Or even an RDX...

For some strange reason when the "boy-racer" personality types see a "turbocharged" term in relation to an automotive engine they immediately think, WOW, 0-60 times must be STELLAR. And then once they find that the turbo is simply there to provide a reasonable, REASONABLE, level of performance from an otherwise smallish engine, FE engine, they start looking for ways to distinguish their purchase from the "norm".

So they begin to add on virtually useless after market features. No harm there as long as these "features" are not detrimental to the base operation, short term or long term product reliability.

Read many of the threads on this forum and you soon discover that most of these "types" are well aware that some of these aftermarket add on features can be, or are, detrimental. Some of the vendors, in "hawking" their wares, even advise removing their features, or other methods of hiding the modifications, before taking the vehicle in for dealer service, most especially if there is suspicion that warranty service might be required.

In short, this constitutes nothing less than a conspiracy between the vendor and the user to defraud the dealer and/or the vehicle manufacturer.

So, buying a used CX-7 or RDX, vs a more "ordinary", non-boost, vehicle, can be fraught with peril. If the original owner doesn't remove the aftermarket "features" for resale on Ebay the dealer who takes the vehicle in trade will most certainly know to do so.

Were I to consider purchasing one of these I would want to meet the previous owner in order to get a feel for what I might be purchasing

Be careful out there.

 

I think the % of people that will modify their CX-7's are very small compared to those say in the compact car market (Civic, 3) or in the performance car market (Mustang, RX-8, etc.).

Buyer beware is a true statement, know what you're looking at, and what you're looking for.

The statements of removing aftermarket goods prior to taking a vehicle in for service are mainly so that you don't get into a situation where the dealer accuses a completely separate modification for causing a problem that should be covered under warranty. (Like aftermarket wheels or tires causing an exhaust issue, or an exhaust system being blamed for a headlamp out, etc.) That being said, it's not always necessary, I had a fairly highly modified 3 (lowered springs, camber links, custom interior, cat-back exhaust, wheels/tires, etc.) and had it back in and honored for warranty work when it needed it. Not all dealers are this way....so again - buyer beware.

Typically more damage is done by an ignorant owner who doesn't provide the proper maintenance (oil changes, etc.) than an enthusiast improving their vehicle to suit their taste/needs.

 

I my opinion there is a great DIVIDE" between what I refer to as a "boy-racer" and an automotive enthusiast.

 

My point is you might have a handful of "boy-racers" buy a CX-7. They'll more likely buy a Mazdaspeed3.

 

Yes, I would have thought that the "boy-racer" mentality types would shy away from an SUV, even a turbocharged SUV.

Surprise...!!

Browse the CX-7 forums and learn otherwise.

Satisfy DW/SO and personal mentality...??