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That's not the point, although I have heard about A/C systems in other cars being prone to freeze-up and mold growth when left in recirc all the time. What I was trying to point out is that it could be hazardous to the systems of the people in the MPV running the A/C in recirc mode all the time, as fresh air isn't coming into the cabin then (or at least not much). I'm surprised there isn't some mention of that hazard in the owner's manual; I've seen it in other owner's manuals.
pugnose-Good luck on convincing your husband to get an MPV.
everyone-My favorite MPV color is the gold/metallic tan one. I forgot what it is called.
So I bought the MPV LX-SV with no options. Some will think that's a really weird decision, but at $18k after rebate, I couldn't resist. That was about $550 under invoice - obviously advertised as a "loss leader" by a high volume dealership. I couldn't get the smaller dealer that I really liked to come close to that price.
The purchase transaction was very smooth and quick - no pressure from the dealer to upgrade or buy warranties. I was pleasantly surprised! I got it in time to drive my daughter 50 miles to her soccer tournament, and absolutely loved everything about it - steering, pickup and the stereo especially! My daughter loved the back with the seats down, and the easy access from the second row. She's 12, so she needs an in-car dressing room
Now I will just need to add a few things, like floormats, rear bumper step guard, and possibly tint the windows. Does anyone have experience with tint products like SolarGard? Would you recommend it? The other thing the SV lacks is the side molding strip, and it does look a little naked without it. The dealer said they could order it for about $300, plus installation. Does anyone know of after-market alternatives?
Thanks!
Kathy
But our economical sides say we should keep looking at the MPV--and then yesterday we saw the JD Power report that showed reliability for Mazda in general to be below the industry average...
I'm wondering--what are people's experiences with Mazda problems with the MPV specifically? Is it by any chance any better than average reliability-wise? Our Camry V6 takes a lickin and keeps on tickin, as it were--not one problem at all in the two years we've had it (and it was 3 years used at that point).
Any thoughts on MPV reliability would be much appreciated--
tia
When I got rid of my Villager I had a lifter going on it. The people who had it before me had a new engine put in it at 20k miles. The brakes were replaced again when I bought it at 70k. I had to have new rear shocks put in at 70k. The van was never quiet and when the kids closed the slider it sounded very tinny.
My MPV now has 5k on it and I haven't had a single issue with it. In the past, after buying new cars, I always had "warranty" fix-ums. Not the MPV. The MPV is solid, runs great and is super fun to drive.
JD Powers seems to be the only one who rates the MPV low. I'm not sure why. I still feel that the size of the MPV is what drives some of the low ratings. If it's not big and they haven't sold over 1 million then how can it be good? Atleast that's how I see some folks opinions.
My neighbors have a '97 MPV with the dreaded 2.5 liter engine. They are extremely hard on cars. It runs like a champ. I'm also not downing the Quest as I really did like my Villager. What I didn't like was reading the overall safety ratings on the Quest. But not everyone holds much value in those ratings. I do so when it came down to buying a new van, I steered away from the Quest and looked at the 5 star rated vans. I also wanted the hide away third row seat. The MPV has that.
Good luck.
Leslie
libertycat - Sage green is a very light green.
Sage green is the color we'd want, actually--that or black. That sage green is beautiful, IMO.
I think re the earlier models of Quest, that the thing we've driven is just a different species altogether. It's not a remodel, it's basically a new design. I guess for reliability the most telling analogues would be the Altima or Max.
Well, back to try another MPV, then!
thanks
-Brian
The DVD system works great and the kids totally love it. I love my 6 CD super sound system. Had to get used to the number of times I have to press my keyless remote to open all the doors and get the power doors to work, but I think I've got it down now.
Leslie and Ace - I passed on most of your suggestions of things to see - all were a little further than I really planned on driving to (since I already drove about 85 miles each way to get to the hotel). We did go to the Lighthouse park which does has a pretty good beach. Yes, I can see what you mean about New Haven Harbor, Leslie, and I'm sure there are neicer beaches in West Haven - next time we will check those out.
Got to historic Yale field to see the Binghampton Mets trounce the New Haven Ravens in game 1 of a double header (had to leave before the second game).
Love my "PeeVee"
Zoom Zoom
FWIW, I only used the end cap wrench to get the old filter off. I hand tightened the new one, which was partially filled with M-1, btw.
-Brian
When I was researching which van to get I really liked the '03 Quest but again, the MPV one out and I still feel it is the better van at a comperable size.
The '04 Quest will be totally redesigned.
Leslie
Steve, Host
MB
MG
MB
Quest/Villager in '99. I did also forget that they didn't come out with an '03 Quest. I do know that they stopped making the Villager.
Leslie
Choppy? I don't think so.
I prefer these Dunlops to the BF Goodrich, 16" tires I had on the Caravan.
See, I can always find something to argue about. hehehehehehehehehehe! ;o )
Leslie
Back in the early 90's, large diameter wheels (16's and 17's) only came on corvettes and other performance cars where ride was secondary to performance. Those tires had super stiff and short sidewalls that would not flex at all. Now, 16's are practically the most common tire size available, they do come on mini vans after all. The new Dodge trucks come with 20 inch wheels from the factory. Its almost impossible to find a new car that comes with 12's or 13's which were very common just a few years ago. Compare the sidewall of a mid 90's econo car with 14's to the sidewall of your MPV with 17's. I bet the 17 inch sidewall is actually taller than the 14. I believe the overall tire and wheel diameters are getting larger. Also, all the tire companies are spending lots of money developing tires that provide a smoother ride while increasing performance as well. Most luxury car now come with big wheels and run flat tires. These tires have extremely stiff sidewalls but you don't hear anyone complaining about the stiff ride of their cadillac or lexus. Which brings me to the next point. The modern cars also have more responsive and forgiving suspension systems which transmit more useful information to the driver while filtering out unnecessary info. I'm not saying your MPV has the same suspension as a lexus, but it is certainly more advanced then the caravan of old.
I bet that there is practically no perceivable difference in ride between the 16's and 17's on the MPV's. The primary differences are probably appearance and cost with a very minor, if any, performance edge. The bigger wheels look better to those whole like the "performance" appearance but will also cost a little more to replace.
We all know what part of a baby is smooth.
bottgers – it almost sounds like you have to justify every aspect of your model selection. Be happy with your LX and the 16” wheels. I am quite happy with my ES and the 17’s.
“I bet that there is practically no perceivable difference in ride between the 16's and 17's on the MPV's. The primary differences are probably appearance and cost with a very minor, if any, performance edge. The bigger wheels look better to those whole like the "performance" appearance but will also cost a little more to replace.”
Well said, Moonpie.
The other problem with the increase in OEM tire size is the replacement expense. The come-on ads for new tires always look great until you realize they are promoting the 14 (or 13!) inch sizes with the low price banner. When you start talking about 17" tires, you're looking at real money.
And it's not unusual to hear about people dropping ten grand on a new set of 20" tires and wheels.
Steve, Host
I changed tires for about 6 years back in high school and college. I used to put some big, expensive wheel and tire packages on for the gangbangers around here. But now, if you shop around, you can pick-up sets of chrome 20's and tires for some common vehicles (Escalades, Expeditions, etc.) for as low as $2500.
But, now we're getting off topic. I can't imagine any of us bumpin' around town in a slammed MPV with 20's. Although, that might be pretty cool.
For those most interested in utility and cost, which is most likely the reason you're looking at a MPV in the first place, 17's will cost more to replace and you should be aware that the "$99.00 for four new tires" ad you see on the highway is not for you. Take a look at a Tire Rack or Discount Tire Co. ( or America's Tire Co.) ad to get an idea of what replacement cost will actually be.
Also, for those wondering about which brand to use as replacement tires and alternate sizes. Go talk to somebody at your local, nondenominational tire-shop like one's metioned above. Try to do it on a weekday morning or afternoon so they won't be too busy. If the person helping you doesn't seem too knowledgeable, asked to speak to the manager. These guys get paid big bucks for customer satisfaction and are very interested in getting your return business. They know alot about comparable tire sizes and all brands. They're not going to push you to use a particular brand like Firestone or Goodyear. They sell every brand and will try to get you the right tire for your needs. One last thing, buying tires from most of these companies is like buying a car, never pay sticker price. These companies can negotiate to some degree on price, but don't be too big of a jerk because you'll want them for service (flat repairs, rotations, balances, etc.) down the line.
You'll get multiple posts here too if you refresh after posting - it's a feature of our software. You have to click elsewhere on Edmunds and then come back to the discussion to avoid this bug. Thanks!
Steve, Host
You think talking about oil, wax, and tires is manutia? You got something better to talk about? I'm game.
dave_h2
Why would think I have a need to justify my choices? I didn't buy the more expensive ES model. I'm 110% happy with my choice.
As a matter of fact, I do believe I remember someone talking about doing water color paintings of their vans in scenic locations. Maybe we could talk about that.....oh wait, I think that was on the Ody board!
But seriously bottgers, you know what I mean, for the average novice loging-in for a little info regarding their new van, the conversations can become so specific that they can't decipher them. I'm just trying to be a voice of moderation, pointing out that alot of the available product are really great and will serve the average person very well. As long as you're not buying a bunch of off brand junk, and you do a fair amount of research, and you follow the manufacturers (not the guy at the dealer who's trying to sell you services) recommendations, you'll probably be fine.
Now bottgers, can't we kiss and make up?
So - after how many miles should I expect to replace my ultra-expensive 17" tires, anyway?
Steve, Host
I never rotate tires and I always ask my dealer not to do it on my car. Once, however, the dealer rotated Goodyear tires on my VW Passat anyways. The effect of that was that I ended up replacing all four tires prematurely because they became so noisy that I couldn't stand them anymore.
MB
Being that I've never used the film before, I don't know how well it will hold up, or how well it will protect. I do like the fact that unlike a bra, I never need to remove it, and it doesn't alter the factory look of the vehicle.
Steve, Host
Anyway, aside from her constantly mentioning that she wants an RX300/330, we're close to just pulling the trigger on an '03.
I'm trying to decide whether to sell or trade-in the 'ol Mochavan! And I just got vanity plates for it!
Steve, too bad you're not up here. I'm going to go slay some silvers on a charter on Sunday! My sister is restocking my freezer w/my favorite Star$ beans too (visiting from your area).
Could you suggest someone else to pick on? The Ody folks aren't fun anymore. I've already picked on the Venture folks. Thoughts? Suggestions? ;P
Leslie
Java, certainly you can call the new van Mochavan - just spill some freshly brewed Mocha-latte on the test drive in it! ;-)
-Brian
MB
MB