2002''s???

I'm wondering if anyone has any information on the 2002 models. When is Mazda due to start production, when will they began accepting orders, when can delivery be expected and most important of all, will the prices increase? It just seems like it's getting to the point where if I'm going to order from the manufacturer, I may just as well wait a few more months and get the 2002. Any thoughts on this?<br><br>Brian Avila

I have read in 2 or 3 places that 2002's will start sometime in july and a price increase supposedly of 2-3k.

Typically....in the industry they do a 1.5-3% price increase in June BUT offset the price increase by increasing rebates. Sounds dumb...BUT then when the 2002's come out MSRP is almost exactly the same as the 2001...stupidly smart. But NO, never a 2-3K price increase unless MAJOR body style change took place or SOMETHING real radical. Expect production or retooling for 2002's in July as they curtail the 2001's (it's called buildout) then after production it does not mean they get "shipped" to the dealers....sometimes they have 2001's left and so they don't get stuck with them....they don't release the 2002 model until they can shove the remaining 2001's down the dealers throat. In Tribute it will be DX 4 cylinder that will be getting A HUGE rebate sometime then, otherwise this should be a clean changeover to 2002 Tribute sometime in Oct.<br><br>bob

(whiskey8_2) Telephone Mazda. The number is on WWW.mazdausa.com They will estimate a 6 month wait for 2001 orders placed now and that you will receive a 2002 because by that time they will be switched over. Ask whether a price increase will apply to "sold" orders placed now. The Ford price increase for Escape did not apply to "sold" (not dealer stock) orders placed before the increase announcement date and delivered afterwards. If you order the 2001 with the 2.0 engine you might get one instead of the 2.3 which will be offered on the 2002 but you can always refuse it and ask for the 2002. Personally, I would try to order it as a "sold" order and using "S" Plan and with a $100 credit card earnest money deposit and a signed/signed purchase order.

Do you have any feel for the quantity of tributes on order at this time? ES's & LX's only?<br><br>is it fair to say that 25,000 + or - is a good figure?

On order.....good question, I'd say that WHAT models with the exact same trim, color, and package is the problem....i.e., desert metallic, 4wd, 1LX, AB3.....etc. anything similar, platinum also is gonna be the longest. Otherwise sunset, white seem to be more plentiful....It isn't so much TOTAL unit backlog but individual specific copies being sent out....don't forget, in the mix they still must produce other versions and don't dedicate to ONE specific setup even if they have multiple orders because of supply and definitely because of dealer stock. They are bound by dealer agreements to send so much "inventory"....sold orders are a fancy way of saying okay sir/maam, the very NEXT unspoken for pkg like you want will be sent to you as long as someone isn't ahead of you.....THERE is the problem there are MANY, MANY ahead of one another. I always buy in stock, never got into waiting....even with audio/video etc. if someone didn't have it in stock I went to the place that has ample stock. I found it makes for a better experience to see it touch it drive it before signing the papers. I'd hate to wait 4-6 months then my vehicle come in "imperfect"...<br><br>bob

agree with buying in-stock. this is only the 2nd time I will wait for a vehicle. fortunately, I knew the supply/demand situation of the trib & though I dont really need it until july/early aug, I ordered now giving the 5-6 months to get.<br><br>dont know what I'll do if in mid-july no sign of tribute & dealer cant even tell me anything. I guess I would look elsewhere - maybe Outback LL bean?

When you get 6 weeks out...say just after Memorial Day...begin calling and stop in and check. Enough people have been through this here so keep us all informed when the time comes....<br><br>Please email me if it is after June 1st because I won't be on the message boards anymore...No it is not a tickle date to leave, simply the beginning of the hurricane season and I will be preoccupied. Hopefully it will be a dead season and I'll be lurking here from time to time!<br><br><br><br>bob