12 months ago today I bought my 2008 PRHT Nk3 from Lodge Garage , Bucks main Mazda Dealers. came with the twelve month UK/European warranty as part of the deal, useful as we were off on our European holiday in late July (write up published in STHT).
Car was a bit rough in places but was what I wanted so I could sort it to my satisfaction. Anyway did various things, changed the rear subframe and arms, poly bushed them, put IL motorsport braceson all round,Yellowstuff from EBC, new discs etc, etc.
About September last year front brakes starting binding, no problems, Lodge Garage quickly sorted it out through the Mazda warranty process.both front callipers change, very pleasing.
Couple of months ago I notified Lodge that the Diff was getting noisy, droning, wanted it noted in case I had aproblem later out of warranty at least I had cause to then try & get it sorted.
Then just over a month ago the diff nose seal started leaking - no problems, into Lodge for warranty,very helpful but rejected as Mazda warranty say not covered ,it’s considered fair wear & tear ?, so had it done by MazdaMan - Brian Holden, hour & a half’s labour and bits.
Then a fortnight ago MOT time all ok but, advisory that nearside wheel bearing got play, that was the diff noise !.
Anyway into Lodge for warranty, where the saga begins - had a waiting period as warranty lady away for few days so booked in but warranty not progressed, as going to Italy this Wednesday begin to panic as car with Lodge but no warranty action so I phone Mazda warranty in Croydon explain situation and request progress info & update, told wheel bearings not covered unless complete failure ! considered again fair wear & tear, car has done 50K miles, doesn’t say much for Mazda quality !, argued this out with them, wouldn’t budge, plus am told that the warranty only covers one event per warranty period and should think myself lucky that I had two callipers changed !, now the warranty book is confusing because it states that wheel bearings are covered under all eventualities in the warranty and there are an unlimited number of times you can claim, so the book contradicts itself and guess Mazda warranty in Croydon are being bl**dy minded - it was a Friday so perhaps I caught a weekend person, also informed that the warranty was to expire 10 July - so it was covered up to that date !, almost when is a warranty not a warranty - when it suits Mazda.
Lodge Garage - been brilliant re this but tied to the system, I took my car away and again had MazdaMan Brian Holden do the job for me - again an hour and a half labour plus bits.
I have since been quoted by Mazda to extend the warranty for another 12 months will be £ 440.00 - don’t think I will bother, all I can say is thank you all at Lodge Garage and Brian Holden for getting me through this and will go away on the European trip (FunBall Rally - check it out) with a functioning quieter car.
Think that covers it, Rgds, Paul H.