₦airaland Forum

Thanks @ZIM DRILL

I have been looking at MPV transmission from several forums and i have discovered that from 2002 model, Mazda introduced the 5-speed auto gear. Now this where the problem comes. It seems the 5-speed is NOT very durable as many complaints of tranny issues come in these model years (2002 and above). Mazda is aware of this and do subsidize the cost of changing the tranny for some of their customers even when the warranty period had elapsed. But that is advanced countries. If you have that issue in Nigeria, you are on your own.

For now, it seems better to go for 2001 and below model years with 4-speed auto transmission.

I will post as i get more facts. I like this MPV hence my research on it.

I heard some commercial transporters are using it in Lagos loading around Ijora or so. Can anyone confirm this and probably the model years they are using?

wise_many2k: I've encountered those tiffs plenty times and I call them tiffs cos dey use woods fitted with sharp nails to tear ur tyre if you try evading them. U can avoid dem by following this simple idea. If u observe, dey only stand @ d section wen descending d flyovers @ d bypass roads on lag-benin road and benin-asaba road. So when u're approaching those flyovers, slowdown and keep to your right, look out ur window, u shld be able to see if they are @ their usual positions (even if u're driving a volkswagen bug)! If they are stationed there, don't try being James Bond on wheels, don't decend the flyover but drive straight, u'll see a u-turn along the highways (abt 200mtrs) from the flyover! Turn there and drive home safely! U won't see them @ d other location cos they believe ppl coming from dat side of the road are their edo brothers coming from within the state. If u are very observant, u'll notice some sharp drivers doing same when those touts are on d road.

Guy you are spot on. This the best way to avoid those miscreants rather than confronting them.

I found these: http://www.planetfeedback.com/mazda+motor+corporation/durability/failed+transmission+on+2002+mpv/292485
http://forum.mpvclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=11947&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=transmission+miles&start=0
http://nlcpr.com/blog/?p=1461


Any one who intends to buy Mazda MPV should read through posts on these fora

Any major issue with the car? 450k?

For people saying you increase your speed to avoid them or try to kill one of them, i want to let you know that the place where these guys stay is at a dangerous bend that you CANNOT navigate at even 100km/h. Unless you are prepared, you will NOT see them once you start to negotiate that bend and you must slow down because the bend is sharp.

I once encountered them while traveling from Akure to Benin through Owo. Because it is straight road though very rough, immediately i sighted them from afar, i wound up, put my full light and increase my speed not minding the nature of the road. They came with their wood affixed with 6" nails but when they notice i had no intention of slowing down a bit, they ran for their lives. But on the Benin by-pass, they stay along a sharp bend that you CANNOT drive at that kind of speed. I really don't know what they ask from their victims but nobody would want to fall prey to those criminals.

I think the best thing to do like somebody has already suggested is to take the right turn before the bridge as if you are going to Benin, drive up towards Benin and then take any available turn to join the the lane that will take you through by-pass. You will need to do the same thing when you want to join Benin - Asaba highway from the Benin by-pass because another set of those task force also stays along that sharp bend.

Alternatively, drive pass the bridge as if you are going to Warri, get to the next available space where you can turn to the other lane as if you are going back. Once you get close to the bridge, take your right and join the by-pass. Do same while joining the Benin - Asaba highway from the by-pass. PREVENTION THEY SAY IS BETTER THAN CURE!!!

The next time i will travel i will try to take snap shots of these places to help people take care and know what exactly to do to have a smooth trip

I traveled to the Onitsha recently from Lagos and saw this so called task force people as you turn from the Benin - Ore highway to the Benin By-Pass and as you turn from Benin By-Pass to Benin - Asaba highway. They were about eight in number carrying various weapons waiting for unsuspecting motorists especially private cars. I saw some cars being held up their by these guys. It seems they don't stop commercial buses.

How can somebody travelling on that road with his private car avoid the trouble of such miscreants? Personal experiences will be appreciated.

@lonelydora
Have you experience that front tyre pull out that is common with Hondas? I wrote you travel a lot and i've heard about that problem peculiar with Honda and wondering how you manage to travel so much with your baby honda

What does "servicing the auto gear" mean? Changing the ATF every 4-6 months? Is it same for all cars? I know of a friend who drives Honda Accord 97. She last changed the ATF of the auto gear four(4) years ago yet the car is still moving. She is using it as everyday car.

Please why not tell us how the problem was solved so that any other person with such problem will know what to do.

Thanks

Please people who know about this car should post on this thread

I have heard that mazda cars are prone to auto gear issues especially from guys on this forum. It said that it is safe to avoid auto gear mazda cars.

My question then: is Mazda MPV 2001 - 2003 prone to auto gear problems? I ask because mazda mpv 2001 - 2003 come ONLY as auto gear. I'm in love with the minivan but what to know about the durability of the auto gear with use of the right ATF?

I will appreciate comments on this especially from people who have first hand experience on this minivan.

hi car doctor. Thanks for the good things you are doing on nairaland.

Please i hear that Mazda cars are prone to auto gear problems. Do you know if Mazda MPV 2001 or 2002 which comes as a standard auto gear without option of manual is prone to having gear problems? I intend buying 2001 or 2002 model but very afraid of auto gear issues.

Thank you again

What about the Auto transmission of Mazda MPV, does it have issues?

Why are people not commenting on this thread?

Please car gurus here, help me to make a choice base on these:

1. Durability (no money to keep changing cars)

2. Low maintenance cost/Easy to maintain by our mechanics

3. Low fuel consumption

4. Easy to get parts

5. Stability of the Auto gear (both the Altima and Camry must be auto gear)

I'm really not so interested in what everybody is using but what is affordable and can serve me well. I intend doing inter-state trips of about 800km (to & fro) travel at least thrice a year.

Considering all these, which of these cars should i go for - NISSAN ALTIMA 1999 OR TOYOTA CAMRY 1999.

Thank you for your anticipated suggestions

@Inspired

Thinking of dealing with you.

I need 1998 Honda Odyssey with Double Air Conditioning - see the attached image.

How much will that cost?

you should not be told to post the pix

Bros, 650k can get you Toks Camry 96

Recently my mechanic suggested i change my radiator to double cell for better cooling. I told him that the only time my car over heated was when the water pump went bad water finished in the radiator so the engine over heated. Otherwise, i've not had problem of over heating so why changing to the so called double cell radiator.

My questions are:
1. What then is double and single cell radiators?
2. What advantage/disadvantage does one have over the other?
3. When is it advisable to use one rather than the other?

The mechanic said than once a car engine over heats as in my case, (in my case the temperature meter got to the highest value), the engine may never be same and sooner than later will have to be changed. How true is this? I have asked this because my engine recently started emitting sky blue smoke and "shorting oil" so my mechanic said i have to change the engine. We were trying to trace what could have caused the sudden change in the engine performance. That was when he told me that the over heating could cause the problem.

Could somebody help clarify some of these issues. i cannot trust some of these mechanics anymore.

@Ikenna
My Toyota Carina E 1996 emits sky blue smoke. My mechanic says the engine is the problem and suggested i replace the engine rather than change the rings.

I also noticed that the oil level has been going down. Since i have been using the car, i have not had cause to top oil before servicing. Infact when i service, the oil level will be almost same level as at the last servicing.

Secondly, i have noticed that i have to top water in the radiator more frequently than i sue to. Before, i top water (less than a glass) once a week and atimes i don't even check water in the radiator for more than a week because i will be sure water will be there.

Furthermore, the mechanic also recommended changing my radiator to "double cell" since the one on the car now is "single cell" though he said it is only advisable and NOT compulsory.

Please i need your advise before these mechanics will rip me off.

Honda Odyssey 1999-2003

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Odyssey/

Honda Accord 2003 has known transmission problems. Check out this:

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/

@carmarts

How much will get me a Honda Odyssey 1998 with custom papers?

lonelydora: Depends on how you maintain your car. People that have the mentality of Transmission fluid can stay upto 5 years will surely encounter problem with their transmission. Like i always say, it depends on your maintenance culture.

I beg to disagree. There so car models with known transmission issues, irrespective of the maintenance culture. We cannot shy away from this rather we can help ourselves by identifying such model so that potential buyers will be aware.

@Fixed
Thanks so much, your post is so very informative. I definitely know better now. These mechanics can confuse somebody at times. Once you mention V6 car, they will discourage you.

I think i will look online again about Honda odyssey again. I went through this site before now:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Odyssey_%28international%29

I got what you said here: "3. Please note that the model of the Odyssey you are referring to above runs from 1995 through 1998. It is the same model that shares similar mechanical parts with the same year Honda Accord (popularly known as Academy and not the baby boy). The bigger model of the Odyssey that has gear box issues started in 1999. I cannot say much about its mechanical similarity with the Babyboy's only that I also observed that a lot of people complain about the failure of Babyboys (Honda Accord 1998/99-2002) automatic gear." If i'm going for the shuttle, i will get either a 97 or 98 model. Again, thank you very much.

I'm coming up with this topic to guide prospective car buyer as to cars including the particular models that have been identified to have problematic auto gear.

We all know that auto gears are expensive to change and in most cases hardly repairable. So any effort to save or guide somebody in getting reliable will be most appreciated especially people on tight budget like me.

To start, from experiences of some of my colleagues and friends, i heard that these model of cars have auto transmission issues:
1. Honda Accord 1999 - 2003 (baby boy and EOD)
2. Mazda cars
3. Volkswagen cars

Well, i have not used any of these cars so i stand to be corrected.

All posts will be appreciated.

Both cars are good. I've not used any of the two but i have friends who use them.

Camry '98 is a strong and reliable car but you may have problem with shock absorber. It goes bad too often so you will need to change it more often. That apart, the transmission is solid, the parts available and fuel consumption ok.

Honda accord '97 is strong and reliable too, may not be as roomy as Camry '98. The parts might be a little more expensive than Camry but is rugged. Transmission is good if well serviced. Infact, i know a friend who uses her accord '97 to carry bags of pure water she sells.

It boils down to choice actually

Thanks to everybody that have contributed to this thread so far. I've learnt a lot and i hope other viewers must have learnt also.

@Fixed
Your post is most informing. My issue with Sienna is because the rear windows cannot be wound down. It means that when i'm using it within the city, i will always use AC. Again, i was told that the maintenance cost is high, is a V6 engine so more Fuel. Thanks for your comment on the Honda Shuttle knowing that you used one. However you said "Almost all mechanical parts are the same as the Honda Accord of the same model year - engine and transmission wise!", that mean 1999 model uses same transmission as Honda Accord 1999 (aka baby boy). If that is true, then i'm scared because i've also heard that baby boy do have transmission issues. Could confirm this?

I have narrowed my search to Honda Shuttle and Mazda MPV. I have problem with V6 vehicles because of fuel consumption and the saying by people that V6 engines are problematic, though i wouldn't really know how true that is, i have not used one.

On being under powered when the car is full with adults, i think is same with other cars. I'm using Carina E 1.6 presently and i feel same once i have about 4 people in the car. I only intend to use it for family use and NOT for transport though once in a while you may carry other people in the car.

I will appreciate more information on this topic please

@Fhemmmy
You said "If you are willing to up your budget a little, i might not suggest MPV for you.", then which will you recommend if i could up my budget a little?

@luvinhubby
I'm just hearing it from you that Shuttle is a variant of civic though i don't quite believe. Take a look at this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Odyssey_%28international%29

@Fhemmmy
Thanks for the info but i must say that "all animals are equal but some are more equal than others".

Having said that, you obviously know more about cars than i do. I think you suggested the Mazda MPV because of my budget. If i'm to increase my budget a little bit, would you still suggest Mazda MPV? But what will the Honda Shuttle 1999, Toyota Picnic 1998 and Volkwagen Sharan 1998 cost inclusive of custom papers? I think that will help me decide if i should up my budget.

Sienna and the likes are NOT an option for me.

@Fhemmmy

Talking about Mazda products, they are NOT durable. I've not driven one but in my office for example, all the guys that bought Mazda are all complaining. They have either sold it to buy another car or have it as a second car. Honda and Toyota are simply better products going by what i've heard of the users and seen too.

Well, i stand to be corrected though by guys with superior argument.