(UPDATE) Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2003...Opinions - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

actinic · 10-06-2004, 01:05 PM

Hey guys and gals

,

First of all I would like to thank those in response and viewing to my post last year (Aug, 2003). I just want to give you all an update.

It's a great little SUV with only one problem...a squeeking rear window when I drive over a speed bump (10-20km/h of course

). Probably have to replace one or both of the pneumatic arms as spaying lube on the hinges and joints didn't help.

IMHO, breaking is excellent for a vehicle in this class...it can stop on a dime and give change. Parking is really easy. Being of Asian ethnicity, I shock some ppl when I get out after a zippy parallel parking demonstration

.

It can go like stink when you need it to. I'm a little lead footed and drive 75% in the city. Gas mileage (sp?) is pretty good, 400-450km on a tank with Sunoco gas, 350-400 with Esso, Shell and Perto-Can. Don't know why the difference but I try to fill with Sunoco whenever I can. Also have put in a K&N air filter in lieu of OEM.

Have made a few trips with wifey to Montreal to visit friends and up north to the cottage and camping at Algonquin Park. Lots of room for the 2 of us and gear/supplies for 2 weeks of roughing it. Comfortable ride I must say. The only quirk is the passenger seat. It feels like it's tilted forward and you don't get much, if any, lower thigh support. It just feels funny.

Wind noise is becoming more apparent and the typical thuds from bumps on the road. End of this month is the scheduled tune-up and tightning of the bolts so hopefully the drive will be a bit quiter.

The only "upgrade/mod" that I have done was putting in the K&N air filter and Sylvania Super White head and fog lights.

It's getting long so I'll end it here. I'd like to find a better air intake (?) system and possibly other performance mods. But first I have to get new tires...my 2 rear tires have been "plugged" after discovering a few nails. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'll start a new thread for that

.

Thanks for reading.

Actinic

cbrider · 10-07-2004, 08:12 AM

Hey antinic, my little lady has the version (Escape) first off 17" or 18" wheels and better tires is a must. Night and day improvement in handling (we went with 17's) I'll assume that you got a v6, that motor was used in the Ford Conture SVT and there is quite a few ecu upgrades that can be used. Also a free flowing exhaust is a must to get all you can out of the K&N Filter. She got the car back in '00 (Frist one here in Eugene, OR) and that's when I did all my homework on the car, but all she would allow was the wheels. Best of luck and happy hunting.

actinic · 10-09-2004, 04:20 AM

Thanks for the suggestion cbrider...will be in search of info

10-06-2004, 01:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
actinic Crazy Location: Toronto, ON	(UPDATE) Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2003...Opinions Hey guys and gals , First of all I would like to thank those in response and viewing to my post last year (Aug, 2003). I just want to give you all an update. It's a great little SUV with only one problem...a squeeking rear window when I drive over a speed bump (10-20km/h of course ). Probably have to replace one or both of the pneumatic arms as spaying lube on the hinges and joints didn't help. IMHO, breaking is excellent for a vehicle in this class...it can stop on a dime and give change. Parking is really easy. Being of Asian ethnicity, I shock some ppl when I get out after a zippy parallel parking demonstration . It can go like stink when you need it to. I'm a little lead footed and drive 75% in the city. Gas mileage (sp?) is pretty good, 400-450km on a tank with Sunoco gas, 350-400 with Esso, Shell and Perto-Can. Don't know why the difference but I try to fill with Sunoco whenever I can. Also have put in a K&N air filter in lieu of OEM. Have made a few trips with wifey to Montreal to visit friends and up north to the cottage and camping at Algonquin Park. Lots of room for the 2 of us and gear/supplies for 2 weeks of roughing it. Comfortable ride I must say. The only quirk is the passenger seat. It feels like it's tilted forward and you don't get much, if any, lower thigh support. It just feels funny. Wind noise is becoming more apparent and the typical thuds from bumps on the road. End of this month is the scheduled tune-up and tightning of the bolts so hopefully the drive will be a bit quiter. The only "upgrade/mod" that I have done was putting in the K&N air filter and Sylvania Super White head and fog lights. It's getting long so I'll end it here. I'd like to find a better air intake (?) system and possibly other performance mods. But first I have to get new tires...my 2 rear tires have been "plugged" after discovering a few nails. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'll start a new thread for that . Thanks for reading. Actinic

10-07-2004, 08:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
cbrider Upright	Hey antinic, my little lady has the version (Escape) first off 17" or 18" wheels and better tires is a must. Night and day improvement in handling (we went with 17's) I'll assume that you got a v6, that motor was used in the Ford Conture SVT and there is quite a few ecu upgrades that can be used. Also a free flowing exhaust is a must to get all you can out of the K&N Filter. She got the car back in '00 (Frist one here in Eugene, OR) and that's when I did all my homework on the car, but all she would allow was the wheels. Best of luck and happy hunting.

10-09-2004, 04:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
actinic Crazy Location: Toronto, ON	Thanks for the suggestion cbrider...will be in search of info