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Engine Dead @ 87K

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Old 06-07-2008, 10:48 AM
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Unhappy Engine Dead @ 87K

Hey guys, my 04 with 87K miles stalled on me for the 3rd time in as many months (on the same day that the 100K mile extended engine warranty went into effect). Had it towed to the dealer, they said they think it needs an engine but they would have to do all the tests to find out. They informed me that I would have to pay for the tests, which comes to about $300. They called me back the next day and said that Mazda will pay for the engine core and all the labor, but that I will be responsible for all the other misc. parts. This includes a new cat, spark plugs, plug wires, coils, coolant, oil and filter. They estimated my total bill to be about $3000. I was shocked to say the least, seems that mazda is going to raid my wallet one way or another. I have looked around online, and it seems that I can get the oem parts myself for about half of that. The big thing of course is the catalytic converter, which they said would cost me $1850. The funny thing is I have another mazda dealer telling me they that the retail is about $1400 and they can sell me one for $1224. So where is the $1850 coming from? Anyway, I am fortunate that this extended warranty saved me from having to buy an engine, but it seems to me that if they recognize that there are major issues with these engines, then they should go ahead and fix all of it. I expect to get at least 100K miles out of any vehicle before having to spend thousands in repairs. Or maybe I am just expecting too much? I requested additional assistance from Mazda, and was denied.
Old 06-07-2008, 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by bsinacann
Hey guys, my 04 with 87K miles stalled on me for the 3rd time in as many months (on the same day that the 100K mile extended engine warranty went into effect). Had it towed to the dealer, they said they think it needs an engine but they would have to do all the tests to find out. They informed me that I would have to pay for the tests, which comes to about $300. They called me back the next day and said that Mazda will pay for the engine core and all the labor, but that I will be responsible for all the other misc. parts. This includes a new cat, spark plugs, plug wires, coils, coolant, oil and filter. They estimated my total bill to be about $3000. I was shocked to say the least, seems that mazda is going to raid my wallet one way or another. I have looked around online, and it seems that I can get the oem parts myself for about half of that. The big thing of course is the catalytic converter, which they said would cost me $1850. The funny thing is I have another mazda dealer telling me they that the retail is about $1400 and they can sell me one for $1224. So where is the $1850 coming from? Anyway, I am fortunate that this extended warranty saved me from having to buy an engine, but it seems to me that if they recognize that there are major issues with these engines, then they should go ahead and fix all of it. I expect to get at least 100K miles out of any vehicle before having to spend thousands in repairs. Or maybe I am just expecting too much? I requested additional assistance from Mazda, and was denied.


When you said "I requested additional assistance from Mazda, and was denied" who did you contact? Do you get a refund on your $300 and why not order the OEM parts and save $$.

Last edited by Old Rotor; 06-07-2008 at 11:25 AM.
Old 06-07-2008, 11:23 AM
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The CAT is covered by the emisssions warranty....should be covered still??
Old 06-07-2008, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by dannobre
The CAT is covered by the emisssions warranty....should be covered still??
8yr/80K mile emissions warranty on our cars so no its not covered.
Old 06-07-2008, 11:46 AM
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The best I can find regarding emission is this http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt

I am still trying to find a source where it may had indicated 100,000 miles or higher, so if you found it, please post the link.
Old 06-07-2008, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Conundrum
The best I can find regarding emission is this http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt

I am still trying to find a source where it may had indicated 100,000 miles or higher, so if you found it, please post the link.
I just said our emissions warranty is 8yr/80K miles. Do you think Im lying?
Old 06-07-2008, 11:49 AM
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get all the parts urself, leave them in original packaging and give them to the dealer doing repair, that should save part of the money. oil, filter, coolant, just get them all and hand it to them. ask them to put on the old cat until you can locate a newer cat.
Old 06-07-2008, 12:02 PM
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Tell them to do the engine core ONLY
The Cat is covered, so it is free

The rest of the stuff should be a few hundred bucks
Old 06-07-2008, 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by rglbegl
Tell them to do the engine core ONLY
The Cat is covered, so it is free

The rest of the stuff should be a few hundred bucks
our emissions warranty is 8yr/80K, he has 87K, HIS CAT ISNT COVERED.
Old 06-07-2008, 12:06 PM
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are you sure the cat on your car is dead?
Old 06-07-2008, 12:09 PM
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buy a used cat off someone on the forum. many of us have gotten high flow cats or go catless. So you should be able to get one for cheap.
Old 06-07-2008, 12:11 PM
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I have a brand new warrantied one sitting in my closet lol, My cat failed and they gave me a new one then I went catless. Story in a nutshell.

+1 on finding used cat.
Old 06-07-2008, 12:27 PM
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Wow, the warranty doesn't completely save your butt I guess. Sorry to hear that!
Old 06-07-2008, 12:32 PM
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I spoke to Mazda customer assistance about getting some additional help, they later said that they looked into it, but they would have to deny my request for further assistance. They told me to make a decision and call the dealership to let them know what to do. From what the service guy is telling me, Mazda will only furnish me a new engine if I put all these new parts on it.. So I have to find a brand new oem cat. He says they all have to be new Mazda parts, no aftermarket. There is probably nothing wrong with the cat off of my old engine, but they wont let me use it. If anyone can sell me a new cat, or know where i can find one, im all ears. thanks for the feedback
Old 06-07-2008, 12:39 PM
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To Hell with the CAT get a race pipe
Old 06-07-2008, 12:42 PM
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I can see why they do that because they have to warranty the engine still, but come on! That is crap.
Old 06-07-2008, 12:42 PM
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They can't tell you that you have to replace parts that they can't say are broken....I would really question how they think coils, wires, CAT, plugs....have all gone bad at the exact time the core has.

I would change the plugs for sure...about $100....the CAT...I would make them prove it's bad before I did anything...and then I would pick up a used one...or borrow one off a car that is running to give them to get it going.

The rest may need doing.....but coils are $100, wires...$60....they need to get a life
Old 06-07-2008, 12:47 PM
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^ I can see paying for maintenance stuff, you might need new engine mounts too.
Old 06-07-2008, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by bsinacann
Hey guys, my 04 with 87K miles stalled on me for the 3rd time in as many months (on the same day that the 100K mile extended engine warranty went into effect). Had it towed to the dealer, they said they think it needs an engine but they would have to do all the tests to find out…
Sorry to hear this. An '04, huh? That's why never again will I buy a car in its first year or production. Good luck!
Old 06-07-2008, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by New Yorker
Sorry to hear this. An '04, huh? That's why never again will I buy a car in its first year or production. Good luck!

Consumer reports has no issue with the 04.
Old 06-07-2008, 08:28 PM
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ouch...mine pooped at 76k. i just said to hell with the stealership and went my own route.. sorry to see another person go through thiss unfortunate crap
Old 06-07-2008, 08:30 PM
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It's a marketing gimmick that's been done for years.

They give you one thing for free but charge you through the nose for other items.

They charge so much they cover the cost of the initial repair.

Then they come out with the Gotcha!

Must have these parts before you can have a new engine.

Do you really think the 8/80k warrenty extension is to the benefit of Mazda owners?

Know way in Hell Jermey, no way.

And if he was sincere... then the dealers are charging you for new things and high labor rate.

Problem is:..............

You want all those thing on a new engine, coils plug wires.

You come in turn the key and never come back with an engine problem.
That's a happy customer.

Some would add a CAT to that list.

If you don't replace the Cat and it goes bad soon you will be back and mad as Hell at Mazda.

Make them prove your Cat is bad.

After the test when it isn't bad, tell them you will sign a release that you know the cat may fail at any time and will not be covered by warrenty.

You you take away the Cat and labor charges you are doing alright.

Remember... You always pay dealer prices and always have to get the parts from a dealer.

That's how the world works.

If you don't like it... rebuild it your self.

Negotiate for a better deal.

Rebuild the car pay for the emissions test. Cat failure then you will buy one. Passes test then no need for CAT.

Warrenties never cover everything and its still expensive, that's the way of life.

Negotiate save the expense of the Cat.

Besides. my dog loves to hunt Cats! She almost killed two more today. I saved one from her jaws.

Last edited by Razz1; 06-07-2008 at 08:35 PM.
Old 06-07-2008, 10:43 PM
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a new factory CAT cost 1K + shipping. but even @ 1K I still think the price is just ridiculous.

All other stuff u've mention. ignition coil x 4 = 100, plug x 4 = 80, 5 quart mobil1 oil with Mobil1 filter = 25.99 @ Autozone, Add another quart for dry motor 7.29, plug wires about 60.

You cant really ask Mazda to cover these stuff cuz its consider as wear item. Except for the CAT I think the prices for other stuff aint that bad.

maybe do what others said, go to the 4 sale section and request to buy a used CAT. or just install some aftermarket CATs if u're friends with the dealership people.
Old 06-07-2008, 11:10 PM
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So what exactly does this new engine warranty cover? Everybody was all happy and congatulating Mazda.
And Shaofb, consumer reports did have an issue with the '04, the RX8 has gone up and down since day one. They just recently gave it an 1/2 red dot. The '04 has a nice big black dot. ( Page 92 April 2008 Annual auto issue )
Old 06-07-2008, 11:18 PM
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Considering that most of that PLUS the engine would have been his bill two weeks ago, I can't understand the complaints.

A used cat isn't going to cut it. IF you get a new, in box cat from another dealership, I can imagine things will be fine. You will still have a reman engine with all fresh toys to make it run like a top for $2500. If you can find another way to do it for less i suggest you do so, but you wont. It will cost you more to install a reman unit from anyoen else, without coils, plugs, cat, etc. At 87k, your cat probably doesn't have much life left in it anyways.

iNot to the OP, but talk about wanting your cake and eating it too... I don't think there is any history of requiring these components on vehicles under the 5/60. They have to be a little more careful wiht these older units as they could easily have problems in the future if any of these compnents are indeed worn out.


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