Looking at 2008 CX-7 GT with replaced turbocharger...red flag?

[JGreen215]

I'm looking at a 2008 GT, but I got the carfax report and it says the oil pan gasket and the turbocharger were both replaced this year. Is this a red flag? Should I not consider this vehicle?

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[mysleeper6]

Contact the previous owner and see what the situation was that led to the replacement. The CX-7 has the same engine as the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 (there may be some minor differences but I personally am not aware of them) and some of those cars have had smoking turbo issues which under certain circumstances can lead to warranty replacement. Another common MS6 issue is a leaking transfer case which was covered by a TSB; you don't say if this is an AWD CX-7 but I suppose that that fix could be misinterpreted and misrepresented on a carfax as "oil pan gasket replaced". Definitely check into it first. That being said, if the repairs were done right, and you still have warranty, you should be ok. Are other CX-7s without the same issues priced comparably?

 

[BlackCherry06]

I don't get concerned unless there's been body parts replaced. Think of it this way...those are two issues you're less likely to be faced with during ownership.

 

[JGreen215]

Yes its AWD. The two used CX-7's I am looking at are:

1. 2007 Touring AWD, 21k miles, leather interior, about $18k (just got them down another 2%)
2. 2008 GT, 18k miles, leather interior...this was the one with the turbocharger replaced on the carfax report. Asking price is $20,995. But we haven't started negotiating on price.

 

[offset_98]

Take the '08.

 

[JGreen215]

Thanks Erik. The 2008 GT also has more (sunroof, Bose system) where the 2007 Touring is pretty basic. I need to see what they'll offer on my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport w/ 121k mi.

 

[JGreen215]

On the 2008 GT I'm considering there is a 50k mile factory warranty on the car. Bumper to bumper. It only has 18k mi on it right now. I'll put about 15k mi on it per year. This might be the one. Its hard trying to keep emotions out of it when I'm locked in on this vehicle...