Mazda MPV

stever

Maybe the '04 Sienna will push everyone else to jump on board (You could get an AWD T&C or go find an older MPV <g>).

Steve, Host

danjaecks

Note that the 2003 MPV 16" and 17" wheels have the same size sidewall and treadwidth on the tires! (215x60) So, the tire diameter is NOT the same. This is unusual, and theoretically there should be no difference in handling or ride between the 16's and 17's, unless there is a difference in the tire quality itself.

gampa

Where some of you are looking at going to larger wheels... I am looking at just the opposite. I currently have the 17 inch alloys with the Dunlops and I find too much road noise back through the steering wheel and cabin.

I have been use to driving on 70 series and have found the 60 series too harsh...

Also the lowest 215/60/17 tire I could find was at least 125.00 each... where the 215/70/15 (slightly smaller diameter) runs about 60.00 each. I could get the a steel wheel, wheel cover, and the tire for less the the 17 inch tire alone.

Has anyone gone from the 17 inch to the 15 inch wheels?.. I will probably keep these 17 inch until I need tires.

I will look into 15 inch winter wire next year so I have some time to think about it.

gampa

bsvoller

I've been watching the MPV for quite a while now (while I pay down my current auto loan). Just for giggles, I went looking for 17" tires at TireRack and Discount Tire.

What I found wasn't too encouraging. Cost/ availability in 17" tires for the ES is currently very high and extremely limited, enough so that I wouldn't buy an ES right now. Furthermore, most of the 17's are not rated highly for tire wear, increasing the cost of replacement over time that much more.

I looked at 215/60R17's, 225/60R17's and 225/55R17's.

On the other hand, these same sizes in R16's offer considerable choice at reasonable prices with respectable mileage ratings.

Personally, I don't see the benefit for the cost.

My 2 cents...

jmess

FYI, every week in the paper, Portland OR, one of the Maz dealers is advertising 4000-4500 off MSRP for all 03 MPVs in stock (LX and ES). This week it was $4500 off

big_guy

You have to be warry of those advertised costs. They usually include the manufacture incentives and such things as college graduate discounts.

jmess

Sure, rebates and fact to dealer incentives are bundled in the price and you can't get the 0% financing. Still seems like a pretty competitive price though.

tccmn1

Has anyone ordered a MPV and how long did it take? I'm still waiting on one ordered in October....at that time they said it would be December..jokes on me! Now they say mid February....this seems about right compared to the Toyota guys who say about 3-4 months.

Someone earlier posted that theirs would be rolling in about NOW and they ordered it in earler DECEMBER. Did that happen?

dwsmha

Hey tccmn1,

That was me. We ordered Dec 9, and dealer said it hit california shore on Friday, 1/17, and will be here in Missouri today! It's 8:53am, and dealer is supposed to call me after 9am if it did arrive last night or this morning. We can't wait!

Sorry for the delay, but I'd be hounding that dealer like no tomorrow.

beachnut

I'm sure I could find some folks willing to trade their 15" alloys for your 17's if you're serious, but fwiw, I think I'd hang onto those wheels if I were you. I had 15's on my MPV originally before I went to 16's. The difference in handling was very noticeable - I'm afraid you'd be dissapointed with the performance of your van by downgrading like that.

audia8q

let me explain some of the inner workings of a mazda order....maybe this will help to shed some light.

When you order an MPV you are really making a "request" not a true factory order like a chevy or ford. Also, Mazda only processes orders one week per month. Which means if last week was allocation and you order your car this week, mazda wont even look at the order until allocation next month.
The dealer has the ability to make your "request" a higher priority than others but mazda still might not build it first.

you might be wondering why DWS got his so quick...well that simple. At any given time we have 3-4 months worth of inventory on a boat or at the factory ready to be built. We can spec change a car already allocated and it will get here alot quicker. I did it about 2 weeks ago for a guy looking for a specific P5 that I was able to spec change and it will be here alot quicker than doing a "vehicle request"

now all that said...Your dealer can pull his "dealer assignments/Inventory report" and at any given time it shows the status of your van. assign date/build date/dealership eta, etc...

Sorry this does not get your MPV here any sooner but hopefully it will help you understand the Mazda order system....BTW: the MPV is worth the wait!!

rich

tccmn1

Congratulations!
I'm glad to hear it DID happen for you.

Thanks also to audia8q for the insight. I had heard something about the timing thing each month...but was just curious since I heard about dwsmha's fast delivery. I'm sure it will be worth the wait. I fine tuned this order so much that it probably has Mazda scratching their heads....but I wanted it to be unique for me.

It won't be that long now....

dwsmha

Well, no MPV yet, maybe today. Still waiting on that delivery truck, but it IS between Missouri and California. Concerning audia8q's comment about priority, if I remember right, dealers can assign priority to their request of 0 to 999, with 0 being top priority. My dealer made mine a 1. I'm not sure if it came from some pre-built inventory or was built from scratch.

My van was pretty customized, though. Just check out post 4893.

Thanks for the info, audia8q!

I'll let you know when it does arrive (today hopefully).

reeses

Hi all,
 
Just wondering if 22060 for 2003 mpv lx w/ rear a/c and roof rack a good s-plan price. That's only 100 below invoice. Thanks for the help.

maltb

Don't forget that incentives do apply to the S-plan as well so be sure that your dealer is figuring in whatever the regional incentives are (financing and/or cash).

braja

I have a 2000 MPV, which is due for the
30000 mile service. The local dealer charges
$500+ for this. I wonder if it's absolutely
essential to do this service, or can I just
take the van to a service place and do the
maintainance ala carte, i.e., change transmission
fluid, flush radiator, oil change, etc.
I have always found the so-called "tune-up" to
be a scam, since all I need is probably to
change the spark plugs.

Any suggestions/experience? Thanks.

tboner

go back to the dealer, with owners manual in hand and say you'd like ONLY these services done, pointing to the ones listed in the manual.

Yes, the tune up is probably a rip off, although, I'm not sure they even change the plugs. If they do, that's easily an hours labor plus whatever they charge for the double platinum plugs that are $4 at your local parts store. I could see a tuneup for an MPV at the dealership costing $150+ with new plugs, an air and fuel filter.

FWIW, I just had my Buick in my local independent shop for a tranny drain, filter change, refill and replaced the cooling hoses (have you seen the weather, it's ZERO here in real degrees, and darn cold when you look at the wind chill.) That was about $190 for two hours of shop time, 5 quarts of tranny fluid, filter, gasket and two GM O.E. hoses.

TB

tccmn1

Just talked to my friendly Mazda dealer and he told me that my ordered MPV is on the water. I feel good about that but hope it's not a slow boat taking a long cruise. I am getting a little more excited about seeing this baby. 3.4 months is a long time. I'm beginning to forget what I ordered:)) I am seeing more MPV's and many more Tributes on the streets in the Twin Cities. The word is getting around.

DWSMHA: did your baby come in today?

dannyyo

Backy,

I got my MPV at Cerritos Auto Square, in Los Angeles County. I think I got a pretty good deal. We got everything we wanted except for the leather seats. My wife hated minivans like every woman out there, but once she test drove it she began liking it. Now she loves it and she won't let me drive it. She gave me her 2002 Accord EX-L and she's got the '03 MPV.

I've read the about the annonyance of having the gear shift blocking the stereo. It's true!!! It's an annyoyance. Otherwise the mini is beautiful. It's cute, it's rare (haven't seen that many out on the streets), it's fun to drive!!!!

dwsmha

You must be excited after that long wait. No, mine is not here yet. It hit California shore a week ago today.

Does anyone know about the process of transporting MPVs from the docks to its final destination? I could drive from MO to CA in less than a week easy... so what's the delay?

maltb

It probably goes by rail to a location within trucking distance to your dealer. The delays mount as they wait to fill a railcar or a truck to their corresponding destinations.

audia8q

MaltB beat me to your question..to add to his post ...the port does some final prep work on your van also.

In most cases, once the vehicle hits the port you will have the car within 7-10 days....assuming your not to far from the port.

dwsmha

Alright, tccmn1, now you don't get to feel so bad. Update: My MPV is NOT in the states. There was some mixup. Since it is extremely customized, Mazda couldn't tweak one of their pre-made ones, so says my dealership. Thus they had to manufacture it from scratch. So due to miscommunication, it is actually still in Japan, and will be put on a ship in a few days.

Estimated Time of Arrival: February 24-28. (77 to 81 calendar days)

I'm not happy. I'll be even less happy when I tell the wife.... :P

subearu

Have you tried looking on the http://www.mazdausa.com site and doing a dealer search for the vehicle you want with options. You can see if one is in your area (or expand it to another zip nearby). Not sure how updated the dealers are in your area, buy mine appear to be weekly or so.

-Brian

pierac

Just an update. Since Mazda relocated the temp probe everything has been fine. Temp appears to be accurate. Thanks again Alex for the copy of the repair order. The dealer had not seen the fix yet. So he repaired it off of your copy. They were suprised that there was a MPV club web site. Paul

tccmn1

Wow, dwsmha, sorry to hear about your delay...but it kinda fits the scenario that I went through....mine will be close to 120days or so. Again, even Toyota's take this long...so it's not a Mazda thing.

I stopped by the dealer to chat about the delays and we started talking about the Sport Package. They had not heard of that deal yet! I explained what you get in the package..per the Mazda MPV website. They were going to check it out. Man, are we living in a bubble or what. Why don't they know more about the cars they sell than us average car shoppers??

Also, on that mirror fix, is there a bulletin on the web we can get at and print out? I ordered mine with THAT mirror and would like it fixed when the car arrives.

pierac

Go back to post # 4821. Alex created a link to the mirror sensor repair. You can print it from there. His web site is an incredible resource on the MPV. Paul

tccmn1

Thanks pierac. That IS an awesome link. I will keep monitoring that one for sure.

tccmn1

Has anyone come upon a descent after market rubber type mat for the cargo area of the MPV...with the rear seat flipped under?

Also, would there be another 'modular' mat for the second row...when you remove them to cover those nasty tracks that catch everything in them.

I'm thinking something that is heavy duty yet easy to take out when you're using the van as a people mover.

tccmn1

PS:
Has anyone taken those seats in/out a few times in their MPV yet? I tried one twice at the dealer and got it hooked onto the other bar underneath and the sales guy and I had a nasty time getting it unstuck. Maybe it's just my dumb luck. He was swearing too.
They seem light enough...I hope the mechanism is durable for frequent removals. That is one thing the DC seems to have over the MPV regarding their captain's chairs. The second row is easily removed with a little lever and you just drop the seat back in the aligned holes and push the lever down to lock the seat back in....seems the MPV's are a little more flimsy to me. Of course the MPV's seats are lighter weight too...so something's gotta give.

gibguy73

Help,
MY 2000 ES w/32K miles need new tires as the Dunlop Sports 4000 are allmost gone and as this is the first time in 3 years we have had some snow in the Boston Area , my MPV is all over the road.
I have researched the comments in tiretrack and the Yokos and dunlops have had good and bad reviews along with ratings ?
Can someone please recomend a tire that does half-way good in New England snow....thanks

rutger3

Is this true. Are people actually ordering and waiting long periods of time for their MPV. What is this, an Odyssey? Are the dealers really having a hard time keeping them on the lots? Does this mean the resale values will rise? Isn't it better to purchase off the lot instead of ordering? This is very interesting.
 BTW, are the Odyssey's still hard to get and selling for sticker or more? I remember when the demand for them was legendary.

bob57

Haven't taken the mid seats out yet. I did, although, take the rear seats out of my wife's '00 Sienna. I think they weigh somewhere around 5000 pounds.....each. <W>
Sure makes you appreciate the fold away in the MPV.

audia8q

Here in Connecticut Honda dealers have some Ody inventory...and I know of one who is even discounting...god help us.

maltb

I have taken out my middle row seats several times without any trouble. The only thing I remember is removing the headrest first. Other than that, no problems at all and they make great camping chairs.

mazda_guy

Try here
http://www.knoxfoam.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/?E+scstore

I bought from them and they do custom cutting. Service excellent.

MB

bottgers

......complaints about the shift level blocking the the radio knob. Anything you need to do with that knob you can do with the steering wheel mounted controls. Why even bother with the dash mounted knob? No need. It's a ridiculous thing to complain about.

alexv1n

That's what happens when there's nothing else to complain about

tccmn1

I ordered because I wanted the GFX package, 6cd changer with cass, moonroof, 4 season, traction control, fogs, power doors, temp mirror, rear step plate, in silver only, rear AC, Trailer hitch, but did NOT want leather seats; ala ES. I also was told I would have it around Jan. 1, but now find out Feb 15th...at the time it sounded short in duration. (Oct.15th)
I did get a fine deal though...so I can't complain much. They are going to install a carbon dash overlay on my LX for me free due to my delay. They know I'm po'd about the wait.
No, they had lot's of other variations on their lot. In fact the most I've seen around the TC's is at Walser Motorwerks in Blmgton, MN. I'd say they always have 10 on the lot.

prlamz

Our 2002 LX just crossed the 20K mark, and I still find myself cursing the shifter. Accessing the radio is not the major issue, it's the A/C that's invisible. Unless that was changed in 2003, I don't think it's also available from the stirring wheel. ;-)

alexv1n

I guess people who complain about the shifter are too picky. Yes, it is a little bit too long but still I personally don't mind at all. Buttons on the stereo in my 2000 are really huge so it's hard to miss them even without looking.

I guess the future owners of the new Sienna will have something to complain about too. Now try to change the temperature on this puppy:

stever

I guess you'll have to put it in Drive before cranking the heat up. These shifters seem to be all the rage - the new Quest has something similar as do a few SUVs.

They do look like a good place to hang your hat.

Steve, Host

scanner

Steve,

I've got one in my HL and it also makes a great grocery bag hook. Like you said, once in drive the shifter probably won't block much, only problem is where to put the cup holder.

stever

Well, it'll hold your cup nicely upside down once your finish your mocha latte, Scanner :-)

Any new owners out there? Please unlurk and tell us about your deal!

Steve, Host

demoncyclist

The best true all-season tire I have ever used is the Nokian NRW. It is referred to by Nokian as all-season plus and has the snowflake symbol next to the UTOQ ratings, denoting it as a winter tire. The set I had on my old VW EuroVan were obtained through Direct Tire. If you have never used them for tire or undercar service before, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the consistently high level of service you will get from them, and their prices are good too.

dwsmha

Alright, tccmn1, looks like we're in the same boat having to put up with delays. I've spoken with several friends who agree I should be po'd about the delays. (For everyone else, I ordered on 12/9, they said it would be here end of Dec, then on 1/20, now on 2/24.)

How did you approach them to get that overlay thing? They do have a down payment of mine in their pockets, and we can't sell my wife's old car until we get the new one.

Has anyone else complained to the dealer about delays, and what have you gotten out of the deal? Someone suggested to me that the dealer is making me get frustrated so I'll back out since I did get an awesome deal.

David

h109

Hi all,

I have been a lurker on the MPV & Protege forums for a long time. I just wanted to tell you all about an MPV fan (even without owning it). It's my wife - she's so crazy about the MPV :-) Upon knowing about this forum, she told me that she may drop in some time.

Now, to my queries - My bad back has been forcing me to think of getting a minivan/SUV. My Protege, though a nice car, is too low for me to get in/out easliy and sit comfy for more than 15-20 mins. As I have to trade-in my current car (can't afford two - especially the insurance in New Jersey), the only vehicle my wife would consider is the MPV. Any impressions or thoughts by the owners on the front seat room and seat support (lumbar) would be of great help to me.

Also, is there a cash rebate available right now?

Thanks,
-Hari

tccmn1

h109: There is a $2K rebate or zero financing right now I believe. I think the front seats and visiblilty are great...but that's from many test drives I've done in my 3.5 month waiting period. My dealer laughs and hands me keys to MPV's he has to drive when I stop by 'cause I'm longing for mine so badly....ok, I'm borderline a sick person and need to get a life type;}....or my MPV SOON!

dwsha: Sorry to hear your story. I just whined a bit and they said they would make good on things....I suggested covering the dash overlay (no pun intended) since that is what I wanted to do from the beginning and they said begudgingly 'ok'. I wanted the carbon dash on my LX anyway...just didn't want the leather of the ES. Mazda has a dash and door kit that costs about $300 plus an hour's labor to install. The dislike of leather here in MN. COLD and HOT seasons started this whole adventure of ordering a loaded LX. I expected this to be a 3-4 month wait from Japan because I had a friend who ordered a Toy HL and he waited about 4 months. It's not really the particulary mfgr...it's just where these things come from.

Be patient and threaten your dealer, I'm sorry, I mean talk sternly with your dealer to resolve something. Tell him how disappointed you are and see what happens.

PS: On top of my long wait, I've had to put $300 more into my current DC to keep it running through our cold winter here because of this delay....so I'm not really coming out ahead in cash out of my pocket if I figure my maint. on old van into this whole adventure!! Fuel pump just went out the other day....rrrrr.

once_for_all

I am 6'3" with a bad back. The MPV isn't great for lumbar, but not bad either. Getting the power seat is definitely worth it as you get up and down adjustment for the seat back.

I inquired with the other leading vans re lumbar adjustments---the only one I found was the Kia and it wasn't well designed. Oddly enough, the F-150 XLT has a great lumbar adjuster. Wasn't interested in the Windstar, but it might be worth a check if you need a more custom seat.

libertycat

is the undisputed minivan champion!