Mazda MPV

mjvchicago · September 2003

Actually... my last car did that too. It was a Pontiac Grand Am, 93 model. Wondering if it's just a safety feature so that oncoming drivers are not super blinded by both fogs and hi-beams.

dinu01 · September 2003

My 2001 Protege ES does that too.

So I guess it's applicable to all cars then.

Dinu

jwtoto · September 2003

I am sure that the foglights don't have a filament for high beams. It wouldn't seem to be a "blinding the oncoming driver" issue since they are on with low beam operation anyway. When I am doing mountain driving in the dark I usually use high beams and that is when I'd like to use the foglights too. Any suggestions or should I take it to a dealer and claim it is malfunctioning.

bsvoller · September 2003

Factory fog lights only work with the low beams. As I understand it, some states have laws banning fog lights with high beams, and the OEM is designed to the lowest common denominator.

Our Subie works the same way, as does every other make I can think of...

It's in the owner's manual as well, as I recall.

-brianV

just4fun2 · September 2003

They call them fog lights because that's when they useful. When you use the high beams in the fog it only makes matters worse. Fog lights are mounted low to the ground to light up the road and not reflect the light through the fog.

Driving lights are different. They are used when you want to see further ahead on those really dark roads.

So fog lights are used with the low beam headlights to help you see the road ahead on foggy nights. To use your high beams in the fog or snow storm would actually hinder you in seeing the road.

That's they way they are suppose to work.

mazda_guy · September 2003

MPV ES purchased in 02/2002. Presently 24,500 miles on the odometer. Made
  two long trips. Florida - Canada 4,000 miles and Florida - Montana - Utah
  7,500 miles (driving 1st day 24 hours non stop for 1,700 miles). Overall MPV
  is outstanding. Excellent ride comfort and handling.



  The only thing worth the comment are Dunlop SP Sport 4000 A/S Size:215/60-17
  tires. These tires IMHO are excellent while new. Excellent grip and cornering
  stability on any surface rain or shine. Unfortunately with use those tires
  become very hydroplaning prone. I had to replace front tires (I do not perform
  tire rotation) at 17,000 miles due to hydroplaning problem despite the fact
  that there was still enough tread remaining.



  Maintenance and repairs during first two years and 24,000 miles:

  mazda guy
  Related photos

jpspeno · September 2003

Looks like I found my MPV. Dealer offered invoice over the phone. My s-plan price will save me a total of $20. :-) Going to take the family over tomorrow and make our final pick. If he's starting at invoice, I wonder if he's willing to go lower?

javadoc · September 2003

... the rebates! Or financing if that's your bag.

Good luck!

jpspeno · September 2003

I'm going for the 0% financing!

jpspeno · September 2003

Got my sunlight silver MPV ES this afternoon for $50 below invoice. Options are 4-season, pwr sliding doors, pwr moonroof, and roof rack. Wanted fog lights, but I'll just do them myself later.

Can't say enough good things about Faulkner Mazda in Philadelphia. The entire experience was wonderful. Thanks for all the help to the folks here as well.

youdirtyrat · September 2003

I live in Arizona was quoted $27,203.29 total
out the door. Checked on Edmund's found their
pricing much less. Dealership told me $27,203.29 was $300 over invoice. I think it is to high any suggestions would be helpful. Is that to high or about right.

javadoc · September 2003

FWIW, Edmunds pricing is usually very accurate. Your out-the-door price could easily be 2000 below invoice given incentives.

youdirtyrat · September 2003

I'm new at this first new car purchase. I'm going to check some more dealers. Thanks again.

stever · September 2003

You need a 10 step program!

link

Lots of other info in our Tips and Advice section too.

And Java will have some more advice I'm sure, just as soon as he finishes shoveling the white stuff out of his driveway <snicker>.

Steve, Host

javadoc · September 2003

Stick to the driveway... and before I could even take a photo of the 2" or so on my car... it too melted. Who cares... I'm outa town (but not off the net...) all week. Trying to decide if I should throw the snow tires on the MPV before I go... just in case.

Youdirtyrat, I can't imagine any dealer not being willing to deal heavily on remaining 2003 MPVs... they'll have 2004s on their lots pretty soon, and nobody wants last years stock sitting around. Then, they'd look like a GM dealership. ;-)

lazyfox · September 2003

But than again, the 03 models might increase in value if you like the shorter nose. LOL

owr084 · September 2003

It is a Department of Transportation regulation that the foglights can only be with the low beams. They must be turned off whne the high beams are on.

Now, if only the fog lights were tied to a rain/fog sensor to keep the @#$#@ morons from using them in clear weather conditions...

steveeast · September 2003

The owner's manual suggests unscrewing the antenna before going through a car wash. Does anyone actually bother to do that? Of course, the manual also suggests stowing the antenna when you park the car, so it's obviously at least a touch paranoid.

Thanks,
Steve.

nwng · September 2003

hello MPV owners

for MPV's without the rear heat option, there is not even a little slot under the front seats to blow heat to the rear? (like in most cars) Or the rear heat is only a seperate control for heating fan settings in the back.

trying to weasle into a sv model instead of an lx

thanks

jwtoto · September 2003

What brands and viscosities of motor oil do you folks use in your MPV's? I only have 7500 miles on mine and I have only had the dealership change oil so far. Believe it or not, the mechanic that did the job said that he didn't know what kind of oil he was putting into it, only that it came from a barrel labeled MPV. The filler cap on the engine says 20/50 weight oil. I have heard that 10/40 is fine. I live in a mild climate and never get into freezing conditions or super hot stuff. conditions.

Sylvia · September 2003

Hello everyone...I'm happy to say that we can once again have a weekly Mazda chat (for those of you who remember!)

The chat will be for all Mazda owners. We are talking with the folks at Mazda to see if we can entice a few of the Brand Managers to stop in every once in a while and participate (no promises, but we are working on it!)

I'm trying to find out from the various Mazda vehicle owners the following:

1) what night of the week would work best?
2) what time? (please give the timezone)
3) what would you like the chat to be called? (e.g. the Subaru chat is the "Subaru Crew" chat)

We hope to have the Mazda weekly chat going by mid-October.

I'll check the discussions I post this announcement in - but to not distract you with scheduling details, feel free to email me your choices at sylvia@edmunds.com

I'm happy this weekly event will be back.

once_for_all · September 2003

I use Mobil 1 5W30 in our '02 MPV. The cap on the 3.0 Duratec says 0W20, which seemed too light. The 5W30 makes for quieter lifters on startup.

John

subearu · September 2003

For one, don't make the Mazda chat on the same night and time as the Subaru Crew chat ;-)

My vote: Tuesday, 8pm Central time

-Brian

stever · September 2003

Aw, come'on Brian. You can have two browser windows open and chat in both at the same time.

;-)

Steve, Host

subearu · September 2003

I mis-typed your name in my previous post

-Brian

lsinc · September 2003

I am all for the Mazda chat. Tuesdays are good 9:30 or 10:00 Central Time is best for me.

Leslie

wheelz4 · September 2003

Well, just as we've come to the conclusion (with the realization that we need a multi-passenger vehicle next time out) that the MPV is the only game in town, what does
Mazda do but go and screw up the styling of what is/was, arguably, the best-looking minivan out there (especially with the 17" wheels). While I'll reserve judgement until I see the NA spec version, the facelift shown at the Frankfurt show makes what was an edgy, contemporary-looking van look stodgy and old-fashioned. I expected the freshening (new bumpers/grill/rocker panels etc.)
to look even bolder, with sleeker headlights (a la Mazda6, Mazda3 etc.), not the other way around.
As we won't be buying until the summer of 2005 at the earliest, however, perhaps, by then, there'll be a new MPV on the horizon or, ideally, the Mazda4 for those who like their people-movers small & sporty(us), and a larger MPV for those who like their minivans "supersized".

kentwong · September 2003

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3131800.stm

bob57 · September 2003

Ford beat out Honda, Toyota?
So, there's only two Fords in the UK because the rest drove into the Thames?

Blimey!

audia8q · September 2003

We had a guy come in today and he was looking at the MPV, he seemed up to speed on the features, engine etc......spends some time with the salesperson, goes on a test drive.

He likes it and we work out the numbers...everything looks good and he agrees to buy the van. The salesperson tells him everything will be ready in a few hours and come back then... He comes back to take delivery and tells the salesperson he was going to take the van to have a snow plow put on the van.....he plans on plowing his driveway with his van...

The very puzzled salesperson thanks him and tells him to enjoy his new snow plow.

lumbar · September 2003

Edmunds' discussion of the 04 has been posted. Not sure if it varies from the 03 coverage to any great extent other than to imply that the new generation of minis are creating competitive issues.

There are still no 04 pics, and the "cover" picture that still appears with the 04 discussion is labeled as an 03 in the "photo" section, something that somebody here already pointed out. Go figure.

dinu01 · September 2003

That's a funny one. Yeah I guess you can use it for that too

Dinu

stever · September 2003

"We are currently using model year 2003 photos to represent the model year 2004 variant. Often time Manufacturers do not supply new photography for a new model year unless the vehicle has undergone dramatic platform, exterior or interior styling changes.

We opt to carry the photos over with the real model year in our captions. In this case, if photographing the 2004 Mazda MPV is feasible for our in-house photographer, then well replace the 2003 photographs with 2004s."

I'm not sure I understand it either - here's that Feedback Form again.

Steve, Host

javadoc · September 2003

I'd love to see Edmunds have a Mazda-brand chat... maybe it'll morph into trivia. ;-)

My votes are:

1. What Day... Any week day
2. What Time... ?-6pm Pacific are perfect for me
3. What to Call It... Mazda Mania Chat

I was thinking 'Mazda Monster Garage' but then we'd just seem like crazy people, and I know that only a couple of us truly fit that category.

Thank you, Sylvia, and anyone else involved, for the Mazda chat opportunity!!!

mjvchicago · September 2003

MPV Owners - I was at my friendly neighborhood Mazda dealer getting an oil change on my 6 when I got the change to play with the MPV they had in the showroom. I'm a big fan, and it's in the number one slot to replace my wife's car when it goes (which may be sooner rather than later). But when I opened the front driver's side door, I noticed the door handle seemed to be loose... actually, it was more like the door handle and door handle assembly. It seemed like it was held in place by some kind of spongy surrounding material. I thouhgt it was a fluke, but found the same behavior on the passenger door, as well as on other MPVs on the lot. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if it is a potential problem item down the line. Would love your input. Thanks.

lazyfox · September 2003

Well it perhaps melted on the sun. No seriously, it had to been some defect or the dealer was taking it apart or they didn't attached it properly. The handles on the MPV are as on any other car, no softness.

lawlee · September 2003

(Scarborough, ON): The Mazda MPV sets itself apart in the minivan market with its convenient, easy-to-get-about, package and fun to drive characteristics. This year the MPV receives a facelift featuring redesigned headlights, front and rear facias as well as body colour coordinated door handles, moldings and garnishes.

At the heart of the MPVs performance is an aluminum alloy, 3.0 litre, V6 engine. Peak horsepower is 200 @ 6200 rpm while maximum torque is rated at 200 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. Standard on every MPV is a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with slope control, a system that minimizes gear shifts when driving on hilly roads. The MPV has exceptional handling performance for a minivan. This is accomplished through careful tuning of the steering ratios and by reducing body lean through the use of innovative front springs developed for the MacPherson strut, independent front suspension as well as through the use of a rear stabilizer bar.

On the GX trim, brakes are ventilated discs in the front and power-assisted drums in the rear. Fifteen-inch steel wheels are standard, which can be upgraded to alloys when the Convenience Package is ordered. Other convenient features include steering wheel mounted audio controls; air conditioning; dual sliding doors; 2nd row seats that slide apart to allow either bench or individual captain chair positions and a spring-assisted third row seat that folds into the cargo area to allow a flat floor from tail gate to just behind the front row seats. The optional Convenience Package adds power door locks, power windows and heated power door mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, overhead console, towing package and privacy glass.

Additional features on the mid-grade GS include 16-inch alloy wheels with four-wheel disc brakes and ABS and electronic brake force distribution. Keyless entry is standard and the second row seats slide fore and aft in addition to sideways. Two option packages are available. The GFX package adds a sporty appearance with front and rear airdam, side skirts, large exhaust garnish and fog lights. The Sports package boosts performance with 17-inch alloy wheels and larger tires, traction control. Also included is an upgrade audio system that incorporates a 6-disc CD changer and 9 speakers, rear air conditioning and side air bags.

The top-of-the-line GT incorporates the GFX and Sport Packages from the GS grade and adds as standard equipment the power function to the sliding rear doors, 8-way power drivers seat and leather upholstery.

Among the numerous standard features on the 2004 Mazda MPV is a 3-year roadside assistance program. Customers can feel secure knowing that wherever they travel throughout North America should the need arise they can obtain towing, winching, battery boosting, emergency fuel delivery and tire changing services. They will even get help if locked out of their vehicle. Travel planning services and emergency travel reimbursement are included in the roadside assistance program.

The 2004 MPV is covered by a 3-year or 80,000 km vehicle warranty that covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear.

Additional warranties cover powertrain and safety restraint components for a period of 5 years or 100,000 km, body sheet metal perforation for 5 years unlimited kilometres and selected emission control components for 8 years or 128,000 km.

lsinc · September 2003

That's strange. The door handles on my MPV are like any other car. Not spongy.
Leslie

stever · September 2003

For those wondering, Lawlee's post is from a Mazda press release (link). I guess we'll soon be seeing that same language in upcoming auto articles around North American.

Steve, Host

pjgpt · September 2003

I have access to the S-Plan (below invoice pricing), has anyone been able to negotiate a better price than the S-Plan. Also, what has been the typical amount paid below invoice for people who have used the S-Plan.

Thanks

tomj5 · September 2003

Maybe mjvchicago is used to opening doors on Canadian/American junk where you have to put your foot on the side and yank your guts out... (snicker,,,,)

Tj

jpspeno · September 2003

I paid $50 below invoice for my new ES. With s-plan, it would have been $20 below invoice. Either way, it's a great deal.

scott31 · October 2003

I think the S-Plan price on our LX was about $100 below invoice.

lsinc · October 2003

I paid about $100 below dealer invoice for my '03 LX. The only things I didn't get were the larger wheels, leather, and the upgraded sound system. Other then those I got lots of bells and whistles.

Leslie

tccmn1 · October 2003

Not sure if THIS is the right thread for the new MPV......but I saw the front/side pic in the latest Consumer Digest of 2004 cars. The new MPV has a plastic color keyed grill cover instead of the black 'net' grill and the headlights are narrower and slanted like the 6. The side is a little more sculptured on the back fender and the rear tail lights are bulging on the sides around several round tail lights that protrude out more. Otherwise, the size is the same and the window line up looks the same.
I really don't like the front end as much as the 03's, but I do like the rear lights more....look even more sportier than before.

wheelz4 · October 2003

Perhaps we get a different look in N.A. as opposed to the version shown in Frankfurt. I sure hope so. Your description sounds promising, but it also sounds a bit like the GT version of the Mazda3 hatch (at least the front). Was the picture just of the grill & headlights, or of the whole van?

lazyfox · October 2003

Given the relatively low sales volume compared to other models, I doubt that Mazda would bother with different shape for the NA market. It would be unnecessary expensive for them to maintained two versions of the vehicle.

mbs7 · October 2003

Edmunds says the rebate on the 2003 MPV is now $2500 , but I haven't been able to confirm that anywhere else on the web. What's the story?

dpd2 · October 2003

It also shows $1500 or $500 and 2.9%/60 month financing on the 2004 models. You might be better off going with a 2004.

tccmn1 · October 2003

It was one of those side front shots that showed the front and side with the tip of the round bulge of tail lights showing. Looks the same from the window line up as the 03.
Suppose to have new 'bright trim' around the gauges and a spring operation for assisting the flip seat deal...and a new steering wheel. My guess is that they've refined the buttons on the steering wheel for the radio controls. Like they are on the mazda 6. More built into the wheel.

Mazda MPV

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