Mazda Extended Warranty
In the market for a Mazda extended warranty or mechanical breakdown protection? Didn't opt for the extra protection when you made the original purchase? Hello, my name is Nate Waterfalls and I will try to help you answer the question "Do I need to purchase a Mazda extended auto warranty? Here is what I will cover in this short article:
- Mazda History
- Mazda Warranties
- Mazda Reliability
- Do I Need Mazda Extended Warranty Protection?
- Options for Extended Protection
Mazda History
Mazda, a Japanese car maker, was founded in Japan in1920 and formally entered the North American market in 1970. Mazda formed a partnership with the Ford Motor Company when they hit fiancial trouble ten years later. During Ford's own financial troubles in 2008, Mazda bought back most of Ford's shares in its company. Mazda produces stylish and sporty cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs at a relatively affordable price. A key differentiating development for Mazda has been the rotary engine as developed for the famed RX-7.
Mazda Warranties
Every new Mazda comes with a comprehensive 3 year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper limited warranty. Mazda warrants that the Powertrain Components of new Mazda cars and trucks will be free of defects with normal use and prescribed maintenance for 60 months or 60,000 miles.
For detailed Mazda warranty information see www.mazdausa.com
Mazda Reliability
My first vehicle was an early 1990's Mazda truck. It was a small, fuel-efficient 4x4 that was absolutely great during the winter. Similar to the experiences of customers I had dealt with, my Mazda had proved to be an excellent vehicle. Although I'll admit I was constantly making small repairs.
Statistically, Mazda doesn't stack up quite as well as its competition in terms of reliability. Most 2008/2009 Mazda vehicles average 3/5 stars in terms of initial quality and predicted reliability according to J.D. Power.
There is quite a bit of speculation that the Mazda3 and the Protégé were sources of the brand's plummet in reliability reputation. Drivers of these cars have issues with a range of parts from airbag and fuel sensors to other problems like noises and power losses.
Despite some obvious shortcomings, Mazda drivers typically love their vehicles. Even those who have encountered major problems feel like they've got their money's worth from a fun to drive vehicle.
Before making any decision, research your specific model and year to ensure reliability. Certain cars are known to be unreliable, making the extended protection decision a no-brainer. Check out the the U.S News and World Report. for current reliability ratings.
Another easy to find out about a product's reliability in the age of the Internet is to check with a community of people that have the same product. People in these groups tend to be very outspoken. In the case of automobiles one such community is Edmunds.com.
Use the links below to research your specific model for known problems.
Here's another great resource to check the reliability record of your used vehicle.
Do I Need Mazda Extended Warranty Protection?
Choosing to purchase extended protection for your Mazda is ultimately a personal decision. However, here are some points to consider:
- The manufacturer's original warranties
- The age and mileage of your Mazda
- The reliability record of your particular Mazda model
- How many miles you drive
- How long you plan to own your Mazda
- Your risk tolerance
- Your financial ability to pay for unexpected repairs
Here are two additional resources to help determine if extended protection is right for you:
- POMCalc! Check your peace of mind
- How to determine if a vehicle extended warranty is right for you.
If you decide that extended protection is a good "bet" for you then be sure to purchase it before the original Mazda warranty expires. The sooner you do it the less it will cost you. If your Mazda warranty expires, your options may be limited. However, you don't have to purchase a Mazda extended warranty - there is another option and it is called a mechanical breakdown protection.
Options for Extended Protection
You have two basic options when it comes to extended protection for your Mazda.
- Mazda Extended Warranty
- Third Party Mechanical Breakdown Protection Plan
The extended Mazda car warranty is only offered by the manufacturer and is usually sold through the dealership. Mechanical breakdown protection may be purchased from a third party company. Coverage between the two options is usually comparable.
The main difference between the options is usually the price and the fact that mechanical breakdown protection lets you have your service done at any repair facility. The Mazda extended warranty requires that you service your vehicle at the dealership or other Mazda authorized repair facilities. This tends to limit your options.
Third party mechanical breakdown protection tends to offer more value and can be found at a lower price with similar coverage. However, it is important to purchase mechanical breakdown protection from a reputable company.
The Mazda extended warranty is a solid choice but mechanical breakdown protection from a reputable third party may serve you best if you need the flexibility of choosing your own service location or personal mechanic.
For additional information on determining your need for extended warranty protection please review the following pages:
I recommend the folks at autoPOM! if you decide that a vehicle service contract is right for you.
autoPOM! backed and administered by Mercury can provide you with repair service comparable to the manufacturer's extended warranty. Not surprising, autoPOM! pricing is far less than dealer pricing and offers the flexibility of allowing you to choose the repair facility that you're most comfortable with.
autoPOM! has an A+ rating from the BBB and Mercury has a A+ rating from A.M. Best.
See 10 Reasons To Choose autoPOM! and Mercury.
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