you don't even feel it.
Other pros: The sliding second seat was very useful to allow two adults into the third row.
I've never had volume controls on the steering wheel. I love to play with stuff like that (and it's especially important since that five foot shifter blocks the radio!)
It was also nice to open the back window and let air into the van.
It really is fun to drive. I don't miss the SUV at all!
I didn't realize until I was driving it how great the sight lines are. It's like looking through a picture window.
Some minor cons: The seat could be wider (or I could be thinner!). It got a little uncomfortable after a few hours.
The tray in between the front seats could be bigger.
We would've liked one more outlet. We plug in our cell phone and the tv/vcr. We ran the tv plug from the back, but if we want to add more items in the future it could get tight.
That's about it. I only get to drive it on weekends (why is it that the wife always gets the new car- I'm driving a 95 Maxima with 130,000 miles on it) so I'm counting the days!
I still own my '92 Toyota Previa, which now has about 230k on it. The Honda wasn't an option for our new van. Two of my relatives and my best friend own one, so gatherings started to look like a Honda dealership and I just didn't care for it that much (especially for the price). For the longest time I was split between the Sienna and MPV up until I went to buy one. The Toyota dealerships I went to sucked. That was the first thing that turned me off and the second was the Sienna is a nice van, but nothing special. I think the finish was better on the Sienna, but that was it.
The Bill Lang dealership in Vallejo, CA got 9 out of 10 stars from my wife and I. For the most part very little pressure and not a whole lot of BS. I test drove the van first with just the salesperson and came away with a good impression. The next day they let me take the van w/o the salesperson to pick my wife up. We had the van for 3 hours before we came back. The only thing that dropped them 1 star was they tried to seal the deal that night after I said that I had to feed my kids. Not major, but... The Toyota dealers (both of them, Vallejo and Vacaville) didn't even want me to test the Sienna w/o the wife and when we did test drive it, they wanted to get back to the dealer ASAP. On top of that, the sales process there was the typical back and forth and just turned me off completely from getting a Toyota. Now at the Mazda dealer, I said that I've read from different sites what I could expect to pay, gave them what I wanted to pay, and the deal was done 3 min. later.
Two months later I can say that I do not regret buying the MPV one bit. It has been everything I expected from what I've read from this site and maybe a lit more. More than enough power (the Previa I have is heavier and had about 125hp new) and the "size" is a non-issue since what you have is very usable. The only downfalls so far is the shifter knob is in the way of the stereo (not that big of a deal since most of the controls are on the steering wheel) and I wish the e-brake was by the door (like my Previa) or as a pedal.
Funny thing about the parking brake: I am glad it's a handle, but maybe it mostly has to do with our previous vehicles.
Actually I did forget one thing that I would like above anything else. The folding rear seat it great (major buying point), but I wish you had the option of folding one side at a time. Two car seats and a booster seat for the little ones (all boys) make the extra storage null when the family is loaded in. Not a big thing, just would be nice.
Just my $.02
And the gas tank is below 3rd seat (between 3rd and 2nd row of seats).
I'm asking him for more info. That would be a nice deal. I don't know how that OD button would reconnect, but they must have something figured out.
My original plan was to wait til after June 20th - the expected bith of my first child - but couldn't resist this discount price. I already knew that I would either purchase the MPV or the Honda Odyssey for that "magical" folding 3rd-row seat (I have two large dogs)that does not have to be removed. But since I am driving an '89 Dodge (Mitsubishi) Colt and my wife is driving a '94 Blazer, I hated to take the chance that my Colt may break down in the middle of the winter when the price incentives would not be as great. Oh well - so what if I have my MPV nine months earlier than planned (although, I must admit that I would feel better if one of our other vehicles died, as this would further justify my new car purchase)?
I should inform everyone that my Mazda purchase is no small feat. I have GM connections (price discount) through my father and have over $3,000 in credit rebate earnings saved up on the GM credit card, nevertheless, I still opted for the Mazda MPV, which appears to be more reliable, safer, and utilitarian (at least for my needs). Thanks to everyone for sharing their MPV experiences, which reaffirmed my decision to forgo a GM minivan.
amyshubby, see, you made the right choice!!!
Informed consumers unite!!!
Mark. : )
I've been reading a lot of the posts and all of the positive opinions and the excitement I have seen here have been big factors in my choosing to buy the MPV instead of the Sienna. So, a couple of days ago I emailed a dealership about a 2002 LX model and the salesman emailed me back saying that they have one with rear ac, luxury package, roof rack,and step plate for a total of $21513 which is $500 over invoice. This is the break down---invoice price is $23013.00 + $500.00 dealer profit - $2000.00 dealer cash = $21513.00 before ttl. He seems to be a straightforward guy by stating all this, but I think it could be a little better-maybe only $300 over invoice (which is what I was able to buy another car for last year) since it is already a year old car, but somehow I feel like this is his no haggle price and he'll withdraw it if I counter. I would really appreciate your opinions about this. Thanks
Sure, you will read stories of master negotiators purchasing vehicles for $100.00 over invoice or less. Most of these are in large metropolitan areas.
If you are in these areas then by all means try for $300 over. Also push hard the fact that it is already depreciated one year. The dealer will also have already lost their holdback due to the time on the lot for the vehicle. So, don't figure it in your negotiations. You will have much more success without a trade.
Best of luck,
Mark.
There was actually a reason for the long shifter....When the MPV is in drive and you rest your hand on top of the shifter, your finger tips are aimed directly at the radio buttons...nah, the car won't slip out of gear.
perhaps it was poor execution but there really was a reason. haha
Rich
had two different people from mazda plus a ride and drive rep tell me that about the long shifter...They even made a point to tell us. Same thing with the Tribute.
The guys from Mazda huddled in the basement in Irvine and smoked some really good stuff, drank some cheap whiskey and came up with that explination.
Rich
I was beginning to think you were selling Hondas! You know, built in features...
One thing I can't seem to clear up. I can definitely get the car for invoice (before incentives)--as validated by many here. The dealer (who seems to be a straight shooter) is telling me that the incentive is EITHER $1500 rebate OR 0.0% financing. Is that right? Or is there 0/0 with a dealer incentive? Different web sites seem to have different information. Any help, guidance or words of wisdom would be welcome. Thanks in advance for any help. We're looking forward to bringing our silver MPV home.
Steve, Host
Like you, but nine months back I was watching the Odyssey and Sedona board until the new engine lead me to check out the MPV. This board and the S-plan clinched it. I have yet to have a problem or regrets. :-)
I am seeing <i>tons of MPVs driving around my town. This has been in just the past year or so. Before that, I didn't see many. The engine change for 2002 must have made a big difference in acceptance, I'll bet. I know I would never have considered the MPV with the 170 hp engine. Now it's on the top of my list.
2003 lx
rear ac
traction/side airbag
4 season
roof
fog
net and step
21,325.00
no extend warranty
lets see what tommorow brings....
billg7 "Honda Odyssey" Feb 8, 2001 7:27pm
Steve, Host
Congratulations! I thought that my price of $21,554 was good, but that was for a 2002 LX. Your 2003 has one more feature than mine (step plate). How did you manage to get this price? - there were no mark-downs on 2003 MPVs and staunch resistance to negotiating on their price (just the 2002s) in my region.