When I purchased the vehicle used, it was disclosed there was a minor water leak and that a pipe had to be replaced, but a local auto repair shop didn't have the tools to repair. I took it to Mazda, spending $140 for the inspection. They told me the pipe was factory edged into the cylinder block and would require a major repair to correct. The car was still within the 5 year or 60K mile warranty coverage for drivetrain.
The dealer told me that it appeared someone had tried to repair the problem and failed, so they couldn't discern if it was a factory problem or a problem the repair shop had caused. They told me it was approximately $5,000 to repair because they needed to remove the engine because of the limited space between the engine and firewall.
I was incensed that the dealer took no responsibility for this factory defect and told them that a repair shop would not have tried to fix unless it was leaking. They were uninterested in listening to a customer and only agreed to waive the inspection as a gesture to get rid of me.
I asked my repair shop if they had other options and they said the only thing they do was use JB weld and seal the leak. Because of the location, it doesn't risk vibrating loose or rubbing against the firewall, so I am taking that option reluctantly.
The Mazda dealership is unethical and shady. I've never had good experience at most dealerships, but Mazda was the worst!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
When I purchased the vehicle used, it was disclosed there was a minor water leak and that a pipe had to be replaced, but a local auto repair shop didn't have the tools to repair. I took it to Mazda, spending $140 for the inspection. They told me the pipe was factory edged into the cylinder block and would require a major repair to correct. The car was still within the 5 year or 60K mile warranty coverage for drivetrain.
The dealer told me that it appeared someone had tried to repair the problem and failed, so they couldn't discern if it was a factory problem or a problem the repair shop had caused. They told me it was approximately $5,000 to repair because they needed to remove the engine because of the limited space between the engine and firewall.
I was incensed that the dealer took no responsibility for this factory defect and told them that a repair shop would not have tried to fix unless it was leaking. They were uninterested in listening to a customer and only agreed to waive the inspection as a gesture to get rid of me.
I asked my repair shop if they had other options and they said the only thing they do was use JB weld and seal the leak. Because of the location, it doesn't risk vibrating loose or rubbing against the firewall, so I am taking that option reluctantly.
The Mazda dealership is unethical and shady. I've never had good experience at most dealerships, but Mazda was the worst!
I'm never buying another Mazda.
- David R., San Luis Obispo, CA, US