Mazdas are extremely reliable. Don't waste your money on an extended warranty

[theblooms]

I'm on my 5th Mazda, 6th if you count the B3000, (which I kinda don't, because it's a Ranger with a different grille. But it did have a Mazda sourced transmission in it, so maybe?). I've been driving them since Jan of 1993 when I bought my first Mazda, a 92 323 with 17,000 on it.

Since that 92 323, I also had a 93 Protege LX with the DOHC 1.8, my 93 B3000, a 04 Mazda3 S with the 2.3, and currently I have a 12 Mazda5 with the 2.5, and a 13 CX-5 with the SkyActiv 2.0.

All of them were, and are, as reliable as a hammer. With our cars, you literally do not need any extra warranty coverage. Our cars are good for 250,000 miles plus, so long as you perform the scheduled maintenance. Do not be fooled by anyone, especially a salesman trying to upsell you something you don't need. The only thing an extended warranty on our cars does is needlessly empty your wallet.

Do extended warranties have their place? Absolutely. If you're driving an Audi, BMW, Jaguar, or Range Rover, you'd be a fool not to buy one. But our cars? Pfft. Whatever.

Just Say No.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

There is something to be said about the years of vehicles you have listed for reliability in a good way. These issues with the turbo models give me pause though.

I'm not so sure on my '15 for 250k miles... thankfully got my rear main seal leak fixed under warranty but timing cover still leaks some after repair. I think most power door lock actuators squeak, squawk or make other noises. I also have a front A-ARM or something in front left suspension that makes squeaking noises. There were TSB that would have been covered by the extended warranty but just letting it ride for now.

I need to make sure I do another coolant change this summer. During rear main seal fix there was some drained and don't want to deal with any failed heater cores that have been reported some.

Also leather on driver seat has started to separate some on a seam so need to get that repaired.

Not gonna get rid of it but it certainly doesn't give me the feeling of build quality that my parent's old '87 626 LX (they purchased new) did. Wife had a bullet proof '96 Protege LX as well. I do find myself comparing it to my GX and I know that isn't fair.

Just my experience and not assuming others are seeing the same.

A little over 68k miles.

I think that rear diff on my AWD model gives me the most concern considering how many revisions it has had. That being said they made a whole lot of these so lots of salvage parts out there for future repairs.

 

[sm1ke]

That's your opinion. And it's definitely a popular one, for good reason. If you look at the numbers, both financially and statistically, Mazdas are very reliable, so it doesn't make sense for a lot of buyers to throw more money at an extended warranty (or service contract, or whatever). But to make a blanket statement that all Mazdas are reliable and that you will never need an extended warranty so you should always just say no? Nah, I don't buy it.

No car is perfect. Even a Toyota can be unreliable (as evidenced by my dad's Highlander, which is now a lawn ornament). Additionally, an extended warranty may even be advised, depending on the car. For example, if I were to buy a first year CX-50, I would absolutely get an extended warranty for a number of reasons - brand new model, brand new factory, likely new staff in the factory, maybe new tech. But that is just me trying to manage risk. Others (most?) may be more comfortable setting that money aside in a "emergency fund", because that way you can pull from that fund if, and only if, you experience problems.

Further to that, someone who is coming from a different brand may feel better about the switch with an extended warranty on the invoice, because it provides peace of mind. Others may view an extended warranty as making sure the car is covered while you are still making payments on it.

No matter what, with any car, the buyer is rolling the dice. With Mazda's track record lately, it's a pretty safe bet to skip the extended warranty. But if the buyer would rather have some peace of mind for a few years/miles more than what the factory warranty offers, then it may be a good idea to get the extended warranty if the price is worth that peace of mind. It all comes down to what the buyer is comfortable with.

 

[Chocolate]

I'm on my 5th Mazda, 6th if you count the B3000, (which I kinda don't, because it's a Ranger with a different grille. But it did have a Mazda sourced transmission in it, so maybe?). I've been driving them since Jan of 1993 when I bought my first Mazda, a 92 323 with 17,000 on it.

Since that 92 323, I also had a 93 Protege LX with the DOHC 1.8, my 93 B3000, a 04 Mazda3 S with the 2.3, and currently I have a 12 Mazda5 with the 2.5, and a 13 CX-5 with the SkyActiv 2.0.

All of them were, and are, as reliable as a hammer. With our cars, you literally do not need any extra warranty coverage. Our cars are good for 250,000 miles plus, so long as you perform the scheduled maintenance. Do not be fooled by anyone, especially a salesman trying to upsell you something you don't need. The only thing an extended warranty on our cars does is needlessly empty your wallet.

Do extended warranties have their place? Absolutely. If you're driving an Audi, BMW, Jaguar, or Range Rover, you'd be a fool not to buy one. But our cars? Pfft. Whatever.

Just Say No.

Well said. I prefer the term "protection plan," with the connotations of that term.

For me, the 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty is enough. It's already built into the price.

Be a shame if something were to happen to that nice new Mazda of yours... you can buy a protection plan for only two thousand dollars.

These issues with the turbo models give me pause though.

A "protection plan" may make more sense for a Turbo model. There is a big price difference. $27K vs $37-$40K.

No car is perfect. Even a Toyota can be unreliable (as evidenced by my dad's Highlander, which is now a lawn ornament).

For the sake of conversation: what year, how many miles, how much spent on items that would be covered under extended warranty (so, not including oil changes, brake pads, tires, etc).

if I were to buy a first year CX-50, I would absolutely get an extended warranty for a number of reasons - brand new model, brand new factory, likely new staff in the factory, maybe new tech.

All of that is true (very true) except for the new tech part. Mazda downgraded the suspension (replacing the CX-5's multi link suspension with the CX-30's torsion beam), on this new vehicle, and increased the price (very slightly) over the CX-5, because it's larger. Same engines and 6 speed transmission as ever, except marketed with a few extra horsepower, from 5-6 years ago. As a smaller company, they don't have the same R&D budget as Toyota.

I bought the CX-5 because I felt it was the best value in the CUV class, and I still think so three years later.

 

[sm1ke]

For the sake of conversation: what year, how many miles, how much spent on items that would be covered under extended warranty (so, not including oil changes, brake pads, tires, etc).

Its not my car, but I think it's a 2004. No idea what my dad spent, but from what I recall, he had a couple of independent shops try and fix his oil burning issue. He didn't buy an extended warranty, but the car was always dealer serviced until he brought this issue to them. He was just out of warranty - within the mileage, but a couple months past. They wouldn't help, which is fair because he was out of the warranty period, but because of this he stopped getting his maintenance work done there and started going to independent shops instead. As far as what he spent, I'm not sure it would be relevant because from what I recall, the independent shops just threw parts at the car hoping to fix it (which may have been my dad's choice, he's notorious for band-aid fixes). If the dealer were to diagnose and repair, it probably would have been expensive but more likely that it would have been done right.

He ended up going back to Chevy and got a 2018 Equinox 2.0T. I've replaced the AGM battery on it twice already - it's a warranty item but my dad is stubborn and refuses to deal with dealers anymore

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Think its luck of the draw. I've had toyota's, ford's, volks-wagons and chevy's far outlast their useful lives at 14 years, more or less, usually the rusted-out frame gave out before the engine/transmission. I would say unless it's a new unknown car company entering the market or possibly a new untested model from the big 10 that extended warranties are a waste of $$. better off putting that $$ in emergency bank account and using it when and if you get a lemon. and use some of that cash to get your vehicle fluid filmed or undercoated. Hopefully this Mazda holds out for 10 to 14 years without the cylinder head crack problems.

 

[concept]

Should You Get an Extended Warranty for Your Car?

Should you buy an extended warranty for your car? Consumer Reports consults experts and provides advice.

www.consumerreports.org

Take a look at what Consumer Reports thinks.

 

[Tribe&TrueRacin]

While I personally would not nor need any warranty extended plan you all are forgetting all the electronics like multiple computer's on many model MAZDAs. Those are not cheap for parts or depending on which fails labor to replace them.
Just an FYI.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

IMO: Usually the ECUs fail early or a long ways down the road. I was looking at cost of that rear BCM that handles the rear wiper, light, etc.... I had one of those fail on mine under warranty but was looking on eBay the other day and there was a used one for $30 and if memory serves me this is a plug and play ECU.

Tribe&TrueRacin:​

Were you the one with the legit Mazda diagnostic and programming software?

I need to get my hands on that hardware/software... I have Techstream for my Lexus/Toyota and Nissan Consult for my Infiniti...

 

[Tribe&TrueRacin]

VersaTuner

VersaTuner tuning software for easy reflashing/remapping of the ECU. Includes an online tune database, tune editor, virtual dashboard, data logger, read and clear codes.

www.versatuner.com

^^ This is a fairly good product. However, it and it does not have "full access" to unlocking all the MAZDA ECU cells/PIDs on Skyactuv models.

The BCM seem to have some failure rate and there are safety recalls for various models. The ECU while a nice unit has the downfall of being in a high heat area under the hood exposing to temperature at times constantly over 180F. Failure may be becoming more frequent. Only time will tell about that. I thermal wrapped mine. I also have a custom connector so when I track I can mount the ECU upside down.

The most I have down so far is shut off my radiator fan control, raised my REV and speed limiters and done a little adjustment with my knock sensor and fueling. I have not been able to adjust the TCM ...yet. I think that VersaTuner will not give me access to change anything. But I have a few ECU specialist that have taken the challenge to try to break Mazda code for access.

Currently I only ECU Performance Celebrate BMW/MINI and a couple Chrysler models.
I personally do not care for Techstream. Lots of great advertising to entice a new customers.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Thanks! I only have Techstream as it allows for some ECU coding that I am not currently aware of for 3rd party options. I've used it in that brand to code keys, install factory alarm, install factory start, enable functions not available in US market, etc... and some diagnostic not seen by some OBD tools... I don't have experience with tools above say $250 so perhaps those do.

 

[Chocolate]

The ECU while a nice unit has the downfall of being in a high heat area under the hood exposing to temperature at times constantly over 180F. Failure may be becoming more frequent. Only time will tell about that. I thermal wrapped mine.

This is an interesting mod. Got a pic?

 

[hollandog]

Usually I would agree that extended warranty is not worth it. But in this case of the 2016-2019(?) CX-9's coolant leak issue with the 2.5T, I was seriously considering the extended warranty for few times but found out it's not easy to purchase one. Simply nobody seems to be interested to sell you one.

Poll: - 2.5T Coolant Leak/Engine Replacement

The problem is not enough people report this. If the manufacturer refuses to issue a recall, then the customer should report. For all intents and purpose this is a safery issue. I've known people with cars that there car stopped on the highway with cracked blocks. Granted these we're old...

mazdas247.com

Not sure if more people are aware of this issue but I think this should have more awareness as it maybe affecting the 2.5T in the CX5 and 6 as well.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Over 117k miles on mine so far. In terms of "major" problems, I had an early model year defect with the gated shifter, was a $50 part and time and patience to fix, the drive belt tensioner failed, which did cost me a few hundred to have someone fix, and to @Kedis82ZE8 point, my lock actuators failed on the passenger side door. I went ahead and had them all replaced. I also had my oil pan resealed in 2020 as it was leaking.

But all in all, I think I came away cheaper than any extended warranty would have cost over the almost 9 1/2 years I've owned this car and nothing truly catastrophic has really happened.

 

[madar]

For me it was a price issue, got my bumper to bumper up to 100k miles/6 years for $1,300 for my 2016. My 2014 needed a trans at 32k miles and at 72k miles it threw a code. I didn't want that expense after the power train warranty was up so I bought one for my 2016. Now after a few years I see that it's a fairly reliable gearbox for a lot of people. To date it helped pay for a belt tensioner, will pay for a bad heated driver seat (2nd one), and possibly another timing chain cover leak before it's done. I wouldn't buy one for $2000, too much money. I didn't get one for my 2014 CX5. IMO, it's a completely personal choice. They are completely negotiable as if you don't get one at all, it's less money the dealer is getting. They will bargain.

 

[Unobtanium]

I munched through a good bit having mirror motors replaced on my 2019.

 

[sxa]

I bought an extended warranty on my 2014 CX-5, it had already expired when my alternator needed to be replaced. I haven't had any major repairs needed and honestly in the end the warranty wasn't worth it for me. It's certainly a gamble where if I had had several major issues it might have paid off but since my father in law is a mechanic, as long as he is able to work on cars I probably won't buy anymore extended warranties.

 

[sm1ke]

I bought an extended warranty on my 2014 CX-5, it had already expired when my alternator needed to be replaced. I haven't had any major repairs needed and honestly in the end the warranty wasn't worth it for me. It's certainly a gamble where if I had had several major issues it might have paid off but since my father in law is a mechanic, as long as he is able to work on cars I probably won't buy anymore extended warranties.

IMO, that's the wrong way to approach a warranty of any kind, expecting something to fail to "get your money's worth". There is no positive outcome. Either you lose money because the product was "too reliable", or you have enough issues to cover the cost of the warranty, but now you have a product with an "unreliable" past.

Buying warranty isn't supposed to be a gamble. You're paying for peace of mind. That's how I look at it, anyway.

 

[sxa]

IMO, that's the wrong way to approach a warranty of any kind, expecting something to fail to "get your money's worth". There is no positive outcome. Either you lose money because the product was "too reliable", or you have enough issues to cover the cost of the warranty, but now you have a product with an "unreliable" past.

Buying warranty isn't supposed to be a gamble. You're paying for peace of mind. That's how I look at it, anyway.

I guess in the end it is the question of how much is peace of mind worth. They can be pretty expensive. I would rather sock away the money into interest bearing accounts and when a major repair is needed just pay it rather than paying for the warranty.

 

[sm1ke]

I guess in the end it is the question of how much is peace of mind worth. They can be pretty expensive. I would rather sock away the money into interest bearing accounts and when a major repair is needed just pay it rather than paying for the warranty.

Yes I agree, if you purchase an extended warranty or service contract hoping for enough things to fail to make the cost of the warranty worth it, you are much, much better off putting that money aside instead.