Mods & Warranty

[spazspike]

After taking delivery on my P5 I've really enjoyed the "out of the box" performance of the vehicle. While I don't have a laundry list of upgrades or modifications planned for the vehicle, it's only a matter of time till I begin pouring excessive amounts of income into it.

I'm 21... it's inevitable.

I found this thread related to modifications and voiding warranties:

http://woot.systemcrash.org/vbb225/...did=8252&highlight=modifications+AND+warranty

Somewhat answers my question, plus some of it is common sense. Things like the exhaust, CAI, internal neons, etc. are always considered. I also am aware that some dealers can refuse to honor my warranty if aftermarket internal modifications are performed with the vehicle.

My question is... Have any of you had a problem with warranty service(s) on your modified P5s?

 

[azeli73]

did you read the thread above yours

http://www.protege5.com/vbb225/showthread.php?threadid=21034

 

[spazspike]

did you read the thread above yours

Of course, while that answered my question for the most part you'll find (at the end of my post) that your supplied URL does not answer my question.

I am interested to hear from the Mazda Protege5 owners what sort of experiences they've had and with what modifications. I am fully aware that you can modify a vehicle without losing the warranty, this isn't my first car. However this is my first experience with Mazda and was curious to see how people "real" people have been assisted (or not).

 

[mooS mooS]

I was speaking with a Mazda service rep about this subject earlier because I was hoping to do some minor work on my car ( Springs, Intake, exhaust... that's it ) and the gist of what he said is that ... we're free to Mod our cars in any way we wish ... but should we require any warranty service, any Mod we make will be heavily taken into consideration ... meaning , whatever they can do to connect the damage to an aftermarket part, they will do in order to void the warranty ... sounds shady and has really discouraged me from modding my P5 , since I'd rather not lose the extended 6yr 100K Mazda-Direct warranty that I'm getting for free

 

[spazspike]

MM, I figured someone was going to say something like that. I'm not so much concerned about the exhaust because I'd go with the MSP exhaust and get it dealer installed. I'd rather pay an additional fee on installation than risk the potential warranty savings that may fail.

Curious about this 6yr/100k warranty you speak of? How much extra is this? The current warranty isn't as high (mileage) as I'd like as I'll burn through that before I'm done paying off the vehicle.

 

[mooS mooS]

the Extended warranty I'm referring to is the one direct from Mazda USA and was offered to me by the dealer, in a nutshell, it covers everything except for basic maintenance ( Oil changes, etc ) .. GAP Coverage, should we Total the car and insurance doesn't cover the total cost of it , the warranty will cover the difference ( with a $500 Deductible) ... extends the warranty to 100K ( obviously ) all in all , it's a pretty sweet deal for $1500 bucks / 30 a mo. extra ... it's the only manufacturer's warranty that covers Tire damage , etc.... you may want to check in with your dealer of course for more specific info ... but yeah... this is the reason why I'm kind'a shying off from Mods in the meantime

 

[03P5]

I've got 84 months/160,000km comprehensive on mine. It cost $1400CAD on the total price, and was purchased afterwards so as not to include it in my month financing.

I'm now at 2200km and I've already got Eibach springs on the way, and an Injen CAI with AEM Bypass coming as well.

I think it also depends alot on the dealer. My dealer said they'd only void the warranty on the shocks, not the rest of the suspension, if they install it. Its more money, but the added benefit of the rest of the suspension components still being covered is worth the install fee.

As for the Injen, they had a demo car for sale with the Mazdaspeed exhaust, 17's and this Injen intake, so they definitly don't mind that. I think things like the $5 resistor mod, and internal mods are what they really care about. But then, how do they know you've got cams/pistons in there. They service lady at my dealership said its my responsibilty to put a sticker or something on the car ( or in the glovebox ) to let them know about my mods, like I'd do that? If they can't tell I've got springs, then that's their fault!

With the CAI, I'd just pull it out if something like the Mass-Air went.

My 2 cents

Ryan

 

[spazspike]

One of the things that appealed to me with the extended warranty is that I can buy it at any point while my vehicle is under the factory warranty. The dealer stated that at 49,998 miles on the OD I can purchase the warranty, however every 10k miles adds $100 to the price.

I was quoted at $1039 for a 5/100 plan with a $100 deductible. While I see no driving interest in mods, it's a daily driver/commuter car I always like to have options. However as I stated to my racing fan friend (as he mocked me for buying automatic), if I wanted to build a race car I would start on a 4 cyc/130hp platform.

Nevertheless, the car performs better than expected!

 

[GOTZOOM?]

Did you guys know that extended warranty's can be bought from major insurance company's for about $850?

Thats for 7 year, 100,000 mile

 

[Sir Nuke]

Spaz, this is really a "dealer to dealer" sort of thing....some dealers are really cool with mods...and others are not. I would think if you get into INTERNAL mods of your engine and you blow it up or you have a failure of that part....you are going to be footing the bill for that repair.

As you have read the thread dealing with mods and warranty's....well no they can not void your warranty...but they can sure give you one hell of a hard time and cause you a lot of greif if your dealer isn't cool with mods.

Personally, mine is cool....I just did a spring install and took it to my dealer for an alignment and ended up having a good BS session with the manager and a few of the senior tech's while I was there.....you are just going to have to feel this one out with your dealer.

 

[spazspike]

SN, thanks for the input. I did end up going to the dealer today and it's highly unlikely that I'll have smooth sailing with them. However they were quick to say that any MazdaSpeed accessory installed by them and bought there will be covered 100%

Oh did I mention they want $420 for purchase/install of the MS exhaust?

Sounds like it's best to enjoy the car for what it's worth right now. Thanks, gang!

 

[Sir Nuke]

if your going to get that exhaust....put it on yourself and save a lot of green.....its so easy to install.....

maybe you are fortunate enough to have more than one dealer in your area? or at least one that is within decent driving distance? if so....go to another dealer and talk with them....if you are lucky enough to find one that is cool....just start taking all your dealer related business to them.

 

[spazspike]

SN... I agree on the self-install. Time will tell, thanks to those who responded.