Upgraded starter question
 

So this coming week I am going into the Mazda dealer here in Orlando to get my engine replaced. They want me to pay for new motor mounts ($347) and for an upgraded starter ($366).

I don't know if the dealership was just talking about another OEM starter or what, so should I pay the $366 for what they are going to order, or is there some aftermarket starter than I should get instead?

Thanks.

Sounds like the '04-'07 starter upgrade; do you still have the old style?

My 04 has the started that it came out of the factory with so I'm guessing that's the old style.

Good idea to upgrade.

Umm, wasnt there a recall?

If he still has the old starter that means Mazda never gave him his FREE upgrade.

If I where you I'd look into that. Ask the dealership if that recall was done on your car, if it wasnt, they owe YOU a free starter even if you are out of warranty.

And if it turns out they did do the upgrade but you didint know, and your starter is still bad (was it?) I would ask them if they'd install one you supplied. (I just got my engine changed and they put in a clutch I gave them labor free).

You can get a 2.0kw one (thats the upgraded one) from Advanced or Autozone I think for around 125$ or so.

Just get an aftermarket starter yourself, it might be cheaper than the dealership oem starter price that they ask for. Search around, you might find something cheaper than ordering with the dealership.

autozone sell one 2.0kw cheaper, lifetime warranti , if i were u ill get that one

Not on the starter.

So I first searched Autozone for a starter for a 2004 rx8 and it came up with one that was 1.8kw which you guys said the upgraded one was 2.0kw so then I realized I should be searching for 2006+ since that's when the new starter came into play.

Anyways, I found this one:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...5_191950_5467_

There was effectively a time limit on the "free" starter & battery upgrade back in the 2005-06 time frame.

I would relate to the original warranty period of the car or possibly the extended drive train warranty (in the case of the starter).

You know better Al, the extended warranty covers the engine core, not the drivetrain.

If original 2004 and early 2005 owners didn't take advantage of the starter/battery upgrade they really did themselves and future pre-owned buyers a disservice.

btw: my mid-MY build (end of March) 2005 came with the upgraded starter and battery from the factory.

Yeah it's just the engine core that was extended.

Anyways I ordered the upgraded starter and my Mazda dealership is letting me bring in that part and they will put it on at no charge while they are putting in my new engine!