Clutch Issue on '04
 

This isn't for me, but a friend bought a used '04 with 27,000 miles on it. 18 days later (yesterday), the clutch blew apart on the highway. Her Mazda dealer asked her how she was driving... like she caused it. She's hasn't abused the car at all (knows how to drive an MT). So, just wondering if anyone has had any clutch issues? They want $1100 for a new clutch. I suggested to her that she ask the owner if they'll do a deal with her at least, since she's only had it for 18 days. From photos I saw, it's a beautiful car.

Thanks all for your input.

the clutch blew apart in my 04 also....then the transmission shortly after....ended up just trading it in for a GTI.

ugh, i hate remembering the problems in my 8...so many

And what happened with the clutch? Did they fix it under warranty or tell you it was your driving?

I think you will find this very interesting !.......I had my clutch replaced at 35,000kms....and guess what....they did it under warranty !......I had complained about the clutch pressure long before 35,000kms, but my dealer has been great...in fact when they took it off, they mentioned they won't even send it back to mazda because it looked like it was worn due to hard driving, but they still did not charge me a thing.. I will confess the hard driving part is true.......but even now, only after 6000kms on the new clutch I can feel it stiffening up....but I also drive the car like it should be...at 9000rpms :)
Personally I think the clutch on the 8 is ok, but really, for a high reving engine you can easily burn out a clutch in 4000kms if you drive it like it's stolen

they refused to fix the clutch under warranty because i had too many miles, the clutch is only covered to 12000. i think i had 20k or 25k or something.

I was literally going about 6 miles per hour when it blew, i shifted from first into second, and it kablooy, it went. (it was at about 3krpm too because i was at a light in traffic) I still have all the part and springs from the issue in a box.

it wasnt much later the transmission blew, which they wanted to stick on me too. they spent 3 or 4 days searching for signs of abuse so they wouldnt have to pay under warranty. They couldnt find anything, so ultimately they replaced the transmission under warranyy. The new clutch and trans were good for about 1 day before the clutch made clunking/banging sounds again in second gear. This time mazda said it must just be the way the car is, because they replaced the transmission and the clutch.

i had to get rid of it, it was not a reliable car at all. it was at the shop at least once a month for more then a day at a time. For the transmission, i think it was 1 or 2 weeks. i cant remember now

good luck with your friends car because i would fall over in shock if they covered it for free

Clutch falls under normal wear and tear. It is warranted against defect, but if they can show that it was normal wear and tear, you friend is SOL.

Unless the clutch dies spectacularly on the dealer's lot, or moving in and out of the service bay, it's not likely to be covered by Mazda...

no problem w/ the clutch on my '04 for 45500 miles, and counting...

and this is with several track day driving under the belt over the 2 year span.

Does your state have some sort of 'lemon law'? I grew up in Massachusetts, and (I'm pretty sure this is the case) if I bought a car from a private party, and something broke that had to be repaired...the seller is liable for those costs. I'm not sure of the exact details of how it really worked, but that is what I remember.

Might be worth at least checking into

IT IS A USED CAR! It was probably abused by previous owner.

Go after market and get it done for $700

Racing Beat, Excedy, Act, several out there. Go to thread that discusses clutches.

Also go to forumn for your area of the country to find good service and good labor price.