Hey guys i am new to the mazda family.I have always been a volkswagen owner and couldn't pass up the deal on this car.I was wondering what are the usual problems that go wrong with these cars?And the vehicle i picked up has 60,000 miles,any usual problems i should expect?I know i sound like a newbie but i have no clue about these cars haha

 

I would definitely go ahead and be ready to invest about $60 into a Idle Air Control valve; they go bad like crazy on Tributes. Also, check with Mazda and see what (if any) recalls apply to your car and if they have already been remedied. Mazda has issued quite a few recalls on parts used in Tributes.

 

Hi Tributeguy - problems - depends upon the year! 2001-02 have some issues, many recalls issued over the years. 2003-04 were the best years...all of the bugs were worked out. I own an '04 with 48000 miles and have had no problems at all (*knocking on wood), except for sway bar links that werereplaced under warranty.

Do you know that you really own a Ford Escape with Mazda badges and some slightly different trim? Your Tribute was built in Missouri with pretty much all Ford parts. No need to worry, though...the powertrain is pretty much bulletproof, especially the 3.0 V6 (assuming you have that engine). The V6 has a timing chain, not a belt, so you dont have to worry about spending $600 to replace it.

Get the transmission fluid flushed/refilled and keep the oil changed every 5K and drive on!

One of the big differences you will notice is the quality of interior parts as compared to your VWs. Lots of hard plastic and flimsy feeling mechanicals (like the door handles inside). So far, other than a couple of squeaks and rattles, mine has held up after over 4 years.


Good luck, drop in again if you have any questions...