Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

msgjvh

We have a teal ES like you haven't heard that already its info is:

2000 (JULY 99)
25,000 miles
22 MPG (wifey)
19 MPG (Me)
Moonroof
Mats
Stepplate
Roofrack
Mudflaps
Rear Air
NLEV
6 CD Changer (WE LOVE THAT!!!!!)

Problems

1) Fryed rear seat belt - Fixed immediately by dealer
2) Preceived rough shifting in tranny - Dealer tells me I am overly sensitive, my wife disagrees!
3) Broken Passenger Visor - Dealer fixed, Kids reprimanded, they broke it again anyway
4) Wife took out the Passenger mirror - Not fixed yet, waiting for wife to cough up the dough
5) Broken Belt on tire - Instructed wife to stop before hitting the curb. Not covered by Dealer BUMMER!
6) Bumber recall - Fixed by dealer (Remember that?)
7) Pulled to right - aligned by local shop, seams ok except on my sensitive days. (Midol, NOT)

So out of the seven I have listed, 4 are self inflicted. Not bad at all.

maltb

I have actually used the ratcheting mechanism in the passenger seat for a forward facing car seat. Yes, keep that hate mail coming! Sure the safety campaigns tell you kids in the back, but if you do it properly, it is no more dangerous that the 2nd or 3rd row. They say kids in the back as it is an easy one liner, but I came across some very interesting stats when I was working on an air bag project that made me think twice. Basically, just move the seat all the way back and you are ok.

Disclaimer -- I am not reccomending this to anyone unless you fully understand your air bag system. --

javadoc

Was that air bag system or my windbag system (read MIL, kidding!!!)?

However, flaming bag of hate mail aside, do you know if you can get a non-racheting assembly...say, as if the driver's side assembly would work on the passenger's side?

--javadoc

blondemom1

2000 ES
Emerald Green (Java knows green is for geniuses)
Sunroof
6-changer CD
Mud Flaps (don't waste your money)
Basically everything except RSES

42,034 miles!
20 mpg around town
21-22 highway (I speed)

Problems:

1. A fairly large door ding on each sliding door. Gawd, I HATE those! And one scrape on bottom of rear fender, made by the tractor at the farm where our horses are stabled. Driver (culprit) never fessed up.

2. The driver's side sliding door has just started to scrape against something on the track. Plan on having it looked at.

3. The Dunlops are history. Put Michelins on last week. The tire guy said the Dunlops don't have the life my new tires will have.

4. My new Lifehouse CD won't go into the CD slot. All others work fine. I find this to be particularly troublesome. (great CD BTW)

5. I'm still waiting for Mazda to offer a wind deflector for this van. I love cruising with the sunroof open, but find that the wind noise gets annoying. My Camry had one, and it was wonderful.

Good things:

1. I haven't had to get new brakes yet. I figured with the weight of the van, I would've needed brakes by now.

2. No burnt out bulbs or fuses. Everything in working order

3. No tune up has seemed to be needed yet.

4. Everything about this van. I love it as much, or more, than the day I got it. Just today, I was cruising around town, Ray Bans on, rear windows part way down, sunroof open, blasting AC/DC. Aahhh. Great day.

msgjvh

OMG I need to stop downloading KC & the Sunshine Band and the Brothers Johnson. Creed please help I need some new stuff!!!!!!

blondemom1

Well, AC/DC isn't really new, especially since I don't like the discs without Bon Scott on vocals. Just not the same nastiness, IMHO.

But, I buy about one new CD a week, some older, but most of it new. Some new purchases have been, Lifehouse, Train, The Wallflowers, Freddy Jones Band, Fleetwood Mac, Green Day, Everclear, Al Green, and Billy Idol's Greatest Hits. I'm wierd, if you didn't already know.

msgivh, GET WITH IT!! I think you should jump right in and get the new Train CD. The best I've bought in a while.

msgjvh

I don't need to hear whistles and railcars in the MPV. I'd think an ODY was on my butt!

I can't get the CD player as it is with the kids in the van. The wife won't let me drive it unless I am shuttling the kids! You should have heard the fit she threw the other day when I tried to nab it. Whoaaa is me.

blondemom1

waltb2

When I brought in for first oil change, I asked serviceguy about synth oil. He said just keep changing regular oil every 3K and shouldn't need it. Said if don't change synth oil with same type could create gum in the engine?

I know the cost is more and hence more profit for them, but I seem to recall a post about better performance/mileage with synth oil or was it tranny fluid?

Will take back in about a month from now the way I'm racking up miles, so would appreciate an answer.

drrocket

Well, I can't say I wasn't warned. Much to my surprise and chagrin, I unknowingly drove (I don't know how many miles) on a flat tire (right rear). This occurred only a week or so after I installed "Tire Minders" on my '00 MPV ES. I thought I had been diligent about keeping an eye on the Tire Minders' pressure, but I guess I checked the driver's side more regularly than the passenger's. Possibly the right rear Tire Minder got jostled from coming too close to a curb while parallel parking, though it still looks pristine.

In any event, the tire still holds air but a portion of the sidewall got worn away--approximately the top half of the Dunlop lettering is abraded away (an indented groove is present in place of raised lettering). A Mazda service advisor who looked at it wasn't comfortable with how much the sidewall may have been weakened and suggested I ask a tire specialist. A tech at Costco's tire center thinks the tire should be ok unless something punctures the sidewall, which wouldn't be too likely. But I'm concerned about a high speed blowout and would feel better if I replaced the one tire.

My tires currently have ~20,000 miles on them. When they're sufficiently worn to warrant replacing them all, I'll most likely replace them with Michelins. Until then, I don't want to spend too much money to replace a single tire, and I recall someone in the MPV forum having some for sale, so...

Anyone who has a slightly used 16" Dunlop for sale, please speak up. Or if you think I'm being overly paranoid, that my current tire should be fine, please try to convince me.

Thanks in advance.

tboner1965

If you can't find a good used tire, replace a pair. Have the fronts rotated to the back, the put the new ones on the front.

The tire store may tell you they recommend the new tires on the back. Just ask them what they do when it is time to rotate them.

May not be as classy, but you can put two Michelins on the front and keep the Dunlops on the back.

Or check out www.tirerack.com, generally cheaper than your local tire store, but add $10-$20 to have it mounted and balanced.

The illegal option would be to rent an MPV for a day, making sure it has the same wheels.

You know what to do from there

Cheers,

TB

msgjvh

drrocket,

I have three of the 4000's with approximately 16k on them. Email me at MSGJVH@bigfoot.com. They are taking up room.

javadoc

You always have the most creative suggestions...renting an MPV...

roflmao

--java

tweet6583

I understand the flmao but what does the ro stand for in roflmao?

msgjvh

The IRC dictionary says:

Rolling
On the
Floor
Laughing
My
[non-permissible content removed]
Off

kawazar

When I had a 1000 miles on my 2000 LX I changed to Mobil 1 synthetic. I contacted 2 local Mazda dealers and Mobil. They all agreed that it was no problem going to syn. oil with such low mileage. I have used syn. for years in my cars and have never had any kind of buildup or gum in the engines. I have noticed that the MPV runs smoother but I have not checked mileage since the change.

cutter44

I would still be curious as to the benefit vs cost, especially if one changes the oil every 3000 miles. Seems like you're flushing the high priced stuff right out. I'm not suggesting it's bad, just wondering if it will have a chance to work its magic. Same goes for a "premium" oil filter. With frequent oil changes, wouldn't a plain jane name brand work fine?

This topic always brings back memories of...well...let's say, times gone by. Do any of you remember when the manufacturers would recommend changing the filter EVERY OTHER oil change? I never could figure that out, even in my dumber days. Well, then again, they wanted you buying a new car every couple of years and I guess they wanted you to have a reason.:-)

drrocket

You sure have a devious mind. But even if there were a source for renting '00 MPVs with 16" Dunlops, don't you think it might seem kind of suspicious that rather than choosing a van based on color or options, it was chosen only after careful tire inspection.

drrocket

I thought synthetic oil got replaced at ~7500 mi intervals; that's when I was planning to replace mine again.

BTW, I believe the factory recommended oil viscosity is 5W50, but it was pointed out to me by a Red Line Oil retailer that the wider the viscosity range, the more additives used. He suggested that for the Atlanta area, 5W30 might be more appropriate. All in favor say, "Ay!" Opposed, say "Oy!"

kawazar

Both Mobil and my local dealerships claim that you can go 7500 miles but the dealer recommended 3000 mile intervals due to the harsh New *ignore* weather. That is what I go by is 3000. They both also said it was fine to use the Mobil1 0W30 weight oil which is what I have been using. The lighter oil flows faster to lubricate quicker. They also said that weight can be used all year. The two dealerships agreed with everything Mobil has told me. Which surprised me!

tboner1965

Well,

You don't have to tell them what you are looking for.

You could shop like my wife does, "I'll know what I want when I see it."

It is a good thing I only think of these devious ideas. If I ever start acting on them, the world would be a bad place.

TB

maltb

That may not be such a good idea. Most rentals tires either have bar codes or proximity chips embedded. A relative of mine has worked to develop the use of proximity chips specifically for that purpose as it appears that Tboner's idea is not so original.

With rental companies charging double for a tank of gas, I'd hate to see what a well used tire is worth.

dbs2001

'01 ES Rainforest Green purchased Feb 01 (born 11-00)
1500 mi (including 2 trips of 400 mi ea when I was allowed to drive it!)
No problems (except for 2 scratches -grr!)
Haven't calculated mpg - but know it's not great.
Love it & many thanks to all you regulars who have contributed to the various forums. You guys and gals have been of invaluable help & assistance!)

Dennis

bob57

Since I own two vans - '00 Sienna & '01 MPV I bounce around all the various van postings to see what's happening.
Some Sienna postings talk about protesting Toyota, Winstar people talk about all kinds of problems and MPV owners discuss fishing.....
What's wrong with this picture?

Had a "die for babe" wanting to sit in my MPV this morning at the gas station to see what it was like because she was interested in MPVs. I was mumbling to myself- I'm married with two kids...I'm married with....
Love my MPV.

billmckinley

lol.
Some people have all the luck. The only ones who've asked to sit in mine are my dogs. And the worst of it is, I'm so desperate to show it off to somebody--anybody--that I let them. And every time they get in to it, they turn it into Lower Slobberovia (Does that qualify as a problem?)

RJ

javadoc

You can't get either the smell, the slobber or the dog hairs out of your mpv Bill. >;-)

--java

billmckinley

Listen, with the history of godawful flatulence in The President Mckinley, I welcome a little eau de dog.
BTW, now that the temp hit 86 degrees today and I've turned the A/C on, I'm getting the more traditional hot-pitch smell as well. What an olfactory treat The Prez is turning out to be!

RJ

maltb

That would drive me crazy! I would make every phone call possible and not stop until somebody fixed it. Maybe the reason that blonde has not asked to see the MPV is that awful scent.

billmckinley

I figure the hot pitch is just some protectant burning off the AC, since this is almost the first time I've used it. If it keeps up, I'll have Mr Bob, the ever grunting Service Writer at Rohrich Mazda give it his most careful attention. I just got the Customer Satisfaction Survey for my first disastrous visit to Rohrich. Maybe after it gets back to Mazda America, they'll take my concerns a bit more seriously. Heheheh.
As for the flatulence, it actually does seem to be fading. I almost never smell it anymore, even in my garage. And when I do, it's very faint. So maybe it isn't the car's smell that's keeping that Blonde at a distance (Does that mean I should stop showering with Murphy's Oil Soap?)

RJ

internik

It was interesting to see that many of the people in this discussion had a similar story of how they selected the MPV - Initially going after Toyota, Ford, Dodge, etc., then incidentally checking a Mazda dealer and really falling in love with the MPV. Well, at least that's my story.

I am probably going to the dealership this weekend to negotiate a good price.

My concerns at this point are:
1. The lower priced DX does not have ABS, even as an option. While I am not that keen on the ABS, this will definitely reduce the resale value of the car, should we decide to sell the car.

2. Mileage - seems a bit too high. How come a smaller engine (compared to all the other
minivans) is in fact consuming more gas.

3. Going to 160hp (or 170?) from my Ford Escort's 88hp is a big jump. However, compared to the others (Toyota, Honda), it seems very little.

I would really appreciate your comments and advice.

Thanks

billmckinley

I'm not sure about the lack of ABS hurting resale, for a couple of reasons. 1] I'm not sure this car is going to have any appreciable resale in the short term, especially if the 3.0L comes out this fall or next winter. When I bought mine, I did so with the idea that I'd get my money out of it by running it till it drops--or I do. 2] I've met a surprising number of people who absolutely hate, loathe, and despise ABS and if forced into a car with it, still brake the traditional way because they don't care for the feel of the ABS when engaged. To these people, less is more as far as ABS goes.

I agree about the gas mileage; it's relatively low for such a small engine. One the other hand, I'm coming out of a gasaholic Cherokee. My 17+ suburban mpg looks pretty good to me. [On the third hand, let's see how happy I am when gas hits $2.50-3.00 per gallon.}

As for the hp, 160, which is what NLEV states get, seems pretty adequate to move this van around. Word of warning, though. The van does NOT like a lead foot. Tromp it and all you get is a bucking transmission. There's a definite learning curve in figuring out how to get the most out of its engine and transmission. Gentle and steady pressure moves it smoothly up to speed with no cause for embarrassment at stoplights or heart failure getting onto Interstates.

Speaking of learning curves, I'm in the middle of a new one. I used the A/C yesterday for the first time, and it's a whole different beast with the A/C running. It takes a different type of pedal pressure to keep it smooth, and I'm just beginning to get the right feel for it. I'm confident I will, though. It took me a couple of days when I first bought the car to learn how to drive it in cool weather, and now it's as smooth as silk under my foot.

I guess what I'm saying is that you sound as though you might be having a case of pre-buy jitters, wondering if what you're about to do is the right thing. It was for me, and if you have read the previous posts on this and the other MPV forums, you already know how we universally feel about our purchase.

Good luck with your decision.

RJ

javadoc

I think that the MPV is getting good economy considering it's pulling around 3,600+ lbs. of bulk, plus any human-types and their toys. Plus a minivan punches a large hole in the air, compared to a sedan with a similar sized engine.

What vans are we comparing that are returning better mileage than the MPV? Not the Ody I hope...I've two friends now with Odys and they are both griping about their 14mpg minivans, wishing they'd bought SUVs for that kind of mileage. The Windstar is a thirsty thing also. I don't know about the Sierra, but it's probably got good economy numbers.

I agree with Bill that ABS is a ying/yang argument. Some folks just gotta have it, some don't want it. My MIL spefically had me find her a '01 Jetta w/o ABS (and she wanted crank windows, go figure). Now, that was a tough task. Personally, ABS has saved my bacon a few times, being able to steer out of the way. I think a DX w/o ABS isn't a big deal at all as far as resale goes.

FWIW, I saw an analysis a few months back about resale values-vs-options on cars, and the findings were that the base model cars held a higher percentage of their original value than optioned out cars of the same exact model. Interesting.

I'd say, give the MPV a try. It's a great little van with lots of room...and personality!

--javadoc

otish

I can't remember who posted about the 'ratcheting' seatbelt but it sounds to me like you have one of those seatbelts that needs to be replaced because it locks up too easily. The feature that they put on them for installing child safety seats is only engaged after pulling the seat belt out ALL the way (and you would have to be rather large to do that!). The locking mechanism is on all seat belts to position us correctly (in other words keep us in our seats and not the windshield) and you do want that (we want you posting here!). However, we had one in the back bench row that seemed to lock up with very little movement (as opposed to a sudden lunge forward that usually triggers them). Mazda replaced it and I know that some others have had this happen too

That seatbelt replacement and my visor mirror frame cracking are the only problems we have had with our van. It is a 2000 ES with GFX that we purchased in Jan. 2000. By the way, it is the best color of all - beautiful red!!

cpugirl72

WOW! all you MPV owners seem pretty happy. I am in the market for a minivan and I really LOVE all the unique features of the MPV (i.e. roll down second windows, side by slide, and tailgate 3rd row tumble down seat). I am a bit concerned about the size of the engine. It seems smaller or at least less powerful than other vans in the market. Like I said, you all seem pretty happy, but I am wondering if any of you who have had second thoughts, have had them because of lack of power? I also read one message about a bigger engine this fall or winter? Has anyone else heard about this? My Nissan (YUCK, but that is another message board altogether) lease is up in September and I am wondering if it will be out then?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Green with MPV Envy

whisper1

1) Don't buy a vehicle without ABS! Those dislike it do not appreciate safety and technology.

2) Mileage - affected by many variables: right engine size, the engine designers' skill, efficiency, body aerodynamic, vehicle weight ...., etc. Note - V6 contour owners don't complain about mileage, so the engine must be OK.

3) 160hp for all 2001s. Good enough, unless you intent to drag race from light to light.

dbs2001

The engine is a bit underpowered, but adequate. I'm happy we bought our MPV & would not change our decision. We notice the slight lack of power when entering freeways; however, not after we get up to speed. There is enough power for passing, driving through mountains, etc.

There have been several posters who have said the 3.0 engine is supposed to be available about Sep; but, last year several posters also said it would be out by this month!

Dennis

maltb

I think that ABS is a more valuble option in your neck of the woods than mine. We tend to have thawed, dry pavement here and the biggest concern may be sand or gravel in which ABS is less effective.

I would suggest that people choose ABS based on necessity determined by where they drive and not opinions.

cutter44

I was one who didn't care one way or the other about ABS, while my wife really wanted them. We didn't have ABS on our previous car, but DID on the one before that. I think they're fine, but I was more interested in saving a few bucks. Long story short, we got an LX with ABS. Well, just a couple of hours ago some idiot cut right in front of me as I was heading home. I jammed on those brakes and let's just say I'm glad I have ABS. I was half expecting to skid toward him, but I stuck to the pavement and just steered a bit around him. I'm sold!

billmckinley

The problem with your request might lie in finding any of us who are having second thoughts. As you say, we're a pretty happy group.

I'll give you a bit of my background. I came off a 98 Cherokee, which, to put it mildly, went like a bat from a standing start. The MPV will NOT go like a bat from a standing start. What it will do is get you moving without any embarrassment whatsoever at a stoplight. It will climb hills, even steep hills such as we have in Pittsburgh, with a minimum of fuss and bother. It will merge in highway traffic safely--I once had to merge into rush hour traffic on one of our local expressways from a dead stop and lived to tell the tale.
No, it's not the fastest van in the stable, but it's not a dog, it's not a cement truck. I don't miss my Jeep in the least.

Good luck,
RJ

rallychamp

You mewntioned that one of your problems was a crack in the cirsor mirror frame. Can you tell me if this was fixed under Mazda warranty?

I am looking at a 2000 MPV ES with GFX as well, and it has a crack in the passenger visor mirror frame. (Interesting)

jscara

I have narrowed down choice to MPV or Toyota Sienna. Love the MPV looks inside and out. Love the toyota reliability factor. Want a van that will last 10-12 years +. Don't know too much about Mazda realiability or how long I could expect MPV to last. Any suggestions for researching reliability on MPV? any comments?

Also concerned about the power. You can really feel the diff. in pick up between the two. Only thing is Sienna is A BIG YAWN inside and out. If MPV coming out with 3.0, would be worth the wait for me. Any more comments about availibility?

Joanne

otish

Yes, they fixed it under warranty (took about 15 minutes max). I know that one other person here had the visor crack too. I thought that maybe I had done it when I attached my garage door opener (we have a moonroof so no thing in the roof for it). Who knows though - I didn't hear a crack or anything or feel it happen. However, like I say they fixed it under warranty.

Jscara - we have had our van since Jan. 2000 and have had no problems except a cracked visor and a seatbelt that seemed to lock up too easily. I have found the van to be holding up great and running great. We have driven it from Kansas to Minnesota and down to San Antonio and have found it to perform with no problems. I don't find it to have a power issue (and our other car is an Infiniti Q45 which has way more than necessary). We love this van! It looks beautiful and I can't get over how many people still stop us and ask us about our 'pretty new van'.

firecapt26

My wife and I did a full year of research into minivans. We not only did our checking on the web, but we would stop people on the street and ask them about their vehicle. After all the dust had cleared we were down to the final three, MPV, Sienna, Odyssey. Let me share what a believe to be the true factors with each one of these vehicles.....

Odyssey: Great minivan with a great safety rating. But Honda is living in a dream world right now. Their van (like many others) have some serious design flaws. Some of the bigger issues would appear to be doors, transmissions, and electrical. Most dealerships will deal around MSRP, but what's with that?.

Sienna: This was my first pick till about a month ago. The styling of the Sienna is dated, and Toyota will probably release a new design within the next few years. We monitored the "problem" discussion boards and were seeing significant problems. Now forget the "sludge" stuff, the real issue there was that Toyota was not serving their customer-base....

MPV: This was my wife's choice all along. I had the same power concerns, and was not really excited about the 2.5 duratech (ford) engine. But as we watched the boards and the ratings at msn.com (autopoint), car review.com, and epinion.com, it was clear that people loved the MPV and that the problems (those that occured) were being handled.

We purchased a MPV LX and are very happy. The power issue is not valid for everyday use. You will really love the design and interior (far superior). Also you can get some great deals right now......

javadoc

I owned a 1990 MPV (previous body style) for a long time...140,000 miles worth. It was boring how little I had to do to it fixing things. Replaced brake pads a couple times, shocks once, tires a few times. The only trouble we had was at 130,000, the torque converter went out, but that's a lot of miles to not have anything break. I'd not worry about reliability isues.

:-)

--javadoc

drrocket

I had both my visors replaced due to a cracked vanity frame (I'm suspecting over-use by my teenage daughter). It was covered by the warranty, no fuss, no muss.

I never thought I would be a minivan owner (all my previous cars were sporty foreign coupes), but I must admit I enjoy my '00 MPV ES a lot; and it's SO convenient for carrying cargo, either in addition to, or instead of kids. For me the tumble-under third row was the only way to go (which is why my choice was narrowed down to either the Ody or the MPV); I drove my friend's Ody extensively and (surprisingly?) didn't care for it. When, on a whim, I test drove the MPV (after reading a reference to it by minivan "researchers" on a Honda/Ody website), I knew it was the clear choice for me. And my girls, at the time seven- and fifteen-years old, loved it!

If I had it to do over again, I'd buy the exact same vehicle (color and options), though I'd probably opt for the larger engine if it were available. I like the MPV so much, in fact, that I think I'd like to always have one in my "stable" of cars.

bob57

This site is starting to sound like an MPV love fest!
But I'll chime in - my flaming red 2001 MPV is a ball to drive. It gets a lot of looks and people wanting to sit in it - especially that "babe" the other day ) It is the best handling van I ever drove. The power issue (in my opinion) is not an issue.
I also looked at the Honda Ody before I purchased a new '00 Sienna (Yes, I have two vans...). I have had excellent experience with Honda over the last 15 years and inquired, I think last September, with a Honda dealer about a new van.
I was told (quote) "$1000 down, choose a color but you have to wait 90 days".
Ok, I thought - what is the price? "MSRP plus $1800 plus acessories". What's the MSRP? "We don't know". BYE...
Actually, the people I know with Ody's like them a lot even tho then they had to wait long periods to get one. It's a new van and is still going through the "new" stage with some problems which I'm sure Honda will eventually work out.
At any rate, my wife loves HER Sienna and I definitely love MY MPV. Neither one has given us any problems at all. She jumped in the MPV the other day to run to the store. I was waiting in the driveway for MY van to come home... (Must be a man thing...). She also loves to drive it as she can avoid the maniac Houston drivers very easily with the MPV.
My wife got a fantastic deal on the MPV (I really don't want to tell you - but it's posted waaaay back here somewhere).

alexv1n

Well, she just won the van on the radio (if my memory doesn't betray me). Big deal... :-)

nyk33

I have a 2001 MPV DX and after 2000 miles I am noticing a slight squeel when I apply the breaks. Is there anything I can do or do I have to take it in.

Thanks in advance,
Amir

alexv1n

I believe it is rear drum brakes that start squeaking, right? There could be several causes for that. One of them, brakes getting glazed. When brake pads overheat (if you go downhill for a long time and hold your foot on the brake pedal, or when you drive in a very heavy stop-and-go traffic and use brakes constantly, or you drive with parking brake not completely released, or... you get an idea), the brake pad surface change its chemical structure and becomes very hard and smooth (like glass). This surface becomes to squeal. You need to bring the van in and let them "deglaze" the brake pads. But I guess glazed brakes would squeal quite loudly...

Another cause could be brake dust settling on the rear edge of the pads forming a wedge that starts to squeal when you apply brakes gently. You can try to fix this yourself. Go to a remote open space (empty parking lot, etc) with no traffic and go in reverse as fast as you can and hit brakes hard. Repeat this procedure 10-15 times. See if this helps.

I'd not bother with this problem unless this causes you big inconvenience. Anyway, at 15,000 miles there should be brake inspection (if this is the same in the US as in Canada) and you can bring it up at that time.

My van shows this problem as well (light squeal when I brake gently at slow speed) and the mechanic told not to bother. It doesn't justify the cost of brake service at this time anyway...

P.S. It's my opinion. However note that heavily glazed brakes could result in reduced effectiveness of the brakes or even complete failure. So be careful with this.

mufasta

I don't have my MPV yet, so right now I'm just posing as an owner.

For those of you that ask about the MPV power, five years ago, the MPV would have been mid-pack in respects to power output. The '97 Dodge had 150, 150, and 158, the Fords went 140, 160, and 200, GM 180, Toyota 161, and Honda 140. Two years ago it wasn't much different with Dodge 150, 158, and 180, Nissan 170, Toyota 194, and Honda stepping it up with 210. Other notes, the '96 Dodge had 100 and '96 Toyota had 138.

I've read old reviews of all of these minivan that had under 170hp and more than half the time reviewers stated that acceleration was great for merging and passing. Ten years ago no van had over 170hp and power was a non-issue then, so why is it now?

Anyway, I'll take the handling over power anyday which the MPV has tons of (for a minivan that is).