2004 engine w/ low compression - is it covered by warranty?
 

I have a 2004 rx8 w/ under 70K miles. My cars flooded a couple of times and took it to the dealer and was told problem is low compression. Of course got charged for the evaluation and was told only thing to do is get another engine. Then I remembered warranty being extended on engine for the 2004 model. Seems only certain aspects of the engine are covered. Called mazda (not dealer) and they said car was out of warranty. Called back to talk to someone else and they haven't gotten back to me in over a week. Anyone with experience with similar problem w/ the engine trying to get it covered under the new warranty? If it should be covered and they still say no, what should I do next?

Pretty sure all 2004 models are out of warranty now. At least as far as the US base extended one goes.

I thought engine is now 100K, 8 years?

2013 - 2004 = 9

crap i thought it would still fall under the 100K limit. Just out of curiosity, since this is a known problem with the 2004 engine, should this problem have been covered? Anyone tried? If not I'll let this thread die like my engine will shortly.

It's "whichever comes first", same as every other warranty from every other manufacturer.

You are past the warranty, they have no legal requirement to give you an engine.

You still have some options, but yes, they will all cost you. Don't take the dealer's engine replacement cost as your price though, since the dealer replaced engine is a terrible option if you have to replace it on your dime.

Much cheaper options out there, with the cheapest being getting a used engine.

I don't follow. What is a known problem? Find a reputable rotary mechanic in your region and ask them for some luvin.

Thanks for the advice. Will get it looked at by rotary specialist in so cal. Most likely i'll have to decide if cost of replacing engine to increase re-sale is worth it or should I sell as-is. Can't blame anyone but myself for not having problem looked at by mazda last year and for not being up-to-date on the engine warranty.

Your last response is blank...? Unsure how that happened.

not sure either, edited it now. wanted to thank you both and will look into cost of the replacement

FWIW, a year a go your dealer would've likely told you that your compression is borderline but still within spec.

Low compression isn't necessarily the end of the world. So long as everything else in order you could likely nurse her along for a couple more years.

Sorry...you are out of luck. You should have gotten an 06 or above.

if you have any documentation that the compression was borderline before and it now falls below spec i would call MNAO and press them for a yes or no response pointing out the fact that the engine was knowingly failing.

thing you all have to remember is that the factory does want to keep happy customers, but they have to weigh that you may or may not be a return customer or turn off relatives to mazda vehicles and if that is worth a replacement engine to them or not. i worked as a factory tech for over a decade and we would give out goodwill repairs all the time on vehicles out of warranty to keep customers where the factory would pay for the repairs even out of warranty.

it must be a reasonable request however and threats do not really work, sympathy request is your best option.

the dealership wants you to pay for a replacement engine, warranty repairs only bring in about 70% or less of what they get from cash paying customers so of course they will simply say your warranty has expired.