Is the Mazda MPV worth buying used as a cheap family van?

Usually, no—the Mazda MPV is only worth buying if it is very cheap, rust-free, well-maintained, and you’re comfortable with an older van. As a cheap family hauler, a used Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey is usually the safer bet for parts availability, space, and long-term ownership.

If you’re considering one, focus on the later second-generation MPV, especially 2002–2006 models with the 3.0L V6, and pay for a pre-purchase inspection. Walk away from rust, transmission issues, overheating, electrical problems, or missing maintenance records. The MPV can be appealing because it’s smaller and easier to park than many minivans, but it is old now, so condition matters far more than mileage or trim.