Mazda Tribute???
Submitted: Monday, May 11, 2009 at 20:32
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peterjg
Hi, thinking of getting a med size 4wd. Anyone had any experience good or bad with the Mazda Tribute?
Ta
peter
Reply By: Wherehegon - Monday, May 11, 2009 at 22:10
Monday, May 11, 2009 at 22:10
Have heard of the auto's playing up, was somthing in the drive part of the telegraph about this last year, not sure if a search of the drive website will show up anything. Also have heard the V6's love a drink, couldnt be any worse then my V6 prado, was 17.2L per 100 round town. Other than that I personally think Mazda are a
well buil vehicle. I love the new BT50 ute........WHG
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Reply By: Rodney M - Monday, May 11, 2009 at 23:15
Monday, May 11, 2009 at 23:15
Hello peterjg,
I am the owner of a 2003 Tribute. Very happy with it. I have no major problems with it during the 5 years of ownership. With the correct servicing it has not missed a beat.
My usage includes all types of driving long distance country runs from
Sydney, short trips around
sydney (school run etc) as
well as towing a 6x4 box trailer with a GVM of around 750KG. I have also had it on dirt roads which it handled ok.
Not sure that I would want to tow anything heavier than this. I just don't think the gearbox would cope too
well.
As for fuel consumption, they are not the greatest but I put this down to it having the aerodynamics of a brick!!!
Rodney
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Reply By: Voxson - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 00:49
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 00:49
This is a fact...
Tribute cannot handle deepish water crossings...
400mm was enough to finish off a tribute in
elizabeth creek in northern queensland...
They have a shallow fording depth..
They have a low clearance which can cause rocks to wipe out the trans and sump on rougher roads with bulldust holes..
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Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 09:38
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 09:38
Read in one of Roothys reports that they cut out brake discs rather quickly in dusty situations.
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Follow Up By: ctaplin - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 10:54
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 10:54
Voxson is quite correct,
mine drowned in knee deep water as the air intake is behind the headlight, very low down.
They have no bash plates and the alloy sump is only 14cm from the ground, so a innocent looking
rock sticking up on an outback road (
birdsville-
betoota) was enough to write the vehicle off as
the rock then hit the alloy gearbox and alloy rear diff.
They are a good vehicle but definately a soft roader...
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Follow Up By: peterjg - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 18:08
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 18:08
do you know if bash plates can be fitted as an after market item?
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Reply By: escapesilv - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 20:57
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 20:57
Hi peterjg
I have the Ford version ( Escape) same car different badge. had it for 7 years towing a camper trailer and a boat.taken it across the
Plenty Highway, to Ruby Gap and heaps of other
places, with no problem, you just have to remember you are not driving a tank.
I have had no problems with gear box yet!! but consumption is not the best, had no problem with water crossings (never to deep).
The 4wd or Awd mode will get you out of sticky situation with ease.
Good luck
Rob
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Follow Up By: peterjg - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 23:01
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 23:01
Thanks Rob,
Good to get your opinion & thanks for sharing your experience.
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