Hello All,

My 2015 iSport Mazda (skyactiv) 3 has 172k miles and needs a new exhaust manifold converter. Looking for the part has been frustrating; most quotes i have found are 2800 for the proper replacement part. In effect, the car is totaled needing this repair.
The most generous offer I've rec'd is 2500 for trade in. I love the car, the way it handles, nimble and quick and responsive, but can't help being disappointed about the spot I'm in. Some dealer offered me 1000$ for a trade prompting an unspoken curse.

If anyone has had this experience or knows of a fix that costs less than 3500$, I'd love to hear from you.

Joe

 

I only wish I'd watched it before I started (and taken it to the dealership, haha), but it saved me some time figuring out I'd have to drop the subframe. Also the ratchet strap tip was very helpfull.

 

Hmmm.. not sure why that CAT (primary/exhaust manifold) is not alible I see them listed in many places. Naturally would need more specific information regarding your Mazda to be 100% accurate.
I see this was posted this same question on another Mazda forum?

And for the other responder Amine ... not sure what year your Mazda was but you do not need to drop the subframe on the model the OP is asking about. But maybe start your own thread and give the details and question there for your personal Mazda?

 

My MD/amateur mechanic brother talked me into letting him have a go at my exhaust. After cutting through a couple heat shields, he was able to determine it was the flex pipe leaking, not the CAT/manifold which seemed fine. We took it to Lou's Custom Exhaust in Marlboro, MA. They charged me 700$ for the repair, which was done in half a day, with a 2 year guarantee.
So what do we say to A) Meineke which wanted 2200 without even having found the part, or B) my go to guy who would have replaced the CAT/manifold for 800$ labor and 2800 for the part?

Primary lesson seems to be: Don't settle for the first, second or even 3rd opinion on repairs. If you don't like the numbers on one opinion, get another one.

 

Not really. Like anything else in life if you go cheap and less experienced and qualified then your logic applies. But had you gone to a shop that had experienced and certified Automotive technicians and mechanic then you would have gotten a better and accurate diagnosis. BTW you should have gotten a DTC (example P0172) based on oxygen entering the exhaust system which would have indicated an exhaust leak? No mention of any engine check light from any of your responses.



ASE

 

Alright I had appts with a couple of your suggested certified pros and I never got to hear their diagnosis, because I was unwisely contemplating dropping the car in a bad trade for one a couple of years newer.
My pal convinced me to keep trying to get my 2015 fixed. The check engine light should have come on if there was a CAT failure? Is that what you're telling me? No signals. Do you recommend trying the dealer to get the real scoop?

I'll let you know if it passes inspection; due in June. Yeah my certified pro Jaguar mechanic would have changed the whole exhaust for 3500. **** the professionalism, my friend.

 

The ECU would have information about the CAT and effected system if the CAT did fail.
You need to have someone look at the Pending permanent DTC files as well the counters and I/M readiness.

At best a failed CAT you would have noticed:
To name a few of the most predominate but not all the signs:

Lower engine power
Increased MPG
Louder exhaust tone
A bad fouled smell from the exhaust
A engine check light constantly on