front grill issues

[Bengilante]

Has anyone experienced any issues with the grill on the MS3 being very delicate and easily broken? I ask because I think that someone vandalized the car and broke the rungs(?) on the grill. I called the local mazda dealership to see if they received complaints or calls to replace the grills (leading further evidence to the grills being cheap/frail) and he said that he almost never gets any problems like that.

FYI, the reason I thought it was vandalism was that there was a large metal hook (S-shape) with a long rubber arm attached to the end of the hook. The hook also happened to be hanging off of one of the broken rungs. The grill LOOKED sturdy, and it just seems a little more than coincidence that the hook would be hanging there the morning after I notice the damage.

 

[Hyun]

yeah, mine never came with S shaped hook.

 

[Bengilante]

lol

 

[Rotus8]

The rubber thing with a hook is probably a bungee cord someone dropped off a load and you had the misfortune to get it slung into your grill. Probably less damage than the beaver someone reported hitting. Anyway, I think the grill is not too expensive and is available from one of our dealer sponsors.

 

[Zeya]

You could also take this opportunity to buy an aftermarket grille if you want.

 

[Shane5425]

just take the grill off and put a huge FMIC in there.. duh.. simple fix..

 

[Bengilante]

haha, FMIC isn't quite what I thought about doing but, you never know. I did check the dealership here, and was told I could order a new one for about $80. Not too bad.

Right after I called, my friend at work suggested the aftermarket. I haven't really checked into them much, but if it's only $30 or so more, wtf not? After messing with the current grill for a bit, you could almost make it look normal. I might just bide my time until I get my tax return and then decide what to do.