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How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!)

22 messages,  Last post on Dec 31, 2012 at 5:17 PM

You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Car Buying, Car Comparisons,, Van

Messages Page 3 of 3

#14 of 22 Re: How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!) [gingrichdk] by bobw3

Sep 13, 2012 (6:27 am)

Replying to: gingrichdk (Sep 12, 2012 6:36 pm)
If it were me, I'd NEVER buy a used Caravan...they may be easier for mechanics to work on, but that's only because they have much experience working on them. With the Sienna, you'll have much less to work on. I'd pay a few thousand more for a Sienna as compared with an equal Caravan.
 
Not very scientific, but something to look at:
http://www.truedelta.com/Dodge-Grand-Caravan/reliability-73/vs-Sienna-275

#15 of 22 Re: How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!) [bobw3] by gingrichdk

Sep 13, 2012 (8:27 am)

Replying to: bobw3 (Sep 13, 2012 6:27 am)
Interesting data from truedelta. I wish they also posted data on the average $ spent on repairs. Rumor has it that the Toyota has fewer repairs, but often more expensive ones. Thoughts?
 
(I'm tempted to fly to Texas or Florida for the best deals on Siennas. I'm seeing 2005 8-seaters with about 120,000 miles there for $7000.)

#16 of 22 experience by qbrozen

Sep 13, 2012 (8:55 am)

I can tell you from having owned and worked on both, the mazda was easier than our T&C.
 
The T&C has a small engine compartment opening relative to the engine size, first of all. The cab forward design buries a good part of the engine under the windshield. Not to mention, being taller, you aren't looking down into the engine compartment like in the mazda.
 
As for working on the inside, due to the higher luxury of the T&C, it is just more complicated to take apart and route new electronics, for example.
 
Like I said, most of it is perception. Its not like comparing working on an old pickup truck to a new MINI. It is comparing working on a decontented 4-cyl compact car to a V6 luxury ride packaged to give the most space possible inside while keeping the outside dimensions as small as reasonable.
 
A couple of more examples I have and will have to deal with: there is no trans dipstick on our T&C, which makes for a big PITA when changing fluid. To change the spark plugs is nothing short of a miraculous feat. To get the front ones requires removing the intake manifold and to get the back ones requires working completely by feel with nothing to guide you and no room to move around in.

#17 of 22 Re: Duh.... [davicho] by jpf

Nov 15, 2012 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: davicho (Sep 12, 2012 7:53 am)
Another option is the Chevrolet Uplander / Pontiac Montana. I bought a 2007 model last year with 55k miles for under $12.5k (tax and licence included). For 2007 and 2008, these vans came with GM's 3900 V6. This is an OHV engine (i.e. no timing belt to worry about changing) and it has 240HP. This is plenty enough HP for a family and it's rated to tow 3500 lbs. The most reliable versions are the ones without the power sliding doors and without the stability control. I've got over 80k miles now and it does not burn any oil. The LT trim is best because you get a nice leather trim on the seats and the middle row seats get armrests. Good luck.

#18 of 22 Van search is over! by gingrichdk

Nov 15, 2012 (9:35 pm)

Thanks, all, for your help. I failed to mention it here when it happened, but around the start of October I flew to Dallas and bought a Toyota Sienna. A friend there test-drove it for me first, so I was quite confident. Thus far we're very happy. Only repairs have been new lift cylinders for the rear gate (off-brand solution via Amazon for about $20 and 10 minutes of my own labor) and 2 new tires, which I saw coming when I bought it. We're getting somewhere around 24 mpg (still tracking that). My wife is happy, which counts for a lot.

#19 of 22 Re: How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!) [gingrichdk] by gsqd

Dec 20, 2012 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: gingrichdk (Sep 10, 2012 9:40 pm)
I know this thread is a coulple of months old, but as I read through it, all the decisions were based on how many miles when sold but the year of the vehicle was not taken into consideration.
 
Mazda5's did not enter the US market until 2006, doing the math, the oldest Mazda5 with average miles would only be 78k total. Thoes that would be over 100kmi would have to be driven about 17kmi/year and that would be a 2006. So most likely, you will be pretty hard pressed to find a Mazda5 with over 125kmi and 150kmi would most likely not exist due to time factor, not reliability. So I hope this sheds some light why there is a much lower percentage of Mazda5's out there with more that 100kmi.

#20 of 22 Re: How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!) [gsqd] by davicho

Dec 20, 2012 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: gsqd (Dec 20, 2012 4:51 pm)
120K miles on my 2006 MZ5 Touring M/T. Not a single drop of oil consumption and still running strong. 5W20 Pennzoil Platinum Super Synthetic running through its veins and good old Motorcraft cartridge filter. Both replaced every 5K miles on the clock! Clutch, A/C compressor, and master cylinder have been the only components replaced besides normal wear and tear items.

#21 of 22 Re: How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!) [davicho] by gsqd

Dec 27, 2012 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: davicho (Dec 20, 2012 5:03 pm)
I need to ask, have you been running synthetic oil since the beginning, or did you switch later, if so how many miles did it have when you switched to synthetic oil, thanks.

#22 of 22 Re: How many miles will the Mazda5 run? (Help me crunch this data!) [gsqd] by davicho

Dec 31, 2012 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: gsqd (Dec 27, 2012 8:12 pm)
I bought mine used with 96K miles, so I am not sure of what the previous owner used. However, I switched to synthetic the week I got it.

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