Topic: Mazda5 and sliding doors

[jambo101]

I am in the market for a new car and the Mazda 5 is on the short list,as i usually drive my cars 250000 k before trade i wonder about those sliding doors being problem free for 7 or 8 years and 250k,i have had vehicles with sliding doors in the past and they have all given me problems at some point.would you take the chance?am i worrying for nothing?

[rrocket]

Likely.  It would be a shame to take the Mazda5 off the list merely because you had problems in the past...

[johngenx]

They are manual doors, so only mechanical bits.  No wonder-motors to expire...

[barrie1]

I use a product called Lubriplate on all sliding doors and it works great for year after year. I spray it on the running surfaces about twice a year which seems to do the trick . I have seen vehicles with a lot more milage on them then that have No problems with the doors at all by useing a product like this. 

[inco]

  Like people have said. No worry. If they were power, that might be a cause for concern, but regular care will prevent almost all problems. Great choice.

[Wetson]

I don't think you have to worry about the sliding doors.  Just make sure the tracks are kept clean and everything is well lubricated and you shouldn't have any problems.

[gottarondo]

Or buy a Kia Rondo instead - you could call this the Mazda 5 does without the sliding doors  (some would say does the same idea better)

[Loudpedal]

I suppose the question would be how often would you be using the sliding doors in those 7-8 years and 250000k...

I do concur with the other posts, manual doors, kept lubed likely means few issues. 

[quadzilla]

Doesn't the Mz5 come with power sliding doors? Or it is only on the GT model?

[Car_nut]

I have a 2007 Mazda 5, and before that a 13 years old Caravan. On the 13 years old van, no problem with the sliding door what so ever, eventhough I never lubricate the track. Yes, there are some rust along the bottom track but the door still close tight. I do use the door everyday, that may keep it from seizing.

My sister's 12 years old Maxima's rear door ( not sliding door) bind and sag a bit and make a real loud squeaky noise. She rarely uses the rear door. That may be the reason for the binding .

It seems lack of use / lubrication  may be the issue, rather than the type of door.