Mazda MPV 2006-2016 used car review
The Mazda MPV offers seven seats, plus loads of family space.
The Mazda MPV offers seven seats, plus loads of family space. Unlike many people movers, the MPV does not feel like a van to drive. Avoid turbocharged models, as they are thirsty and unreliable.
Mazda’s third-generation MPV launched in 2006 and was based on the same components as the Mazda Atenza. The model was only sold new in Asia, as most buyers in countries like New Zealand choose SUVs as large, practical vehicles.
Inside and out
Not as tall as many people movers, the MPV looks less like a van than most. Its sides feature large wheel-arch bulges above the wheels, which give the car a sporty profile. There is a spoiler over the rear hatch. All MPVs include a high specification, and our review car offers significant levels of luxury.
All seven seats are finished in tan leather. The front seats are heated, wide and supportive, with the driver’s adjustable for height. The two middle seats are separate, adjust in a range of directions, feature armrests and even a leg rest.
It’s no wonder Mazda calls them Super Relax Seats. You can choose to have a gap between them or slide them together to allow access to the third row via both rear doors. The side doors to the rear of the MPV are electric and open with the push of a button from the driver seat.
The dashboard features lots of storage, including two large glove boxes and an additional small lidded-box below the steering wheel. There is a touchscreen infotainment system, but maps for its navigation function are not available in New Zealand, and it will also require a band expander to receive local stations. Three chrome-rimmed dials control the climate control system, which has additional controls to send air to the rear passengers.
The gear lever is mounted on the dashboard, and there is no centre console. Instead, a folding table featuring cupholders allows for a walk-through path to the rear. It’s a handy feature for parents needing to get children in the back without having to step out into bad weather.
Even with all three seat rows in place, the boot is still large enough for three to four large suitcases. The third row can be folded down electrically to produce enough room for a couple of bikes, while still leaving four free seats.
On the road
Two engines are available in the MPV, the 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol fitted to our 2008 review vehicle, and a turbocharged version. With 122kW and 195Nm, we found the review car had more than enough power for around-town use, although it is unlikely to be fast when fully loaded with people and luggage. The five-speed automatic works well, with well-spaced ratios, and you can choose gears using the dashboard-mounted shifter.
The 2006 to early 2008 MPVs had a less efficient four-speed automatic, while turbocharged and all-wheel-drive versions use a six-speed automatic.
Handling is surprisingly car-like, with the steering responsive and a soft, comfortable ride. There is not as much body roll when you corner as you will experience in other large, seven-seat vehicles.
Thanks to a high driving position, big windscreen and short bonnet, forward visibility in the MPV is excellent, and around the city, it feels like a smaller vehicle than it is. When it comes to parking, rear visibility is poor, and you notice the car’s long length. Thankfully most MPVs include a reversing camera. The 11.4-metre turning circle is slightly smaller than that of the Toyota Estima.
There's no available tow rating for the MPV.
Safety
RightCar has not yet provided a Used Car Safety Rating for the Mazda MPV. The Japanese New Car Assessment Program tested this generation when it was launched in 2006, and gave it the maximum six stars for both driver and front-seat passenger protection, and top scores in front, offset and side collision tests.
Our review vehicle featured front and passenger airbags, electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution and anti-lock braking. Electronic stability control is optional, so may appear on some used import cars — look for the ‘ESC’ button below and to the right of the steering wheel.
Autonomous emergency braking featured as an option on 2008 and turbocharged models. It is identified by a flat plastic square in the front grille, which houses the radar unit.
The middle row seats both feature ISOFIX child seat points. The middle seating position in the third row has only a lap belt, which is not as safe as a shoulder-and-lap belt.
We believe a reversing camera is necessary on the MPV and they are fitted to almost all the cars we have checked. A front and left-side camera is optional.
Reliability
It is rare, but if not serviced correctly the 2.3-litre engine is prone to ‘piston slap’, which will eventually become terminal — the best solution is a replacement used engine costing from $2,500 installed. A noticeable knock or noise at idle is a sign to stay away from that car. Avoid the turbocharged models if possible, as they have a reputation for catastrophic turbocharger failure and will require a complete rebuild as a result, costing thousands.
In higher mileage cars (above 150,000km), automatic transmission issues can arise, showing as a harsh shift or thump between gear changes. Replacement with a used transmission will cost at least $1,500.
There have been issues reported with the side electric sliding doors failing to operate, or sticking halfway through the cycle. The mechanism itself is reasonably simple but finely adjusted to suit the needs of a snug fit into the doorway aperture. This means any minor damage to the track or door alignment can cause problems. Check to make sure the electric doors are operating properly with both opening and closing cycles.
Used-import Mazdas have a poor reputation for underbody protection and rustproofing, so if you are buying a freshly-imported MPV, it is important to check there isn't any corrosion. Get down on the ground and look underneath the car for discolouration or bubbling, especially where the rear suspension connects to the body.
The bottom of doors can also be affected, open them and check along the seams on the inside edge. If you see anything concerning, have the car professionally inspected, as repairs can be very expensive.
Cost of ownership
Mazda recommends servicing every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. A Mazda dealer quoted us $220 to $500 for a service, depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Mazda MPV will cost $2,490 a year to fuel. The 75-litre tank will cost $150 to fill at $2 a litre, and should take you around 730km before the fuel light comes on.
It is in the cheapest class for ACC levies, so the annual licensing fee (registration) is low at $85.59.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for an MPV valued at $10,800 will cost $58.63* per month. That’s $3 more a month than a Toyota Estima, but one dollar less a month than a Nissan Elgrand.
Buyers' guide
Mazda MPVs on Trade Me range from just over $6,000, rising to $25,000 for later and lower mileage vehicles.
We recommend buying a 2008 or later model, as these were subject to a significant update, with the new five-speed transmission and, better-tuned suspension.
The ‘Super Relax’ seats fitted to our review vehicle were optional, and are very common. If not fitted they are replaced with a three-seat bench, making the car an eight-seater.
An all-wheel drive system is an option, but unless you travel regularly on slippery roads, we would not recommend it, as it will increase fuel consumption.
Variants
- 23C — Standard specification, with climate control air conditioning, electric side doors and alloy wheels
- 23S — Premium specification adding premium interior trim, keyless entry and start, separate climate control settings for the driver and passenger, fog lights and chrome exterior highlights
- 23T — Same as the 23S but with a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine
- L Package — Based on either the 23S or 23T, with the addition of leather seats, eight-way power adjustment for the driver seat, electric-folding third-row seats and an electric tailgate
Timeline
- 2006 Launched in Japan
- 2008 Updated with a new five-speed transmission, updated looks and additional features
- 2010 Turbocharged versions go out of production
- 2016 MPV production ends, and it is not replaced with a new model
Details
2008 Mazda MPV 23S L Package
$7,000 to $25,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2.3-litre four-cylinder, 122kW/195Nm (claimed)
Five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Unrated
10,000km or six months
Space saver
9.6-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4870mm
1850mm
1685mm
Unrated
11.4m
This review covers the Mazda MPV for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Review vehicle supplied by City Motor Group.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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Sam Domett 