I'm really starting to hate this effing car (Mazda3)

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 10:28 AM

Picked it up on 9/7 and it's been in the shop now on 4 occasions. I did buy it used (11k whopping miles), and I'm guessing the previous owner probably got out of it knowing these problems, but I didn't pick up on them till after I took delivery of the car. Car didn't look beat at all, tires still in great shape, owned by a guy in his late 30s.

9/11 - Transmission Diagnosis, 2nd gear syncro shot noticed it was grinding on a trip to VT I took that weekend.
9/13 - 9/19 Work being done on the above, replaced syncros and gear lever, and second gear
9/28 - 10/6 Bearing "Whine" can't tell if it's the TO bearing, and they reused the seal to the motor so I have a nice tranny fluid spot on my driveway now
10/11 - ??? Bearing wine still there (don't these people test drive the cars after working on them?), dropping it off tomorow

I drive close to 40k miles per year, I traded in my old car cause I wanted something cheaper and more reliable (sold a stage 2 legacy gt which I had no problems with over 43k miles, following a stage 2 WRX I had for 65k miles no issues)

I don't really drive my cars hard, I think I've taken this car to redline, maybe twice, never done a burnout or anything beyond accidentally chirping the tires once learning a different clutch.

The dealer's theory is now that it was a showroom car and was dryshifted allot while on the floor.

I can't blame the dealer too much (other then them trying to reuse that seal and my driveway looks like crap now) but this is getting ridiculous.

If it's not fixed this time I'm going to be really pissed off, don't know what recourse I have.

I guess what makes this all a pain is that the ONLY reason I sold the GT was to try to save money for our next house, and I've had nothing but problems with this car since day one. Granted I haven't had to spend any money, but I've had to take time for work to pickup rental cars (they can't get them until 8am which is when I start work in Worcester) the driveway really pisses me off though. I need to sit down with their service manage when I go in tomorrow to drop it off again.

/rant

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lord1234 · 10-10-2006, 10:32 AM

lemon law says what?

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 10:34 AM

Lemon law says cars purchased out of state are not covered, and I've been taking it to a Mazda dealer not the original dealer (Quality Subaru).

At least that's how I understand the law.

JoBoo · 10-10-2006, 10:38 AM

PMd you

lord1234 · 10-10-2006, 10:39 AM

succcks for you

KD7000 · 10-10-2006, 10:53 AM

Jer- does your dealer have off- hours service?

I just finished getting my P5 worked on at Gallery Mazda. Their service department is open 'till 7pm or so, so I could swing by after work and not miss any time.

Not only that, they gave me a free loaner, even though my car is well out of warranty.

It's too bad about your car. Hope they can work things out.

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 10:54 AM

I get loaners no problems, just their only late day during the week is Thursday, but half the time they won't want me driving the car fearing greater damage.

JoBoo · 10-10-2006, 11:00 AM

good luck with all this.. sounds like you got yourself into a bit of a bind.

Ziggyrama · 10-10-2006, 11:01 AM

Try another dealer, if you can. Since this one does "just enough" to get you out of there and back again eventually, go somewhere else. Good luck.

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 11:04 AM

This dealer is the most convenient ... sadly ... they are actually good people and fairly honest, their sales staff is excellent.

So to add funny to this all, I just got a call from them "following up to make sure I was completely satisfied" with the service that was done last week.

Doesn't their ass know what their head is doing?

re92 · 10-10-2006, 11:18 AM

Jer,

Can't you ditch the car at the same dealership you got it from and buy something a tad less stylish but more reliable, hopefully? A Civic or Gorilla something to tide you over till you get the next house. It'll give you more time to evaluate your options and not worry about this type of stuff.

Of course, it's always hit or miss with used cars.

Raj

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 11:28 AM

If I trade it in on anything it'll be a Subaru again, although if Mazda wants to give me a killer deal on a trade in on say a speed 6 I'd take it into consideration.

Sideshowbob · 10-10-2006, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWDPilot

So to add funny to this all, I just got a call from them "following up to make sure I was completely satisfied" with the service that was done last week.

Doesn't their ass know what their head is doing?

arlia11 · 10-10-2006, 01:15 PM

Usually no, when it comes to quality control.

I just got a call about a package that had been dumped at my apartment complex and subsequently stolen. The place I got the thing from had already remedied the situation, but now (2 months later) is when I get the call from UPS asking if I ever received the package. WTF?

badgerwrx · 10-10-2006, 01:53 PM

Slightly off topic... but do you have the sedan or wagon? I heard the sedan is built in the US and has a few more reported issues than the wagon which is built in Japan. If I am incorrect... resume your normally scheduled rant.

Sorry about the Mazda though... either way that stinks. Best of luck.

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 01:57 PM

Both are built in japan (my wife has an issue free sedan), but I have a hatch.

Davenow · 10-10-2006, 02:01 PM

never buy a used vehicle from a dealer that doesnt sell that brand. It was either traded in there and almost never looked over properly, or it was bought from an auction (RED ALERT!!!)

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 02:04 PM

Was traded in for a Tribecca by an older guy who's a real estate broker (collaborated with two people at the dealer and the name/age on the title matched).

Sold it cause it was too low and was having issues getting in and out. It's a loaded model with leather, sunroof, Nav, etc, not exactly a car that screams beat on me. I've had nothing but GOOD luck with my wife's 3, and I know many that have taken a beating without issue, so I didn't think it was going to be a problem, adult owned, low milage. Plus the car didn't have any obvious hangups when I looked it over.

Oh well, live and learn.

turbo tecnica · 10-10-2006, 06:16 PM

That sucks. I traded in my STi and picked up my 04 Mazda3 hatch for the same reason as you - I am buying a condo and need to save money for it. I haven't had any issues with this car (just hit 34k miles, 5-speed, bone stock). It sounds like you got some sort of a lemon, which is a pain. I haven't noticed anything funky with the tranny on my 3, except getting it into reverse is tough sometimes but it's just like how it was on my old WRX so it's not a big deal. Hopefully you can get it straightened out okay without too much hassle.

paultg · 10-10-2006, 07:16 PM

Drive into tree, set on fire, call insurance company, done.

Sideshowbob · 10-10-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paultg

Drive into tree, set on fire, have mods delete this thread, call insurance company, done.

fixed

paultg · 10-10-2006, 07:30 PM

Good point.

Jack ffr1846 · 10-10-2006, 07:35 PM

Jer, if you know the name of the previous owner, look him up, give him a call and ask him about the car. I know that if someone out of the blue called me about my old S4, I'd be more than happy to tell them to run really fast away.

jack

AWDPilot · 10-10-2006, 07:40 PM

Humm ... I think I have a copy of that old title somewhere....

BrysImpreza · 10-10-2006, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWDPilot

Lemon law says cars purchased out of state are not covered, and I've been taking it to a Mazda dealer not the original dealer (Quality Subaru).

At least that's how I understand the law.

Not true, not sure if you were around during my Steve Lewis Subaru fiasco, but I got them to replace EVERYTHING that was wrong at their cost, including 2 weeks of rental car.
I'm in CT and bought a car in MA.

Look around for someone who knows an attorney so you can get some cheap counsel.

10-10-2006, 10:28 AM	#1
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	I'm really starting to hate this effing car (Mazda3) Picked it up on 9/7 and it's been in the shop now on 4 occasions. I did buy it used (11k whopping miles), and I'm guessing the previous owner probably got out of it knowing these problems, but I didn't pick up on them till after I took delivery of the car. Car didn't look beat at all, tires still in great shape, owned by a guy in his late 30s. 9/11 - Transmission Diagnosis, 2nd gear syncro shot noticed it was grinding on a trip to VT I took that weekend. 9/13 - 9/19 Work being done on the above, replaced syncros and gear lever, and second gear 9/28 - 10/6 Bearing "Whine" can't tell if it's the TO bearing, and they reused the seal to the motor so I have a nice tranny fluid spot on my driveway now 10/11 - ??? Bearing wine still there (don't these people test drive the cars after working on them?), dropping it off tomorow I drive close to 40k miles per year, I traded in my old car cause I wanted something cheaper and more reliable (sold a stage 2 legacy gt which I had no problems with over 43k miles, following a stage 2 WRX I had for 65k miles no issues) I don't really drive my cars hard, I think I've taken this car to redline, maybe twice, never done a burnout or anything beyond accidentally chirping the tires once learning a different clutch. The dealer's theory is now that it was a showroom car and was dryshifted allot while on the floor. I can't blame the dealer too much (other then them trying to reuse that seal and my driveway looks like crap now) but this is getting ridiculous. If it's not fixed this time I'm going to be really pissed off, don't know what recourse I have. I guess what makes this all a pain is that the ONLY reason I sold the GT was to try to save money for our next house, and I've had nothing but problems with this car since day one. Granted I haven't had to spend any money, but I've had to take time for work to pickup rental cars (they can't get them until 8am which is when I start work in Worcester) the driveway really pisses me off though. I need to sit down with their service manage when I go in tomorrow to drop it off again. /rant * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-10-2006, 10:32 AM	#2
lord1234 Scooby Newbie Member#: 112475 Join Date: Apr 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Watertown, MA Vehicle: 2001 Outback Winestone Red	lemon law says what?

10-10-2006, 10:34 AM	#3
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	Lemon law says cars purchased out of state are not covered, and I've been taking it to a Mazda dealer not the original dealer (Quality Subaru). At least that's how I understand the law.

10-10-2006, 10:38 AM	#4
JoBoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 23423 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: slummahvul,ma www.comscc.org Vehicle: 05 STi / 08 Dmax IDP Racing Tech Monkey	PMd you

10-10-2006, 10:39 AM	#5
lord1234 Scooby Newbie Member#: 112475 Join Date: Apr 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Watertown, MA Vehicle: 2001 Outback Winestone Red	succcks for you

10-10-2006, 10:53 AM	#6
KD7000 Scooby Specialist Member#: 16653 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Central MA Vehicle: 2012 Mazda 3 2004 Honda Pilot	Jer- does your dealer have off- hours service? I just finished getting my P5 worked on at Gallery Mazda. Their service department is open 'till 7pm or so, so I could swing by after work and not miss any time. Not only that, they gave me a free loaner, even though my car is well out of warranty. It's too bad about your car. Hope they can work things out.

10-10-2006, 10:54 AM	#7
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	I get loaners no problems, just their only late day during the week is Thursday, but half the time they won't want me driving the car fearing greater damage.

10-10-2006, 11:00 AM	#8
JoBoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 23423 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: slummahvul,ma www.comscc.org Vehicle: 05 STi / 08 Dmax IDP Racing Tech Monkey	good luck with all this.. sounds like you got yourself into a bit of a bind.

10-10-2006, 11:01 AM	#9
Ziggyrama Scooby Specialist Member#: 53665 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Northboro, MA Vehicle: 2011 STI Stg2 w/EBCS 2012 Tribeca Ltd.	Try another dealer, if you can. Since this one does "just enough" to get you out of there and back again eventually, go somewhere else. Good luck.

10-10-2006, 11:04 AM	#10
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	This dealer is the most convenient ... sadly ... they are actually good people and fairly honest, their sales staff is excellent. So to add funny to this all, I just got a call from them "following up to make sure I was completely satisfied" with the service that was done last week. Doesn't their ass know what their head is doing?

10-10-2006, 11:18 AM	#11
re92 Scooby Guru Member#: 4715 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Pass the Butt Aid Vehicle: Big balls, no brain	Jer, Can't you ditch the car at the same dealership you got it from and buy something a tad less stylish but more reliable, hopefully? A Civic or Gorilla something to tide you over till you get the next house. It'll give you more time to evaluate your options and not worry about this type of stuff. Of course, it's always hit or miss with used cars. Raj

10-10-2006, 11:28 AM	#12
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	If I trade it in on anything it'll be a Subaru again, although if Mazda wants to give me a killer deal on a trade in on say a speed 6 I'd take it into consideration.

10-10-2006, 01:15 PM	#14
arlia11 Scooby Specialist Member#: 96645 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Brighton, MA Vehicle: 2004 Forester XT Black	Usually no, when it comes to quality control. I just got a call about a package that had been dumped at my apartment complex and subsequently stolen. The place I got the thing from had already remedied the situation, but now (2 months later) is when I get the call from UPS asking if I ever received the package. WTF?

10-10-2006, 01:53 PM	#15
badgerwrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 79505 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Newmarket, NH Vehicle: 2005 Mazda 3 hatch Grey	Slightly off topic... but do you have the sedan or wagon? I heard the sedan is built in the US and has a few more reported issues than the wagon which is built in Japan. If I am incorrect... resume your normally scheduled rant. Sorry about the Mazda though... either way that stinks. Best of luck.

10-10-2006, 01:57 PM	#16
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	Both are built in japan (my wife has an issue free sedan), but I have a hatch.

10-10-2006, 02:01 PM	#17
Davenow Scooby Guru Member#: 23676 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: de_dust and Orgrimar Vehicle: .	never buy a used vehicle from a dealer that doesnt sell that brand. It was either traded in there and almost never looked over properly, or it was bought from an auction (RED ALERT!!!)

10-10-2006, 02:04 PM	#18
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	Was traded in for a Tribecca by an older guy who's a real estate broker (collaborated with two people at the dealer and the name/age on the title matched). Sold it cause it was too low and was having issues getting in and out. It's a loaded model with leather, sunroof, Nav, etc, not exactly a car that screams beat on me. I've had nothing but GOOD luck with my wife's 3, and I know many that have taken a beating without issue, so I didn't think it was going to be a problem, adult owned, low milage. Plus the car didn't have any obvious hangups when I looked it over. Oh well, live and learn.

10-10-2006, 06:16 PM	#19
turbo tecnica Scooby Specialist Member#: 74470 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Norton, MA Vehicle: 2013 Accord Sport 72 LS1 Vette	That sucks. I traded in my STi and picked up my 04 Mazda3 hatch for the same reason as you - I am buying a condo and need to save money for it. I haven't had any issues with this car (just hit 34k miles, 5-speed, bone stock). It sounds like you got some sort of a lemon, which is a pain. I haven't noticed anything funky with the tranny on my 3, except getting it into reverse is tough sometimes but it's just like how it was on my old WRX so it's not a big deal. Hopefully you can get it straightened out okay without too much hassle.

10-10-2006, 07:16 PM	#20
paultg NASIOC Supporter Member#: 437 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Londonderry, NH Vehicle: '91 Miata MX5 (Red) '09 Impreza OBS (Blk/Gry)	Drive into tree, set on fire, call insurance company, done.

10-10-2006, 07:30 PM	#22
paultg NASIOC Supporter Member#: 437 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Londonderry, NH Vehicle: '91 Miata MX5 (Red) '09 Impreza OBS (Blk/Gry)	Good point.

10-10-2006, 07:35 PM	#23
Jack ffr1846 Add Lightness Moderator Member#: 13699 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Hopkinton, MA Vehicle: 2007 Lotus Elise (From General)	Jer, if you know the name of the previous owner, look him up, give him a call and ask him about the car. I know that if someone out of the blue called me about my old S4, I'd be more than happy to tell them to run really fast away. jack

10-10-2006, 07:40 PM	#24
AWDPilot Scooby Guru Member#: 25058 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2013 Legacy 2.5i #8 '07 Miata PRHT	Humm ... I think I have a copy of that old title somewhere....