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Mazda MPV

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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I killed my mv jack last week (don't ask - klutz at work). I stuck my "bottle" jack in the van, but with a 3" lift I need one block under it to raise the front and 2 to get the rear wheel off the ground.

    Guess I'll hit Harbor Freight for a bigger El Cheapo hydraulic jack, since I'm due for my annual flat tire any day now.

    Steve
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  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    You gotta figure that a scissor jack costs them a couple bucks a piece and won't leak when the seals go bad. A bottle jack is probably closer to $10 and weighs alot more.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    no fancy jack because you should use the roadside assistance...haha let them bring the fancy jack
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    You both are cards... and should be dealt with. ;)

    No jack then, b/c you should use roadside assistance. Saves ya a buck or two, that you could use on long distance while you wait for the tire guy. LOL!
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    long distance??? isnt it like 3 cents a minute to call japan? haha
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    What's the problem? They only go flat on one side....
    :))
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    I have a 2001 with the incredibly powerful and silky smooth 2.5 liter engine. Whenever I open the hood to check on something it is amazaing how tight it is in there,not much room for working. How did Mazda fit a larger engine in the 2002, by stretching the engine compartment? Is the engine outside the hood,or perhaps extended into the passenger compartment?
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    How has anyone done on trading in a 2001 MPV? Do the prices seem fair? I have considered trading in,but not if it is a financially poor decision.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I don't think the external dimensions are any different. I'm sure TBoner has looked into the one though.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    External dimensions are identical, or virtually so, b/w the two motors. They put a 4cyl (longer) motor in the MPV in other markets, so there must be room to spare, right?
  • swiftturtleswiftturtle Member Posts: 1
    Why is it that Edmunds has the 2002 and 2003 MPV listed has having 4 wheel independent suspention?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    for the same reason that some reviewers have 4 wheel disc brakes on their MPVs. I think they have a form letter that they modify for each review. If they miss a field, oh well.

    :-)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If we have something wrong, please send in a Feedback Form. Sometimes the wrong stuff gets corrected :-)



    Steve

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  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Hey, I wouldn't scoff at 4wheel inde-suspension or disk brakes.

    I sometimes wonder what they're 'using' though. There's nothing like an accurate journalist...nothing.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, another oxymoron for the collection?

    Escape owners often complain that we have the ground clearance wrong. But we get the specs direct from Ford (Ford lists the same clearance for all flavors, so there's no difference between models with 15" wheels vs 16" wheels, etc.).

    What can I say - don't believe everything you read....

    Steve
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  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    they'll have AWD checked off ;-)
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    I can only hope... and hope their right...
  • bean3422bean3422 Member Posts: 183
    http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_goodies_await_mazda/index.htm


    Looks like the MPV may be outfitted with AWD...

  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    ... so much so that I can hear him drooling all the way down here :)
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    It's still wet down here....
  • helltoupeehelltoupee Member Posts: 1
    I am at a COMPLETE loss to understand why this van doesn't rate higher in the reviews. Before I bought, I read edmunds' minivan comparison from a few years back and found their main complaints about the MPV to be the underpowered engine, lack of ultimate cargo space, and safety ratings. On the 2002 model, all of these gripes are either dealt with or (to me) irrelevant.

    First, the comparisons to Odyssey, etc, seem to be based upon the criterion that a van should be measured by how big it is, and therefore how much stuff you can carry in it. Frankly, I don't NEED to haul around the entire Oakland A's team, nor enough railroad ties to lay new track to Sacramento. I have a 20 month old daughter and one on the way in December. I started looking at vans when I realized that in a station wagon with two permanently installed car seats, there STILL wouldn't be any room for anyone else - grandparents, etc, should we want to take them along. So we turned to minivans, but NOT as a way to find the biggest one we could. Frankly, the times we WILL be taking more than just our family of 4 will be few, so we'll leave the 3rd seat stowed - allowing for a LOT more cargo space. But the smaller footprint of the MPV compared to the Odyssey, Sienna, Town & Country, etc, means better handling, smaller feel, etc - all the things the edmunds reviewers said they DID like. I actually consider the smaller size a PLUS, not a minus.

    Second, I can report that the new engine is MORE than adequate. It's not a Ferrari, but then, I wasn't expecting one. My only hesitation was that it's a Ford engine. I've owned Hondas, and they deserve their bulletproof reputation, repair-wise. But I remember a string of woefully unreliable Detroit vehicles in the '70s that my dad bought. However, the repair records I could find on this engine were encouraging, and the power is great - smooth, good acceleration and torque.

    Finally, the safety ratings. Yeah, that was one of the big selling points of the Honda at the time (and detractions of the MPV). Well, guess what? The 2002 scored 5 stars across the board, just like the Honda. Whaddaya know? The '02 also has the Traction Control the editors lamented not having in the 1999 model, and the MPV is STILL the only mini with those fabulous roll-down rear windows. And it cost me about 5,000 less than the Honda would have for comparable trim.

    We got the ES, with leather, All-Weather package (indispensable, IMO, with the rear heater and rear HVAC controls), moonroof, and 6 CD changer. I couldn't ask for anything more, truly (except perhaps to win tonights $82M lottery, in which case, I will sell this van for $1 to the first person who asks!). Anyway, all-in-all, a GREAT van.
  • mcadrechamcadrecha Member Posts: 46
    Helltoupee, I couldn't agree with you more. Our 02 Shimmering Sand LX is a great car. The engine is smooth, the mileage is improving as we drive the car more (we have 8000 miles now), and it is comfortable to drive long distances.

    Last weekend, I got 26.2 MPG. Pretty good for a big car. And I like it when I can accelerate up the hill on the 92 between Half Moon Bay and Foster City. That is quite a feet for a fully loaded minivan. SF Bay is a hilly place so the power comes in handy here.

    We love our MPV and couldn't be happier with our choice.

    MEC
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Congratulations on you new MPV! I must agree with everything in your review. We are closing in on our first week with our Emerald Mica LX and we are madly in love with it!

    Regards,
    Mark. : )
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Thanks, but I saw it already. A pal dropped it in my lap, so to speak, yesterday. Yes, I'm drooling... esp. b/c Mazda alludes to bringing the AWD MPV over. I will keep my fingers crossed.

    Steve, what should I buy with my $1500 and change?
  • jimmydelrayjimmydelray Member Posts: 38
    Just traded my 02 Explorer for the Baby Blue MVP ES. I am pleasantly surprised at the get up and go as well as the fit and finish. The interior materials are superior to the Explorer. I also used the "S" plan and the dealer also gave me $1500.00 more for my trade than any one else!!!! To my surprise I brought the van back in to be checked and asked for some mud flaps and a dash cover. When I received the bill it was $-0-. The dealer picked up the cost!!! I trade every year or so and this is the first time the dealer has thrown something in after the papers have been signed. Thank you City Place Mazda and the General Manager....Back to the van. What a wonderful machine. Not one rattle and very little wind noise. I may even keep this puppy more than a year or two!!!!!

    Jimmy Drew
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Java, lump it in with your kids' checks and take a month off in Mazatlan - starting, say, December 20th or so. You can live without car stuff :-)

    Helltoupee, I don't remember seeing you around before (and I'd prolly remember your user name!), so welcome to Town Hall. I have a "short" Quest myself (the MPV wasn't around in late '98 except as a pseudo-SUV).

    Anyway, I was parked next to a Ford Focus wagon today and started thinking that what I'd like is an even shorter van (tall wagon?) made to carry 5. Make the second row bench a magic seat and leave the back empty. Keep it wide enough for a 4 foot piece of plywood - I don't care if a few feet stick out. I don't need the kid capacity like you do. (Hey, if you can dream about the lottery, I can dream about a van that'll never hit North America ).

    Congrats to all the new owners!

    Steve
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  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    What are you paying for the recent MPV purchases?
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Steve, think of a Pro5... not a sucky Focus. Heheheh. Take a month off of what?

    On topic... My local dealership has just recieved a number of 2003 models, and about 2/3 of them have GFX. I'm surprised they got them this fast. The white looks very very nice, esp w/beige leather in the ES.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Heh, you must have pre-winter amnesia. I hate to remind you, but it's going to be cold and dark come late December (but not down in MX). A month'll do you good. Heck, take two months and drive down! The new Krispy Kreme will be open in Boise by the time you drive back north, and you'll be able to hit Whitehorse just on the sugar buzz :-)

    Looks like the Alaskan politicos got the lockout lifted early just so you could enjoy seeing the new MPVs at the dealer.

    Steve
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    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    I agree with the comments on the MPV being a very good van. We have an 01 with 25k on it. No problems,versatile,rides great. One area which should be better is the mileage. When I spoke with my neighbor after getting the van(they have a Sienna),they said that I must get good mileage since it is a smaller vehicle. Wrong! Go figure, smaller engine, lighter vehicle, same mileage. As the smallest mini van out there,Mazda should be able to tweak more miles out of the engine. Of course, this is a problem all the Mfg's need to address. There is no reason vans can't be more fuel efficient. How about a hybrid?
  • hokiedadhokiedad Member Posts: 2
    I've been impressed with what I've read about the new MPV. However, one of the expected uses of an MPV would be long trips. I'm six foot three and have found my Avalon seats too short to offer proper thigh support on long drives. I'd appreciate any input from the taller drivers about their experience with the MPV seats.

    On a second point, I assume the MPV and the Tribute use the same engine. The Tribute/Escape chatrooms are full of complaints about engine stalling and gas leak/gas odor problems. None of these problems seem to come up on the MPV sites. Any idea why the MPV doesn't seem to be prone to engine problems?

    Thanks in advance.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    MPV vs Tribute...it's all about engine management - parts sources and design. The engine itself seems to be fine in both vehicles. There were some issues that came up early in the tribute's life about the intake gasket leaking causing a fuel odor but they have ;long since been resolved. The real talk here on the Edmunds Tribute board relates to stalling which is only related to the engine management: Idle control valve, PCM electromagnetic interruption, heavy key chains :-), PCM logic, etc.
  • cheapdadcheapdad Member Posts: 5
    I find the MPV very comfortable for long trips. Being 6'2" myself, I was never able to get comfortable in my '99 Accord. It always seemed to hurt my back on long trips. Part of this was the confined feeling I got from my right leg always being planted in the side of the center console. The MPV (like many other mini-vans but not SUVs) allows lateral leg movement because there is no center console (nothing actually if you don't pull out the cupholders). It's one of the main reasons I chose a mini-van over an SUV. People have said that the MPV's front seats are a little short (in comparison with the Odyssey) but I haven't noticed any support issues on a couple of 6 hour (one way) trips and love the fact that I can move my legs from side to side if I want (unlike in my Accord).
  • caw103caw103 Member Posts: 63
    The seats are pretty confortable for me on short trips, but on long trips I think the lack of lumbar support will get to me. I say think because we haven't had our MPV long enough to go for more than an hour drive.

    Also for height, the driver's seat is adjustable up and down which helps.
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    At 6' I find the legroom on the driver's side fine. The seats are comfortable on long trips. The front passenger side though is another story. Here I could use a bit more legroom,or perhaps knee room. The dash seems to intrude more on that side. In fact, the MPV has the largest dash of any vehicle I have driven in.
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    Being only 5'6, I cannot vouch for taller people comfort. However, I have driven our 02 MPV for extremely long streches without noticeable discomfort. It actually surprised me at first, but now I just relish it.
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    We will be venturing up into our friendly neighbor Canada this weekend in our one week old 02 LX. It should be approximately 4 hours each way. I'll report on our impressions.

    Mark.
  • mikecomikeco Member Posts: 17
    I reported this 2 weeks ago. It was a comfortable ride. Last year I did a shorter trip with my 92 Honda Accord and it gave me a back pain lasted 2 months. This time, I felt only a little tired and recoverred in a few days, no pain at all.

    One question I also posted last time - does anybody know how much gas you can actully put in the gas tank with auto-stop fuel pump? I almost ran out of gas on that trip in Utah. I added 17.8gal after that.
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Rutger, the 01 and 02 mpg are different. The '02 3.0 engine with the 5 speed is more efficient than the 01, partly because the torque curve is excellent. I remember the two big criticisms Consumer Reports had on the '01 were that the 2.5 is noisy and thirsty. I can tell you honestly that I would have bought an Ody if Mazda hadn't come in with the new drivetrain and higher mileage.

    I am 6'3 and I manage ok in the MPV seat. I tried both the manual and the power seat and found that the power seat allowed up and down adjustment which helps with the lumbar situation on longer trips.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    It's been month's since I last posted here. Due to job 'transitioning' I put off my purchase of an MPV or DC.
    Seems that new problems have surfaced in recent months on the MPV...the flashing OD light? If it truly is a shifter location problem, will the 03's have this fixed? I still am comparing a DC shorty SPORT to an ES MPV. I like the leather and other options on the MPV that make it look sporty. Has anyone else done the road test comparison between DC's and MPV's and if so, what have you come up with?
    I've seen the ES on lot's (02's) for a discount price of $24,700. Is this a good price for a year old (new) MPV?
    Also: do they make ES's without a moonroof? I know it's nice and big and neat, but I live in MN. and would have it open about 10 days a year....giving up that overhead console is a concern too. Seems the ES's on the lots here all have that nice big moonroof minus the storage area overhead....thoughts on this option and losing the storage area...?
    Finally, I want to have a temp/compass display in my new van. DC's have it in the SPORT model....does the MPV ES come with it...or is that a mirror addition deal?
    Ok, too many questions, but if someone can touch on a couple that would help.

    Thanks.
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    The flashing o/d sign is absolutely nothing to worry about. It happens if you do not place the shifter correctly in the D position. Note that the little light flashing is the only consequence for your "faux-pas". It'll happen to you once or twice and that's about it, by then you'll be used to the shifter. I am willing to bet that a lot of DC owners you love to have this to report as their main problem.
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Now how about those Acura's, Accords, and Ody's who's vehicles downshift on a level road at part throttle to 2nd gear from 80mph, or just plain disintegrate at 50,000 miles?

    That will get your attention. Honda increases the transmission warranty to 7/100,000 yet it's like who cares, it's a Honda.

    Seems sad to me. The MPV is a truly great vehicle.

    Mark.
  • calden3calden3 Member Posts: 11
    Hey Hokiedad:

    I'm 6', 205 lbs., and like to have some freedom with movement when driving. When test-driving the MPV I found that it was JUST big enough for my frame and thus seemed to be a good car to get as a compromise family car (My wife wouldn't stand getting anything bigger like an SUV, and I didn't want that either.)

    We've had the MPV for a little over two weeks now, and I am still trying to find a comfortable position for the driver's seat with my back! By using some pieces of high density foam I have managed to pad the lumbar area and the seat a bit and gotten some comfort, but this seems to change each time I drive. I'm hopeful that I will stumble on a solution that lets me drive without thinking about it the seat position at all.

    My opinion? THis is a great car for lots of reasons, but I regret buying it. One of the primary reasons for us getting a new vehicle was so I would be able to drive long periods comfortably, which I was unable to do in my 85 Toyota. So, after all the time spent in research, test-drives, talking to dealers, etc. etc., here I am with a nice new car that's perfect in all but one very important aspect.

    If I were you I would see if I could borrow it overnight and go out for an hour if they'll let you. If you get any hint of discomfort, then go on to something bigger and with firmer seats.

    Carlos
  • danandkatdanandkat Member Posts: 67
    (1) Got back this morning from a 900 mile / 20 hour day with a four hour break in it. I'm 5'8" and about 150 pounds. Are the seats comfortable? Driver seat (dan)--I'm ready to go again. Passenger seat (kat--who already has back problems)--the seats are not great, but they are not awful either. Sitting on a towel to raise the hips seemed to help.

    (2) I wasn't trying to run the tank low, but I did manage to put in just over 19 gallons at one point on our trip. The tank is rated at 18+ gallons ('01 LX). I do fill the tank until it will take no more. So either the capacity is at least 19 gallons, or I ran into an inaccurate pump.

    (3) Our MPV seems to be bothered by high speeds and headwinds. We were bucking a lot of headwinds the last two weeks. Best mileage on this trip was a stretch at just over 23, worst was a stretch just under 17. Carrier was on top of van. With no carrier on top, and more cooperative winds, we can do better than 17-23.

    dan
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Welcome back Dan! You've been missed. I'm glad you guys all had fun driving the 'west.'

    /j
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Spent the holiday weekend in Toronto with our 02 LX.

    1) No problems with the seats. I'm 6"1 240lbs. I do feel better with the front of the seat raised to allow my legs to stretch out as far as possible. Love the visibility out the windows.

    2) The cruise control can be unnerving at times. My previous van (97 Quest) would never downshift like this one does. We were on one elevation where it downshifted and hit 5,200 RPM for a split second. I grabbed the wheel firmly and turned the cruise off for a second. Other than this one elevation it held speed well on other terrain.

    3) Do we love the roll down windows on the sliding doors or what? Really helped at customs. They could see the kids in the back without sticking their heads in my van. I must admit one adolescent romp I had in line waiting to get back into the US on the Peace Bridge. There was a period in line where we had two Ody's next to us in line. I must have put the kids sliding door windows up and down 5 or 6 times while they looked. I know it was wrong to rub salt in their wounds, but their expressions said it all.

    4) We averaged 21mpg with the A/C on 30% of the time at 70mph. The van only has 900 miles on it, so this should improve. Outstanding in lane change maneuvers, and passing situations. Very smooth, very easy to park.

    5) Survived 3 nights in hotel parking lots with no dings!

    Mark.
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    During the first weeks of owning our 02 LX, I was also suspicious of the seats. Several long trips later, I am a believer. However I am smaller than you and we have the luxury package. Which version did you get?
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I have come down to pricing out ES models now.
    A local dealer has a silver 02 on the lot with moonroof and fog lights. Looks nice. I thought I could deal on it over an 03 to help them turn old inventory (it was invoiced 8/15 and delivered 9/15) but they seem content on giving me their 'best price' deal, which compared to an 03 is not much different at all -$300 or so.
    02-Out the door price is $29,150 (with lic, tax, $1690 ext.warr and hitch)
    03-Out the door price is $29,460 - same inclusions.
    Any comments on what direction anyone would go? 02 or search out same vehicle as 03?

    Secondly; extended warranties. A local dealer has their version whereby they give you cash back if you don't use the warranty (This is thru Travelers) It is zero deductable AT THIS DEALER ONLY and $100 at any other place...it's NOT the Mazda extended warranty (Cost=$1690 for 100K miles and 6 years) Another dealer has the 'Mazda' extended warr.; same period//miles for $1950 = 0 deductable and use at ANY Mazda dealer...which would you go with? Remember, you don't get the $1950 back if you don't use the warr....fat chance that would happen anyway..at least in my experience.
    Thanks for any comments on these two issues.
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    prlamz,
    Our 02 LX is Emerald Mica. It has the following: 4-Seasons Pkg, Luxury Pkg, Roof Rack, Bumper Step, Fog Lights, Mud Guards, Cargo net.

    tccmn1,
    Does the out the door pricing on the 02 include the $2000 cash back on the 02's? In my area there is no competition for my Mazda dealer. It took three tries before I got a fair deal on my 02. The 02's were just as hot as the 03's in my area in September.

    Mark.
  • calden3calden3 Member Posts: 11
    IN response to your question: We did not get the luxury package, just the plain cloth seats. In test driving the LX and ES models, I thought I detected a bit more support in the leather seats, but the salesman said they had the same underpinnings for support, and only the stitching pattern was a little different. I am still trying some lumbar supports and just plain getting used to it. I did one trip of about an hour and felt alright, so I'm somewhat hopeful.

    The other features and handling of this car are really great. This is my first experience with Mazda, and many things impress me. I love the overall size of the MPV. It really is compact and easy to drive. We are coming from a VW camper van as our family-haul vehicle, so driving a new, small, quiet, automatic tranny vehicle is really astounding. However, the seats in the van are more comfortable!

    Carlos
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