Well My engine finally died, and the dealership says it time for a new one. My car is actually alil over the warranty(105k miles on car) and the engine has never been replaced. The dealership said that it was out of warranty and a new engine would cost me $3200 without instal cost... Well i called mazda customer service and explained the situation. They contacted the dealership and then i was told to gather up oil change receipts... Well i have some of the old oil filters and boxes to them, I also have bank statements that show the purchases were made... Would this be enough to cover what they are looking for? I only but 10K miles on the car since i owned it. And i have done 5 oil changes on the car in that time frame. Which puts me way above the normal oil change interval. I also have a carfax info that has all the previous owners work done to it before i purchased the car. Would this cover my basis or should i try to scavenge up more information? I also have old oil but i doubt this would be of any help...

 

Ja sure.. you betcha

 

haha was that sarcastic? I really can't tell. But i searched and really didnt find anything conclusive...

 

Bank statements will probably not say what those purchases were... so you'll need the receipts to be covered 100%.
The old oil filters, boxes and stuff are not really a proof that the oil changes were done either.
Then again, just having the store receipt showing that you bought oil and filters is not conclusive that you actually performed the oil changes, so if they accept that, then they might as well cut you some slack. Be prepared to be denied though.
YMMV.

 

well the price is pretty much them same price for each purchase. And like you said, even though a purchase has been made doesnt mean it was actually done. Guess if they deny it i can bring that up. But the oil filters are used. The boxes are just extra support i guess.

 

Based on the preponderance of evidence (burden of proof), your case would be dismissed. Sorry man that's just the way I see it. Hopefully the dealership does work with your situation.

Good Luck

 

damn i really hope not. Guess we will see then

 

Arent they to be held liable anyway because of pretty much every car having to get a new engine? Im just trying to figure out what my options are. The engine was lucky to last as long as it did, so i believe that should be a testament to the way the car was maintained. Im also a trained automotive tech so maybe that can also steer in my direction.

 

I think its pretty clear that the warranty is 8yr/100k miles. since youre over no free engines for you.

 

The warranty clearly states 100,000 miles / 8 years. I doubt Mazda is going to give you a $3,200 engine for free and pay the dealership to cover the labor. Mazda is a business therefore they are looking to turn a profit. Hate to say it but your probably sol.

 

Just bring everything you have. AFAIK, nobody responding in this thread speaks for Mazda or the dealer. If they've told you to gather receipts despite being at 105,000 miles, it sounds like they're in a good mood.

If a dealer is not on a mission to deny a claim, they're just looking for reasonable evidence that the car was maintained. Whether oil has been changed becomes obvious once an engine is opened up. RX-8s are different because the dealers don't open the engines.

Not quite every car. Best estimate is that 5% to 7% of RX-8s needed new engines.

Ken

 

Bank statements don't prove WHAT you bought.
Actual receipts for oil and filters don't prove WHAT CAR it was used in, or even that it was used at all! You could have just returned it.


In court, the burden of proof is on the dealership, not on you.

However, if this was to get to court for some reason, the fact that you are out of warranty means they have no legal responsibility. So basically, unless they are being nice, you are complete out of luck in that route.

Other cheaper options are available from forum vendors here.

 

well if they ask him to gather up the recipets then there is a chance that they might cover it at good will. Its just a bit over 100K.

but if u don't have them then u're screwed ...

 

Yeah i have been contacted quiet a bit and it seems like they are feeling giving. I'm bringing everything i got to them tomorrow. I have it organized and what not to be profesional about the whole process. I can possibly work something out with them seeing as i do not need a rental, I could also bring the car to them from now on for repairs/oil changes if that leads to be the issue. I just have never really trusted dealerships, but the few times i have been the one im at, the have impressed me quiet a bit.

 

And i also tried calling to see if the store i bought oil/filters from had a copy or invoice of some sort, but the dont. Everytime i bought oil the same guy was working though. But i highly highly doubt that does me good either. I just hope they feel as if i show enough information.

 

And also, If showing receipts in all reality doesn't show that the oil was even used, would actual oil filters/oil hold more ground then just a purchase? I know the law works in weird ways but im quiet stubborn when it comes to trying to win something. Though i have been quiet polite throughout this process so i guess that could be working in my favor. I always like to believe so anyway.

And also, if i dont get a new engine i do plan on finding the best/cheapest route through vendors.

 

I guy the 5 quart jugs so blah...

 

haha i have all the jugs and the oil used. Im taking it with me. I hope this is plenty "proof of oil changes"

 

yikes that stuff will eat through plastic eventually lol...

 

Sounds like you are doing the most reasonable thing. "The Law" doesn't matter here, because it doesn't back you at all. The law is entirely on their side in this.

 

sounds like you have a good game plan. only the mazda motor corp or the dealer can tell you if what you have proof-wise is enough for them to cover the new engine.

 

I have seen Mazda pay for the engine and the labor is on you in some cases like yours....

 

Yeah im just looking to be as conforming to them as possible. I am trying to provide as much evidence as possible. And yeah I know the law is deff. on their side, But i can see them doing this to further help show their support to customers. I honestly wouldnt mind paying for labor in this situation. Its better than nothing. But ill take as much as i can get. We shall see.

 

I spun a rod bearing in my first vette, and left in the same situation as you. I did all my own oil changes. My wifes car on the other hand...she took to get done. I used MSpaint to doctor a couple of those reciepts with my cars details. Print, fold/crumble up, photocopy then give them copies. It worked, and I felt like a secret agent.

 

Yes!
Depending on the dealer he deals with this could very well be a possibility.

Well all know how the customer/ management relations can vary from one dealer to another. It's almost a gamble.