Faults:

I had electrical problems with the low and high beams light. Electrical switch in the dashboard was burnt because of high consumption.

Something is draining the battery, if the van is not used in more than a week. I haven't been able to find the problem. I just unplug the battery if I know I'm not using it for a while.

The high beam bulbs (both) last for a few months only. I checked the alternator, everything is OK.

Last week, the radio-player died.

Rear left glass was falling, so I had to fix it in order to make the glass motor work.

The transmission was rebuilt on 2002, paid $1500 for the work.

Consumption: gives 8km/litre. Not too bad for a big van.

General Comments:

It has been extremely reliable, it never stopped running. Even being this old (400K km), it still stars excellent, even on the coldest mornings. Other than that electrical problem, everything still works (even the AC). Interior in very good condition. Exterior paint holds well (the van have been sleeping outside for the last 3 years). Some rust is starting to appear, nothing too bad. It has plenty of space inside, we use it for camping and for cargo, with very good power. For daily use, we use little cars (WV golf and Pontiac Firefly) that give far better more km/litre.

Faults:

I replaced both axle shafts because of torn CV boots on each. Also, replaced front struts because one broke. Also had to replace stabilizer bar in the front because it broke in half. I believe that this particular van was in an accident before I got it, and that is why I think it had so many front end problems. These problems were all in the 165000-170000 mile range. After these, I had no more problems with front end suspension.

I did replace the alternator in it at 172000 miles as it quit charging. Normal for something this old.

At 181000 miles, belt tensioner broke and caused the serpentine belt to break and come off. I learned later that you should change the tensioner when you have the belt off. So, this one was partly my fault. I should have changed it when I replaced the alternator.

Other than that just normal maintenance.

General Comments:

I did have some problems with this van, but she never left me on the side of the road. I was always able to drive it home or to the garage. Even when the belt broke, I didn't have it towed, because it broke less than a mile from the garage I took it to. I would still be driving this if I hadn't been rear-ended, which totaled the van. Had it not been for this van being wrecked before I got it, I think that it would have been pretty trouble-free, considering its age and miles.

The 3.3 never failed me, starting in the dead of winter with no hesitation whatsoever.

Faults:

Transmission went out at 60,000 miles, even with regular fluid and filter changes. Oil sending unit locked up at 40,000, caused the motor to sound like a diesel truck. Has had oil changed every 3000 miles. Have had three water pumps. Paint fell off and fades along with the woody trim. The roof cloth dry rotted and fell in after 5 years. Yes, we still have the van, but will not buy another. This one has been babied and still was a disappointment to us. Carpet, seats and dash still look new.

General Comments:

Does still get good gas mileage, but has severe blow-by. Has since 20,000 miles.