Mazda MPV

tango_28 · March 2001

We are thinking of buying a MPV LX, the one we test drove last night had a lot of brake pedal vibration, is this normal for a MPV?

jb03 · March 2001

No, pulsating brakes are not normal in the MPV unless the ABS system is activated. The ABS system is activated anytime one of the wheels begins to slip during braking. If the brakes are pulsating on dry pavement then there may be a problem with warped front brake rotors or something similar. I don't remember seeing any similar postings in this forum about pulsating brakes. Has anyone else in the forum experienced this? I would definitely recommend that you test drive another MPV.

If you've read any of the posts in the MPV Problems forum, I think you'll find that most of the problems posted about tend to be very minor for the MPV.

I wish you the best in your MPV search. You'll find that most of the MPV owners here love their MPVs.

Regards,
JB

sportmom · March 2001

Hi,
I had my dealer order for me a rear-step bumper plate and mud guards front and rear. I picked them up today and if you would like to order here are the numbers.
front mud guards(pair)0000-88-00FG list $28.33/net$ 20.09
rear mud guards (pair) 000-88-00RG same price,
step plate 0000-88-STPL (for a 2001 MPV) list $36.30/ net $25.74
I paid the net cost on all of these items...when I got home tonight I put the step plate on myself...it took all of 3 min.,looks good...hubby has to do the mud guards, I will let you know how they look and work...
Kim

haze3 · March 2001

I test drove 2 MPV's. The first was no problem. The second was terrible with noticeable steering wheel vibration even with moderate braking force. I will probably buy an MPV if it is free of this problem.

msgjvh · March 2001

Thought anyone with a beige interior may be interested in these! Looks like they will go for cheaper than you can get at the Dealer. Happy ebaying!!

Go to EBAY.com they are under Item #567261360

sr_srikanth · March 2001

I have a LX w/o. touring package. I love the van. Using it for the last 8 months. I would like to know whether any body tried to install additional audio equipment like the one that comes with ES to touring package. Can some body tell me where I can find more info. on campatable speakers, CD changers etc. Thanks in Advance.

blacklx · March 2001

I'm taking the van in today to get the tethers installed.

Thanks to all of you, I'm able to take in a printout of other people hearing the thump and the car seat issues. I'll let you know if I get any answers.

I haven't noticed the tump as much, we've had some great weather in Oregon and between the sunroof being open and the stereo cranked up, I don't notice it.

I think the cd player isn't working and since they don't have any in stock, it may mean another trip in there. Of course when I bought the van they said they have loaners now they say that they are usually not available. Oh well, I'm assuming that once the little "kinks" are worked out, we won't be visitng the dealer much.

Thanks again for all your help.

maltb · March 2001

Do you have a 2001? I thought they all came with a promise of a loaner vehicle during service. Call Mazda (800-222-5500) to see if the dealer gave you misinformation.

waltb2 · March 2001

Just got a call from the financing guy for my '01 LX Sand w/ 3 in 1, touring and rear air. I thought he was calling to say he had my plates. Then I heard the dreaded words, "we made an error with your residual." I did an Advantage buy to get the payments down and this sent the bottom of my stomach out. I had heard of these calls where they want to put the screws to you after you are in the van. And I do love this van!

Seems they miscalculated the residual by 400 bucks. He said to keep the payment the same he had to shave $1400 off the price since the rate was higher than quoted.

Seems honorable to me, I thought I got a good deal in the beginning, but maybe there was that much room in the price? Hope not.

I spoke with a coworker who used to be in auto finance for 12 years and he said they're eating it to not look bad.

Also looked at Clutter Catcher and only saw black and blue. Saw beige as an option on the back of the box, but not listed on Walmart.com. With beige interior would like to search for it. Any suggestions?

BTW first two tanks got 21 mpg with about 125 miles for our first road trip and 18 with all in town. Have no problems to report after 650 miles! Love the fold down seat! Using it often.

javadoc · March 2001

Great news about your van and the bank's error!

I'm not sure of this, but I found a TSI Clutter Catcher on JC Whitney's site ( HERE ), the item # for the tan unit is: 07ZX5813U, but they want $49.99 at JC Whitney. The company that makes the Clutter Catcher is Texas Saddlebags ( HERE ) but I don't see an online store at their site. I bought a tan unit off of Walmart's site last November. I wonder if they've quit carrying it for some reason. I also did a search on google, and found a number of sites offering Clutter Catcher products.

Drew: Can we use html to hide long urls, or do they have to show on edmunds...just curious.

--javadoc

javadoc · March 2001

Heh heh heh, nevermind, I figured it out. Silly me.

--j

maltb · March 2001

Never mind the Clutter Catcher, show us the link trick!

javadoc · March 2001

It goes like so:

If you want to place a link like http://battlebots.com/battlebots_detail.asp?ID=27 and just show the link "BATTLEBOTS," you need to make an entry

(a href="http://www.battlebots.com/battlebots_detail.asp?ID=27" target=_blank>BATTLEBOTS in their place,

and it ends up looking like: BATTLEBOTS

One catch...you're limited to 100 characters for the URL itself, or you'll see a message from edmunds stating that you may not use a word more than 100 letters in length. 8-)

java

nicholson2 · March 2001

My MPV has 25,000 Kilometers and has always had the "brake thump"
The technicians at the dealer said they have been getting questions about it
They said it has to do with the front brake caliper engaging, but it in no way
was a safety hazard. I'm taking their word on that.

blacklx · March 2001

The techs at the dealer had no idea about the thump. I'm not even sure if they did anything with it, I forgot to ask and they didn't mention it. The CD needs to be replaced so that means another trip in there in a week or more, they said it's taking awhile to get them.

They did install the tethers, the first ones that they did. They ended up keeping it over night.

Mine's a 2000 so I don't know if the guarantee for a loaner is there. I probably could have gotten one if I waited. We do have an extra car but it's a hassle making so many trips to the dealer.

It's great having it back though. I'm looking forward to being able to actually use the CD, bet it makes Raffi sound awesome.

maltb · March 2001

There is a service bulletin on some MPVs, but it has to do with a slight clunk when you brake and then change direction; i.e. go forward, brake, go in reverse and brake again. The problem is some small guide plates for the pads may need to be replaced. Your dealer should be able to look this up and see if it applies to your vehicle. As a previous post mentioned, it is not a safety problem, just an annoyance.

brmuda · March 2001

Anyone know of a good source for a bra to fit '00 MPV's?

If anyone out there has one, what brand is it, what type (full or partial) and where did you purchase it?

Thanks.

brmuda

maltb · March 2001

Mazda sells theirs(P/N 0000-88-0800) for about $100 and from what I've seen, they are pretty good quality with a heavy felt backing. Of course, they won't do anything for a sagging front end.

badgermomma · March 2001

and while it looked good it was a pain to clean the car. You either had to remove it each time, not an easy task, or the water and dirt would build up underneath it and make for a real mess. The car was white and there was some discoloration from the build up right where the mask started.

Go for it if you wish but be prepared for the downsides.

alexv1n · March 2001

I just found a Ukrainian Mazda site with some good pictures of MPV as sold in the Europe. Have you seen the manual transmission stick in the cabin? Or fuel consumption meter and temperature gauge on the dashboard?

I hope the image below will work here:

Also click here for more images of European MPV. (Note the extra turning signal light below side mirrors and three chairs in the middle seat row).

alexv1n · March 2001

Have you ever seen MPV concept drawing before 2000 model was actually created?

Here some of them are:

I thought it might be interesting... :-)

And some more European MPV images from Mazda Hungary here.

That's it for now...

big_guy · March 2001

Thanks for the pictures of the European MPV. I particularly like the picture (3rd in the series) showing the 3 passenger 2nd row of seats. If they offered the 3 passenger 2nd row here in the states I would love to buy an MPV. I also like the floor mounted manual transmission.

Combine those two items with the reported 3.0L Duratech V6 (that is supposed to be offered in the States in the near future), add power openers on the rear quarter panels, and you have the perfect minivan for me.

maltb · March 2001

It seems that we always want what we can't have...

Hehehe.

evaddave · March 2001

With 3 seats across the middle row, how do you get into the third row? acrobatics?

maltb · March 2001

Not sure about your kids,but mine would have no problem getting back there. They already think the assist handles are monkey bars!

alexv1n · March 2001

You forgot tailgate! You flip over the 3rd seatbench, lay down on it (head back, legs up), then flip it over facing forward and you are in place... :-)

But in fact many minivans have 3 seats in the middle row (a friend of mine owns Pontiac TranSport, the one that looks just like Chevy Lumina - with long nose and it has the same configuration).

However I don't like 3 seats in the middle. I even didn't buy Clutter Catcher to be able to walk way back through the cabin from 1st row to 3rd...

rjr425 · March 2001

Can anybody help?
I picked up my '01 a month ago and it's developed a stench. The smell is much like rotten eggs. It's not coming through the heat; in fact, the only time I can notice it is when the car is standing still after being driven enough to warm up. When I'm moving, there is no noticeable smell, and after it sits long enough to cool down, the smell dissipates, even in a closed garage. A FOF suggested that my catalytic converter might be bad. Is this a possibility on a car with about 800 m on it? Any input would be deeply appreciated.

Other than that, I'm still terrifically impressed by the car.
Positives:
1. Seating and ride. Comfortable and smooth.
2. Acceleration. Totally comfortable, even up and down our Pittsburgh hills.
3. Interior and instrument layout. This is the most user-friendly interior I've ever driven.
4. Mileage. 17+ in all-surburban driving with an average commute of 9 miles each way. That isn't as good as my two Nissan 5-speed vans from a decade ago, but it's better than my 94 Voyager and much better than my gasoholic Cherokee. 17+ might not be terrific by some standards, but this is a van, after all, and it's still got less than a thousand miles on it.

Negatives:
Ummm... Gimme a minute; I'm thinking. Oh, okay.
1. The washer-wiper stalk. Much too complicated and not in any way intuitive.
2. The backwards power-window switches.
3. The gawp factor others have talked about. Hasn't happened. People don't stop and stare as I go by. Nobody's stopped me in a parking lot demanding to know all about it. My neighbor is only mildly impressed ( but that's jealousy, pure jealousy--he just bought a Forrester and won't admit that I got the more interesting car).

With all these negatives, I wonder why I bought it.

Thanks in advance for any help with the smell.

RJR

pjd58 · March 2001

Heard of some other MPV owners having a smell when their vechicle was new, similar to your aroma. It went away after a short while, tend to believe it is some fluid that is burning off the outside of the engine. If it continues have it checked.
I don't believe your power window controls are backward. It is a safety feature so kids won't lean on the window switch and close the window on themselves.
Glad you enjoy your MPV..........PJD58

rjr425 · March 2001

Thanks for the post about the smell; I'll give it a week or so before I do anything.
And thanks for the insight about the "backward" window switches. I'd never thought of it as a safety feature. Makes sense.

RJR

garcia2ko · March 2001

Hey, it really might be the cat converter...eggs, oh yeah, sounds like a bad cat. If so, it should be under warranty and I would take it in. Shouldn't have to endure that!

kbamford · March 2001

We (my wife) have owned our 2000 LX for 14 months now. It just passed 6000 miles and I took it in yesterday to change over to synthetic oil and rotate the tires. We have two boys ages 11 and 12 and have found the best seating arrangement for us is to remove the two center seats and let the now-entering-pubescent's sit in the third row. They think they are cool with the "Limo-seating" and my wife and I enjoy the greater distance and reduced noise... as far as Gawk factor I have been using Zaino since day one and every time I am at the dealer I get comments on the depth of the color on the Sapphire Blue. My neighbor who purchased a Beige Sienna to hide the dirt just shakes his head at me as I wash it every Sunday here in upstate NY... obsessive? deffinately!

msgjvh · March 2001

Hey ET! Where did you find the Spoiler for $150? The best I have been able to locate is $265.00 online with the worst being $460.00 installed no paint by a dealer. I think I want to do this, I really like how it looks.

wpenner · March 2001

The cup holders in the front seat of our 2000 just seem too shallow to hold a large beverage, even when we adjust them to hug the cup tightly. The large drinks threaten to dip to the side with bumps and turns. Has anyone else had this problem? It seems there must be an insert out there that comes up higher to hold larger drinks.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Wendy

drew_ · March 2001

Walmart supposed sells this cupholder, which fits in your existing cupholder. I haven't looked for it myself, but perhaps it would work in your situation if you can find one at the store?

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

jglover97 · March 2001

Bought my spoiler from the local ford dealer in Fairfield CA for 198 already painted red. Cost 160 to have it installed. The dealer screwed it up so they had to order a new spoiler and re installed it

etin143 · March 2001

The online store is mazdadiscountparts.com.Their Tel.# is 1-800-543-5253 and ask for Scott.The price is $152 with free shipping and took about a week to delivered it.It took about 2 hrs for me and a friend to installed it.But if I had to do it again probably around 45 minutes to install.I think they have all the colors available.I had mine in sand mica and I think I love the look.Since I got my 2000 ES from the showroom floor the dealer install a white zoom-zoom decal on the rear quarter window to all cars in the showroom.I think it makes my MPV increased its power to 200 hp.Have a nice day

firecapt26 · March 2001

Well were going to take the dive here soon, the only thing lacking is the name of a good dealership in the SoCal area. I live in the Temecula area, but willing to travel, so if you know someone, please let me know.

Thanks.......

kelly5mpv · March 2001

Awhile back, there was talk of using Yakima racks for the roof rack for bikes. I saw the 2001 brochure picture of the optional bike rack, and it says Yakima on it. Now my question- I am very much in the dark when it comes to this issue. What exactly do I need to buy to put 2 bikes up there? I have the factory rack. Is it better to buy from the dealer or Yakima directly or mazdadiscountparts .com ? Is it really secure up there? I know java had talked about this before- something about 53" rails because they were better. I don't know. With spring around the corner, I'm thinking about doing this.

maltb · March 2001

Here are two for you to try:
John Hine Mazda in San Diego
Cush Mazda in Escondido

John Hine has a reputation for great customer satisfaction as well as good employee retention (they go hand in hand).

big_guy · March 2001

Ask the same question (about accessing the third row) to anyone who owns a seven(+) seat SUV. My father owns an Odyssey and keeps the second row seats split apart 99% of the time. He has slid the old clutter catcher from his old Caravan between the two 2nd row seats so the flip and fold table can still be used up front. This means that in order to get to the rear seats, you have to flip one of the 2nd row seats forward. This is not difficult to do and anyone who owns a two door sedan has to do the same thing to access the back seat. It is not new technology and is probably the same method used to access the rear seats in the Euro MPV with 8 seating capacity.

I have 3 children and when I travel, I need to take a lot of gear with me. The flip and fold seat in the MPV is great but with the 3rd row seat down you can only seat 4 people in the van. The 3 seat 2nd row would allow a family of 5 to travel with the third row folded away (to allow carrying all the necessary gear) and then still provide seating for 8 once the destination is reached. It may not be something that everyone likes but I would like to see it offered as an accessory here in the states.

etin143 · March 2001

Since our state requires only one license plate I'm just wondering on how to cover the two holes for the front licencse plate.Opinions and help needed.

drrocket · March 2001

After reading about it in one of these '00+ MPV Town Halls, I went out and purchased a Clutter Catcher from WalMart. I vaguely remember reading something about there being a trick to squeezing it into the narrow space between the handbrake and passenger seat, but I can't locate the specific discussion. I remember it has to be slid in from back to front, and it would make sense for the coin holder to be facing forward, but I don't remember the details or whether it has to be installed backwards to fit better.

Would someone be kind enough to either point me to the installation guidelines from past discussions, or restate them for me in the here and now. ;>)

Thanks for saving me from unnecessary frustration with the installation.

msgjvh · March 2001

It fits much better if you install it so that the coin holder faces the rear seats. Slide it in from the back to the front and you should not have any difficulties. You could install the screws but I wouldn't its snug enough without them. Plus without them you can move the catcher forward or back to give the rear passengers some added foot space.

javadoc · March 2001

Anyone know what the going rate is for a factory bike rack attachment? What I'd do if I had a factory rack is buy a set of Yakima "Mighty Mounts" and two Yakima bike rack accessories of your choice (the RockyMounts don't attach to the Might Mount clips). The Mighty Mounts are like $22.50 a set, and go on the flat-ish cross-bars that the factory rack has (no tools req'd), and then allow you to attach the Yakima accessories to it...pretty slick really. I'd go to an REI store to get the right Mighty Mount (there's an assortment of part #s), and Yakima doesn't say these work on an MPV, but it's a no-brainer that they would since they work on any other factory rack. A setup for two bikes is going to cost around $200 all told tho, which is why I was wondering what the list Mazda price is.

--java

maltb · March 2001

...goes for about $135 under part number 0000-8L-G01. It too is made by Yakima (I think they have you cornered).

firecapt26 · March 2001

Thanks malt, wife called Hie today, will go see them on Sunday.

Another question to everyone, we noticed the VCR is mounted under the rear seat with the entertainment package. When you tumble the seat is it still on the floor or does it tumble down too?

Thanks....

firecapt26 · March 2001

maltb · March 2001

Leave it to the folks on THIS side of the pond to place the VCP(video cassette player) in such a stupid place!

Sorry, to answer your question, no, it sits on the floor ready for you to unscrew it and keep it from taking the abuse of your latest Home Depot purchase.

That's a real sore one for me.

javadoc · March 2001

I always thought a much better place for a vcp would be in the pocket on the left hand side of the third row, it looks big enough to handle the task. Ours is usually filled with toys from McDs anyway. :O In any event, my kids don't need a vcp, they can listen to me belt out the retro (80s) tunes, haha. kidding. One misplaced 2x4 or sack of Quickcrete and that vcp is history, I agree it should be moved.

Maltb, thx for the info on the factory bike access. I have to assume that's for one bike, and they do seem to have us over a barrel on that. The Yak bike mounts are $80-100 each, but you'd still need the Mighty Mount ($22 or so). How are you such a great source of p/ns?

--javadoc

bfallis · March 2001

A dealer here in Houston is having a 1-day sale Saturday only, $3000 off msrp on all MPVs. I was thinking that might be a good chance to get an MPV LX with a few extras for about 20K??? Doesn't that sound pretty reasonable? Or would the dealer normally cut about that much anyway?

Seems like a good deal, esp. since Odysseys are overpriced right now and you have to get on a list.

I noticed that MPV and Odyssey share the same seating innovations. What else do they share?
They're not otherwise related are they? (as in Tribute/Escape)

Blaine

Mazda MPV

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