Need advice on Mazda MPV

Neil_Sedaka

My plans to get a Toyota Previa have just gone up in smoke as I need something with 4 passenger doors and the 97 Jap Previa only has 3.

So now I'm thinking about a Jap Mazda MPV, 2.5 Diesel, Auto as seen here:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=232156

Anyone know anything about them? What mpg could I expect from it? anyone got one?

Thanks.

Neil_Sedaka

Or, what kind of mpg will any 2.5D auto do?
Thanks.

colm_mcm

my guess would be 28-32 mpg. probably 4 speed auto

Neil_Sedaka

I was hoping for better than 30ish, don't know what to do now as I have to ring a guy tomorrow morning and let him know either way.
Thanks for the input

bazz26

Neil_Sedaka wrote:

I was hoping for better than 30ish, don't know what to do now as I have to ring a guy tomorrow morning and let him know either way.
Thanks for the input

As an alternative did you consider a Honda Stream?

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=217176
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=223581

I know it is a petrol but it is a 7 seater and has 4 doors.

Another one to consider is the Picnic although it is smaller than the Previa:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=295973

andyeire

I am running a jap previa and get tops 32 mpg.The engine in the mpv is the same as the mazda Bongo ,ford freda,and the ford ranger.They have a overheating thing going on and can crack heads easily .Saying that the previas do as well .I blew the gasket on mine got it fixed but apparently have a small crack somewhere else it 'uses' about a litre of coolant every couple of months.Look for UK user group for mazda Bongo thats were i got the above info.Even with the above problems the previa is a brilliant car and i would get another, the space and comfort ars amazing ,go for a G spec car.And the lack of a secound rear door is something you get used to having a sliding door for loading kids and stuff makes up for this,imho.If you have the time import your own, the dealers tend to buy grade 3 or 3.5's and look to make a good 3 or 4ks profit on a 10k car.Look on google for 'japanese cars catalog' there is a russian site ,in english with loads of pics and auction prices.
I bought of a guy on the docks found out later the car was a grade 3 and he landed it for about 6 and i paid 10 and the cyclinder head went within 4 weeks .He paid for the repair but i would do it differently when i replace my current one.

Neil_Sedaka

bazz26, I did consider the picnic, as it has a 2.2 Diesel engine.
For the mileage I do (about 30k per year) I definitely feel the need to get a Diesel.

The MPV in question comes with 50k, is 1996, full service, new timing belt, NCT and 4 new tyres for €7600 - no warranty though!!

andyeire, unfortunately my job dictates that I must have 4 passenger doors, am gutted that the Previa won't do, really had my heart set on one.

Presently, I have a manual, 2Ltr. petrol Rover that in my opion is a tad thirsty, could I hope to do better than this do ye think?

bazz26

The only other I can think of then is the Mitsubishi Chariot/Spacewagen:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=183243
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=217027
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=186906

Neil_Sedaka

Cheers Bazz, thanks for going to that trouble, appreciated.
Had a look at one today and thought it just looked a bit........ugly.:D

I think I'd be very happy with the Mazda if I could get 30+ per gallon from it.
Didn't think I'd like the 4x4 jeep look and feel to it, but it was quite nice to see all around me, felt solid too.

I know I'm gonna lose mpg with an automatic anyway, but as my lower back can't take the clutch anymore...............!

Neil_Sedaka

Ok, apologies for throwing in yet more fuel comsumption questions.
Would a 2 wheel drive be more economical than a 4x4 version of the same MPV?

Does anyone have a 2.5 Diesel jeep, mpv etc? what mpg are you getting around town?

Thanks.

bazz26

Neil_Sedaka wrote:

Ok, apologies for throwing in yet more fuel comsumption questions.
Would a 2 wheel drive be more economical than a 4x4 version of the same MPV?

Does anyone have a 2.5 Diesel jeep, mpv etc? what mpg are you getting around town?

Thanks.

I would say yes as the 4WD uses a different drive train which is heavier than the 2WD version hence making the vehicle less economical.

Neil_Sedaka

Well, for better or for worse I put a holding deposit on one today.
So I'll be able to answer all my unanswered questions in a few days time.

Ended up buying one privately that was NCT'd just 10 days ago and saving myself over €3000 on the same car from a dealer (who was not giving a warranty anyway)

Tis a bit grubby inside and I'll want to do the timing belt soon enough, but hey, I'll have a lot of change out of €3000, happy days (I hope)

Thanks to Bazz, Andy and Colm for all the input, cheers lads;)

colm_mcm

sounds like a bargain