New to Mazda 24/7

[MAZDUHH13]

Greetings!

My name is James. My wife and I just purchased a 2008 CX-9 Sport AWD a few days ago! It has 89k on the clock and we got it for 10900. It needs a few things (tires/brakes) but I used to be a mechanic. The CX-9 is the Grey Metallic with black cloth interior. It is also probably one of the cleanest used cars I have ever purchased. So this forum will be my first stop with questions and comments about everyone else's endeavors. I have already received a warm welcome and I greatly appreciate that!

James

 

[avidien]

Welcome to the Mazda CX-9 family James!!

That is a fine looking vehicle you have there, it looks brand new for a 2008, the previous owner took really good care of it.

Just a friendly caveat since you have an AWD with 89k miles, I would highly recommend checking out the transfer case under the vehicle and check for any signs of oil leaks or oil sludge, and swapping out the oil if the previous owner didn't. This would be a piece of cake for you, since you used to be a mechanic.

Please see this link, it's a well known problem with CX-9s AWD models

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123847373-Changing-CX-9-transfer-case-gear-oil-(photos)

 

[drchuck]

I have to agree that the unit looks great, I hate it that you got a vehicle that you'll only get about another 200,000 out of. I have a 2010 sport that has only seen the shop for the dumb gas cap light. Aside from that mine has been absolutely wonderful. I usually drive one about 10 years, and at this point I would replace it with another CX. This is the least expensive vehicle I have ever owned in terms of maintenance, etc. I'm sure you have read about the reported move to a 4 banger - which won't work for me, regardless of the aspiration. I wish you well with yours, and hope Mazda has sense enough to offer a choice.

 

[MAZDUHH13]

Thanks for the heads up on the transfer case. I have read about that, however, hadn't seen it as an urgent need. But based on your comment it looks like it would be worthwhile. I'll get on that soon.

Also thanks for the confidence boost in these cars. This was the only SUV In our price range that both my wife and I liked. So it looks like we lucked out in the area of maintenance and reliability. I love the power it has and I love the interior/sound system.

It really is one of those cars that I can just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride to work/home instead of being hunched over and tense driving it. We are very happy with it!

James

 

[avidien]

Thanks for the heads up on the transfer case. I have read about that, however, hadn't seen it as an urgent need. But based on your comment it looks like it would be worthwhile. I'll get on that soon.

Also thanks for the confidence boost in these cars. This was the only SUV In our price range that both my wife and I liked. So it looks like we lucked out in the area of maintenance and reliability. I love the power it has and I love the interior/sound system.

It really is one of those cars that I can just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride to work/home instead of being hunched over and tense driving it. We are very happy with it!

James

no problem, it's not a constant leak, only after a long drive and the leak is actually coming from the top of the transfer case "barfing" out thru the vent valve on top of the transfer case, it's very hard to see the vent valve, the oil will be a dark gray color and smells horrible, here are pictures of what it will look like if the transfer case oil is venting:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123825528-HELP-with-LEAK!

 

[MAZDUHH13]

Yeah, the fluid they put in those things has the worst smell. However, that's a good thing, easy to identify when it is leaking! Also we have had this car for 3 weeks now and it has been awesome! Such a great/comfortable car!