[quote R6IV5216V8EUU423]After a smorgasbord of Australian, British and Euro makes and models, there was a time when everyone in our family owned Mazdas. However, my 1992 Mazda E2000 Auto Long Wheelbase Van is the only Japanese vehicle I have owned. It did nearly 300,000 kms; the only problem was a tiny hole in the head just after warranty. Used as a vehicle to tote books around in, it coped pretty well. Painfully slow with a full load (I could walk beside it going up the Toowoomba Range). Changed over to a Hyundai Getz and then back to a Holden Commodore. Can thoroughly recommend any Japanese car to anyone.[/quote] I'm not surprised you enjoyed such a long service life from your Mazda E2000 van, freeway. The Mazda Bongo van also earned a reputation for rugged reliability which is sadly why so many were driven into the ground. Not surprisingly, surviving early model Bongo vans are now sought-after Japanese classics.