Mazda MPV

tbcreative · June 2002

Thanks for sharing that! I noticed these other colors too: Celion Silver Metallic and Greek Blue Metallic. It sure would be nice if they added some more unusual colors to the lineup, especially the Millenium Red that pjd58 mentioned, since there isn't one available in the red family at all. It's very unusual that a company that's trying to push their sporty heritage, which stems from the Miata (usually shown in RED), doesn't offer THE COLOR normally associated with sportiness on their recently re-vamped minivan that is supposed to also embody their sporty image. Mazda's doing everything else right, and better than the competition for the most part, so I hope they can see the one thing the MPV is lacking, and soon!

rutger3 · June 2002

I have on 2001 with 16k miles.My last service was at 12k.It is due for a service. The Service Dept wants to do a 'full' 15k service for about $150. This includes an oil change, tire rotation,adjust brakes,check belts/hoses,check air filter(replace if needed). This seems high since an oil chg is about $20-25, tires about $20, and according to the owner's manual the air filter should last about 35k. Is this one of those money makers for the dealers?

maltb · June 2002

Look at your manual and ask them how much it costs to do what IT specifies, not what they want to do.

nwng · June 2002

does the vehicle in the above link have projection style headlights?

javadoc · June 2002

$150 isn't bad imho, but heck, I do all those inspections a routinely anyway so why pay someone else to? Now, if they included a full detail of the van inside and out, I'd be lining up for that $150 service!

Really, checking the items on the checklist is easy if you have a large floor jack (lifts one side of the van at once). Here's what I do...

Rotating tires and checking pressure, not a problem... pull the tires, check their pressure w/a guage while rotating.

Checking brakes. Pull the front wheels off (while rotating the tires), and make sure there's as much pad left as backing plate. When the backing plate is as thick or thicker than the pads, time for new brake pads. Inspect the outer and inner cv joint boots while you're at it. They shouldn't have grease on them (or oozing out of them) an should NOT be cracked.

Oil change, diy or pay them for the service. Checking the airfilter is relatively simple. Replace if filthy.

I guess the only tricky part imo is checking belts and hoses. Belts should be clean and not loose, hoses should be clean and not cracking. or showing wear at all.

/javadoc

budmelon · June 2002

Anyone has any idea of how to prevent cracking on the those cv boots? Is there any lubrication or some kind of protective spray to prevent the rubber from drying out?

bob57 · June 2002

Not that I discovered. On my previous two cars (Accords) I found the boot wears out & splits just about the time the CV joint wore out ~ 70K miles.
Maybe it was programmed that way -

)

hskang · June 2002

I went into a one of local dealers in Phildadelphia and found a 2002 MPV ES Demo model, fully loaded, with 5600 miles on that driven by the the general manager of dealer with sticker price of $30,027. And I was offered $25800. Is this a great deal or what?
Please give me advice!!!

pjd58 · June 2002

A local Mazda dealer in Ohio is offering all 02 MPV's $4K off MSRP. I would pass or have them shave another $2k off the deal. Almost $26k for a loaded ES with that many miles is a lousy deal, IMO. Demo cars rarely offer the customer a good deal.

Pjd58

mazda_guy · June 2002

What do you mean by saying fully loaded? Be specific what options it has installed. This way we can make educated guess if this is a good deal or not.

MB

tgaines14 · June 2002

I just bought a new '02 ES for about $1400 under invoice. (MSRP = a little over $29,000 & I got it for $25,500 -- The only things that it did not have on it was the moon roof & the 4-season's package.) Granted, I know the sales manager, but I know for a fact that many people are getting $500 or more under invoice pretty regularly. I, personally, don't think that it is a "bad" deal. If you look at the deal I got, it was almost $4,000 under MSRP. The deal you are looking at is over $4,200 off. Again, I don't think that this is a "bad" deal, but you should definitely be able to haggle him down some more.

pjd58 · June 2002

with 5500 miles is not a "bad deal"? I have some swamp land in Florida I need to part with:) If you can by a brand spankin new MPV for $4000K less MSRP....How can you think $4200 off with that many miles is not a bad deal? As I stated earlier, I would be in the area of 6k or more less MSRP. Too many dealers try to sell Demos as just like new vehicles, for an inflated price. All JMO......flame away:)

Pjd58

billmckinley · June 2002

Okay, I lied. Goodbye for a couple of weeks. We're taking the Prez down to the Carolinas for some R&R and to stretch its legs after a winter of commuter traffic. I'm really looking forward to the trip, not least for the pleasure of putting some highway miles on those marvy Michelins I just put on. Have a safe and happy 4th. Talk to you all when I get back.

RJ

maltb · June 2002

keep the scenting down to a minimum...

beachnut · June 2002

A lot of that "swamp land" is now VERY prime real estate and made those po' dumb folk into millionaires!

hskang: We bought our '01 MPV as used last year with 13K miles. Paid $18K. Now, at that time the MSRP on an LX was higher, so we were looking at close to a $6K spread. I thought it was a good deal. I agree with Pete, push harder to get well over $5K off the MSRP, then you're talking a pretty good deal. One thing to consider though - most states' lemon laws only apply to new vehicles, not used. I'm not saying this is something you should worry about with the MPV, but if you want that extra peace of mind, go with new.

tgaines14: Congrats on your new ride! Hope you have many good miles and stick around for a while.

SC

jeffp6 · June 2002

Talked to a dealer today for an '02 ES and they would only quote me the invoice price. Sounds like from reading a few of these postings that the invoice price is obviously not the 'BEST' price! Would you agree?

infarct · June 2002

Just picked up my 2002 MPV for 24400. Black EX with 4 seasons and roof rack!!!! Went to fordpartners.com and generated a s-plan keycode, im sure i could have bought at invoice on my own but this made the experience less traumatic, $300 above invoice i think. The $1500 incentive was thrown our way after searching for particular options encouraging my purchase of a MPV on the lot. Had one driven in from MI but still got the incentive!! also added in a $500 recent grad incentive. not a bad deal ehh

pjd58 · June 2002

If you take Mazda's financing(0 for 36 in my region)expect to pay over invoice. There is a dealer(Ricart Automotive, second largest dealer in volume in the U.S.) in my area, Central Ohio, selling 02 MPVs 4k less MSRP. Obviously, no special financing and all rebates and incentives go to the dealer. Sound like a great deal!

Pjd58(Pete)

tbcreative · June 2002

Have you guys seen this? http://makeashorterlink.com/?B59B11F11

I was very excited to read this as my wife and I decide when we want to purchase a mini-van. It looks like it's going to be an MPV for sure. Now, if Mazda would just offer it in that Millenium Red...

stever · June 2002

A quadruple five-star crash-test rating is outstanding, and a "3" rollover rating is pretty good for a MV/SUV too. Way to go MPV. Thanks for the link, Tbcreative.

Steve
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audia8q · June 2002

The crash test put's the cherry on top.
Not only do we have one of the best mini-vans for ride and drive...now we have proof its one of the safest!!

Rich

javadoc · June 2002

...is incredibly out of date on their TSB/Recall info. I wasted $25 on them, not again. $25... that's seven white chocolate mochas w/cinnamin that my d.w. can spill in the van!

/java

owr084 · June 2002

NHTSA screwed up in its description of the 2002 Mazda MPV - http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/1953.html At the very bottom, it says the engine size of the 2002 MPV is a 2.5 liter engine. Maybe someone sold them a rebadged 2001? Also, under safety options, they did not check the self-dimming mirror as an option. furthermore, they only tested a base LX with teh 15" rims. I wonder how much better the rollover score would be affected by the 16" or 17" rims/tires?

RBB

javadoc · June 2002

Wow, thanks for the link! That's super that the van gets all stars now! Now if it can be backed up by the IIHS testing results, the van could be a grand slam!

Is a self-dimming mirror a safety option? I always put that in the luxury option bin. I guess I can see the safety aspect too. Possibly it wasn't available at time of printing for the report?

I don't think the tire size would materially effect the rollover score, since the 16 and 17" tires are the same overall diameter (almost), and they have the same cross-section width. The entire rollover rating system is complex, and I really don't agree w/alot of the factors involved, as the reason vehicles roll over is chiefly dependent on them striking an object sideways, such as a curb, and more likely, leaving the roadway and overturning due to a higher center of gravity... but I'm not an engineer. Given the MPV's superior handling characteristics, I'd give it an edge on rollover avoidance b/c it would probably avoid a rollover situation due to its nimbleness, and respectable skidpad numbers.

/j

lmn908 · June 2002

My apologies if this has been asked before..

We're about to replace the OEM Dunlops (16") on our 2000 MPV at 36,000 miles. After research, I was leaning towards Michelin X-ones. However, the OEM dunlop's are H speed rated, whereas the X-ones are S rated, and the guys at the local tire shop said that we should stick with H rated tires if that's what's on the van now. Is this really necessary, or can I go to the lower speed rating?

stickguy · June 2002

look at the Dunlop SP sport A2. I just put a set on my Quest and have been very impressed so far. Very well reviewed on tirerack.com (a great site to look at to pick out the tires best for you).

maltb · June 2002

The 15" tires on the MPV are S-rated. I think it was just a matter of what was available in that size when they sourced parts for the vehicle. S-rated tires are good for a sustained 112mph. Somehow I doubt most of our MPVs will ever hit 112, much less stay there for extended periods.

Beachnut, don't you have X-ones?

alexv1n · June 2002

Actually my MPV had to go at 112 mph for some time one day. But still that's OK for S-rated tires (I'm pretty sure that our 16" Dunlops are S-rated also). A year later I'm still riding on those tires :-)

beachnut · June 2002

Yep, got 'em about 7K ago. I like them quite a bit. I know that a lot of folks say that the trade-off for high mileage tires is less traction or comfort, but I don't find that to be the case with the X-Ones. Yes, they are an S-rated tire. Malt, I wouldn't be so sure about that 112mph thing ! Honestly, tho, I've never had the MPV up that fast, but the Accord is another story, so I want to keep H, or even V, rated tires on them.

Imn908: I find that many tire dealers will tell you that you shouldn't do this or do that. In FL, Tire Kingdom is the biggie. In fact, I was just there a little while ago asking about the Dunlop SP's for my Accord. The manager there said they weren't the same speed rating as my Mich MXV4+'s, which is bull - they're both H. When I called him on that, he said they wouldn't work 'cause they would mess up the ride (?). Then I asked him if I could take the X-Ones off my MPV and put them on the Accord - more excuses. Anyway, the bottom line is that the guy just wants to sell me new MXV's for $125 a pop and will try to come up with any justification to do so. Fortunately, I've been following the Tires, Tires, Tires board here on Edmund's (under Aftermarket & Accessories) for a while, so I know better (I think!). Why don't you post your question over there ... there's some knowledgeable folk that I'm sure could help. Good luck!

maltb · June 2002

that there weren't any folks on here that live on the edge, I just said most don't. I have had our up that fast but not for an extended period. The van was a bit too floaty. I did take a Miata to 130 this weekend and it actually felt stable. You have to be pretty alert to drive that fast for extended periods of time.

marylizus · June 2002

Just wanted to mention that Alldata is available for free at many libraries.

drrocket · June 2002

My '00 MPV ES antenna has been turned into a wire sculpture by the electronic gate at the subway-train station. Should I simply get a replacement from a Mazda dealership, or are there any "new & improved" aftermarket antennae I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

kkcymru · June 2002

The 5 star rating is very impressive for mid model cycle changes for the 2002.

The rollover rating is pretty much was expected. If you look at the NHTSA ratings all the 2001 and 2002 minivans get 3 or 4 stars for rollover.

see: www.nhtsa.gov/cars/testing/ncap/Cars/2002Vans.html

Only a couple full size Ford vans get 2's.

The rollover rating doesn't tell you much anyway. it's not a test like the crash test. It's just a estimate based on center of gravity and track. The fact that Mazda gets a 3 versus some other vans getting 4's is just a result of the MPV's narrower track.

While these measurements correlate with rollover resistance, any individual vehicle may be more or less resistant than the correlation would predict.

drrocket · June 2002

Costco currently has a $60 rebate coupon for a set of 4 Michelin tires. They recommended the Michelin X Radial Plus (supposedly similar to the X-One) for my '00 MPV ES. Does anyone here know anything about these tires so they could make a recommendation one way or the other?

I purchased [Michelin] tires from Costco for my other vehicle and have been quite pleased with their service. In fact, I've had a better experience with Costco than I had with the tire dealership I used previously.

Thanks in advance for prompt advice; the rebate is only good until June 30.

sritrovato · June 2002

OK, I did the research, read these boards for months and serious pondered the options. Now I have finally joined all of you happy MPV owners. After a short and relatively painless visit to a dealer on Tuesday, followed by a couple of phone calls, I picked up my (very basic/sage) 02 LX today. I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you, especially the "regulars" for helping to make this a no brain decision for me. Your insight and humor have kept me entertained and amused, as well as informed, and I plan to continue to read the comments here just to stay up to date on all the great maintenance info and the occasional problems. I can't say that cars excite me much, but it does feel really good to be driving something new and safe after 13+ years in my last vehicle. This may be the only minivan that I will ever own and I'm confident that the MPV was the ideal choice for me. I've only "zoomed" about 25 miles, but every comment from friends and family has been completely positive. The kids are loving showing everyone the features and amenities. They probably know the van better than I do! The best satisfaction comes from knowing that I made this decision totally on my own, from deciding what to purchase, to pricing issues, to how to structure the deal etc...that is on my own except for the wonderful reference information that I gathered here. So thanks again to all. This is without a doubt the most fun and interesting board I've visited.

basurf · June 2002

Well I have done a lot of research on minivans the past few weeks and just as I thought I had it narrowed down to the Honda or the VW Eurovan (I know that isn't a minivan)...I ran across the Mazda. I have to say the MPV has the best user reviews out of any minivan on the market (at least that I can find). I went by the dealer today and I think I am going to pull the trigger tomorrow or the next week and order one.

I just had a few questions for you vets...

What kind of deal did you get...I am pushing for invoice price since they are only giving me $1500 on my trade-in ($500 short of the suggested trade-in price). It appears that invoice plus about $300 is ok as well. I got them down to 3.9% interest rate too. Should the deals be better at this time with 2003s coming out? Also, has anyone put a DVD in the MPV? I know it isn't a factory option but some seem to offer it as a DIO? Thanks for any help I think I am pretty much decided on the MPV...test drive went well today.

evaddave · June 2002

Welcome to the club, Sue! (I can't believe I'm the first to welcome you! )

Are you willing to share the details of your deal here? Since we talked about it earlier, I'm particularly interested in knowing where you ended up purchasing the van. Did you get a chance to visit your old stomping grounds?

-Dave

stever · June 2002

I have the X Radial Plus's on my '99 Quest and I like them a lot. Mostly town driving, some highway, and maybe 10 trips up to the ski resort at 7,000 feet every winter on a well maintained road.

I'd also recommend a skim through the Tires, tires, tires discussion and visit the Tire Rack linked in the ads on the left for other suggestions.

Steve
Host
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stever · June 2002

Congrats on the new van, Sritrovato and, on behalf of the great MPV community here (they really are a class act), thanks for the kind words!

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

javadoc · June 2002

Remember (no pressure...) the incentive is only listed to last until July 8th... or so I hear.

Whoops... did I say that outloud? ;-)

Also, Contrats to the new owners!!!! I envy you w/your shiny new steel! Many happy miles to y'all!

Steve, missed you in the Chat yesterday. Were you waterskiing or something?

drrocket · June 2002

I do adhere to the notion that the MPV has the "body of a minivan, soul of a sports car." I hope that doesn't alter your recommendation of the X Radial Pluses.

And while I'd never [intentionally] reach triple digit speeds, I have occasionally been on highways with a speed limit of 75, and gone with the flow of drivers who were acclimated to the sense of speed. I don't know if the B temp rating should be of concern.

Thanks for sharing your experience with these tires.

beachnut · June 2002

To be honest, I've never seen the X-Radials version of X-Ones. I have seen the Walmart version of Mich LTX's (can't remember what they were called) but they looked a little different than the regular LTX. I've heard that's the same way with the X-Radials. I've got the X-Ones on my MPV. I remarked to the last poster who brought up this topic that they were S-rated, and I was wrong, they're T-rated, sorry. That gives you an extra 6mph, up to 118mph. The fastest I've had the MPV is about the century mark, but as Malt said earlier, it's very floaty up there, so don't try that at home kids ;-)

danandkat · June 2002

Hi--Welcome to the new owners out there. Glad to have you aboard. It is nice to have you join us MPV enthusiasts!

basurf--According to the Mazda website

http://www.mazdausa.com/special_financing/default.asp?vehicle=&zip=&did=&state=

Mazda is offering 0.0% financing through 7/8/02. Unless there is something else involved, it sounds like you should not have to settle for 3.9%.

Also, I would recommend contacting several dealers and play them off against each other (i.e., "Hello Dealer A. Dealer B is offering me this deal. If you can beat it by $X, I would be happy to give you my business. Can we work something out?") When we bought ours last fall, I was on the phone with several dealers to see what I could bring them down to and I think it worked well. On the same topic, there was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal several weeks ago about people dealing with car dealers hundreds of miles from home. Though there may be a little 'grass is always greener' to this, some folks were able to find such great deals that they could not get locally that it more than paid to fly to a distant dealer, buy the car, and drive it home. The internet helps make searching out these deals possible. Though I realize this tactic is not for everyone. Hope this helps, and best of luck. danandkat

danandkat · June 2002

Hi--I'm going to cross post this since the topic seems to come up regularly. I drove to the local Mazda dealer, and took my Yakima rack off my '01 MPV and put it on an '02. It fit perfectly. I don't see any reason why someone couldn't use a Yakima rack (using the parts and instructions for the '00-'01) on an '02 MPV. Apparently, Yakima has not yet been able to check the fit themselves (hence they don't show it on their website) but it works. danandkat

maltb · June 2002

the only problem with following the deal for a few bucks is that you aren't helping the relationship with your local dealer. Sure your warranty is good at any dealer, but when in a pinch, a sales person that you have built a rep with may be your ace in the hole. This is not always the case, but consider weather the $500 you save may be worth the lack of service later on.

sritrovato · June 2002

Hi Dave, I haven't "spoken" to you for quite a while. Glad to know that you're still surfing the boards. I ended up buying at Brandywine in West Chester (the closest to me). I never did contact N. P. because the last time I checked, they didn't have one listed the way I wanted. Oddly enough, neither did my dealer, but when I stopped in on a whim, it was there. I wanted the negotiation to be short and sweet and wasn't too wowed by the initial numbers. I ended up calling Faulkner (N. E. Philly) and would highly recommend Bruce Jaffe there, if anyone is in the market. He got right to the point over the phone. I re-called my salesman and he agreed to match the deal. I really was trying to hold out for the 4seas pkg now that it has been un-linked to all the other stuff, but I don't see them arriving at dealers that way soon, so I pulled the trigger without it. I think it'll work out fine. To answer basurf's question as well as yours, I think that invoice and 3.9 is pretty good. I was holding out for that kind of rate, but in the end, I took conventional rates because they were willing to kick in some dealer cash that way. Ended up with roof rack, bumper plate, mats and rear air at about $1050 under invoice. I feel I could've worked it a little harder, but I was satisfied with that. And it was quick and easy. What do you think? I'd love to hear some feedback.
Sue
P.S. The 0% rate is only for up to 24 months. I could've done that, but was more comfortable with 36m and the option of early payoff, especially since I was financing only about half. If you plan to take longer terms or higher loan amounts the rate becomes more of an issue.

stever · June 2002

Drrocket, while I do like my Costco Michelin's, I know that there are some other tires (some cheaper) that others have on their vans and they get some glowing reviews (most anything is an improvement over most of the OEM tires they stick on). I haven't committed the brands to memory since I've still got a few years left on mine, so you'll have to dig a little and hope some more folks weigh in with their comments in the next two days.

Java - company came in yesterday for River Fest so I missed the chat. But thanks for noticing I wasn't around ;-)

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

smars · June 2002

I just got off the phone with the internet sales mgr. at Montgomery Mazda in Charlotte, NC. While he still can't get me a 4 seasons package (none are available in SE US), he did tell me that the incentives have just increased.

The 0% interest has increased to 48 months, with no payment for 6 months.

The low interest option (I think 3.9% but not positive) is available up to 72 months, along with $1,000 rebate (don't know if its factory to dealer or not, but under the s-plan I cxould get it)

With no financing, the rebate has increased to $2,000.

Does anybody know if these incentives are regional or nationwide? If nationwide, I might consider a road trip to the NE to pick one up.

tbcreative · June 2002

I just read this on another forum and was wondering if anyone has any more info on up-coming MPV changes or additions for 2003+: "The MPV will be replaced in mid-CY2004 for MY2005. The all-new MPV (codenamed MV2) will reportedly be based on the next-generation Ford Mondeo platform that was developed by Mazda for the new "6"."

You're probably getting tired of hearing this, but the one thing I really hope Mazda adds to this fantastic van, are a few more exciting colors to the MPV lineup, like Millenium Red! Anyone know anything more?

maltb · June 2002

that would make sense that something would be in the works for that far down the road, but I can bet that nothing is close to final until about 18 mos before production.

Mazda MPV

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