Alternator @ 65k - $280 plus labour.
Front brake rotors and pads - 80k.
Drivers side lock actuator - 70k.
Battery - 94k.
All 4 tires.
Reasonable vehicle. As I begin to shop for something to replace it, I will not be going to a van. The vehicle has been moderately reliable, but lacks personality. It's like driving a refrigerator. It's an appliance. No more, no less.
Fuel efficiency is mediocre at best, 25mpg roughly on the highway. Less than 20 in the city.
With a roof rack and a trailer hitch, I've camped, "cottaged", hauled barbeques and furniture, installed a bicke rack and towed a boat (REALLY BAD GAS MILEAGE WHEN TOWING). I've loaded the thing to the hilt and have had no issues with stability. It's definitely versatile.
When I bought the van, I knew about other van troubles, such as chrysler, toyota, and hondas blowing trannies and sludge issues. Figured this car's achillie heel (the alternator) was the least of the potential woes.
The other compelling feature is the 2.5 litre six has a timing chain rather than a belt. Theoretically the chain will last the life of the vehicle, and never need changing.
Roll-down middle windows are a great thing. That was one of the features that brought us to this van. Rear air is a must when the windows are up.
I do get really sore shoulders for some reason after a few hours behind the wheel. Wonky ergonomics. This doesn't happen with my 17-year-old volvo.
I don't love it, and I don't hate it. It's a van. It's functional.
Update by original poster. Replaced alternator again 3 months ago, just last week had to replace starter and heater pipes. Was dumb enough to go to the dealer for this fix - $1000.
The vehicle has only 105000 kms on it right now, and I've gone through 2 alternators (expensive repairs). Dealer told me it's leaking oil from the oil pan gasket and rear main seal. Bad news. Based on my experience, I will not be buying another Mazda product again.
Overall I am now quite disappointed with the reliability of this vehicle.
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