2002 Mazda MPV review from North America
"I liked this van and treated it good, a shame, as it is a lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Catalytic converter changed under warranty. (Close to end of warranty) $700.00 job.
Transmission computer re-flashed at 39,000 kilometers, under a re-call/warranty.
Rear heater lines replaced under a re-call.
PVC line changed under a re-call.
Spare tire seized under vehicle.
Head lights fixed under a re-call by dealer.
Replaced section of the exhaust myself, very expensive. Nearly $400.
Transmission overdrive button stopped working at 97,000 kilometers. Took it to dealer, they said they looked at it, but my wife had to bring it back as a wire was off. Yet, it worked after she took it back from dealer.
Changed all six ignition coils at 103,000 kilometers (62,000 miles). Replaced platinum plugs at same time. Did job myself, still cost nearly $600. Coils went while travelling from Canada to the USA.
Transmission failed on family trip to Florida. Failed with 128,000 kilometers (78,000 miles) Replaced with transmission from 2005 model with 20,000 kilometres on it. $2600 job.
General comments?
Nice for travelling with family, pets, and general hauling around larger items.
Nice for longer trips, did fairly well on fuel, and performed well.
While under warranty, things breaking were fine, as Mazda fixed it.
A completely unreliable, and untrustworthy vehicle, good for getting your wife and kids stranded though.
Sitting in my driveway with "For Sale" ads in place.
I had planned on another Mazda, but after the transmission that cost $2600, I won't own another Mazda.
This vehicle was never abused, and it was mostly highway driven. Always run on synthetic oil since I owned it. Never used for towing, hauling heavy loads, etc.
I now have a vehicle worth approx. $5000-$6000 Canadian, I owe the bank $2800, and I just paid $2600 for the transmission. I am trying to sell it to break "even", if it sells.
If I have any luck it will get stolen. I would feel sorry for the thief.
I tried doing my homework before purchasing, as the lemon aid guide, etc. recommended it. It is easy to see though as miles and time went by, that this vehicle is a total lemon. The biggest fault being the transmission, which is obviously faulty. It should be re-called, or someone should take legal action against Mazda for making such junk.
Shame on you Mazda.
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| Nice sharp looking van, fast sporty, but expansive to maintenance |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0L DOHC DURATECH Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 37000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 129000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda Protege |
| Date of Entry | 20th December, 2008 |