(Cliff notes at bottom)
Original problems:
-Engine had a major starting problem when it was warmed up. For example, when going to get gas or go to the store, the car wouldn't turn back on without a pretty aggressive crank. It started up fine when it was cold, but had to crank it for a good solid 20-32 seconds and even then it wouldn't always fire up. If this didn't take care of the problem, then I was going to have to buy a new starter and battery.
-Engine was consuming oil like it hadn't drank anything in days. It was getting 260isk miles per 1 quart of oil. Or another example would be, took it to the dealer, they did an oil change and told me to make note of when the oil light came on if it ever did. Well it did at 850 miles. I put 1 quart in and drove it... oil light came on about 200 miles after. Again put one more quart of oil in and light came on without fail after another 200 miles.
New Problems:
-Transmission made a whiny/supercharger like sound in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and reverse when in gear. It was a bit hard to get it in 4th gear at times and if it was hard, it would grind. 5th gear was normal though. Finally, besides 4th, it shifted like it shifted before, just made a weird aweful like sound.
Dealer Diagnosis of Problems
Original problems (was charged around $300 for everything except the oil change)
-Hard start: seafoam the engine and clean the tips of the rotors
-Oil consumption: oil change and mark when oil light comes on
-Other: rev car to 3-5K every time before shutting off
New problems:
-Being a semi new dealership they were lost for words in what they heard
-Took the transmission plug out and a small bearing dropped out
Outcome as of 11 February 2009
Original problems:
-New motor more than likely covered under the 8 year / 100,000 warranty (still waiting for compression test equipment from other shop... being a new shop they don't have a certain adaptar piece for there compression tester so they have to get the whole machine from there sister dealership). The dealer guy said though that they used a "normal" compression tester and I have about half of the compression that I should have, but it's unconfirmed numbers.
-They are reimbursing me around $200-300 for the "seafoam" / carbon cleanup work done to the car. IF YOUR 8 HAS HAD THIS DONE AND YOU GOT CHARGED FOR IT, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE. It's covered under the 8 year / 100,000 warranty.
New problems:
-New transmission more than likely... just waiting for Mazda to authorize it
Comments about dealer:
-Nothing but praise and thanks to the dealer near my house up here in Michigan. They have helped me out greatly and have awesome customer service as well as great people there. Granted I'm probably feeling this way since they are helping me out with everything, but they are great. Soooo... if for some reason you ever come out here to Michigan and have some Mazda trouble let me know and I'll get you connected with the right dealer...
Conclusion/Cliff Notes:
-All in all getting a new motor + rebuilt trans+ $200-300 back
-Do your research before going to the dealer
-My car is coming to Colorado and will be there til December or January. It sucks that I have to do it since it just got the new parts, but since I can't afford it right now... errr I want to get out of debt my dad will be driving it.
