Mazda MPV

javadoc · August 2002

I'm curious about this too. Hopefully 2003 brochures come out soon, and maybe it's in there.

hoopofficial · August 2002

I apologize to the group for my part in this exchange. It wasn't my intention to sling mud. Perhaps I am still reeling from a very bad experience shopping for this vehicle. In general, I have not had great experiences from the "crooks". Went there for Honda's, Toyota's and Saturns in the past. I did buy a Saturn many years back from them. That said, I'm sure there are many people who have had good experiences at this dealership and lousy experiences were I purchased mine. However, I think it was a cheap shot from Audia8q to take a shot a the dealer where I purchased my MPV. Especially since the CSI rating is not known. Obviously your input is valuable to this forum and perhaps I will enjoy your future input but trying to make someone uneasy about a purchase decision is unfair.

With that said, I will apologize to Audia8q since I did generalize.

pjd58 · August 2002

AH! The good ole days.

Pjd58

tboner1965 · August 2002

I think my question got lost, or was not taken seriously in the mud slinging, so I'll ask it again.

And in a slightly different form.

A. ) How can a car shopper get information such as a stores CSI information?

2. ) What would you tell a customer to look for to distinquish the better dealers from the pack.

Given the often validated need to take what your salesperson says with a grain of salt, it would be nice to have these indicators indentified.

Probably belongs in Smart Shoppers, so if it was already addressed there, a topic name or link would be good. Otherwise, just hit the highlights please.

Thanks,

TB

pjd58 · August 2002

I may be wrong, I doubt Mazda makes CSI scores available to the public.

Mazda's website has the Presidents Club, excellence in customer service. Two of the dealers I purchased Mazdas from in Ohio, my State, are on the list and they are excellent. The slime balls in my area didn't make the list.

Pjd58

tboner1965 · August 2002

but I wonder why not. I would think Mazda (any car maker) would want customers to be very satisfied, and if they promoted their very best dealers in terms of customer service, then you have more satisfied, and hopefully more repeat customers.

However, I realize this is a pipe dream, because you and I are not customers of Mazda, the local dealer is Mazda's customer, so they want them all to sell, sell, sell.

This really isn't a slam at anyone here, perhaps a frustration with all car makers.

So the second part of the question is the most important part. How do you distinquish a really great dealer, from one who simply meets the requirements?

MPV content. Just because you sell a really great van, doesn't make you a really great dealer or carmaker. Likewise, just because you buy a really great van, that doesn't make a really great shopper or driver.

TB
Professional Topic Derailer

audia8q · August 2002

tb...I think the first clue about a dealers reputation and quality is in the sales depaertment...are they all "newby's?" do they need the help of managers to do everything? Ask how many salespeople have worked there over 5 years, how many speak english as a first language?...etc. This is the stuff that weeds out the trash from the pro's.
CSI is a tough one...simply because the industry does not have a standard. What might be perfect with Ford might be lousy with Chevy...so until there is an industry standard, which I am a big advocate, releasing CSI numbers would add to the already confusing process.

Cargo tray....I don't have the part number handy, but I will get it tomorrow for everyone.

Rich

tboner1965 · August 2002

Thanks.

I do understand how comparing Ford vs Chevy vs Mazda could be problematic.

However, one could compare XYZ Mazda to EIEIO Mazda reliably.

At least in my area, I've yet to meet a car salesman or saleswoman, to whom English was a second language.

Maybe somewhere where the service manager has been there a while too! Preferably one who drives a 10 year old model of what they sell 8^)

TB

beachnut · August 2002

At least in my area, I've yet to meet a car salesman or saleswoman, to whom English was a second language

I could go somewhere with this, but I'll resist

tboner1965 · August 2002

Engineer is my first language

TB

caniel · August 2002

We recently traded our beloved 2000lx for a 2002 lx. Overall the experience was straightforward and clear, once I made it clear that I understood the product and all of the "games" regarding MSRP, invoice pricing, hold-back, etc. There were two considerable problems that I experienced and would love to have opinions about what to do. The dealership, in Central Pennsylvania, recently started doing the "add-on" business - attaching a $500 tag for "paint sealer" and "cloth protectant," etc. I told the salesman, in our first discussion, that I wouldn't pay for that and that I thought it made the business appear slimy. He never brought it up again and they didn't charge me for it. Everything O.K. on that one. Here's the one with the real rub. When we bought our 2000 this same salesman said that you could definitely get heat out of the ceiling rear-air vents. We learned, after the sale, that he was wrong. We regretted not getting the 4-season package, but lived with it. We bought the 2002 largely over the phone and did it in a hurry - had a dinner party that night and were leaving the next day for an 18 day vacation. Our new van has 4 seasons but no rear air. While speaking with him about this and being concerned about cooling the van, he said he thought the rear under-seat vents would blow cold air, but that you just couldn't control it with the rear controls - only the front controls. I specifically asked him to go out to the van and to verify that. He said he did. I was sceptical and surprised, but pleased - I believed him. When we picked the van up a couple of hours later - remember we were in a BIG hurry - late already for our party, etc. I checked the rear vents when the air was on and SHAZAM! it poured out heat only. He was surprised and dumbfounded and I explained that I didn't think it could blow cold air because it didn't have the rear air compressor, etc. He said he didn't understand that and that it blew cold air when he checked it. Yah, right. Anyway, we took the van and are very happy with it. Here's my question. Since there are only two Mazda dealers within a reasonable distance in our area and since we are strong Mazda loyalists and will be buying more Mazda's in the future, how big a stink should I make (or should have made) about his lack of product knowledge - I don't think he was really trying to be willfully deceptive - but maybe I'm just a sucker. Anyway, I'm sitting on the dealer survey and trying to figure out what to do. We also got a letter from the owner of the dealership saying to call him 24/7 if we had any concerns or problems. I don't want to risk alienating the dealer and being marked as "problem customers" - especially since the other dealership in the area has not even come close to dealing at invoice, etc. like this dealer has. On the other hand, I'm tired of being sort of "duped" by this guys lack of product knowledge a second time and think he should be held accountable for it or that we should be the recipients of some sort of consideration for his errors. One final rub. When I finalized the deal, I asked if he would sell us a front "bra" and the cassette player "at cost" - meaning at invoice or wholesale. He reluctantly said "sure." When I got back from vacation I called to check on it and the price he gave me was the MSRP - right off the Mazda website! I told him I thought that was not right and he said that is what the "parts department" charges and that is "his cost." period. There is nothing he can do. Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks for hanging in for a VERY long-winded post!

indianajones · August 2002

I'm looking to replace my wife's '95 Toyota Previa and the MPV is currently at the top of my list. I'd been, exclusively, a Toyota owner for years, until I purchased a '01 Millenia in March of '01. If the MPV has the same quality and value as the Millenia, my decision will be a slam dunk. Though I have done a fair amount of research, we have not yet test drove the MPV. I do have a few questions:

Last Sunday afternoon, while looking over a Mazda dealer's inventory of MPVs (only three), I noticed that one of them had a couple of "dimples" or "dings" on both front fenders. I didn't think much of it until I read "mikeco's" (#3994) complaint. Has anyone else experienced the sheet metal of their MPVs being more prone to dents? I would've thought that all vehicles' sheet metal would be of the same thickness...maybe not. I'm the guy who parks out in the "back forty"... dents drive me nuts!

Secondly, I'm trying to decide between a LX and ES. Unfortunately, the LX doesn't offer the Super Sound system (my Millenia has the Bose system which is awesome). Is the standard audio system in the LX decent...or does it leave alot to be desired? My other LX vs ES issue has to do with the power sliding doors. For those that have the power doors, is it a great feature? I'm concerned that we might find them annoying if they open and shut slowly.

Finally, my wife would love to get a MPV with a moonroof. Any issues here...excessive wind noise, leaks, etc...? How about factory vs dealer install?

Thanks, in advance, for your input. Also, wish me luck, my better half wants the color of her van to be "Coastal Blue"! Finding the Ark of the Covenant would be an easier task!

javadoc · August 2002

As in reputations...

FWIW, the first thing I noticed when I switched from owning a car serviced at a dealership owned by that Cowboy eating bug (er... you know) to the Mazda dealership I frequent now is that the service department knows me by name when I come in, and they at least act like they remember me when I call... as opposed to me being Ticket #4530288. And I haven't yet had them fix the wrong item, which happened 11 times (4x for one part!) at the Bug Eating Cowboy's ranch/dealership. I'm not sure if it helps that they also sell other premium brands in their showroom too, at the current dealership, but it might. So, from now on the first place I'm going to look is the service dept. when shopping a dealership. Even my trusted inde-mechanic says they're a good place to go.

I get frightened when I'm on a test drive and I hear the dreaded "I just started last week!" Luckily I'm working w/a salesperson that's been at the dealership for a while instead of using a Newb, and the sales mgr is really great (or slicker than even I am, lol). My 3.8c.

Sorry Steve, I know this prolly belongs somewhere else. ;-)

stever · August 2002

Lol, if you're going to talk about Cal, you should link to him for the pleasure and benefit of those East Coasters here who never got ambushed in the lot or ever watched Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.

Steve

Host

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sritrovato · August 2002

I'm a little late jumping in on this conversation, but I have to agree that Rich's comments and info have been very much appreciated here. That's true for the rest of the regulars on this board as well, but someone from a dealership always has the latest scoops. I also feel that my purchase experience was better this time than ever, largely due to the fact that I did my homework first. It doesn't have to be adversarial or take all day. When I first began looking, no one in my area had inventory. I ended up e-mailing a dealer pretty far away, just for some basic facts. I also spoke to another by phone, after seeing their ad in the paper. Since I (and they) knew that I would not be likely to "travel" to buy, I tried not to take up a lot of these guys' time. And, I did end up making a pain free deal locally. EVERYONE I communicated with was pleasant and professional, including the people at headquarters. No experience with service yet, but I'm hoping to find the same. Bottom line is to know the incentives, what you really want, and what the market will bear and be prepared to go elsewhere if necessary. Even with a totally new and inexperienced salesperson, my transaction was pretty much finished within an hour or so. He told me what he could do, then I told him what I would do. I'm sure Mazda did well on the deal, but I'm also satisfied that I stayed well within the limits I'd set. Less emotion = more satisfaction with results IMHO. There ARE some good car dealers out there!

danandkat · August 2002

This may be kind of obvious, but it sounds like you would do better purchasing a vehicle without imposing tight time constraints on yourself. And if a certain feature or function is important to you, verify personally how it works and what it does or doesn't do. Don't take the salesperson's word for it. Based on my experience and what I have read of other's experiences, I don't think it is unusual for a salesperson to 'answer' a question, even if they don't know the answer. And if you have an agreement on something, like purchasing an add-on 'at cost', get it in writing. Even take the pen and write it yourself on the purchase agreement. ("Dealer agrees to sell buyer cassette player for dealer's cost of $XXX within thirty days of buyer picking up vehicle"). And you don't have to take the first person who walks up to you when you walk in the showroom. Call the sales manager beforehand and ask for the name of a salesperson who has been with the dealership for at least a couple of years and demonstrated some competence in satisfying customers.

maple49 · August 2002

Caniel - You may want to do a search on the internet to find discounted Mazda accessories. I know there are a few that sell genuine Honda accessories at huge savings (compared to MSRP). You may also want to call around to other Mazda dealers and get some prices. You do not need to go through a salesman to purchase parts/accessories.

Good Luck!

danandkat · August 2002

check on eBay. It is surprising the stuff that gets put on there to be auctioned off. dan

mikeco · August 2002

to indianajones-

I found the reason of the dents on my MPV, sounds rediculous: The first day I drove my MPV to work from dealer, all my colleague come down and took a look at it. One of them then push the right front fender with his palms and wanted to see if he could trigger the alarm (actully my MPV doesn't have security package). That caused 2 dents of palm size and 2 buckles at the fender edge around the wheel. The dealer wouldn't fix it. The cost would be $70.

My conclusion is the sheet metal is definitely too thin.

Otherwise, I like the MPV very much. Problem is every time I park somewhere, I feel a risk of damage

danandkat · August 2002

This board is at the top of the "top ten hot discussions" list today!!

marcb · August 2002

before the next topic "inconsiderate driver" overtakes us at 41 new discussions (-;

ah... uh, ummmm, errr...

My 2000 MPV now has 58k km with no major problem. Now that it has been discontinued, gotta love my unique Sapphire Blue color for years to come..

(there!)

audia8q · August 2002

The part number on the cargo tray is

0000-8d-f09_A3 (beige)
0000-8d-f09_A4 (gray)

MSRP is $170 from the parts department.

This will fit MY2000 and newer MPV's

altair4 · August 2002

Those are some mighty nice people you work with. I think I'd be presenting that $70 bill to Mr. "Let's See If The Alarm Works." What a putz!

Tell us...did he 'fess up himself or did someone snitch on him?

maltb · August 2002

Sounds weird to me. I'm in my 4th MPV and have 4 kids. You'd think that if this was common, my kids would have figured out a way to show me.

big_guy · August 2002

Well, I've taken the plunge. I have negotiated a deal on a Silver 2002 MPV LX, w/ Security, Lux, 4-Seasons, Rear Air, Roof Rack, Cassette, and Rear Bumper Step Plate for $300 over invoice. I probably could have negotiated more and come down in price a bit more but I didn't think it was worth it for $100 or so. I have not brought the van home yet since I am still working with a couple of banks to get the best financing I can . . . but other than dotting the I's and crossing the T's on the paperwork, the deal is done.

pjd58 · August 2002

Congrats! Why don't you take advantage of Mazda's 0% for 48? If you not financing with Mazda, I hope you are paying $300 over invoice less, the rebate.

Pjd58

big_guy · August 2002

Yes, the deal was for $300 over invoice and then they applied the $2000 cash incentive. So with the rebate I am actually $1700 under invoice. I am working with a couple of banks to get the financing. I am going to get no worse than 5.79% for 60 months and could get 5.3% for 60 months.

mikeco · August 2002

Thanks for your comments.
Unfortunately they are my close colleague.
When I told this guy that my new car got some dents on it, then he told it might be him since he pushed it the other day. That reminded me that I actully remember that scene when he pushed it trying to setup the alarm. The dents are on the exactly the same spots where he pushed. It is possible. If you softly tap the fender sheet metal and hear the sound, you will know it.

rc168 · August 2002

It seems that ES is getting harder to come by, specially if you are particular about color. Depending on your regions's supply and demand, it is probably not practical these days to look for an ES that is $800 below invoice :-)

For those who would finance through home equity loan or equity line, the lead time could be up to 4 weeks because banks are overwhelmed by the refinance apps. So talk to your bank soon if you want Uncle Sam to help you out a bit. I think getting a car loan won't take this long though.

beachnut · August 2002

Steve, your links are becoming legendary! I decided to listen to the Realplayer message from Cal - after it was finished, my pc dumped and gave me a fatal exception error. Coincidental I'm sure, but funny in light of the context. Click those links with care folks!

pierac · August 2002

Well folks, We've had our new van for one week. Wife is really starting to love the van. Dealer had a man come to the house yesterday and install the rear spoiler. He contracted out. Said his contacts at his dealer wanted to much money to install the spoiler? He complained that my add-ons where costing more to install that the he thought. Maybe I got a good deal after all? The rear spoiler really looks nice. It kinda softens the box shape of the rear of the van. Roof rack should add to the look too. The rest of the add-ons will be installed on Tuesday.
I have been getting a lot of compliments on the van. Especially the black/beige interior. The black carbon dash really goes well with the white van. I also like the two tone color with black on top and beige below.
I have come to love the power doors too. I have a 2yr old and a 4yr old. I just hit the power button and the doors are open before I get out of the van. Then I can go around and start unlatching the kids. You can also open the doors before getting to the van. Those who have more than one child will understand just what that means. It's funny, my 2 brothers and sister who do not have children can't believe I bought a van. I guess they think we should still be driving two door coupes. Zoom Zoom

pjd58 · August 2002

I like the look of the spoiler, the Wife doesn't, so no spoiler on HER MPV:( It's ok, I have a rear spoiler on my Protege. Wait till your siblings have kids........those coupes will be long gone.

Glad you enjoy the van, you waited a very loooooooooong time.

Pjd58

subearu · August 2002

can you get a picture of the beige/black interior for us? I have yet to see what it looks like.

The white would have been our second choice if we didn't find our Midnight Blue Mica ES.

-Brian

javadoc · August 2002

You saw right thru me, lol! You forgot "...And his dog Spot!!!" My rugrats sing his jingle... "moosey cow, moosey cow, moosey cow!"

audia8q · August 2002

Too bad your not closer to connecticut...We have a midnight blue ES due on 8/12

It's the last 2002 we will get for the year.

Rich

tboner1965 · August 2002

why didn't you just tell him you were only going to make one payment 8^)

TB

stever · August 2002

lol, that didn't occur to me. I don't think I could have stomached an actual negotiation there. Cal's was (is?) the ultimate stereotypical car dealer. But his TV ads were fun, and he's still going strong at ~80 I guess, so more power to him.

Steve
Host
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pierac · August 2002

I just took 3 Pictures that show the front compartment pretty well. However, I don't have a clue how to post them. If someone knows how please e-mail me and I will e-mail you the pictures to post.

stever · August 2002

Pic posting info is in the Town Hall help linked on the left sidebar. But you'll need a place to "host" them for linking purposes - your homepage or one of the photo album hosting places.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

bob_maria · August 2002

asa0526,

Thank you very much.
For the ignorance kind like me, can you share what else did you have to pay/how much to get the
final out-the-door price for the car?
i.e sale tax, goverment fee, docs fee, emission
fee, advertise fee, tire disposal fees .etc..

thanks,
bob

#4047 of 4091 Price of MPV 02 - LX in Bay Area, CA by asa0526 Aug 08, 2002 (03:52 pm)
Bob_Maria,

I bought an MPV 02 - LX with rear a/c, rear step, floor mats - just last July. Price for me was $21,569 + 895 (for the extra mentioned options) = $ 22,464.00. Then they gave me the $2000 rebate and $ 500.00 (recent grad discount).
I visited the dealer in Fremont - hated the salesman - too pushy and insulting.
I bought from the Menlo Mazda dealer. Try Putnam too.

Hope this helps. BTW - go there prepared. Don't buy the crap about a price increase etc...
Three dealers have specials on the LX - but usually bare options - only floormats - $ 17,890.00 or $ 17,980...
Good Luck !

wantampv · August 2002

Hey guys and girls. I bought our MPV this morning! We got a Black Mica/Beige LX with floor mats, wheel locks, rear ac, and bumper plate for about $400 under invoice. 0% for 48 months starting on Jan 1st! I love that last part. I want thank everyone for their help. It is always great to peek in and hear what Javadoc,audi8q and others have to say. I have been reading this forum for 5 months now while we tried to make up our minds. What a great resource this is!!! Changing subjects, what should I pay for mudguards? I got them to throw in the step plate for the back but they would not come off the mud guards! Is the step plate easy to put on yourself? Thanks in advance for the answers!

subearu · August 2002

Here's Paul's beige/black interior pics!

http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?UV=807731971735_22328313503&US=0&collid=10148313503

-Brian

hoopofficial · August 2002

I just purchased the Mudguards today. All four cost me $50.20 + tax. I also bought the front bug deflector $60. Everything was very simple to install and came from a local dealer. Everthing looks great and were well worth the $110.

pjd58 · August 2002

Congrats, hope you enjoy your new ride. Many happy, safe miles.

Rear step is very easy to install. Clean the bumper with alcohol or Goo Gone, remove adhesive strips, line up the step plate and press. IMO, the step plate is essential. I kinda like how DC's step plates are built into the rear bumper, wish Mazda would do the same.

Pjd58

mefoghorn · August 2002

Only $42 at mazdastuff.com for all four. They don't yet list the new cargo shelf that Rich is talking about. Anyone know where any pictures or web prices are located?

javadoc · August 2002

What color is the top of the dash there? I looked at the pics at high res and I could probably live w/the carbon-fiber, it looks nicely done... I'm still partial to the 'plood' though. ;-)

Thank you for posting the pictures!

subearu · August 2002

I think the dash is black, the rest is beige. And all of the plood surfaces are in carbon fiber trim (kind of a black w/grey color). I wasn't sure if they did the seats in beige/black - as you can see, the rest of the interior is beige. So, it affects the trim on the doors, the top of the dash, and the plood areas. Thanks again Paul!

My dw saw the pictures and actually prefers the plood. But, I don't think she'd bash her grey interior w/plood MPV, so I doubt she'd ever say anything negative about it. ;-)

-Brian

pierac · August 2002

It took me a while to adjust to the trim. I have had 'plood' in my mind for a year and a half. The sales man said he could change it to 'plood' since it was an accessory. We chose to keep it the way it was. It does go great with the white van.
First full up to day. 17.8 miles/gal. Mixed city/hwy. Mostly city.

basurf · August 2002

We found wetsuite type seat covers for the van they are a bit expensive at around $700 for the set but they are very nice. I will take some pics when we get them.

Van had a sulfur attack yesterday and the smell was VERY strong...must be a bad batch of gas.

Anyone have any comments on why the Mazda MPV is at the top of the below list. Do you think it is because of the sulfur smell?

http://lemonlaw.com/lemonlist.html

javadoc · August 2002

Basurf, I think it it because they are also using the 1989-1998 model MPV, which wasn't as reliable as the current version. If you do a search of 2000-2002 MPVs, you'll find that there are a very few number of complaints. I might add that lemonlaw.com is a commercial site and is there to make money, not necessarily inform the public accurately per se, and I take this 'study' with a pillar of salt. There are far more complaints for other makes of vans than the current version of the MPV, so I'd chalk this dubious honor up to Mazda keeping with the original MPV nameplate and nothing more.

Mazda MPV

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