warranty - what voids, what doesn't
03-03-2004, 02:04 PM
#1
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warranty - what voids, what doesn't
Hey guys,
I tried doing a search but couldn't find anything that was really specific to my various questions. There are a lot of things I want to do to my 8 this summer. Does any of the following void your warranty:
19" wheels and tires
new exhaust
coilovers or springs
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
-dank
I tried doing a search but couldn't find anything that was really specific to my various questions. There are a lot of things I want to do to my 8 this summer. Does any of the following void your warranty:
19" wheels and tires
new exhaust
coilovers or springs
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
-dank
03-03-2004, 02:06 PM
#2
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As I understand it, whatever you install voids that part. So an intake would void anything to do with the air intake part.
That's what the mazda techs told me anyway.
-Guy
That's what the mazda techs told me anyway.
-Guy
03-03-2004, 02:10 PM
#3
Careful, I bite!
In and of itself, nothing voids the warranty. They must prove that your modification caused the problem, in which case the warranty won't count. To repeat: the modification only voids the warranty on problems that it specifically causes. For example, if you change the overall diameter of the wheels but don't update the computer, you can't complain to Mazda that you're getting the wrong speed or distance numbers.
Note that service departments are sometimes known to attempt to BULLY someone into accepting a different scenario. For example, trying to make you sign something that they'll only provide the warranty service this time but not in the future, or that you must show that it was not caused by your modification. Tell them no dice, and if they insist go up their chain of command - service manager, dealership manager / owner, Mazda NAO...
Note that service departments are sometimes known to attempt to BULLY someone into accepting a different scenario. For example, trying to make you sign something that they'll only provide the warranty service this time but not in the future, or that you must show that it was not caused by your modification. Tell them no dice, and if they insist go up their chain of command - service manager, dealership manager / owner, Mazda NAO...
03-03-2004, 02:12 PM
#4
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Intake could void the warranty on the engine too....
Originally posted by JERCS
As I understand it, whatever you install voids that part. So an intake would void anything to do with the air intake part.
That's what the mazda techs told me anyway.
-Guy
As I understand it, whatever you install voids that part. So an intake would void anything to do with the air intake part.
That's what the mazda techs told me anyway.
-Guy
03-03-2004, 02:12 PM
#5
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I believe this has been covered before here. Note neit_jnf's and Omicron's posts. Also, don't miss motegi's post from the "dealer's perspective."
BTW, my dealer told me any mods other than a cat-back exhaust would void my entire warranty. That's plainly wrong.
Good luck.
BTW, my dealer told me any mods other than a cat-back exhaust would void my entire warranty. That's plainly wrong.
Good luck.
Last edited by MEGAREDS; 03-03-2004 at 02:23 PM.
03-03-2004, 02:41 PM
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Originally posted by guy321
Intake could void the warranty on the engine too....
Intake could void the warranty on the engine too....
03-03-2004, 02:50 PM
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thanks for the info guys. this is kinda upsetting. i really want to hook my car up and squeeze as much power as i can get. however, voiding my warranty isn't worth the trouble. i'll try if anyone at mazdausa can provide clear cut rules. probably not though..
03-04-2004, 11:40 AM
#8
"...I'm a Dapper Dan man"
Magnusson-Moss
I believe it is the Magnusson-Moss Warranty act that provides that the mfgr cannot arbitrarily void a warranty due to the installation of non-OEM parts.
Last edited by Rotary Nut; 03-04-2004 at 12:24 PM.
03-04-2004, 08:11 PM
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You're half right.
The Magnusson-Moss warranty act states that manufacturers cannot make warranty coverage dependent upon only using OEM parts unless those parts would be replaced for free under terms of the warranty.
Simply put, this means Mazda cannot void your warranty if you decide to use a non-Mazda oil filter, for example, as they would not provide one for free under the terms of your warranty.
However, once you start swapping out parts that are covered under warranty (exhaust, intake, etc.) the manufacturer can decide to void your warranty on that part and related subsystems.
The bottom line, however, is that if Mazda decides your modifications void your warranty, are you going to hire a lawyer and sue them to prove you're right? In the mean time, you will have to pay the cost of the repair to get your car back from the dealer anyway.
So, is the reward worth the risk? Only you can say that for sure...
The Magnusson-Moss warranty act states that manufacturers cannot make warranty coverage dependent upon only using OEM parts unless those parts would be replaced for free under terms of the warranty.
Simply put, this means Mazda cannot void your warranty if you decide to use a non-Mazda oil filter, for example, as they would not provide one for free under the terms of your warranty.
However, once you start swapping out parts that are covered under warranty (exhaust, intake, etc.) the manufacturer can decide to void your warranty on that part and related subsystems.
The bottom line, however, is that if Mazda decides your modifications void your warranty, are you going to hire a lawyer and sue them to prove you're right? In the mean time, you will have to pay the cost of the repair to get your car back from the dealer anyway.
So, is the reward worth the risk? Only you can say that for sure...
03-04-2004, 08:25 PM
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From my point of view - I'll drive the RX-8 for the extra four years largely unmodified - except for any MazdaSpeed upgrades. Clearly Mazda USA would have a hard time denying coverage for a car with Mazdaspeed upgrades.
Performance upgrades will be done at the end of the warranty period - when exhaust / intake / ECU upgrades have 'matured'.
Given that, I think if you modify the RX-8 to a great degree - you could end up in a pi..ing contest with Mazda USA. Simple and easily reversed upgrades are safest from a warranty point of view.
Just my 2 cents
John
Performance upgrades will be done at the end of the warranty period - when exhaust / intake / ECU upgrades have 'matured'.
Given that, I think if you modify the RX-8 to a great degree - you could end up in a pi..ing contest with Mazda USA. Simple and easily reversed upgrades are safest from a warranty point of view.
Just my 2 cents
John
03-04-2004, 08:42 PM
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Originally posted by RX8_GT
except for any MazdaSpeed upgrades. Clearly Mazda USA would have a hard time denying coverage for a car with Mazdaspeed upgrades.
except for any MazdaSpeed upgrades. Clearly Mazda USA would have a hard time denying coverage for a car with Mazdaspeed upgrades.
03-04-2004, 09:01 PM
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Found at mazdamotorsports.com (http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/weba...0001&langId=-1):
I think this is the official Mazda USA Mazdaspeed site, but I'm not positive on that. That disclaimer is pretty wild, but of course most disclaimers are over the top like that.
I'd be honestly surprised if you took your car to your dealer that you had install Mazdaspeed parts and they told you no on warranty work. I think most of it really depends on your dealer.
DISCLAIMER
Mazda Competition and stock parts are sold "as is" and without warranty of any kind. All implied warranties, including all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby disclaimed. Purchaser acknowledges that no representations have been made to him regarding these parts, including but not limited to any representations as to their quality or performance, and that he (or she) shall be responsible for and bear all costs of repair or replacement of any defect in or failure of these parts. Purchaser acknowledges that installation of these parts may cause his (or her) vehicle be unable to be lawfully used on public highways, and assumes al risks and expenses thereof. All suggested modifications and recommendations are intended solely for use on vehicles participating in off-highway competition events. Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in any Competition events. The purchaser accepts all responsibility for modifications to said vehicle(s) and all potential risks.
Mazda Competition and stock parts are sold "as is" and without warranty of any kind. All implied warranties, including all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby disclaimed. Purchaser acknowledges that no representations have been made to him regarding these parts, including but not limited to any representations as to their quality or performance, and that he (or she) shall be responsible for and bear all costs of repair or replacement of any defect in or failure of these parts. Purchaser acknowledges that installation of these parts may cause his (or her) vehicle be unable to be lawfully used on public highways, and assumes al risks and expenses thereof. All suggested modifications and recommendations are intended solely for use on vehicles participating in off-highway competition events. Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in any Competition events. The purchaser accepts all responsibility for modifications to said vehicle(s) and all potential risks.
I think this is the official Mazda USA Mazdaspeed site, but I'm not positive on that. That disclaimer is pretty wild, but of course most disclaimers are over the top like that.
I'd be honestly surprised if you took your car to your dealer that you had install Mazdaspeed parts and they told you no on warranty work. I think most of it really depends on your dealer.
03-04-2004, 09:02 PM
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Originally posted by MEGAREDS
Ok... I'll ask. What exactly is Mazdaspeed?
Ok... I'll ask. What exactly is Mazdaspeed?
Subaru = STi
Nissan = Nismo
Mazda = Mazdaspeed
Mitsubishi = Ralliart
Mercedes = AMG
BMW = M Motorsports
Toyota = TRD
Chrysler = Mopar
Ford = SVT
etc. etc. etc.
03-04-2004, 09:12 PM
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AFTERMARKET PARTS/WARRANTY CONCERNS
EVERYONE READ THIS, IT SHOULD CLARIFY THINGS.........http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...s/warranty.htm
03-04-2004, 09:44 PM
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Still back to first comments - if you want unconditional warranty coverage - drive it as it is. If you want performance upgrades - and reasonable warranty coverage - get Mazdaspeed upgrades. Else there is some risk to warranty coverage.
I'm also fairly sure that under federal and most state laws - a manufacturer cannot void the warranty in its entirety. For example if I modify only the suspension - the manufacturer cannot void the entire warranty - on the battery for example. There has to be some reasonable link of the modification to the fault. Any lawyers out there ?
Not sure about Competition use.
John
PS Just because the manufacturer claims a limitation of warranty - does not make it so. Ever read the fine print on a discharge sheet from a hospital - they deny all responsibility in them. Courts have other opinions. Lawyers --- lawyers --- lawyers --- everywhere.
I'm also fairly sure that under federal and most state laws - a manufacturer cannot void the warranty in its entirety. For example if I modify only the suspension - the manufacturer cannot void the entire warranty - on the battery for example. There has to be some reasonable link of the modification to the fault. Any lawyers out there ?
Not sure about Competition use.
John
PS Just because the manufacturer claims a limitation of warranty - does not make it so. Ever read the fine print on a discharge sheet from a hospital - they deny all responsibility in them. Courts have other opinions. Lawyers --- lawyers --- lawyers --- everywhere.
03-04-2004, 11:49 PM
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You should take a look at the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to better understand your rights as a consumer.
Here's a link to the ABA's summary of the Act...
-Eric
Here's a link to the ABA's summary of the Act...
-Eric
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