A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how Mazda Canada was quietly reducing the dollar amount it would pay for repairing corrosion on vehicles at qualified for their Corrosion Warranty Protection which was extended from 5 years unlimited kilometers to 6 years unlimited kilometers. It was initially reported to me that the amount would drop from $1500 down to $500 after November 5, 2010 by the service department of the Mazda dealership I originally purchased my car from. I won’t name the dealership, but i will say that it’s named after the Province I live in, whose capital is Toronto.
After several unanswered and unreturned calls to this dealership to have my car dropped off I became frustrated and contacted another dealership (QEW Mazda in Oakville), to look into get these repairs done. I stopped in unannounced and was treated well by its service department. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the service advisor had been to this site looking for a couple of carpet kits for the pair of 2010 Mazda3’s he and his wife drive.
I was then enlightened that the information I had received about Mazda Canada reducing the dollar amount of money it was covering was incorrect. That the likely story is that the dealership had performed some questionable warranty claims and that Mazda Canada was tightening their reigns.
To make a long story short, I was instructed by the friendly service advisor at QEW Mazda to drive over to an affiliated body shop to have pictures taken and paperwork processed for the claim to be sent to Mazda Canada. One week later I got the call that the warranty claim was approved.
In the next couple of weeks my 2005 Mazda 3 will be taken in for its repairs which should take about 5 days. The kicker is that Mazda Canada doesn’t provide for a rental car.
I’m going to put out another blog post with the areas on your car to look for rust in the next couple of days.
Thanks so much for posting this information. I have noticed rust on both driver’s and passenger’s sides at the seam of the rear bumper and quarter panel as you described. As I take good care of my car and wash it regularly, I felt it shouldn’t be rusting out even in Winnipeg.
You’ve given me the amunition I need to go to the dealership.
Any advice on strategy in approaching them?
Your welcome Wayne. let me know how it works out for you.
My second battle is just starting. I have a 2005 Mazda 3 Sedan with rust at 40,000KMS it was fixed in July 2010 and guess what in April 2011 the rust is back. I was told by Regina Mazda that warranty only pays once contacted Mazda Canada and they are about to investigate as they sent me back to the dealership. I was given reasons like you keep your car in a garage so it doesn’t dry properly to I wash the car in a touchless car wash in the winter so then I was told the wheel wells are cleaned I should use a wand wash. The fight is on. Like everyone else I LOVE the car but is this really worth it!!!!
I hear you. One of the issues plaguing the Mazda 3 is rust along the fender lips (the part of the fender that is bent inwards on the wheel well). This area is susceptible to corrosion because it lacks any protection other than the paint, from being pelted by debris flying from the tires.
I’m searching for something that would help prevent this damage, yet is invisible.