My horror story at the dealer!

[AbRasiF]

Hi All,<P>I am quite new to MX-3's and already had a lot of adventures with my car. Just to put you in the context a purchased a 95 GS with 106 000 km (standard) from a Mazda dealer a little bit less than one month ago. The car was inspected by the dealer and they initially did a bunch of repairs at their charge. Here is a list of what they told me was replaced (BTW, I am not a mechanic wiz... but I am learning a lot from you guys )<P>- Replaced the head gaskets<BR>- Replaced the manifold gasket<BR>- Replaced the rear discs<BR>- Replaced the plastic tube after the air filter<BR>- Replaced the prestone<BR>- Replaced Oil/Filter<BR>and some other minor stuff.<P>But as soon as I got the car started to idle like crazy. So I took it back to the dealer 4 times before the problem was solved. Here is a list of what they replaced (still at their charge) during the first 3 visits:<P>- Distributors<BR>- Spark Plugs<BR>- Wires<BR>- 2-3 sensors<P>and all of this did not help!<P>On the fourth visit they finally found the *real* problem. The problem was that a small tube clogged in the IAC valve (or TB, they were not really clear about that). They told me that some prestone was flowing in that tube to adjust the idle speed in function of the engine temp. <P>Does it make sense to you guys? <P>But anyways, the problem was fixed and I was happy.<P>The real trouble started last week when I started loosing *a lot* of oil. So I took my car back to the dealer today and they just phone me back. They told me that my two *new* head gaskets blowed. They did a compression test on my engine to find out that it was pretty bad. They told me that they never did one before which a found pretty stupid. So they are going to replace the engine (still at their charge). <P>I know, I know... it would have been a good occasion to do a KL-ZE swap but I just don't have the money .<P>So my real question is:<P>Is there anything I *must* check tommorow when I pick up my car to make sure they did everything right? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.<P>Thanks!<BR>Etienne<p>[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: AbRasiF ]

[zytariuk]

Hey, if your getting a new engine at their charge your getting a VERY good deal. :]

[AbRasiF]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zytariuk:<BR><STRONG>Hey, if your getting a new engine at their charge your getting a VERY good deal. :]</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I won't be a new engine for sure... but as long as it run greats and has a similar mileage I will be happy.

[andy]

How long does the warranty stay in effect?<BR> I would do my own compression test. This could tell you a lot about the condition of the new/used motor.<BR> check the fluid levels and make sure they look new.<BR> Stay on top of them if something doesn't feel right.<BR> Andy P. 93 GS <BR> P.S. A problem with the throttle body coolant lines will cause an erratic idle, in answer to your earlier question.

[AbRasiF]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by andy:<BR><STRONG>How long does the warranty stay in effect?<BR> I would do my own compression test. This could tell you a lot about the condition of the new/used motor.<BR> check the fluid levels and make sure they look new.<BR> Stay on top of them if something doesn't feel right.<BR> Andy P. 93 GS <BR> P.S. A problem with the throttle body coolant lines will cause an erratic idle, in answer to your earlier question.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Thanks Andy, <P>They told me 3 months for the pieces and 1 year for the work.<P>Maybe you can help me a little more... I am a bit confussed <BR>Etienne

[pocket rocket]

Generally, a new engine means s short block.<BR>The dealer will use anything off your old engine he can. Hopefully he'll put a new timing belt on it. All the accessories(alternator, steering pump, distributor...)<BR>will come off the old engine. Check all fluids every day for the first month. Change yor oil after the first month.<BR>You're getting a good deal provided they do a good job!

[AbRasiF]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pocket rocket:<BR><STRONG>Generally, a new engine means s short block.<BR>The dealer will use anything off your old engine he can. Hopefully he'll put a new timing belt on it. All the accessories(alternator, steering pump, distributor...)<BR>will come off the old engine. Check all fluids every day for the first month. Change yor oil after the first month.<BR>You're getting a good deal provided they do a good job!</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Thanks! It makes it a bit more clear.<P>Just to keep you updated... my car was not ready yesterday , but it is supposed to be ready today!!<P>Any other suggestions? <P>Etienne