Mazda MPV

danandkat · May 2002

We were looking for a used minivan before buying a new 2001 LX in Sept, 2001. One of the reasons we shied away from buying used is it was hard to find what we wanted in a used model. The 'selection' isn't as great as you can only buy what someone else has decided to get rid of--and you obviously can't control the options, mileage, condition you are going to find. But if you can find a good used minivan that you like, you can let someone else take the steep depreciation hit up front and save some money and probably get better value for your dollar than if you buy new.

I'll also comment that while the 00-01 MPV has picked up a reputation as underpowered, I can't complain about it. Ours has been perfectly adequate. But this is admittedly the perspective of someone who is used to driving small four cylinder cars that get 40mpg :<) You may not win any races in the 00-01 MPV, but that is probably not why you would be buying it. For normal minivan type use, the 00-012.5L duratech with the 4sp transaxle should be satisfactory. FWIW. danandkat

beachnut · May 2002

Good luck on that one mslmn. I seriously doubt you'll find any yet. They didn't hit the dealer lots 'til late Jan/early Feb instead of late summer like most models. I'd say you might find one used by that same time next year. The rental fleets usually off-load them after about a year. Here in Florida, where there are hoardes of rental cars, the chances of picking up one of these is better than other areas of the country. That's how we got ours. At first, I cringed at the thought that our van was previously driven by vacationers who could prolly give a flip about how they treated the vehicle, but the van was in excellent condition and the fact that I bought it from the local Mazda dealer as a certified used vehicle put my mind at ease. They have stood behind it every step of the way. Good luck on your search!

SC

bean3422 · May 2002

If you are really looking to buy a "used" 2002 MPV, you should check on "demo" models at the dealership. They usually have between 2000-5000 miles and the dealers are usually looking to get rid of them cheap. One thing to be careful about, don't let them try and sell it to you as a "new" car, make sure that you get a serious discount for mileage and depreciation. (But remember that it is still technically "new" since it has not left the dealer. Thus you still get "new" car financing and any incentives and rebates.) The dealer I bought my new MPV from had a couple of demos with about 2500 miles on it. I'm sure you can get another $1000-1500 off if you give up some blood, sweat, and tears.

oldstyle · May 2002

I'm a honda guy (97 civic with 115K bullet proof miles) and I said NO...No...No to ody. BTW, I would not buy a any car at MSRP.

Regards,

OldStyle

mslmn · May 2002

kczmudzin · May 2002

It doesn't matter if I pay MSRP or below invoice as long as I pay the right amount for the value I get. I keep my cars until they are not worth almost anything (there is always somebody willing to pay $500 for a 15-year old car, I guess) so the price I pay is much more important than the resell value. In fact, the resell value has almost no importance whatsoever.

kcz

audia8q · May 2002

I got an Email from Mazda....

...The DVD/Entertainment system will be delayed 2-3 weeks due to a clerical error...

rutger3 · May 2002

Glad you asked, and seeing how many of you enjoy my opinions on the subject,well I couldn't resist.Some of my esteemed MPV enthusiasts contradict themselves when they say how important getting a good purchase price is and how important low payments or low financing is which indicates they are serious about financial issues. Then they turn around and say resale value is of no importance to them or it doesn't matter. If you are concerned about finances then it seems odd to totally forget about it. The total cost of ownership should be considered when looking at this from a financial point of view. If you are not worried about finances then I agree it is a non issue. And if you keep it for 10 years and 150,000 miles it also does not matter. IMO,most people are not in that category. An automobile is a unique item, one of the few that is absolutely guaranteed to depreciate (Odyssey of course is excluded), is used continually,and then resold at some point in the future. There are not many items like it. BTW,how many of us would truly invest the savings when purchasing a new MPV ? Even if you did, at current interest rates of 1 - 2%,this would not cover the difference in depreciation. Just my 2 cents. BTW again, there is no such thing as a Yugo with a good resale value,but I will say that Dependability is more important to me than resale. Did I say that?

bean3422 · May 2002

If the MPV were selling for $1000.00 over a similarly equipped Odyssey, I would still buy the MPV (for many reasons that I have already expounded on.) Does this make sense from a Value perspective, NO. Would I be happy with what I am driving for the next few years, YES. Would I not have to be ashamed to park my hunk of ugliness in my driveway, YES. What price would you pay for happiness? (Fortunately you can get the MPV for much less than MSRP, so it is a moot point!)

By the way, if you invested the difference in price for MPV and Odyssey in properly researched stocks or mutual funds, and left it in there for several years, you would get between 9-12% return.

So there...I have a vehicle that I am very happy with for thousands less than a similarly equipped Odyssey. My happiness is worth any money I might lose 5 years from now. (No one has mentioned that the Odyssey would also cost you in the interest rate from a loan...unless you paid it off early, that extra $3-4,000 would cost you big in finance charges! Esp if you have bad credit!)

kczmudzin · May 2002

Yes, I am concerned with my finances and this is why I DO keep my vehicles until they are not worth keeping any more. For example, I drive to work in a '96 Subaru Impreza that has 90k and I intend to go another 6 years and another 90k. Why? Because I drive the thing to work and I don't care how it looks and that some of its options may be outdated, etc. So the '02 MPV I bought in Feb will be sold to somebody in about 10-12 years with ~200k on it.

I don't want to sound like I'm better at finances than you are. I think, for example, that the most prudent thing to do from the financial point of view is to buy a 2-year old car with ~30k. That leaves enough time/miles to find anything wrong with the vehicle and fix it under warranty. I, however, am willing and able to pay for the new car smell...

kcz

owr084 · May 2002

Rutger3 - Well, I guess I am an exception to your use of the word "most." Perhaps you should use a smaller brush when you try to "tar" the group with an over-generalization on resale values.

I DO work the best deal for my vehicles and on financing. I DO invest the savings and in fact when a car loan ends, I keep paying it into a mutual fund. Resale is of NO importance to me. Of the 4 vehicles I have bought new in the last 24 years (excluding #5, an ES bought on Saturday), the first I kept for 13 years/179K miles; the second, 2 years/28K (my one mistake...); the third (to replace #2) I still have after 16 years/130K; and the fourth (still own) for 12 years/193K miles.

And as for the Ody - any vehicle that cannot be bought for at near invoice, just is not worth it to me (and especially one that the dealer charges above and beyond MSRP just for the privilege of owning one...).

RBB

rutger3 · May 2002

I am beginning to think that you are all obsessed with this resale thing! Okay a few minor observations. Perhaps my brush was a bit too broad for this group,maybe there are more of you than I thought that keep your cars for a long time. Again, if this is the case,then my silly resale issue is not an issue at all.

owr084: I commend you for investing the difference,smart move, but I still think you are in a very small minority.

kcz: an excellent financial decision to keep your cars for that long. However, bean3422 seems to think that appearance is very important. I do not put too much into looks,as long as it is not downright ugly. Dependability and total cost come first imo.

bean3422: Cars are not what I would look to for happiness, unless you are talking Ferrari or a similair fun vehicle and money was no object. Also, if you can actually guarantee a stock or mutual fund will get a 9 - 12% return for the next few years than you know something that all the experts don't.

Finally, I agree the Ody is overpriced,and the Honda dealers can be real bums,and I too could not bring myself to wait 6 months and pay over msrp, which is why we have an MPV; but if you ever go to trade in a car and many many people do, then resale value is very real and the money they give or don't give you is also very real. If no one ever trades or sells their cars then I am certainly wasting my time.

msgjvh · May 2002

I am extremely happy that I kept my 68 Mustang FB!!! It's been a joy for years. It orginially sold for $2400. I baught it for $500 in 1977. Today in its present condition it's worth $5k, back to showroom with another $5 investment would place it between $15-$18. Now that is resale value. So it's taken me 25 years to get there. I have been happy the entire journey and who can put a pricetag on that!

In comparison, I saw an older VW van that was in ok condition but needs work. It's selling for $4k. It didn't cost that much new. Basically, in the long run Ody's and MPV's will both be worth the same $$ amount. I think the MPV will hold its own and I believe Consumer Reports will reflect that difference, you will see that reflected in the resale values in 5-8 years.

Now if we can just kill this topic and move on to something else pllllllleeeeeeeaaaaassseee.

beachnut · May 2002

It would be interesting to see some proof that the majority (>51%) of people who purchase (not lease) only drive the vehicle for 3 years, then trade for new again. Although I'm sure a lot of folks do, I find it hard to believe that it's the *majority*, and that people who keep them longer than 5 years are an insignificant minority. Someone make a believer out of me and I'll humbly stand corrected

Most of you have probably seen Edmund's Total Cost of Ownership tool by now. Funny how they use a 5 year spread, not 3 (hmmmm). BTW, I ran the Ody LX vs. MPV LX through, just taking original price minus depreciation. At 3 years, the Ody was worth ~$4,700 more than the MPV, at 5 years ~$4,300. So if someone buys the MPV at invoice and saves around $4K, vs. paying MSRP for the Ody, what's the difference?

I'm with you msgjvh!

SC

msgjvh · May 2002

Cars that the wife drives go for about 5 years or up too or just past 100k miles. Now newer cars are expected to last much longer than that. In the mustangs day a car wouldn't make it to 60k without a rebuild. Cars I drive I keep for much longer unless I get bored. Cars the kids drive will go until the wheels and duct tape fall off!

Since the MPV ES we have has all the bells and whistles, I plan on keeping it at least 5 yrs maybe even more as long as the wife isn't bored. But by that time kids will be out of the house and a new convertible would be within reach. You will have to wait another 5 yrs for me to answer absolutely, but I think Edmunds 5 yr plan is about average.

pierac · May 2002

I think most people who post here at Edmunds do in fact keep their cars longer. Just look at the maintence discussion that goes on between the frequent posters. My first car I bought out of college lasted 8 years/140,000mi. My second car lasted 6/100,000mi. My present is running on 7/95,000mi. I tend to have one really nice auto along with a cheap one. We take the nice one out on the weekends and other public events as a family. I just drive the cheap one back and forth from work. I think that's the mentality of most posters on these forums. Studies show that most Millionaires drive an Olsmobile anyway. The ones driving the Mercedes and BMW's are just wanna-bees in debt. :-)

kkcymru · May 2002

Which studies show most millionaires drive an Oldsmobile? If you said that Oldsmobile was the most popular car with millionaires I would be sceptical, but acknowledge the possibility. But "most". I can't believe that.

It definitely is looking like posters here do tend to keep their cars much longer than the norm. I'm still driving my fourteen year old VW with over 170,000 miles to work every day. I wonder if this is a characteristic of MPV buyers or just of the ones who post here (or if the ones who trade in their cars every three years are just avoiding this thread).

oldstyle · May 2002

My first car (age 24 if you can believe that!) was a 84 Nissan Sentra (6K out the door), kept it 12 yrs. and it gave me 181K miles. When I meet my future wife she was driving a 84 Toyota Corolla, that lasted 11 years and 175K. Next was the Nissan Quest, 7 yrs. and 136K. Would have kept the Quest longer but it was doing some funky things that screamed sell (mainly electonic). Just sold the Quest and picked up the MPV. My current ride (to work 104 miles rt) is a 97 civic DX with 115K miles. Plan on keeping it 2-3 more years...that should put me at or over 200K. So I guess we tend to keep our cars until they drop.

Regards,

OldStyle

pierac · May 2002

I guess I was misleading on the study part. I remember now. It was a Readers Digest article. The point of the article was that there are millionaires that live next door and you don't even know it. The reason they are millionaires is that they don't spend their hard earned money impressing others. The article stated that the number one automobile that most Americans with a net worth over one million dollars drove was a Oldsmobile.

caniel · May 2002

The 2000 MPV was the first new car I ever bought. (Also the first car my wife of 16 years ever wrecked...but that's another story...). Historically I have purchased cars with high miles (88 Mazda MX-6 turbo purchased with 141,000 and drove until 265,000 then traded it on a 91 Acura Integra with 92,000 and drove until it had 165,000) Got about $2000 on each vehicle at trade. Maintenance is the key. I use synthetic (Mobil 1) and plan to drive the MPV until at least 150,000+. At current rate, we'll be buying again sometime in 2007. Unless I just can't stand not having the 3.0 and 4 seasons- which I really regret we didn't buy on our lx.

marcb · May 2002

i think the people typically attracted to the mpv VALUE are in general people who are also capable of independent thinking (read: buck the flashy shallow ody herd). they are also wise enough to keep their cars long. the quality of the mpv thread speaks on the sincerety and realness of the people participating and thus probably explains why this thread is very enjoyable.

marcb -

1990 Nissan Axxess traded (in 2001) for a 2000 MPV.
1993 Plymouth Voyager daily driver (good for another 3 years).

mazda_guy · May 2002

Let me see. This is a list of my cars. Looks

like my average is ~ 4 years

197x Plymouth Valiant - bought used - kept 6 months

1982 Toyota Starlet - new - kept 2 years

197x Ford LTD - used - kept 1 year

198x AMC Spritit - used - kept 4 years

1985 Chevy Celebrity - new - kept 5 years

1985 Ford Tbird - almost new (demo) - kept 11 years

1987 Ford Taurus - used - kept 7 months ( wrecked in an accident)

198x Cadillac Cimarron - used - kept 5 years

1992 Toyota Paseo - used - still have it 10 years

198x Honda Civic - used - kept 2 years

1995 VW Golf - used - kept 3.5 years

1998 VW Passat - new - kept 4 years

1985 Mercedes 380SE - used - kept 2 years

2001 Acura TL 3.2 - new - still have it

2002 Mazda MPV ES - new - still have it

MB

beachnut · May 2002

Now I know Im in the right place 8-) Well said, marcb!

Our first new car was bought two years after my d/w and I were married. It was an 88 Ford Escort (mistake also), which we paid off and traded for $4K on a 91 Saab 900T. I always had a company-owned vehicle. My *toy* was a 77 Pontiac Grand LeMans, which I bought in 84 when I first moved to FL from Indy. I had turned it into a conservative muscle car over the years, as I had to have to something fun to drive. The d/w guarded the Saab closely! We kept the Saab until 98 and 55K miles. I sold it privately for $10K. It was out of warranty, had a history of problems (but I loved that car!), and we needed some extra money because we were moving and purchasing a more expensive home. Sold the Pontiac too ;(. I took the money and bought two used cars since my new job didnt provide a vehicle; they paid mileage instead. Unfortunately, that didnt work out too well as I blew the first one up in 99, the second in 00. Hence the reason for buying our two Accords in those years respectively. I have a good friend who was the sales manager at the time and we got great deals there.

We started to realize we needed something bigger when our son was born in 99. I casually looked at the Ody in 99, more seriously in 00, but ended up with another Accord (boring). I justified the second new car to a point with my mileage reimbursement, plus I wanted a very dependable car. Last year, it was becoming painfully obvious that we needed a minivan as my wife was putting either our daughter, or her little friend, into the front seat instead of cramming them in the back seat with our sons humongous car seat. Yikes! We traded the 99 Accord for our slightly used MPV in Sept. 01. Yes rutger, I got a good trade ;-) We plan on keeping the Accord forever. We joke around that it will probably become our 8 y.o. daughters first car! We may look at replacing the MPV in 04 or 05, but then again, if its reliable (as it has been so far), we might keep it longer. I see a boat on my horizon, but thats another story altogether!

Mazda_guy: if you count only your new cars (and the demo), it looks more like ~5.5 years (sorry, its the bean-counter in me!)

SC

pikapp22 · May 2002

Actually, most millionares drive Fords. 30% of all millionares drive F-150s. 25% drive Explorers. Caddies and Lincolns are the third and fourth favorites. Olds may be in the top ten, but it's not #1.

http://www.formeraboutguides.com/investingcanada/library/weekly/1998/aa101298.htm

maltb · May 2002

I thought it was Fords but I don't have that book, only heard of it. Probably a good one to have on audio.

BTW, for anyone interested in audio books and finances, check out http://www.audible.com and look in their free downloads for a book called Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

stever · May 2002

I've been walking down memory lane with the Wrangler crowd about my first new car in '74 - a CJ-5. There were a few (4?) new and used ones the next decade, but since 1982, we've owned 3 cars (a Tercel for 17 years, a Caravan for 10, currently a '99 Quest). No car payments is good - now if I could just the get the mortgage under control :-)

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

bean3422 · May 2002

Sorry to bring up the topic again...but I had to respond to Rutger.

1. There is a BIG difference between looking to your car for happiness and being happy with your car. I spend an average of about 15-20 hours a week in my car, so if I am not happy with it, then I am continually reminded of that unhappiness, all the little things that bug me, etc. Sorry, my God and my family provide the center of happiness for me, but happiness is really made up of many little things, one of which is the car you drive. Thank goodness the manufacturers do not subscribe to your automotive opinion, otherwise we would not have extremely enjoyable low-priced vehicles like Miata, Protege MP3, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic SI, etc. I have a family, I have to buy a minivan type vehicle, I think the MPV is the most enjoyable vehicle to drive while still retaining its functionality.

2. Along the same lines, there is a billion dollar business for products that make your vehicle "look" better. While I commend your lack of vanity, I think the majority of people (including myself) wish to spend those several hours a week in a vehicle that looks good to them. Something that gets looks when your driving down the street (yes, my Coastal Blue MPV gets looks, something my brother-in-law with his weird color green gray Odyssey can't say.)

3. If you study the markets for the last 75 years, the average gain has been something like 10.7%. (Sorry, read that somewhere, but of course cannot provide verification. Actually, don't have time right now to do the research.) Obviously, nothing in the market is guaranteed, and you really have to leave in in the market for a long time and make very wise decisions. But theoretically, based on statistical averages, it is possible to get a 9-12% gain.

And with that...and a good natured laugh! I put an end to the resale topic (except for Rutger's response, if he wishes!)

beachnut · May 2002

So, we'll put you down for a 10 yr average Steve? Did someone say HOME resale values? haha j/k!

fenny1 · May 2002

We hope you all don't mind us joining your conversations, but we would value your input, especially those in the "northern territories". We are about to purchase a 2002 MPV but need to know how it performs driving in the snow. We live in hilly Pittsburgh with lots of brick roads and drive with two small children. Driving in snow makes me nervous - will we feel secure in the MPV???

cas6 · May 2002

Hi all. I've been lurking on this site for quite some time and now I'm asking for some help. My almost 4-year-old daughter decided to take a rock and scratch a pretty big design on the hood of our 2001 LX. It is not very deep, probably just a surface scratch, but it is obviously noticeable. Can anybody recommend a compound to fix this or any other method that's proven to work. Thanks !

beachnut · May 2002

It depends - is it through the clear coat, or even the paint? Do you see primer like a rock chip would leave behind? You *could* always get the hood re-sprayed clear. It shouldn't be that costly. If the scratch isn't that bad, you could try 3M's Swirl Mark Remover, Imperial Hand Glaze, or maybe even a clay bar like Mother's or Mequiar's. I'd steer clear of a rubbing compound.

SC

lal_clt · May 2002

I grew up in Pgh and I know what you mean about the hills and brick roads. I still remember heading for the curb going down Potomac and Carnahan just to stop myself. The first front-wheel drive vehicle I had was an Audi Fox. It was a piece of crap, always in the shop, but it would go in the snow. Even though I left Pgh 20 years ago and we don't get much snow here in Charlotte, I've always bought front-wheel drive vehicles. I think you will probably be okay with the MPV. In fact, it would probably do better than the Ody because it has a shorter wheelbase. My overall choice would be a Subaru Outback wagon if you don't need a lot of hauling capacity. A number of people who post to this site live in Canada and Alaska and they haven't complained about getting around. Good luck!

billmckinley · May 2002

I've got an 01 LX, that I've driven through two Pittsburgh winters, not that they've been all that snowy. Between the front wheel drive, nimble handling, and ABS, I haven't had a bit of a problem, not even on that killer day this winter when it all came just before the morning rush. And more than that, I felt secure behind the wheel the whole time, even on slick roads. I don't think you'll have that much to worry about. It's not as sure-footed as my Cherokee was, but what two-wheel drive is? The point is that I felt totally in control whenever I drove it.

By the way, where in the Burgh are you from? I'm from South Park with a 10-mile hilly [needless to say] commute.

Go for it.

RJ

once_for_all · May 2002

Zoomers, I ordered a 2002 MPV LX some 6 weeks ago with Luxury, 4 seasons, rear ac, and mudflaps agreed price $23,665. Dealer calls yesterday and tells me that Mazda is fully cranked up making inventory and definitely won't get to my "special" order for some indefinite period in the future. He says the main problem with my combination was the roof rack.

I took the opportunity to check with another dealer, who confirmed the ordering problem...I also mentioned the $1,000 dealer incentive, and he said "its yours". Further, he wanted to sell me a fully loaded LX at inventory minus $1,000... he was even willing to take the rack off and fill and repaint the holes. I would have jumped at it except it was the midknight blue color.

The first dealer confirms that the 4 seasons package will be coming without a lux package requirement (hurray for rear heat, and Mazda is listening :-).

I now have a fully loaded LX coming for the same price as above ($23,665 for rear ac, 4 seasons, Lux package, security package, rack, cassette, step bumper), which is $1,000 off invoice plus $270 for the dealer.

I know it is a good deal, but I still have mixed feelings about paying for stuff that I don't really want or need. My choice was to abandon the $1,000 and take my chances later on a van more what I needed (and possibly end up paying about the same), or get the vehicle now (guess which won out :-).

prlamz · May 2002

How about hiding it with a front end bra? If it's low enough, that is.

javadoc · May 2002

What do folks think of the bug deflector you can mount on the leading edge of your van's hood? With spring/summer here, the multitudes of flying insects are sacrificing themselves on the windshield of the van. Does anyone thing that these deflectors actually cut down on the bug splattering, or do they really just protect the hood? I'm sure I can just dodge the buggers since the MPV's so agile... ;-)

Oh, and for Fenny1's query, the MPV handles really well in the snow... but get snow tires. I'm sure that the TCS will improve driveability over our current '00 model. Brick roads? Man, that's insult to injury in the winter, eh?

/java

mazda_guy · May 2002

IMO those deflectors are ugly and useless. We have down here in Florida love bugs season each year and in few occasions I had a "pleasure" to drive in the country side at that time. Needless to say that my car was covered with bugs splashed not only on the windshield but all over the hood, headlamps, front grill, side mirrors etc. I saw the cars with those bug deflectors and there was a major difference between their cars and mine. In Their cars windshield, hood, headlamps, front grill, side mirrors were covered with dead bugs and the bug deflector as well. Don't waste money. Javadoc, the best way is to wash the car ASAP.

MB

beachnut · May 2002

I don't know about ugly...I have the OEM on my MPV and I think it adds style to the whole front look. Now when I see other MPVs, they look like they're missing something 8-) Are they useless? Yeah, to a point. I think they do help the hood some, but I've gotten rock chips anyway. I believe it's more esthetic than anything else.

Here in FL, where the insects grow to enormous proportions and in gargantuan quantities, there's not much you can do, like mazda_guy said. Driving thru the Everglades at night is a very vivid experience! I actually find the windshield fluid reservoir to be inadequate. I'm constantly having to refill it

Welcome back Java! How was the pig roast?!

SC

tango_28 · May 2002

I had one on our Ford Explorer and it prevents the windshield washer fluid from reaching the windshield above 50mph. It's a big waste of money.

Ron

mazda_guy · May 2002

I didn't mean to offend anyone. In fact I saw some of the bug deflectors designed quite tastefully and matching seamlessly the car style. I was referring to those ugly aftermarket products made of cheap plexi.

Anyway, I discovered that the best way to avoid bugs is to drive very closely behind the other car. One time I was following a driver for miles and he was collecting all the bugs and I was clean :-). I do not recommend, however, this method obviously for the safety reasons.

MB

beachnut · May 2002

I don't have 4-seasons. I was going to ask that, but I forgot, thanks for bringing it up! I should be able to replace this tank with the larger one, yes? If I can find the part, that is ...

tanuki · May 2002

After 18 months of indecisiveness, hours of research and countless trips to this site we finally bought our 2002 MPV ES (white,4 seasons,rack,step plate,fogs). I have bought 3 new cars in the past 8 years and each was a painful process; until now. We bought from El Dorado Motors in Mckinney. Dealt with Manager Mike and Asst-Mgr Carter. Exceptional service, price (invoice less $1300) and courtesy. Absolutely no game playing or double talk. I highly encourage anyone looking to buying an Odyssey or MPV in the Dallas area stop in to El Dorado (or call, my deal was made in 60 seconds over the phone because I was armed with info from this forum). We couldn't decide between the Ody and the MPV until we experienced the pricing attitudes and sales practices of the Honda dealers. They (Honda) made the decision for us. Not only do we feel we have a superior VALUE for the money in the MPV; we also feel the days of discounted MPV's are coming to an end. We all know it's the best kept secret in the van market. Zoom Zoom!

beachnut · May 2002

Forget about it - I'm not that easily offended ;-) You know what's funny? When I saw the advertisement of my van in the local paper, it was that crazy hood deflector that caught my eye. I have absolutely no idea why I like those things!
I like front-end bras too, which BTW Java, is the other obvious solution for you.

tanuki · May 2002

After 18 months of indecisiveness, hours of research and countless trips to this site we finally bought our 2002 MPV ES (white,4 seasons,rack,step plate,fogs). I have bought 3 new cars in the past 8 years and each was a painful process; until now. We bought from El Dorado Motors in Mckinney. Dealt with Manager Mike and Asst-Mgr Carter. Exceptional service, price (invoice less $1300) and courtesy. Absolutely no game playing or double talk. I highly encourage anyone looking to buying an Odyssey or MPV in the Dallas area stop in to El Dorado (or call, my deal was made in 60 seconds over the phone because I was armed with info from this forum). We couldn't decide between the Ody and the MPV until we experienced the pricing attitudes and sales practices of the Honda dealers. They (Honda) made the decision for us. Not only do we feel we have a superior VALUE for the money in the MPV; we also feel the days of discounted MPV's are coming to an end. We all know it's the best kept secret in the van market. Zoom Zoom!

oldstyle · May 2002

the fit and finish for a japanese car is terrible, I give it a C-. The pass. side has a good tight fit all around (like hondas) but the driver side is "gap city" in comparison. On my 97 civic, the width of the spaces (between panels, doors and dash, trunk and tail lights, etc) on both sides are the same, not so on the MPV. Its like they lined up the car on one side and said the hell with the other side.

Also, I found that the rear cup holder was not even properly installed and I was able to lift it out with no effort at all. Just glad I did not find a soda can in the void

Next, the head liner has a 3-inch line streak of white on it. Looks like frosting. Also there are several areas of the plastic that are stained with what appears to be oil. So far, hot water and dawn have not removed the stains.

I my be overly critical, but fit and finish is important to me. But to my wife, it's not a problem. Guess that's why I drive a honda and see drives the MPV.

Call me crazy.

Regards,

OldStyle

beachnut · May 2002

Hope you enjoy your new MPV for many a mile! Let's hope Mazda never gets as arrogant as Honda

stever · May 2002

You should have been here yesterday - the highway department put a sign up at the pass between Boise and Horseshoe Bend:

Caution
Slick Road
Cricket

They ran out of room to make the crickets plural, but they were definitly plural and so many of them, I don't think any bug shield would have helped.

Steve
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mazda_guy · May 2002

I always check a car very carefully when I am buying. From experience I know that many little things like you describe are done by sloppy workers at the dealership while unpacking a car. I understand your pain I am also a finish freak. I hate to take my car to any mechanic or dealer for any service because very often they fix one thing and damage ten other things. Speaking of the gap that you are referring to it would be helpful if you can post a photo. I have no clue what you are talking about and I don't see any flaws in my MPV.

MB

beachnut · May 2002

I'm getting a creepy visual from that Steve ;-D I wonder how the new traction control on the MPV would do on that stretch of road? BTW, Did you know there's only 5.5 grams of fat in 100 grams of crickets?

http://www.eatbug.com/default.htm

stever · May 2002

hmmm, I could probably go for the crunchy, chocolate covered ones :-)

More on topic, how about a link:

Mazda's Family Van Called Smart Pick Among Strong Competition

Steve
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Mazda MPV

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