Vin # vs Build date?

[erhayes]

How to read the vin #? I would like to determine the build date i.e. month and year. Thanks

 

[fatlard]

Isn't there a label on the side of the door with the build date?

 

[Shaz]

You must be kidding erhayes. There is a sticker just by the side of the door pillar (not the door itself) where you will see the info on tires as well. If I'm not mistaken, all cars have this and are usually located at the same spot.

 

[erhayes]

No I was not kidding Shaz: The reason I ask is, if you go to the Mazda web site and type in what you want on a new one you get an inventory list with Vin #. Now if I knew the Vin code I then could tell if the car was in the first model build (before 2007? with all the TSBs or later when things have been smoothed out. Not a dumb question in my mind. Sort of like, let your fingers do the walking, instead of going to each dealer and "unlock and open the drivers door, will you please"

 

[Marlon646]

I think I understand what he's getting at. He doesn't own a CX 7 (at least by his profile) but the dealers website that he's looking at may give him the VIN number to the vehicle. He can then use that to help determine the actual vehicle he wants. Is that correct?

Btw, I don't know how to read the VINs either. Sorry.

 

[AWmustang]

If I understand the VINs correctly the last 6 numbers are a sequence number. So you just need to find someone with a vehicle built around the cutoff date you are concerned about and then make sure the last 6 numbers of the VIN are higher.

Though I'm not sure what you are worried about, any of the problems that have been found should be dealt with before you take delivery of the car.

 

[erhayes]

Marlon 646: You have it correct. I am looking to buy a CX7, either a late build 07 or an 08. Since I'm not in a big hurry, I thought some homework would be nice. I know I'd love a CX7 and am getting one as I've drove several. If I can easly skip some early teething issues via a Vin #, I want to do it. I'm still hoping someone has the Vin code and I thank you AW for info on the 6 digits. Thanks to all. Ed

 

[erhayes]

AWmustang: The TSB are not addressed on each car they sell. TSB list a potential issue that has been observed in some vehicles based on owner complaints. A "call back" or "recall" is where each and every vehicle owner is notified via Vin # the the vehicle must be returned for repare or upgrade. So at least at this point no one knows the VIN # codes?

 

[AWmustang]

I keep forgetting to check mine, but if I remember I'll be sure to post it.

And as far as the TSB's, they performed the turbolag ECU flash before I picked mine up.

 

[meanstreak]

I keep forgetting to check mine, but if I remember I'll be sure to post it.

And as far as the TSB's, they performed the turbolag ECU flash before I picked mine up.

I agree, certain TSBs are addressed pre-delivery. When I reported my check engine trouble they indicated that it was on record that my gas cap had already been replaced during prep. My problem was actually the P2006 "Swirl Valve Issue".

It really depends on the severity of the TSB and what it affects and parts availability. A critical item like P2006 "swirl valve issue" is now being addressed pre-delivery, since the fix has now been properly identified and parts are now available. TSB issues like the door gaskets that not everyone notices are being fixed as they are reported. I had my door gaskets replaced though I never experianced a problem. The new gaskets are much more substantial and do provide a better seal, so I reccomend that when you bring it in for service that you tell them you are having a problem and have them replaced. My theory as to the reason I don't think the old gaskets always caused an issue was because of tolerances in manufacturing and assembly between the gaskets and the sheet metal. As they age and shrink, that may change, so again... get them replaced. Of course make sure you don't already have the new gaskets otherwise you might look silly and cause unecessary time and money spent on your vehicle.

 

[erhayes]

Thanks for the insite meanstreak. I wonder if ALL dealers address severe TSBs? Maybe so if it is manufacture or districk mandated but, maybe not if it is dealer option. Excellent dealers vs so-so dealers? I agree that people who get a list of TSBs and take it to a dealer is a big NO-NO. If you have the issue then yes. TSB work cost dollars to fix and unnecessary stupid requests will quickly frustrate the mechanics and his service writer and you will be talked about everytime you show up at the dealer.(killit)

 

[meanstreak]

Thanks for the insite meanstreak. I wonder if ALL dealers address severe TSBs? Maybe so if it is manufacture or districk mandated but, maybe not if it is dealer option. Excellent dealers vs so-so dealers? I agree that people who get a list of TSBs and take it to a dealer is a big NO-NO. If you have the issue then yes. TSB work cost dollars to fix and unnecessary stupid requests will quickly frustrate the mechanics and his service writer.

I made an exception with the door gasket TSB even though I didn't experiance the problem because bringing it back and forth to the dealer is a hassle in my case. I was honest with the service writer and told him I wasn't experincing the problem but felt I didn't have enough time or experiance with the vehicle to judge if I had a problem. I also explained my hardship in bringing it in and he agreed to have the mechanic look at it. Needless to say they ordered the gaskets and they came in several weeks after the "Swirl Valve" part. I elected to wait until all my parts were in to do it all in one service call. The check engine light is now hopefully fixed for good, my door gaskets should be good. I had the update to eliminate the turbo lag and I must say it is a different vehicle now. The "deadspot" when accelerating is now gone and like most are reporting, the transmission seems to shift better now. I also had them activate my "auto-locking" feature which was not done prior to pick up of the vehicle. They even gave me a wheel alignment at no charge because I noticed one of the front tires wearing faster on the insdie of the vehicle. He expalined that since it had low mileage (5K) they could cover it. I am very happy with the service I have received.

 

[erhayes]

I hope I have as good/excellent dealer as you have meanstreak. Thanks for your input. Ed

 

[Marlon646]

If some of the TSB's are being addressed pre-delivery, will the sticker still be attched to the door stating so? If that's the case, then a new buyer would still need to check the door jam pillar before buying. I emailed and asked my salesman about the turbo lag TSB after I bought mine and he checked the VIN and said it didn't need it. However my VIN is within those that do need it. He didn't say if it was done pre-delivery but I have no sticker for it and there is noticeable turbo lag.

If anything, the dealer should only charge for labor when performing TSBs. Right? Or should they all be done free of charge.

 

[erhayes]

Free of charge throughout the waraanty period.

 

[meanstreak]

If some of the TSB's are being addressed pre-delivery, will the sticker still be attched to the door stating so? If that's the case, then a new buyer would still need to check the door jam pillar before buying. I emailed and asked my salesman about the turbo lag TSB after I bought mine and he checked the VIN and said it didn't need it. However my VIN is within those that do need it. He didn't say if it was done pre-delivery but I have no sticker for it and there is noticeable turbo lag.

If anything, the dealer should only charge for labor when performing TSBs. Right? Or should they all be done free of charge.

I never found a sticker for the gas cap fix. I didn't check for the repairs I had done two days ago, but I'll look next chance I get.

 

[erhayes]

I thought a sticker was used for the performance software upgrade only?