Mazda Tribute

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  • dberubedberube Member Posts: 2
    I have never posted a message on here before, so hello to all. I am thinking about purchasing a new 2002 Tribute ES/LX (I am not quite sure about the model yet). However, when I test drove it this past weekend, I noticed wind noise coming from the driver's side window. Has anyone else been experiencing this? If so, why would this be happening on a brand new vehicle? It makes me question the build of the car, which is unfortunate because I am very interested in it. I like everything else about it. Any thoughts? Am I crazy for letting this small problem bother me? Any advise is appreciated. :)
  • cpa222cpa222 Member Posts: 9
    My wife's 2002 Tribute ES has some wind noise coming from the front passenger's window. With no radio on and no conversation, you'll notice it. It only bothers us when we pay specific attention to it. Most vehicles have some wind noise. My mother's Lincoln Town Car has a good bit of wind noise as did my 2000 Honda Accord Ex. You can't get away from some sort of noise coming from any car, unless you are willing to spend a fortune on some luxury cars. Unless it sounds like a hurricane, my advice is to turn up the radio.
  • draymond2draymond2 Member Posts: 134
    Can anyone tell me what they paid for their Tributes? Dealers in Louisville are not willing to come off of sticker. I am willing to travel if I can save a few bucks.........
  • crashproofcrashproof Member Posts: 19
    Finally, some new messages. :)

    I paid extra attention to noise when I took my test drive since that is one of the leading complaints. And what I heard wasn't very pronounced and I drove 55-65mph on the highway at the time. Besides, I always have the radio on while I'm in the car so it's a none issue. Test drive the RAV4 and you won't complaint one bit about the Tribute's ride. :) How the RAV4 made the CR recommended list, I don't know.

    Seems like the dealers are willing to cut a deal around here although I'm not getting a single one to negotiate via fax. I'll probably have to go the traditional route into the dealership which will be tomorrow. I should have my new Tribute in a couple of days. I'm so excited. Now, I only have to decide whether I want Glacier Silver or Desert Metallic.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    dberube,

    I have never posted a message on here before, so hello to all.

    Now that wasn't so hard, was it!:-)

    Welcome aboard! We're looking forward to seeing you as a regular here!

    tidester
    HOST
    SUVs
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    And what have you done with our hosts?
  • draymond2draymond2 Member Posts: 134
    Where do you live? What were the dealers willing to deal telling you?

    I called quite a few today, the best I could get over the phone was $500 off sticker.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    change, change, change :-)

    steve_ "Lost in the Town Hall? Ask the SUVs Hosts for directions!" Oct 29, 2001 5:04pm

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • crashproofcrashproof Member Posts: 19
    In the South. Most of the dealers still want Sticker!! It's crazy. The best offers were $700-$1000 above invoice. Another was $400 below MSRP. If only Mazda (Ford) could pump more of these babies out, these dealers wouldn't be so arrogant with their prices. Forget the S plan. None of the dealers would agree to a Tribute under that plan. I don't know how some people were lucky enough to purchase through that plan.
  • dberubedberube Member Posts: 2
    Thanks to all for the advise regarding the wind noise, I feel much better now. About pricing, since car sales are going down by about 9% each month, you would think the dealers are willing to negotiate. I am going to be purchasing my Tribute within the next few days and plan on offering $400-500 over invoice. Considering in my area (L.A.) they are not offering the best financing rates(most dealers are at 0-4.9%, Mazda is at 5.9%) you would think they would be willing to take the offer. Especially being the end of the month. I will let you all know what happens.
  • tcd2tcd2 Member Posts: 16
    Howdy all, I'm new here and I am getting ready to buy a 2002 Mazda Tribute 4wd LX.
    I have read most of the comments and have taking note....thanks. What I would like to know is if there is anyone that has a 2002 model and what if any problems they are having. The dealer told me that there was little change from '01 to'02, but they did fix the wiper problem and the gas line O ring problem. My main concern is the stalling issue for the 2002. Thanks.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    tcd2,

    Welcome to the boards! We look forward to seeing you become a regular.

    I am not a Tribute owner, but I am sure others here have experience.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • heckster4heckster4 Member Posts: 5
    I ordered an ES in Sept. I did not order the side air bags because I had to take the tow package also. We did not want that feature. It would have cost about an extra $550 together. I regret that decision now. We will be getting the car at the end of Nov. I have the vin.# already so it is too late to change. Please write and make me feel better about that decision. I am dwelling on it too much. Before, the potential stalling problem was constantly on my mind. Help! Thanks.
  • mindy10mindy10 Member Posts: 2
    We got our Tribute ESV6 Desert Metallic at the end of August and like it very much, has lots of power and no other problems yet, would of liked to have a key ignition light, but after owning nothing but Hondas, and still have a CRV we are not happy with the wind noise, it is bothersome in both front windows, the inner seal is too small, so we phoned Mazda and they had not heard of it, so please all of you give Patrica Keeling, Manager of Cust. Relations a call at 1-800263-4680
  • bonnemazoubonnemazou Member Posts: 2
    Just about to buy a new Tribute on Long Island area. Apparently the 2001 was selling here for over MSRP but it doen't look like it will be the case for 2002 as supply is growing and economy is softening. However the discounting probably won't go too far.

    I was offered a 2002 ES with upgraded radio and tow package for $600 under MSRP but it was white and already on the dealer lot. Since we had already a white BMW we wanted a second car a different color. Went with another dealer and he was able to locate a Light Cyprus ES with tow, upgraded radio and side airbags. Only this time the salesman would only go down to $200 under MSRP. We are taking this one because the color looks grat and we want the side airbags. I am going to pick-up the car tomorow and I am very excited altought I regret not having been able to squeeze the price some more.

    Let me know of your experience buying a 2002 Tribute.
  • anilpunjabianilpunjabi Member Posts: 61
    I am considering these two products, dont know if its worth it, could you provide some feedback on these products like personal experiences thanx.
  • carachocaracho Member Posts: 2
    Mazda does not have fitting front mudflaps, but they know that flying stones damage the plastic
    panel (sandblasting effect). Several reports on message boards confirm this, but my Mazda dealer
    offered to replace the plastic, but does not have the mudflaps to avoid same damage again. Offer me
    running boards for lots of money. They tried to install Escape mudflaps, but did not fit on ES model. After almost 1 year waiting, p l e a s e
    inform me if you found a solution and how your dealer did it. Y O U also should inspect your plastic panels and find out about y o u r damage on your Tribute ES!
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The latest info on the Tribute.

    We have been advised by Mazda to cancel any unscheduled Tribute orders with side airbags. If it dosnt have a vin# it wont be built this year.

    Factory moonroof, which is part of the 1LX package is also limited. A max of 35% will be built with a moonroof. The demand is much higher. for priority build we have been told to remove moonroof's. Some vehicle's with these combinations are being built but they are very limited.

    Concerning the stalling problem. This has not been a problem at our mazda dealership, I spoke with our mazda shop forman and he has not seen any trend with Tribute stalling problems. He also noted an upswing in overall Tribute quality as time goes on. Most problems have been related to building the Tribute toooo fast, trying to meet sales demands... These are annoying problems but easily fixed..

    also the new cypress green looks great

    rich
  • crashproofcrashproof Member Posts: 19
    Last Tuesday, I bought my new 2002 Tribute ES in Desert Metallic. (I was able to see every color and it was a toss-up between the desert and the glacier silver. Don't order a Tribute based solely on the pictures in the brochures.) It has everything except for the step bars, moonroof, and side airbags. My only requirements were the leather seats (standard) and the premium audio package. The rear spoiler was a nice-looking but unnecessary and expensive option. The hood deflector, bumper plate, and cargo liner are nice touches. I also added the mud flaps that I wanted. Anyway, I love it. The Tribute is all I thought it would be and more. Got a nice deal on it too.

    The dealership I bought it from is 90 miles from home and the commute with cruise control and the premo audio was great. The plastic piece under the back seats broke and the dealer replaced it for free. It does concern me that it could happen so easily. Shifter is long as everyone knows. Odd that Mazda didn't realize this sooner and had it corrected. More buttons could be lit and the leather seat could be more cushiony. But those are minor problems in a great SUV.

    Again, I just love my new SUV. ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM! ;)
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    We got our first stalling tribute problem today.

    I will keep everyone updated with the outcome and our discussions with Mazda..

    rich
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    audia8q,

    What happened?

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • barbarah1barbarah1 Member Posts: 9
    Why has production stopped for side airbags?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    A customer vehicle 2001 Tribute w/4000 miles just cut out on the highway...would not restart.
    The diag. start tomorrow am.

    The side airbag problem is supplier related. I have not heard the specifics. The real problem will come in for customer orders currently in the order bank without a VIN #. These will be canceled if not re-ordered without the side airbags. There are a few already built and in transit along with the next shipment (week 4/5 nov) will have a few. Then no more until further notice.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The Tribute that was towed in yesterday with the stalling problem has been fixed...It appears to not be related to the stalling problems posted on here. So we still have not experienced this actual problem.

    This particular vehicle had an aftermarket remote starter installed. The consumer had it installed at a brand name electronics store. Our Techs tracked it down to the remote starter. It was not intalled correctly and has fried a bunch of stuff...Mazda will not pay to fix this problem under the factory warranty since the problem was caused by an improper installation of a non mazda accessory.

    Rich
  • crashproofcrashproof Member Posts: 19
    Glad to hear it wasn't the same problem. We have to be careful about what we install.
  • domettgdomettg Member Posts: 55
    Anyone have any numbers regarding 3 or 4 year leases on a 2002 Tribute 4WD LX?
  • u2powers1u2powers1 Member Posts: 2
    just purchased a 02 LX 4wd w/lux pkg,abs,tow pkg, and pwr seat for $23,196 as listed on invoice for s-plan.
    Purchased from Eagle Auto Mall(formerly Herb Obser Motors)in Riverhead, NY. No hassles.
  • draymond2draymond2 Member Posts: 134
    I'm willing to travel if necessary. I live in the Louisville area.
  • justdriftingjustdrifting Member Posts: 18
    I was hoping that someone here knew about changing out the air filter. I want to change my ES air filter out for one made by K&N.

    K&N doesn't show one listed for 2002. I was wondering if I could use the one made for the ES 2001. Does anyone know if there are any differences in the 2001/2002 that would prevent me from doing this?

    Thanks in advance!
  • daisyladydaisylady Member Posts: 2
    Another newbie! I'm trying my darnedest to convince my husband that we need a Tribute. After they first came out, I saw one being shown in the mall here... I remember gazing at it from 8 stores down, knowing it was love at first sight! The posts here have been SO helpful. And I know that when I go back to my husband armed to the hilt with your feedback it will make a difference -- he used Edmunds Townhall as his primary source of feedback when he bought his first car.

    Anyway, I've seen a couple of people who have purchased with the s-plan. Tell me more about it. How long is the wait? I assume you have to order the car. Does it make a big difference in price? Anything in particular I should say to the salesman (besides, hey, I want to try the s-plan)?

    I appreciate your help! And I hope that soon I'll be a happy Trib owner. :)
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The only way you can get S-plan pricing is to be part of a Mazda affiliate. The S stands for Supplier. There are some clubs out there that are also part of the affiliate program so keep an eye out. Otherwise, it's not open to the public.
  • daisyladydaisylady Member Posts: 2
    sorry, I found out that I'm eligible for the x plan, not the s plan. Anyone know about that one?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    steve_ "Ford Escape" Jul 5, 2001 4:24pm

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • prairieboy2prairieboy2 Member Posts: 3
    We are considering purchasing a Tribute in a couple of months, and have test driven one now three times. We have noticed excessive wind noise, and phoned Mazda and they basically said they had never heard of it, and we should deal with the dealer. Has anyone else had this problem, and if you have, have you had any success in getting it fixed. Other than that we really like the vehicle.
  • homerun1homerun1 Member Posts: 5
    My wife and I took a long test drive (two hours long) two weeks ago in an ES with Sunroof. We drove around the bumpiest streets and hit as many railroad tracks as possible. For wind noise we drove in both directions E-W down the trans canada hi way at 120kph. As far as wind noise.. it only seemed a little more noisy than our '91 Dodge Grand Caravan... however it was alot quieter after I realized I didn't completely close the sun roof. That's one tricky closing mechanism. I owned and '86 626 with the same style of tilting sliding sun roof and don't remember it being that finiky. Of course I am a bit older and more feeble. The shifter is long.. but so is my Caravan's... but not quite that long. I didn't seem to find it overly obtrusive...and I was handling the radio alot during our test drive. My BIGGEST complaint are the seats. I'm 6'3" 210lbs. after only 1/2 hour the upper back of my legs were sore.... After our drive I took a good look at the seat bottoms. They are a formed stamped steel bottom with more foam in the buttock area and less towards the front of the seats. If you press the front part of the seat with your finger tips it feels like only 1 to 1 1/2" of foam. I do like the vehicle alot but could'nt imagine spending that sort of money.. only having to by a seat cushion apparatise to stop the seat from cutting of circulation to my legs. Our old Caravan has almost lazyboy like feel to them and we have done many 10 hour driving stints.

    On wind noise ... has anyone put a bug deflector on the nose of the hood. This should help deflect some of the on coming wind.
  • turksteritisturksteritis Member Posts: 95
    I have had my trib for 8 months & 17,000 kilo,s. The only complaint of the vehicle I have is occasional wind noise & a fair bit of road noise laso. Aside from that the vehicle has been perfect.
  • kenaikenai Member Posts: 3
    Hi Tribute owners, this will be my first time leasing a 2002 TributeES and I have never leased -
    is this possible - 1500 down (drive offs) 36 months 12K - figure will negotiate 2000 off MSRP to base figures on , 700 credit score -can anyone give me an approx amount I would be paying per month - and anyone know the residual? I would buy at the end of term if I like vehicle. Thanks so much for the advice.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Where are they discounting Tributes $2000 ?

    Rich
  • vantastic2vantastic2 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2002 Trib LX. The dealer only had one key, so had to get another made and programmed. Finally on the 4th trip back to the service department they had a tech who could cut/program the second key. I have since picked up and cut a spare (Mazda programmable) key.

    Following the instructions in my manual, I can't get the spare key to program. After looking at the dealer keys, both are labeled "#1", while my spare has "S". The manual says two good keys are required to program a spare. Does anyone have any idea if a specific #1 and #2 key have to be used vs two good #1 keys?

    Aside from this dealer service problem, I love my Tribute. Power is great, looks awesome, and the wind noise is no where near my old van so I have no complaints.
  • kelso13kelso13 Member Posts: 4
    I bought my 2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 last March. It stalled the first time on the way to work at the end of June. They towed it in and said it was fixed. It stalled again 2 weeks ago. I called the dealer and told them to come get the car and I wanted my money back since it was unsafe to drive. Mazda said they had a new fix but were not going to do a recall. I sent in a letter to the Customer Compliance center telling them the car was not safe and I wanted my money back. They admitted they were having a tough time with finding the fix, and I persisted. I am picking up my check today for the total price of the car less a small allowance for the mileage. I wish I had known about this problem before I bought the car. The sad thing is that I really loved driving the Tribute. I hope Mazda and Ford find the permanent fix and issue a recall before someone is seriously hurt.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    kelso,

    I am picking up my check today for the total price of the car less a small allowance for the mileage.

    I am impressed!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • jetmommyjetmommy Member Posts: 6
    I bought my Tribute July 21, 2001. I have probably had more than my share of the problems that are posted on this board. But I too am receiving a full refund from Mazda, less a small amount for mileage. And I'm happy to say that I picked up my 2002 Toyota Camry on Friday 11/16.
  • kenaikenai Member Posts: 3
    Three of my friends in California each bought a Tribute at least 2000 off MSRP ,however I am going to lease and not familar with the process - so was wondering if anyone had leased a Tribute 2002 and had some numbers. My friends all went in on a weekday night - NEVER ON WEEKEND - and were very nice and said here my price if you want to make a sale right now - each dealer took the offer so be patient and dont try this on the weekend -
  • winbrowinbro Member Posts: 235
    its a shame that such a promising SUV has turned out to be a cheap piece of garbage.....thank you FORD.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    the Tribute dosnt have $2000 mark up...how can the dealer discount them that much?

    Rich
  • prakspraks Member Posts: 4
    Regarding your complaint about the wind noise, I actually went to the delearship and ask them and they told me that, that might be due to the side mirror. Which is too bad.

    Also, If you are in the western Washington area, beware of the tribute that was made for Canada. Unfortunately that is what I got from the dealer and they never told me. And they charge me for 26,000 and got it down for 23,500 after 6hrs. of negotiation.(which is still to high)By the way I have the LX It's not even an ES!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    praks,

    Welcome to the site! Please feel free to ask all the questions you want and to share your experiences.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • paanmcpaanmc Member Posts: 4
    This is my first posting, but the messages I've read here over the past year or so made the purchase of my 2001 Tribute much easier on my mind (everything on it but leather seats and 4wd)! I'll admit to being biased since I spent the past 5 years in Japan as a consultant to Mazda. And although I had only limited participation on the Tribute, I have been seeing it on the computer for the past 4 years (not to mention the occasional early test vehicle! ;-). So I've been wanting it for a while! I finally ordered mine on the S Plan last April and received it in July. Even after several months I still thrill at climbing into to it each morning and (knock on wood!) have had no problems after 7000 miles.

    Now, for the main purpose of my posting, ever since I started reading these posts, I've noticed that people have been having a hard time finding a dealer who'd give them the S Plan price. I had the same problem, after checking with many dealers, both local and several hours away. I finally found one here in town (Cincinnati) who was willing to deal. In fact, he told me to feel free to pass his name along to anyone who was interested in the S Plan. The salesman and dealer is:
    Bob Bray @ Jake Sweeney Mazda, Cincinnati, Ohio (513)782-2800
    I told him I was going to post the info here and he said he'd be willing to work with anyone. Hope this is helpful!

    Pat
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    paanmc,

    This is my first posting, but the messages I've read here over the past year or so...

    Welcome aboard! So, what took you so long to speak up?

    Incidentally, your post gets pretty close to solicitation which is not allowed in the Town Hall Terms of Use. You should also refrain from posting telephone numbers as we have no means of verifying their accuracy.

    Thanks!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • paanmcpaanmc Member Posts: 4
    tidester,

    I'll try not to be a lurker any longer! And thanks for the tip. I didn't realize, but I see your point. I notice the level of frustration over the past year with people trying to get S Plan stuff, and thought it'd help. I guess there may have been a better way to do that...I can respond directly to postings if anyone has specific questions.

    BTW, I don't get a dime from the dealer! :-) In fact, I since I now consult to different Japanese car maker, my income in not even related to how well Mazda does any more! (I'm still partial to my Tribute -- I just don't mention to my new client what I drive when I'm in the US! :-)

    One addional comment about the wind noise postings of late (although I'm not an expert in that area)...I've not really noticed it so bad on mine, but I have to agree with some posting from early this year that it could well be due to the crack in the side mirrors that allow them to fold up. Ideally you'd like to see this be a single smooth piece, but in Japan you need to have folding mirrors to sell cars, or you'll lose the mirrors anyway when parking on the narrow crowded spots, when a taxi or bike passes too close by (some cars in Japan fold automatically when you park). I'm not sure if it's regulation or not, but I'm pretty sure that's why there are on the Tribute. Maybe there's an after-market chance for someone who comes up with a fitting or replacement for the US market? :-)
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