Hi XXXXXXXXXX!
What year is the MPV you are looking at?
The 2001 was a good model, but not stellar. There were some issues with intake gaskets and the little solenoids that work inside the intake. It's several hundred dollars to fix those problems. Also, they still had some transmission problems... not real common but something to look for.
The 2005 and 2006 are pretty rock solid and well put together vehicles. The biggest problems on those are coil pack failures. There are 6 coils, if one of the front three fail it's not too bad. If one of the back 3 fail it is a few hundred dollars because the upper intake needs to be removed. The coil packs develop little cracks in the top and let water inside which damages the electronics. The most important thing to remember... if the CEL comes on and especially if it blinks have it checked right away. A misfiring coil can cause damage to the catalytic convertors and that is expensive! I see no reason why you couldn't get 150000 miles out of any of the 3 vans.
Proper maintenance is important. Keep the transmission fluid clean and flushed (every 30k). Flush the brake fluid (every 50k). Change the oil every 3k and use the recommended oil!
Auto Service Technician
ASE Master Technician, Mazda Master Technician, GM and Ford factory trained. 15 years experience!
Well, the Mazda Tribute or Ford Escape might be worth looking into. This would give you 4WD as an option which might be helpful if you are travelling the country. They are still roomy, but might not be large enough for all of your luggage. You will have to determine that part. As far as minivans go.... stay away from the domestics.... far far away. I don't have too much experience personally with the Honda or Toyota minivan but from secondhand information people seem to be pleased with them. I know a few owners and haven't heard any bad stories about them.
The Tribute/Escape have fold down seats so there is a lot of room, just not a lot of length. If you are looking for one of these I would stick with 2004 and up. The earlier ones had transmission problems.
Whatever vehicle you decide on, get the vin first and a dealer can get you a printout of any warranty work that was done. If you see a lot of repairs for the same problem then you may want to steer clear of that vehicle.