Question about possible engine replacement - oil change records?
 

I just brought my car into the dealership this morning for tests to be done based on hard starting issues when warm. After reading on the forum about things to check and replace for possible issues; The spark plugs, coils, and wires have all been replaced less than two years ago.

When I first brought it in thismorning I showed one of the technicians my problem by shutting the car down after a half hour drive and trying to start it up 5 minutes later. He said it's possibly built up carbon or a starter failing and said they would do all the tests (charging me $138 diagnostic). I asked if this possibly included a compression test, he said yes.

Now i'm curious. Incase I do have a bad engine, I am reading all these horror stories on forums about needing to provide past oil change records. What are the chances they will ask me for mine? I mean, I do get all my oil changes done every 3,000 miles from either my local meinike or mechanic. Sometimes they do not provide me with receipts for cash transactions for whatever reason.

The car is a 2004 model with just over 48,500 miles on it. I actually had an oil change at the same dealership done at 42,250 miles (and one afterwards).

Should I be really worried, and does anyone know how outcomes usually prevail in this situation?

Edit: I purchased the car in may of 2009 at 42,250 miles which is when I got the oil change and Mazda's full circle inspection. I have gotten two oil changes since then. As you see the car is not driven a whole lot which could add to the factor; but when I do drive it, I warm it up correctly and drive it hard.

They usually will ask and it is a requirement UNDER THE EXTENDED WARANTY that you provide proof of maintenance.

100% sure they will ask. If you don't have the receipts it means you didn't need the warranty

Sounds good. If they have the records at the dealership, I wonder if they will even bother asking.

For light driving, are the maintenance records supposed to be no more than every 7,500 miles? I haven't even had the car for 7,500 miles yet and Mazda has the service records when I brought it in for a full inspection at that time. I even have receipts from oil changes within the 7,500 mile range when I bought my car.

From the way I was explained it at my Mazda dealer, I only needed records from my ownership. BUT my car has tons of service records in there system from the previous owner. So I'm not sure how that works out. How can they expect you to provide records when you didn't own the car yet?