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Mazda MPV: Should I Buy One?

30 messages,  Last post on Jan 05, 2008 at 7:01 AM

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#1 of 30
Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX by igloomaster
Oct 23, 2006 (5:40 am)
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Hi -
My Dad is in his mid-60s and doesn't want to keep a car longer than 3 years. This weekend he went out and bought a Toyota Sienna mini-van. He told me he was willing to sell me his 2003 MPV LX for what they would give him in a trade, which is $8000. It only has 47,000 miles on it. I've driven it a few times... seems like a nice vehicle, and it will be perfect for lugging around my music equipment.
 
I think $8k for a 3 year old vehicle with only 47k on it is a great deal, especially since I know my Dad's 'old lady' driving style. Do others agree that this is a good deal? But I've never owned a Mazda minivan before, and certainly never owned a vehicle with a Ford V6 engine. I've always been a Honda guy, and the Hondas I've owned alwasy run forever with little trouble.
 
Love to get some feedback from anybody who is willing.
 
Thanks!
Igloo
#2 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [igloomaster] by backy
Oct 23, 2006 (7:42 am)
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Replying to: igloomaster (Oct 23, 2006 5:40 am)

I agree that $8k for a 2003 MPV with 47k miles is a great deal. Last spring I paid about $11k for a 2002 MPV with 44k miles and thought I got a great deal. Assuming your dad takes good care of his cars, all maintenance is up to date etc., and you like how it drives, I would grab it if I were you.
 
P.S. Ask him if he's had any problems with the transmission, e.g. hard shifts.
#3 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [backy] by igloomaster
Oct 23, 2006 (9:17 am)
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Replying to: backy (Oct 23, 2006 7:42 am)

My Dad has done the oil changes every 3000 to 3500 miles. I asked him about the transmission, and he said he's never had a problem with it at all. The times I've driven it, it's been smooth. I've been reading some of the posts on this forum about it, and it looks like some have indeed had transmission issues. So that has me worried a bit. Is there something I should do in anticipation of a potential tranny problem?
#4 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [igloomaster] by
Oct 23, 2006 (10:45 am)
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Replying to: igloomaster (Oct 23, 2006 9:17 am)

Don't worry about the transmission igloo. If there hasn't been a problem with it by now, it should be gold. The MPV is one of the best minivans IMHO, your dad is being very genorous with letting you have it for 8k.
 
The Ford Duratec V6 in the MPV is one of Fords best and most reliable. The MPV is made in Japan, and the overall quality and fit and finish are excellent.
#5 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [igloomaster] by
Oct 23, 2006 (10:45 am)
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Replying to: igloomaster (Oct 23, 2006 9:17 am)

Don't worry about the transmission igloo. If there hasn't been a problem with it by now, it should be gold. The MPV is one of the best minivans IMHO, your dad is being very genorous with letting you have it for 8k.
 
The Ford Duratec V6 in the MPV is one of Fords best and most reliable. The MPV is made in Japan, and the overall quality and fit and finish are excellent.
#6 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [] by jipster
Oct 23, 2006 (12:04 pm)
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Replying to: unknown (Oct 23, 2006 10:45 am)

by: Jipster
 
Sorry about the double posts... my computer is going schizoid.
#7 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [] by igloomaster
Oct 24, 2006 (4:40 am)
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Replying to: unknown (Oct 23, 2006 10:45 am)

cool. so those who've had tranny issues had them prior to 47k? perhaps this was an issue that Ford/Mazda addressed & corrected prior to the '03 production run? seems like most of the posts i've seen regarding tranny issues involve models 00 - 02....
#8 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [igloomaster] by subearu
Oct 24, 2006 (5:07 am)
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Replying to: igloomaster (Oct 24, 2006 4:40 am)

The '00 and '01 had a 4sp AT that didn't use all the fancy learning technology (it's more of a basic mechanical automatic). The '02+ has the 5sp AT, electronically controlled. There was a few iterations of reprogramming that they did to help the shift flare issues in the '02-'04 models. In '05, they redesigned some internals as well as changed the computers.
 
-Brian
#9 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [igloomaster] by jipster
Oct 24, 2006 (8:45 am)
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Replying to: igloomaster (Oct 24, 2006 4:40 am)

From I've read most of the tranny issues(software problem) initially occured within the first several thousand miles.
The people who had this problem would take their MPV into the dealership to have the transmission reprogrammed(reflash) to shift smoother. The vast majority of owners who needed this minor procedure done had no further problems with their shifting.
 
So, there ya go. Enjoy that MPV and rock on.
#10 of 30
Re: Buying my Dad's 2003 MPV LX [igloomaster] by dtownfb
Oct 27, 2006 (9:17 am)
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Replying to: igloomaster (Oct 24, 2006 4:40 am)

I would say buy it since it is such a good price. The first maintenance item i would do is change the Transmision fluid. this should ease your mind.

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