I'm new to Mazda (kept my Audi TTQR though) and just bought a Speed 3 GT. The mods and warranty anguish is a constant in every enthusiast site. Thought I would post this basic primer on how to deal with a warranty claim here since there seems to be alot of conversation about it. Be aware I make no claims about being an expert or a specialist in contract law. If you have an expensive warranty claim nothing would be better than getting expert advise in your jurisdiction. I've had my car for 6 days and the dealer service department has had it for 2 of them working on my suspension and handling issues. Just thought I would give some basic info.
There are three things you have to know if you have a warranty issue.
1. Read the warranty! It's dry and boring but you have to know exactly what is implied and what is express. If you can't get through it find someone (preferably with some contract experience) to go over it with you.
2. Know your state lemon laws. That's right, the lemon laws of your state have much to do with any car warranty claim.
3. Get yourself a primer on the Magnuson-Moss Act (here's a good one with links to state laws and the actual language of the act).
http://www.free-lemon-law-guide.com/magnuson-moss-warranty-act.php
Replacing an OEM part with an aftermarket will not break your warranty in most cases. However, any modification that wasn't meant to work within the parameters of the design and manufacture of the car will. For example, a manual boost controller that allows the car climb into overboost will void your warranty. Give Mazda some credit though - they sell some of the aftermarket parts themselves! Since they do (and they put "speed" in the name of the car) they open themselves up for liability that other car makers don't. It would be hard for them to claim a CAI "broke" a car while they advertise, sell, and install them - make sure you get a separate warranty explanation though.
Make sure any fluids you use conform to the dealers specs. If it says use a certain rated oil, brake fluid, gear oil, etc use it! For those of you in California and other stringent pollution states make sure any parts or mods conform to their laws. If it doesn't you don't have a leg to stand on. In fact you can get in trouble if a dealer wants to push it with the locals. Same goes for the dealer. If they sell a car that doesn't or can't conform with pollution standards they are screwed.
You have other recourse with a dealer who won't honor a warranty. There's always the Better Business Bureau. A reputable dealer doesn't want unresolved complaints floating around that anyone researching a car dealer could find. Before I make any large purchase from a store I always check BBS.ORG for any unresolved complaints and patterns.
Be aware of your local small claims court rules. You won't need a lawyer (although the dealer may have one). All jurisdictions have dollar limits though and rules about representation.
Nothing works better than being calm and courteous with a dealer and knowing what is covered by warranty. Be flexible and work toward a satisfactory resolution. Remember that if you can't get your problem resolved you head toward the lawyer realm. You could end up spending a fortune on attorney fees and I doubt many of us have the resources Mazda does to fight in court.
Of course, if nothing works you can always turn into an ass**** by parking your car painted like a lemon in front of the dealer lot with big signs! Won't help but you may get a kick out of it.
There are three things you have to know if you have a warranty issue.
1. Read the warranty! It's dry and boring but you have to know exactly what is implied and what is express. If you can't get through it find someone (preferably with some contract experience) to go over it with you.
2. Know your state lemon laws. That's right, the lemon laws of your state have much to do with any car warranty claim.
3. Get yourself a primer on the Magnuson-Moss Act (here's a good one with links to state laws and the actual language of the act).
http://www.free-lemon-law-guide.com/magnuson-moss-warranty-act.php
Replacing an OEM part with an aftermarket will not break your warranty in most cases. However, any modification that wasn't meant to work within the parameters of the design and manufacture of the car will. For example, a manual boost controller that allows the car climb into overboost will void your warranty. Give Mazda some credit though - they sell some of the aftermarket parts themselves! Since they do (and they put "speed" in the name of the car) they open themselves up for liability that other car makers don't. It would be hard for them to claim a CAI "broke" a car while they advertise, sell, and install them - make sure you get a separate warranty explanation though.
Make sure any fluids you use conform to the dealers specs. If it says use a certain rated oil, brake fluid, gear oil, etc use it! For those of you in California and other stringent pollution states make sure any parts or mods conform to their laws. If it doesn't you don't have a leg to stand on. In fact you can get in trouble if a dealer wants to push it with the locals. Same goes for the dealer. If they sell a car that doesn't or can't conform with pollution standards they are screwed.
You have other recourse with a dealer who won't honor a warranty. There's always the Better Business Bureau. A reputable dealer doesn't want unresolved complaints floating around that anyone researching a car dealer could find. Before I make any large purchase from a store I always check BBS.ORG for any unresolved complaints and patterns.
Be aware of your local small claims court rules. You won't need a lawyer (although the dealer may have one). All jurisdictions have dollar limits though and rules about representation.
Nothing works better than being calm and courteous with a dealer and knowing what is covered by warranty. Be flexible and work toward a satisfactory resolution. Remember that if you can't get your problem resolved you head toward the lawyer realm. You could end up spending a fortune on attorney fees and I doubt many of us have the resources Mazda does to fight in court.
Of course, if nothing works you can always turn into an ass**** by parking your car painted like a lemon in front of the dealer lot with big signs! Won't help but you may get a kick out of it.
