I purchased my '05 Mazda 3 in June '05 and I'm already having problems with it. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, I haven't had problems with the car until recently. For some time now I've been noticing a lot of condensation inside of the car where I needed to take lots of paper towels and wipe down ALL of the windows. I didn't think anything of it because for the past 2 weeks here in NY it has been raining (the windows were all closed). The first day I noticed all of the condensation, I didn't think anything of it. The second day, I was getting kind of annoyed of using all the paper towels. The third day, I started to smell a mild scent of mildew/mold. I brought the car to the dealership and they claim they did a "Water Test" which revealed a "possible leak within the lower left hand side of the windshield-water collection was in the dashboard and the rugs were all wet."

I took the car that day because it was going to be sitting in the garage over the weekend, and I had errands to run. Anyway, I brought the car back to the dealership and now I was told a different story. The manager tells me that the car was "Flooded and all of the interior carpet and dashboard has to be replaced and it will cost over $1000 and its not covered under warranty." Now what I don't get is, how the story changes. One day its the leak in the windshield and the next is, the car was flooded. They did not do a complete diagnostic test on the car which is why I'm upset. Why call me and have a half *** explanation and tell me "what could possibly be wrong" and not confirmation on the condition of the vehicle and where the leak is coming from.

What's the purpose of having a warranty if you have to pay out of pocket. The car is still brand spanking new, it has less than 3,000 miles on it. I did not drive through massive puddles or floods. I would like some opinions from anyone here on my situation, if it has or has not happened to you. I think that because I'm a girl the manager is trying to take advantage of "oh she doesn't know any better." Any comments would be appreciated

 

How is this dealer able to prove that the vehicle was flooded?? and is not in fact wet due to a water leak from the windshield? There must be some reason why they have changed the story you are being told. A "Water Test' is essentially running a hose over the vehicle and looking for water reaching the interior. What kind of "complete diagnostic test" were you expecting them to perform. If you are sure that the vehicle has never been underwater then you should call Mazda Customer Service at 1-800-222-5500 and get them involved. Sometimes it takes rattling a few cages to get things done and/or get the correct answers. You are entitled to a complete explantion and proof of why a warranty related claim is being denied.

 

I have never heard of that before.. but yes dealerships are known to change their diagnosis' at anytime because they simply want the money and are liars... but i dont know if that is exactly the case... if i were you i would take this to the Mazda USA customer service people immediatly and get them involved... babyhuey is right, takes the right threatening of the right person to maybe get someone to listen to ya! call them though quick!

 

i would also get corporate people involved.

 

You should contact your auto Insurance Agent ASAP and discuss the situation with them. Your agent should be able to help. Also, if you end up filing a claim through your auto ins. it will be more than likely be a comprehensive claim and will only cost you your deductible.

 

I don't get it ! These dealers could make money repairing this problem , and they rather you pay than Mazda for the issue .... hmmm ; makes me wonder if it's Mazda that told them to answer this to you (hope not !!!)

Keep us informed how it turns out , progress by progress or not !

Ron P.

 

Dealers would rather you or insurance pay. I know from working for dealerships that the manufacturer has to pay less per hour to the dealer on a warranty claim. (EX. Customer pay labor rate $75 /hr., Warranty $60/hr labor rate) Also warranty pays less hours for the same job. (EX. 2.5 hrs to replace a window motor CP, while warranty will pay 1.6 hrs.) The dealer will lose money if they have to submit a warranty claim, plus all that danged paperwork!

 

AAAHHH HAAA !! Dealers again the culprit , go figure it's not surprising . Goodness it's not Mazda and that you can go knocking higher up the ranks .

Knowing myself , and knowing this bkey , if it was my situation I would corner the big cheese and let him know 'I know' this B.S. and that I don't care about it , and that they better fix it Now ! while his bottom salesmen starts doing the paperwork , 'cause this has gone on long enough .... show him you're not backing away and if he continues his B.S. , then threaten him to go to the very top . Believe me they don't want to look bad in the eyes of Mazda executives ! IT's not worth the hassle and you could finish by telling the dealer that if Mazda finds out ; they could be sure to have more paperwork than your tiny problem you're causing them !!! Don't give up the fight and stick to your guns