Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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We tend to keep her car about 6/7 years and dont put a lot of miles on it.
Is the extended warranty really worth it and
how much should I expect to pay.
Thanks
I LOVE MY MPVVVVVV (Dire Straights Money for Nothing tone
Downshifting is ok because engines are more efficient as they near their torque peak.
Actually the MPV mostly downshifts when I drive it because I like to go faster than my wife. :-)
kmh3
pawnie
My ES has
Rear Air
Roof Rack
Sunroof
6 Cd changer
all the mats and the nets & mudguards
Paid $25390
Traded a 95 Olds 88
Other dealers would give $4000 but I got $6000. So I bought low sold high. No complaints. Plus that was when there was no $1k rebate!
Coupon has been published every weekend for last few weeks in Washington Post, in Mazda MPV ad rather than individual dealer ad. Good for "$500 Cash Back on a new 2000 Mazda MPV equipped with a factory-installed Rear Seat Entertainment System. Just present this ticket to your Mazda dealer."
Good for delivery through 9/5/00.
I imagine most major papers would have this coupon in their car ads.
If not, have you checked with a dealer. If the entire $500 is coming from Mazda, rather than from their own pockets, they may have coupons to give away.
So I have found 3 dealers within 100 miles who will sell the LX at invoice and waive the 480 delivery charge. This indicates to me a 520 profit considering the 1k from Mazda to the dealer. I am satisfied with this. I know I could do better in a large city or in NE US where they have a customer rebate but I live in Iowa.
I'm leaning toward the emerald green with 1X security, roof rack, 3 in 1, 4 seasons package that works out to 21801. There also is a blue one that is similar w/o roof rack. It doesn't stay hot long enough around here for rear a/c.
My one question is the poor rating from Edmunds on the 5 year value. My insurance rates are much lower than the example, and using my 92 Caravan as a guide I don't possibly expect to spend 2500 on maintenance. I have spent about half that in 8 years and followed the owner's manual faithfully, including such things as transmission and radiator service every 2 years. The Dodge has 113k and doesn't use oil, should last several more years.
I appreciate this forum and all the great information available on line.
Thanks All.
Per the leaflet it states:
"This feature makes it possible to automatically skip intervals between songs if the interval is 15 seconds long or longer.
Press the blank skip button to set the blank skip ("BS" will be displayed).
Press the blank skip button once again to cancel the blank skip function."
When we purchased our MPV our dealer gave us a separate leaflet that covers all the radio controls. The leaflet is called "MPV Owner's Manual Leaflet" (how appropriate!) and there is a number on the bottom left corner "L041-00B" It is white and is 23 pages long. If you can't get one I can mail you a copy if you want me to.
Would we be better off getting a 9" tv w/VCR and powering it from the lighter??
You could put something else in there, just make sure it's secure and cannot move around in the event of a sudden stop or crash.
BTW, Rosen is the OEM for Mazda on the ENT system.
Should you ever need something checked out on it, you have their sources, and not just Mazda's.
I think they've released their new rates to dealers and advertising, and the internet sources will have them listed in a few days.
I checked Edmunds and Carpoint and they only list rebates/incentives good through June 30. They show the Protege rebate good only through then, and they show the financing rate for 24 months at 0.9%, which is what the saleslady said. I'm guessing that 0% is the new rate through September 5th, and other rates will come down by about a point as well (maybe 3.9 for 48 months, 5.9 for 60 months, etc.). I wouldn't be surprised if they kept the same rebates and incentives for another three months or even bettered them. The MPV sold 3,552 units in June, about 300 more than May, but I think that's well short of their sales goal.
The problems I had with the MPV were pretty much sorted out with the second test drive. We drove a sapphire blue ES (sticker = 26,500) with a roof rack as the only option. That is the most gorgeous blue I've ever seen on any car! The MPV felt so much more tightly built than the Montana, the brakes were absolutely fantastic, and the body roll seemed minimal. I adjusted the seat all the way down and got a perfect driving position, and then adjusted the tilt wheel slightly and had no problem seeing the left 3 buttons on the radio. I did not notice any of the problems that this thread has mentioned on a consistent basis. The LX we drove last time didn't seem quite as nice a drive. Has anyone driven both and LX and ES and noticed any differences?
Has anyone noticed that the wheels on the driver's seat to change the height and tilt adjustments are VERY hard to turn? Has anyone tried to improve that, or does it get looser with time and use?
I think there's going to be an MPV in my garage soon....
I looked pretty hard at the Montana too. Just didn't measure up to the MPV in my opinion. The MPV offers alot more for the money, IMHO. Our MPV is still "new", and I still find something I like about it daily. Didn't get my first color choice (sand), but got all the options I wanted, plus some I didn't think I would want (but now glad I got). If you see someone driving a silver MPV ES with a big SEG on their face in northern Louisana, it's probably me.
yes i already looked at the sonar backing device in our local Derand electronics store. They had 2 models available, one that beeps faster as an object gets nearer and the other one which i liked shows the exact distance on a liquid crystal display ($199 canadian). since i just had window tints and alarm installed, im waiting until my pockets refill. i just realized i should have gotten at least the LX since the difference now that i paid for the convenience package and the alarm isnt that much... plus we are still missing a lot of those other neat options (seat height adjusters and rear air foremost). but we leased in a rush due to necessity and was rather unprepared.... hopefully in a year or so we can upgrade to at least an LX. even more hopefully the dealer will be amicable to cut the lease if we purchase from them.
back to the backing devices...
we tried one of those transparent plastic magnifying lens that you stick on your rear windows. it works kinda like a peephole to your back view giving wider rear viewing angle and allows you to see objects near the rear bumper. didnt like it specially since at the level where she can see it (which is around upper center) it blocked the view of rear traffic.
on the extenders, yeah i guess you'd find those a pain since you are taller. at 5'9" i figure i can still push the seat back all the way and live with... and the mpv seats DO seem to be able to push a long way back.
cant wait for those extenders to arrive. we just drove 1900 km round trip to Cleveland Ohio last weekend to visit parents. Wife drove 1/4th of the way and would have drove longer except she was too near that airbag and her feet cramped from stretching too far. each way took around 10 to 12 hours with 3 30 min stops for the kiddo... we found the seats comfortable flat firm support but with a soft and gentle surface.
here are some of the newer things we didnt see before in the mpv:
- the inside rear lift gate handle enables wife to reach it...yeow!! i actually thought it was some useless gimmicky feature until my wife showed me why it was there. BOY WAS I EVER HAPPY! i no longer felt bad we didnt wait for that 2001 dodge caravan power lift gate (...would probably have hated it since i dont like power sliding doors that much).
- we try to keep the back seats folded until needed so she has better rear view. the side by slide seats actually helps in some instances. slide it apart when wife is in tough backing spot then slide it right back in when driving away... try THAT with the ODY or the Sienna!!!
- 4.5 yr old daughter just loves to operate that 2nd row power windows (she knows very well not to stick body parts out) and she has the best view due to those theatre seating. i actually like sitting back there with her than in front.
will post more as they come bugaboox.
"...Meanwhile, a Japanese newspaper quoted Mazda president Mark Fields as having said the company would close up to 40 percent of its U.S. dealerships over the next three years, citing poor performance for the brand. A Mazda official in Irvine, California, commented that this was not fresh news, while the chairman of the company's national dealer council said that he had never heard the 40 percent figure mentioned. Nevertheless, there must be a kernel of truth somewhere amongst the rumors, innuendoes and vague comments."
In rural regions, however, where there is less population and fewer Mazda dealers, this may spell trouble for owners who indeed might have their closest Mazda dealership closed up on them.
And just when you're thinking "well I'll just sell my Mazda if they close up the nearest dealership" consider this: if there's no convenient dealership available for warranty work or parts in your area, the market for used Mazdas in your area could dry up real fast, I would think.
Wishful thinking maybe, but I would think Mazda would have to have some sort of parts/warranty shops open in their current markets to avoid lawsuits and such. Either that or pay bigtime money to tow my car 100 miles to fix it.
I spoke to the (very nice) customer service line recently (Audry) and got the same identical answer as you re. new engine. I disagree that "bugging them" at this point is going to change anything for the 2001 model year. That decision is done and over with. Production starts in a matter of weeks, and the supply chain is on notice I would expect. The number of calls coming to them earlier this year, press reviews and competitor offerings would have made the difference. Having read some excellent prior posts here, sounds like the 3.0 ltr was Mazda pick from the start, but FoMoCo was (is) unwilling to supply. If we don't see it for '01, they are digging a hole for themselves regarding future competitiveness. I will be thrilled to buy a 3.0 liter and will do so quickly, if not, will take a much harder look a short list of competitors.
By the way, Ruteger, KIA would have to make a show stopper, a real stunner of a van to be considered on the same playing field as HonToyMaz. I don't care what engine drops into it, can't see owning one. If offered, maybe the price on the phantom van will come down, nah.
0% for 24 months
2.9 for 36 months
4.9 for 48 months
6.9 for 60 months
There is a $1372 rebate if you get the entertainment system. You can't combine these offers, take your pick.
We have been offered the rebate of $1000 and price of $300 under invoice. Sounds like a deal, but it was offered via email in response to my request for a price. They didn't have what we wanted on the lot, but found one at the port. We put a deposit on it and at that time clarified by phone that the $300 under invoice was what we wanted. Salesman agreed, but I won't believe it until we sign on the dotted line. Wish me luck,
Take care.
Yesterday I went to the dealer to test drive MPV and we will go ahead on that. I live in whiteplains,NY and I tried the dealer ADZAM at Bedford Hills. Tom was the sales rep. and he was very nice. But he confirmed that I can have either the mazda financing or the $1000 rebate, not both. How you guys manage to get both of them?
Thanks in Advance.
What was Adzam's deal?
Middletown took $500 off of Total Invoice and 6.9% Financing.
Salesman was Bob Conway. Really nice guy, not too pushy. Once he knew I had done my homework through Edmund's and I had a list of all invoice prices, he knew I was serious about buying and was very accommodating. I first told him that I knew people were purchasing MPV for $200-$300 over dealer cost after the $1,000 dealer incentive. He and his manager said they could not go that low. They came back with $500 over and wanted to add $100 for transportation fee, which I later had waived. I then asked about the special financing for 60mos. and they said they could get me the 6.9%. Seeing how I was getting both I figured it was a good deal.
I agree with modiecast, first negotiate the sales price, then talk finance, trade in, or lease. Once they commit to a price you are willing to spend, they will try to accommodate your other requests. In my case, I believe they gave me the special financing because they saw that I had spent so much time researching everything and was serious about buying that they were willing to make the deal right then and there. Mazda is definitely trying to drum up sales and make a name for itself. The salesman actually told me that because it was the end of the month they were eager to make a deal.
IMHO, since it is getting closer to the arrival of 2001 models, you should be able to get a great deal. I have not heard of any special rebates regarding the entertainment system here in NY. Then again, I am not looking at the car ads as much as I was before I bought my LX.
I hope this helps.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I do agree that it's possible Ford is the responsible party for screwing things up at Mazda. If it was Ford who mandated, "You're getting the 2.5L for the MPV and the 3.0L for the Tribute", well, it's just incredibly unfortunate, given the saturated SUV market now. Sales of a 3.0L Tribute aren't going to save Mazda, esp. with the high gas prices now which are making SUVs exceptionally unpopular.
The fellow who said the Subaru Forester was the best SUV is only partially right - it's the cheaper, standard Legacy version (not the flashy Outback), primarily because the execution of that vehicle is much closer to that of a normal car in both ride, appearance and gas mileage. The 4WD capability of the Legacy is exactly what most people need for the majority of their driving, unlike the exaggerated, unneccesary (and dangerous) truck-like, high ground clearance of the rest of the SUV market.
But that really does belong on another board...
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I have not really gone in to the final stages of my negotiation since I am trying to see whether
I can put some good down payment in a month and go for 24 months 0% financing. If I cannot do that I will go for 36 month financing. Since I know how to negotiate now, I will try my best to get both. I have not contacted the Middletown Mazda yet, but I will do it at the end of this month or beginning of August, when I will be ready for the purchase.
I hope the rebates will continue. I hope I should be able to get a good deal in the beginning of August since they will try to push the 2000 stocks.
Thanks for all the help. This forum has really helped me to decide my first car. (I have been driving rental cars for 1.5 years)
To paraphrase an old saying, "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
To get back to the KIA point, good luck, you'll need it. Maybe we MPV owners know something/lots of things you don't.
Coke, for example is 2.51 a gallon while Gatoraide is 4.39 a gallon. Grey Poupon mustard runs about $50.40 a gallon. Coppertone SPF 15 runs about 150 a gallon.
Just to help put it into perspective
In regards to Kia. I think the Koreans will get it right in the next few years or so. When they do, even Honda and Toyota will have to rethink their markets. Kia has a ways to go yet, but they will get there. I have no doubt.
However, I don't drink 3-5 gallons/day of coke, milk, coppertone, or grey poupon. Our family probably does burn 3-5 gallons of fuel/day in our vehicles.
Furthermore, drastic increases in energy costs can have catastrophic effects on our economy, e-revolution included. Gotta ship those computers, consultants driving, shipping those goods you buy on E-Bay and Amazon
Cheers,
TB
It is the number one option on our list - we will not buy an MPV without it.
For me it wasn't really an option, it was number one on my list as well.
One bit of advice. Negotiate your options before the deal is done. After about a month I decided I wanted the factory fog lights and my dealer told me it would be $650.00 to put them in. I passed. I think if I would have asked before the deal was done I could have done a lot better.
I would also suggest that other MPV owners look into purchasing the rear bumper step plate. This protects the bumper from the usual scathes that occur when removing items from the cargo area. For $35 (Canadian) $30 US it is worth the investment. It also looks fantastic with the MPV logo embossed in the plate. It is only available in black.
The is what I paid for the vehicle in Canadian $
MPV SE 33 605
fog lights 699
rust proofing 699
discount 3158
subtotal 31 845
freight/pdi 995
air tax 100
admin fee 125
subtotal 33065
provincle tax 2200
federal tax 1900
total 37165
This looks like a lot of money to most but remember this is in Canadian funds. The US funds equivalent would be approx 70% of Canadian $.
Anyways, I look forward to reading this page in the months and years to come.
Gino
Toronto, Canada
1) Anyone have the cargo mat? Is it worth it, or is it something rather cheap?
2) If you have the entertainment system, have you ordered the wireless headphones? If so, how much are they running?
Thanks