2000 Mazda MPV LX from North America - Comments

Air flow sensor failed about 80,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 108,000 miles.

I purchased a van because of my rapidly expanding family and trusted the quality of Mazda because of another vehicle of theirs I owned (1993 Protégé). Generally speaking, the mechanicals of the van are exceptional and it has performed well in the six years I have owned it. The one major complaint I have is the corrosion issue that seems to plague this model from 2000 to 2004, so far. The corrosion is extensive: the first place I noticed it was on the hood where it has now perforated. Investigating the hood further revealed the entire front edge is corroding and the underside has a large piece missing. A seal is attached to the front edge and because of the corrosion is no longer sealing water from entering the engine compartment; therefore, exposing electrical and other components to the damaging effects of water. The other places corrosion has shown up are the door edges primarily at the bottom, but also around the windows, the rear lift hatch along the bottom edge and hydraulic pistons that hold the rear door open. I would caution anyone looking to purchase this van to look in these areas for corrosion.

Then again, we are talking economy vehicle here. Any economy vehicle will have thinner sheet metal, lower quality paint or basecoat/clearcoat, lack standard rust proofing etc... rust happens worse on economy cars in general. Best is to combat it with yearly oil sprays, and giving the paint a wash n'wax every now and then.