Dealer who deals?

Justin · Postby **Justin** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:14

Looking to pick up a Mazdaspeed CAI for my speed3 (don't want to deal with warranty hassles on my 11,000 mile car, otherwise would go Cobb). I'm seeing online prices around $320, keep getting quoted $400 by dealers. Any dealers around who will match the online prices or sell to me at a price that is even close? Also, I was told by a service guy at Sil Terhar that they had to install the intake to maintain the drivetrain warranty. I'm not buying it, but want to confirm whether this is true or not. Thanks!

Cesaros · Postby **Cesaros** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

The Mazdaspeed CAI is defective. They recalled many due to them causing the MAF sensor to malfunction. Their intake expands and contracts immensely causing the MAF sensor to throw CEL and in some cases crack the sensor. Spend $100+ LESS on a GOOD intake that WONT void any warranty...the trick is putting your airbox back on if your engine for some reason blows up and you need to take it in and have your warranty cover it.

Anyway..this didnt answer your question but, buyer beware.

I've always heard that Mazda has to prove the part caused a fault to have it void any warranty.

Good luck. and do the Time Advance mod after install of CAI...a CAI at this altitude serves little purpose due to lack of O2 making it into the engine...the Time Advance will smooth out any acceleration lag you may get after install.

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

I believe that the CAI on the shelves now is the updated/new-design. Either way do not waste money on having the dealer install the thing. You can install it with no ill effect to your warranty.

What dealer is telling you this? I would consider going to another dealer if I were you. People on here like Burt. I have been going to McDonald Mazda for a couple of years and they have never said a thing about any of my mods. Then again I haven't had to get any warranty work besides a loose airbag seat sensor.

Justin · Postby **Justin** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

The v2 CAI is currently slated to come out on May 1, but might be held up by CARB testing. A few leaked out, then I think Mazda realized it hadn't been approved yet. I've heard complaints about CELs with the old one, but haven't heard anything about MAF problems despite some extensive research. To the best of my knowlege they never did an official recall on the old part, just revised it to make some improvements. I've got a busy work life and a 2 year old, so I really, really, don't want to mess with having to swap the intake in and out for any work that gets done. I'm wondering if people damaged them during installation. You're right about Mazda having to show that the intake damaged something, but the burden generally ends up on the purchaser. An aftermarket intake could easily give them cause to void the warranty on the turbo. Sil TerHar was the dealer telling me the warranty stuff. I'm wondering if they were talking about the warranty on the intake and not doing a good job of communicating.

jt2589 · Postby **jt2589** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

Ok. So I talked to our Mazda district manager this week. They have pulled the Mazdaspeed3 CAI again. I inquired about the reason, and I have been trying to get an answer for a while. The reason they pulled it is because the CAI is letting in to much air and causing the MAF sensor to throw a code. He has seen cars that have the Mazdaspeed CAI with no CEL. Also has seen some with a CEL. The reason they pulled it is because it is setting a code. There is no harm in it, just the fact that they don't want you to come back every month for a CEL. Hope this helps. Sorry it took so long to find out.

AIM WO4 · Postby **AIM WO4** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

You wouldn't want too much air and fuel to get into the combustion chamber... it could explode.

Cesaros · Postby **Cesaros** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

AIM WO4 wrote:You wouldn't want too much air and fuel to get into the combustion chamber... it could explode.

Colombia28 · Postby **Colombia28** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

Justin i realize you don't want to worry about warranty issues, but many of us, myself included have been running the Cobb intake for thousands of miles and have never had a single problem or CEL. The MS CAI is way to damn expensive for what it is and the problems Mazda has been having with their own in house brand.

And from what i understand, it is true that in order to maintain the drivetrain warranty a dealer must install the piece. Which in all likelihood they would charge you far to much to do.

turbo99jetta · Postby **turbo99jetta** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

unless an aftermarket part is directly responsable for the failure of another part, they cannot void your warrenty no matter who installs it. So if you install a CAI and it sucks up water and you jack up up ur motor then yes your warrenty is void. However, they can't say becuase you installed this CAI your rear hub stoped working so your warrenty is void.

dommo_g · Postby **dommo_g** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

Do some research on Magnusson-Moss to answer your warranty questions.

Justin · Postby **Justin** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

I appreciate the suggestions. I'm familiar with the legal aspects of this, having previously worked for a dealership. Mainly looking to confirm some stuff specific to Mazda's policies, Some dealers will use an aftermarket part to attempt to invalidate the warranty on associated systems of the car, even if the damage isn't directly related. The example I mentioned above re: a blown turbo being caused by an aftermarket intake theoretically not cleaning the air properly or whatever. Plenty of folks have had to file lawsuits as a result, and I just don't want to deal with it. Dealers aren't exactly known for strong business ethics. I'm not worried about the warranty on my wheel bearings or wipers, but don't want to mess with it re: my engine, esp since this has the longest warranty of anything on the car. Not worth my time, and the extra $150 seems like cheap insurance against having to pay for a replacement turbo or internal engine problem. Otherwise I'd have already ordered a Cobb. I'm married to an attorney (not the right kind to fight this sort of thing). I don't want to associate with them any more than I already do. You should see her when we get in a fight:eek:

BTW, I spoke with the parts guy at Sil TerHar today. He said that I can install the intake myself without voiding the car's warranty. They just don't warranty the intake if I do it myself. How much can go wrong with a metal tube? Sheesh.

jdmalphanumeric · Postby **jdmalphanumeric** » Sat May 02, 2009 9:14

Hey!
Darryl from black sheep import sports!
send me a email!
darryl@simpleinteractivedesign.com

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