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On our other car, the fuel gauge's sender unit (in the fuel tank) is hooked to (basically) a reostat, that sends varying voltage readings to the gauge depending on the level in the tank. The fill light comes on when the voltage from the sender reaches a set level, which can vary by temperatures(fuel does expand/contract), or whether you're on a hill too. I would imagine that the fuel sender in the MPV works much in the same fashion. I agree that it may come on prematurely, just like drdrevans said due to the family-oriented nature of the vehicle and nobody wants to be stranded with a load of junior soccer players in the van. ;-)
--java
is hot. It's longstanding, 5 months! they've taken it in twice to drive for awhile but can't
detect any smell at all. Apparently Fuel sensors in early 2000's were replaced but
mine was not in that production. Anyone else have a similar problem?
I'll look at the filter first and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the tip. I think we have some of that air conditioner stuff in the garage already! Most of the parts/accessories seem way overpriced. I still haven't broken down and bought a step plate- I'm using touch up paint to fix the nicks instead. Also, I use a small rug as a cargo mat!
Pros:
1. Power is more than adequate. It handles the steep Pittsburgh hills with ease, even with passengers. Some extra downshifting on the very steepest hills is the only sign that I'm not still driving a Cherokee. Before buying it, I had more or less resigned myself, based largely on a few negative comments, to puttering along like Grandma Frickert in her Baker Electric. Not the case. Pickup at stoplights is more than adequate, even for someone used to the Jeep's quick acceleration. Getting to speed is deceptively quick; before I know it I'm at cruising speed. Perhaps the throaty growl of the engine under load misleads me into thinking the engine is laboring when it's simply going through its paces.
2. Handling is excellent. I can't believe that this is a van. Its roadholding and maneuverability are superb. It tracks like a cat and corners like a cheetah.
3. Highway manners are refined. I haven't done a lot of Interstate driving yet, but the little I've done has impressed me. The van has no trouble getting to highway speeds and once there cruises effortlessly. There were several times I wondered why everybody else was on what seemed to be a Sunday drive and looked down to find myself cruising along at 75! And once I got the tire pressure lowered to specs, the minor vibration I experienced on the highway virtuallly disappeared.
4. Seating is very comfortable. I've tried the driver's seat in almost every configuration possible, and I have yet to find one I wasn't completely comfortable in. My ten-mile morning commute is a pleasure. I'm actually reluctant to get out of the car when I get to work (I'd blame my work for that, but I'm equally reluctant to get out when I get home in the afternoon).
5. The dashboard layout is nifty; everthing you need is right there for you, large and well marked. And lowering the steering wheel got rid of the "hidden radio" problem.
Serendipity Bonus. Sand Mica is precisely the color of the road dirt here in Pittsburgh. My car is currently filthy, but you would have to be less than a foot away to notice it.
Cons:
1. Gas mileage is mediocre so far. Based on two partial [half-tank] fillups, my surburban mileage is somewhere between 15 and 16. That's not disastrous and may well get somewhat better as the car breaks in, but it's not something to shout about, either.
2. I haven't gotten comfortable with the washer-wiper control. And I'm not sure I ever will. Putting the rear controls on the same stalk as the front controls with totally unintuitive control motions was not an award-winning design. And why doesn't the rear wiper come on when I engage the washer?
3. Power window controls are actually counter intuitive, especially if you've spent the last 15 years with power windows in other cars. They work backwards from the motion most other cars use.
4. There is a bit more lean and sway on sharp, twisty roads than I'm used to. It may be because of the relatively high in-car seating position [or the fact that I'm taking those twisty roads a bit too fast, something the handling encourages me to do], but it's going to take some adjustment to get used to.
5. I find that the thick window posts both on the front and side cause some blind spots that I'm not used to. I'm going to have to be careful to double and triple check my right before crossing traffic.
And that's it. Comparing the pros and the cons, I can see why I'm more impressed with the van than I was the day I got it.
We would appreciate your input here. The car:
Black 00 LX
Touring pckge
Moonroof
Rear AC
6CD changer
roof rack
foglights
The MSRP =27050
Invoice = 24530
Rebate on this package is 2250
Dealer is offering 24500 + 0.0%/48 financing
For my wife and taking the 0.0%/48 financing is very important.
One other thing the car has 1000 miles. The dealer assured it is not a DEMO, he said he drove it himself from North Carolina to Atlanta for some convention.
Appreciate your Advice.
Your thoughts
89.95 billing & client services
1.00 dollar Temporary tag.
Of course Taxes are separate.
Thanks again
B~
Bottom line--I think you should be able to do better but some smaller dealers seem content to hold onto the 2000s for some reasons. You could probably do almost as well on a 2001?
Good luck, and whatever you do, get an MPV! I waited and waited looking for the right deal and now I'm so happy that shopping is over--even if I had paid an extra thousand, I'm sure I'd still be happy!
--java
"Constructed for rugged durability, it helps keep the window free of dust and snow."
I have been following wpener's and others' journey towards their MPV, glad it all reached happy endings.
For the car am looking at, I will be effectively crossing the Virginia state line to get to the dealer. The fundamental point here is about gaining part or all of the rebate (on this car it is $2250) and at the same time taking the 0.0%/48 financing.
I do agree with both of you that I can probably sweat it out with the dealer for some time, but the fact that the dealer is not a large scale one is not favorable to this startegy.
Here's a call to all in the site, an we(my wife, 2 yr old and I) appreciate your help in advance:
Do you know of any 00LX (with at least touring, rear AC) without is still ok, or 00 ES, colors of preference are sand MICA, rainforest green, emerald green Mica, black Mica, or white"
I do not mind crossing multiple state lines from Southeastern Virginia (all the way to Boston is fine), if the deal is worth it. We are buying this one for keeps so it is worth the extra 'mile' to get one we are happy with.
Thanks again.
Ashraf
Also had first malfunction. 3 times on the drive to my destination, engine immobilizer light (the little key in the bottom right of the instrument cluster) went on. The effect is to sort of kill the engine -- it started to rev -- but then the light quickly went off and normal operation resumed. It happened once on the return trip. Has anyone experienced this before? It's a little unsettling. I also posted this on the problems board. At first, I had no clue what was happening since I usually watch where I am going and dont stare at the panel. Only on the second occurrence did I see the red light (the first time I thought I saw red but wasn't sure).
After thinking about it (and smelling) it almost seems to be a slightly burning smell. Almost like something didn't cure properly in the heating ducts, which is all the more coincidental since I only noticed the smell when it got colder and I had to turn on the heat.
If it's any consolation - the smell has dissipated somewhat and I'm hoping it will go away altogether.
Through Quirk Mazda, Quinsy Massachusetts, I secured $5000 below MSRP(including destination charges) on a package similar though not identical to your's opener:
00LX (silver)
Touring
Rear A/I
Moon roof
6 DC changer
4 seasons
LEV emissions ( I am planning ahead for a move to California)
MSRP = 26950
INVOICE = 24616
MSRP - 5000 = 21950 +2250 (rebate in return for 0.0 financing) = USD24200.00
It is not a DEMO, and has next to no miles (to my wife's joy).
Since I will register the vehicle in VA, I pay my taxes in Virginia.
Fees:
$ 99 document fees
That's it.
I plan to go tomorrow to finalize the Deal, and drive the car back to Virginia. Therein lies my urgent request, especially to opener:
Any thing to bear in mind while taking possession from this' dealer?
How was your experience, and how are they supposed to prepare the vehicle for my taking possesion (check fluids, etc..) ? (I must confess first time new car buyer here..)
Is there any other fee I have not been told about? I repeatedly asked the sales person (an his manager) they only pointed out the Doc fees ($99.00).
All of your input is sincerely appreciated.....
A new member to be in the MPV family.
Thanks all, for your help, and input.
Ashraf
But obviously it wouldn't hurt to check oil level, engine coolant, power steering and brake fuid levels... Just in case... You should be OK... Welcome to the big (and growing) family of happy MPV owners...
If Mazda does bring over the MPV AWD and add a larger engine, sure, I'll go for a test drive :-) But, I don't need another vehicle any time soon. My ML's just barely 1 year old!
javadoc, yes, my understanding is that the new MPV's system has the Tribute/Escape's Rotary Blade Coupling AWD system. I myself am not really in snow country, however, I live on a mountain and hence most streets can have grades of 15% or more. FWD + Traction Control + winter tires is not adequate if the street is not plowed. My neighbour's '00 MPV made it up about 10 metres up the street, and then got stuck. That's the reason why both of the other MPVs in the neighbourhood are AWD models.
My AWD Chrysler van has made it up that same slope for years with no problems. It was recently fitted with new tires (BFG Control T/A M65) and those are simply excellent in dry/wet/snow/ice for all-seasons. I chose them based on Consumer Reports recommendation; they're not top rated (2nd place), but they were best overall.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Check the levels of the coolant, oil, windshield fluid, etc. This is not on the customer's check list. Also, make sure the tire pressure is at the proper inflation level, which is 32, I believe. Find out where your wheel lock key is (if applicable). They tend to put them in different places, and you don't need to be hunting for it in the middle of a dark road. They will show you where your jack is, and how to get to your spare. I can't think of much else.
Good luck with your purchase, and welcome to our happy "family".
P.S. Almost forgot. The dealers highly value the dealer survey Mazda will send you a couple of weeks after the purchase. You will be able to use this as an easy way to set up some future oil changes or something. They will kill for a blank survey sheet.
They need to offer the MPV with a three seat 2nd row. A 60/40 flip forward design like in the MDX would work nicely (that way you can access the third row). That way you can fold down the 3rd row, pack gear for 5 people, and still take 5 people with you on a trip. I need that since I now have 3 children. The MPV suits my needs in every way except being able to take 5 people and lot of gear on an extended road trip. (The Odyssey is the same way.) The 3.0L V6 and AWD would just be icing on the cake.
I would also like to see Mazda put remote openers on the rear quarter panel windows. The technology is simple (every other van manufacturer offers them). The ability to roll down the sliding door windows is great but I would like to see the quarter panel windows on power openers as well. Just my $.02
OK, the car you are buying has exactly the same options as the one we got, and the same price. (I may have forgot to mention emissions which is required in MA, and rear air). A few tips about the dealership and references to our experience buying the same van in a different color.
1. We were given the choice of $5,000, or $2500 (not $2250) with 48 months 0% financing, so you may have a little wiggle room.
2. Our salesperson did screw us around on our trade in. We had agreed on a price by phone but he didn't want to deliver on it when we arrived after driving cross state (he eventually did after I had a little hissy fit). If you are trading in, insist that you get clear on the price before you even test drive the van.
3. Even though we had agreed on a price on the phone, they were very busy (it was presidents day) and we had to wait a long time. Pretty poor service actually, but we were a captive audience. Took the kids to the McDonalds play space 1 block away while they prepared the paperwork.
4. They didn't have our tank filled though some promotional thing said new cars would come with a full tank. Also wiper fluid was low. We just wanted to get out of there already but if it is important to you you can ask about these things.
Since you are driving to MA, I will mention that the dealership (Belise Mazda?) in W. Springfield had an ES for a good price (it was white) that they seemed anxious to get rid of, but the deal wasn't so great to me because I don't care about leather seats. Also, no moon roof--I forget exactly what options it had, but more limited.
Finally, I'm glad you were able to find them and that they still had a van. Good luck!
Wendy
P.S. FYI the salesman I spoke with on the phone and dealt with in person, Fred, was the one who screwed us around on the tradein. Also, they should have agreed to hold the van for you until you get there as that is what they did for us.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
If you haven't read Edmunds.com's confessions of a car salesman, I highly recommend you do so. I found it very entertaining, and yet enlightening as to what may go on in auto dealerships.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
--java
BTW, poor Rolf...Maybe it's time for Dieter, the C320 4-matic sedan/wagon (available late fall of 2002) ;-) Well, at least both vehicles in Casa de Javadoc have Duratecs now, eh? That is, unless that Taurus has the rather gutless Vulcan under the hood!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Ja, the Taurus rental has a 3.0 Duratech, and don't think I haven't had the (fleeting) thought of how hard a swap would be, heh heh heh. FWIW, it is returning great mileage, dispite being driven like a rental car is driven. ;-)
--javadoc
On the other hand, if you think the bigger engine is so critical then try to back out, pay more later and be happy. Personally, I can't imagine using power doors but maybe that's because I don't have them. I wouldn't want to wait and for safety reasons I imagine they'd be slow.
Thanks for the info and for chiming in.
--java
Joe Sette
We like the MPV, but are concerned about the size:
During one of our test drives, we put the stroller in behind the 3rd row. It fit, but there wouldn't have been enough room for the groceries we bought on the way home from the test, unless you put the 3rd seat down (then there's plenty of space). This situation led to an unusual question - for a family of four or less, when you really don't need the 3rd row during normal, every day operation with a mini-van, do you leave the 3rd seat up or down?
Dad says that since you're probably going to need the space more than the 3rd row, you leave the seat down and use the space.
Mom says that it's dumb to have the 3rd seat down most of the time, since you would then have any cargo sliding all over the place back there. Plus it looks strange (although given Dad's looks ... but we won't go there).