Mazda Warranty: How Does It Measure Up?

• Mazda’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty matches other mainstream brands.
• Brand reliability is rated among the best and Mazda offers a solid CPO warranty.
• Mazda’s extended warranty only offers two plans for consumers.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Mazda, renowned for its appeal to sports car and driving enthusiasts, is also a purveyor of critically praised passenger cars and crossovers. Design, performance, and handling are often compared with premium European brands.

When it comes to warranty coverage, though, Mazda is as mainstream as its pricing. In many ways, that’s a good thing. In other ways, it suggests buyers might want to consider purchasing extended coverage beyond the Mazda warranty.

Mazda offers an extended warranty product, and you also have the option of choosing a third-party warranty, such as from CARCHEX, which we rated No. 1 out of what we feel are the best third-party extended warranty companies.

It’s a good idea to check with CARCHEX or one of our other top picks before you purchase a new or used Mazda. Compare what these companies offer to extended warranty coverage offered by Mazda. You can get a free quote and download a sample contract for comparison.

 

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Inside Mazda’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Calling the Mazda warranty “mainstream” is merely an observation that it offers essentially the same coverage terms as many other brands. Here are the basics:

• New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
• Anti-perforation (rust-through) Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
• 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles

Aside from some differences in the rust-through coverage, the factory Mazda warranty essentially mirrors that of Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.

Among mainstream brands, Kia and Hyundai still offer the longest factory warranty coverage, with a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Volkswagen provides a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty (including powertrain), similar to several luxury brands.

Other Elements to The 2020 Mazda Warranty

• Excludes Tires: Tires on 2020 Mazdas are covered by their own manufacturer warranties.
• Transferable: Mazda’s new vehicle warranty and powertrain warranty are transferable to subsequent owners should you sell the vehicle.
• Towing: As part of its roadside assistance, Mazda covers towing service to the nearest Mazda dealer if a covered part failure renders the vehicle undrivable.
• Battery: Mazda’s battery warranty coverage pays full replacement cost up to the three-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and then on a prorated basis up until 60 months. (You still pay the installation cost.)
• Adjustments: Minor repairs that don’t usually include replacement parts, such as wheel balance and alignment, adjustments of cables and belts, and opening/closing issues with the hood, trunk lid or rear hatch, are provided free of charge for one year/12,000 miles.
• Parts and Accessories: Genuine Mazda parts and accessories are covered for one year/12,000 miles, including labor if installed by a Mazda dealer. You must provide a copy of the Mazda dealer repair order showing installation of the part at an authorized Mazda dealer.
• Air Conditioner Refrigerant Change: Air conditioner refrigerant charge is covered for the first year of the warranty period, regardless of mileage. After that, the refrigerant charge is covered only if it needs to be replenished as part of a warranty repair, such as for the air conditioner system.
• Brake Pads: Brake pads are usually considered wear items and covered only for manufacturing defects. However, when you have brake pads or shoes replaced by an Authorized Mazda dealer, the parts are covered by a Lifetime Limited Warranty. (Keep your original service repair order, which you’ll need to get a repair covered.)

Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

Mazda’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program provides a very good warranty arrangement. First, you get any remaining portion of the original three-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Of course, there may not be much of that left, unless the vehicle was an early lease turn-in or an early trade-in.

Regardless, you also get a Mazda CPO limited vehicle warranty that runs for one year/12,000 miles. That kicks in after any remaining original warranty coverage expires. If there is no new vehicle warranty coverage remaining, then the Mazda CPO warranty goes into effect the day you buy the vehicle.

Mazda CPO vehicles come with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that also covers drive system parts. In Mazda’s words, this warranty covers you from “flywheel to freeze plug, thermostat to turbocharger, cylinder block to constant velocity joints.” That’s a cute way of saying it covers essentially the same powertrain components as the original powertrain warranty or CPO warranty.

Keep in mind the seven-year/100,000-mile term is from the vehicle’s original in-service date with the original owner. So, if you buy a three-year-old CPO Mazda with 40,000 miles, the CPO powertrain warranty coverage lasts for another four years/60,000 miles.

There is no deductible to pay for repairs under either of the Mazda CPO warranties.

Mazda Reliability

Mazda models acquit themselves well when it comes to reliability. Out of 32 brands studied in the 2020 edition of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Mazda was one of the brands rated above the industry average for reliability. This annual study surveys owners of three-year old vehicles.

Mazda’s count of 130 problems per 100 vehicles landed between Ford (126) and Cadillac (131). Kia and Hyundai tied at 132, and Honda was at 139. Considering Mazda’s factory warranty lasts for three years/36,000 miles, that’s a pretty good indicator of what to expect when the coverage approaches its expiration.

Consumer Reports rated Mazda reliability second out of 30 brands in November 2019. As one example of a particular Mazda model, Consumer Reports rated the Mazda CX-5 crossover’s predicted reliability as five on a scale of one to five.

Extending your Mazda warranty can help protect your CX-5 or other Mazda vehicles.

Extending Your Mazda Warranty

Industry trends show people are keeping their cars longer than ever before. According to IHS Markit, the average vehicle age is 11.8 years. If you plan to keep your Mazda for 11 years or longer, you can expect to face repair costs. After all, even the best cars can experience part failures.

For added peace of mind, Mazda offers extended warranty options for its new and CPO vehicles. The plans are known as “Mazda Extended Confidence,” and the automaker says they cover “nearly all the same parts and components” as the new or CPO vehicle limited warranties.

Mazda offers two extended warranty plan choices. Total Confidence is a comprehensive plan the company says “covers nearly all the same parts and components” as under the CPO Vehicle Limited Warranty. 

The second, more affordable option is “Powertrain Confidence,” which Mazda says extends coverage of the parts covered under the Mazda CPO Limited Powertrain Warranty, such as the engine and transmission.

With either plan, you can choose terms up to nine years/100,000 miles, and each come with the following added features:

• Deductible of $0 or $100
• Trip interruption reimbursement
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Fully transferable to subsequent owners
• Accepted at all Mazda dealerships nationwide

Despite the company’s well-deserved reputation for dependability and reliability, Mazda vehicles are not immune to defects or mechanical breakdowns. Extending your Mazda warranty can help protect you for the miles ahead.

Mazda Roadside Assistance Perks 

Mazda’s roadside assistance includes the expected benefits of towing, battery jump starts, replacing a flat tire (with the vehicle’s spare), and emergency fuel delivery. In addition, it also includes winching service should your Mazda get stuck in mud or sand, for example. Like other roadside assistance programs, Mazda’s plan also includes lock-out service, but does not pay for lost or damaged key fobs.

The Mazda extended warranty plan includes trip interruption benefits, but Mazda does not specify what they are. Check with your Mazda dealer. Not surprisingly, if you choose a Mazda extended warranty, you must have the repairs performed at one of the 600 or so Authorized Mazda dealerships in the U.S.

Third-Party Warranties: A High-Value Choice

Whether you’ve ever bought an extended warranty for a car, it is important to know the dealer-offered product is not your only choice. The Mazda Extended Confidence plans look solid, but you get only two plan choices: powertrain or everything. Aftermarket warranty companies like top-rated CARCHEX offer a wider selection of plans, which in turn gives the consumer more choices to fit more needs and budgets.

For example, a CARCHEX “Gold” plan would be priced in between basic powertrain coverage and a more comprehensive Platinum plan, and is a good value for vehicles with high mileage. Also, keep in mind that if you purchase a Mazda Extended Confidence warranty, you’re obligated to get repairs at one of the brand’s 600 authorized U.S. dealers. With a top-rated third-party warranty, such as CARCHEX, the plan will cover repairs performed at any of about 30,000 certified repair facilities throughout the U.S., including Mazda dealerships.

Based on our research, consumers may want to consider having coverage beyond the factory Mazda warranty.

Critical Added Warranty Benefits

It doesn’t take a huge mechanical problem to throw a wrench into your travel plans, especially if it occurs while you are on vacation or traveling on a holiday. When buying an extended warranty, look for a plan that includes added benefits that make such an occurrence less stress-inducing. 

For example, CARCHEX extended service contracts offer these important perks.

• Towing reimbursement
• Rental car reimbursement
• Trip interruption reimbursement

How to Shop for An Extended Warranty Before Buying A Car

If you’re planning on buying a new or CPO Mazda, it pays to shop for an extended warranty first. Then, you can go to the dealer equipped with the information you need to make the best decision on coverage. Based on our research, consumers may want to consider having coverage beyond the factory Mazda warranty.

Call one of our top-rated third-party warranty companies today to get a free quote. Mention the vehicle you’re considering, including its mileage, and you can compare plans to what the dealer offers.

Top Used Car Warranty Companies

We reviewed the top extended warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 

Best Overall	Best Quote & Claims Process	Best Direct Provider	Most Popular
CARCHEX	autopom!	Endurance	CarShield
Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote
(866) 254-0205	(888) 691-2354	(877) 374-1840	(800) 563-2761

Original article: Mazda Warranty: How Does It Measure Up?

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What Is The Legal Limit for Drinking And Driving In California?

The legal limit for drinking and driving in California is based on a number of factors including your age and whether you drive a commercial truck or bus. When you are pulled over you will have your blood alcohol content (BAC) tested. The legal limits are as follows:

● If you are under age 21, then any amount of alcohol in your body is considered for DUI.
● If you are a commercial truck driver, this includes bus drivers, and you are age 21 or older, then the legal BAC level is .04%.
● If you are 21 or older, the legal limit is .08% BAC

If you have been arrested in California for DUI, then the next step in the process is booking. During this step, you are fingerprinted and will have your picture taken. Next, you will appear in front of the judge after the prosecutor has had some time to review the police report and other evidence. The prosecutor will decide if there is enough evidence to charge you formally, and if so, then you will be charged. The judge will ask what your plea is, and if you plead not guilty or no contest, then your court date will be set.

I Was Under The Limit, So Why Am I Under Arrest?

According to the California penal code:

● It is unlawful for an addict (drugs or alcohol) to operate a car
● It is unlawful for anyone “who is under the influence of any drug” to drive

If this last point seems subjective, then you’re right. And because it is so subjective, it gives a lot of leeway for drivers to be arrested for DUI.

Defense attorneys are aware of this, and how much it can affect their clients’ lives, from their education to career opportunities. A DUI or other criminal conviction may have an impact on a parent’s custody rights over their own child. Hiring an experienced and aggressive defense attorney

What Is The Procedure After I’m Arrested?

After you’ve been arrested you will be fingerprinted and booked. Then you will have your arraignment, which is when the prosecutor will bring forth the evidence against you and decide if there is enough to continue with the proceeding. The judge will ask what your plea is: guilty, not guilty, or no contest (which, legally speaking, is essentially the same as a guilty plea). If you plead no contest to a DUI charge then you will be convicted. If the judge feels that you are at risk of not appearing at your next hearing then you will be held in jail without bond, or with a very high bond.

During this time between being released from jail and your court date, you and your attorney will work together to gather evidence for your case. There are four types of defense arguments: procedural, excuse, justification, and alibi. For a DUI case, procedural defenses are often used to question the validity of tests or procedures that law enforcement practiced during your arrest.

When To Call An Attorney

As soon as possible after you are arrested, you want to hire a successful and experienced DUI defense lawyer. They will provide vital legal counsel before your first hearing, and advise of what you should plea. They will also gather evidence and prepare arguments in the period of time before your trial. Don’t risk representing yourself. Call the legal experts today.

The post What Is The Legal Limit for Drinking And Driving In California? appeared first on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

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Shoei vs. Arai Motorcycle Helmets

If you’re looking for a helmet that features a host of options and features as well as a quality build, both Shoei and Arai have a lot to offer. While the brands are distinct in many ways, it’s also a bit of a truism that excellence in any arena involves convergence. What does that mean? Well, put simply, it means that the best ways to accomplish a goal are finite, so as designs compete for the top spot, they’re also likely to become more and more similar. That can make it hard to decide which one is the best fit for you, since more than one option will have what you need, right? So which one do you choose? Luckily, while there are a lot of important features in common, there are also some distinctions that should make it easier for you to see which one matches your needs most fully.

Shoei Helmet Basics

Shoei’s focus in recent years has been advanced modular helmets. Their versatility allows you to change out face shields to provide the protection you need for a given riding situation, so you don’t have to worry about keeping multiple helmet choices just to change out the facial coverage or style. Their customization goes beyond simple facial shield swaps, too, allowing you to opt for features like advanced liners to keep you warm and protected when things get chilly and wet.

You will also find them flirting with luxury features, like easy add-ons to provide you with bluetooth capable cruiser helmets.

Arai Helmet Basics

Arai motorcycle helmets have focused on a protection-first design ideology in recent years, so most of their options are built to provide full face protection. That being said, the reduced versatility doesn’t mean reduced options. Full face helmets have a lot of support from safety experts, and focusing on designing the best and most comfortable full face helmets means you’re likely to find them the most comfortable helmet in the class.

In fact, Arai’s current boast is that they offer more sizes and shapes than other manufacturers, making it easier to find a just right fit when you’re looking for your next helmet. The focus on full face design superiority also means a focus on making the experience of a full face helmet more comfortable than the competition. Of course, that doesn’t help as much if you’re a person who just doesn’t like full face protection, but then why would you consider Arai as one of your two top choices, right?

Picking Your Next Helmet

Deciding on your best choice when considering full face vs. modular helmets shouldn’t be too difficult. Both manufacturers profiled here provide great products with a lot of options to enhance your comfort and support your style. The real question is, are you looking for the best possible full face protection, or are you looking for something you can change up as the mood suits you? If the choice is the former, Arai is a great choice because of the wide assortment of sizes, even if you think the overall protection is neck and neck. If you’re worried about wanting to change out that visor or you want other options for versatility, then what you want is the modular design.

The post Shoei vs. Arai Motorcycle Helmets appeared first on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

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The Divisionist: Federal Moto’s first BMW bobber

Some custom shops crank out the same style of build, over and over again. But for Federal Moto that would be terminal. Their crew is young, eager to experiment and wary of stagnation.

So when a local film production company approached Federal to build a custom bike, they picked a genre they hadn’t yet tackled. For their seventeenth project, commissioned by Divisionist Films, the Chicago workshop created their first BMW-powered bobber.

“Eight years ago we started off as a ‘cafe racer’ custom shop,” says founder Michael Muller, “and here we are now moving into the bobber genre. We want to be a diverse shop that isn’t tied to one style of moto … motorcycles are fun, who said you can’t play with all of the kinds?”

Federal started by sitting down with their client, and going through reference material to figure out what would hit the mark.

The resulting concept was a skinny monochrome bobber based on a /7 series BMW boxer. And as luck would have it, Federal had a 1978 BMW R80/7 laying around the shop and looking for a good home.

The R80 needed some love though, so Michael and Federal staffer David Pecaro started by rebuilding the 797 cc motor, five-speed transmission and Bing carbs. The work included new seals and rings, a new electronic ignition, and NGK spark plug boots and cables.

The motor was beautifully finished with a mix of ceramic paint and hand-polished touches. Federal also added custom-made velocity stacks, and custom exhausts with turned tips and a Cerakote finish.

The BMW’s running gear didn’t go neglected either. Federal grabbed the forks and six-piston Tokico calipers from a 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa, and hooked them up to an upper triple tree and steering stem from Cognito Moto.

A new set of 18” rims was laced up with stainless steel spokes from Buchanan’s, using a Cognito Moto hub up front, and they’re wrapped in Dunlop K180 tires. Federal also had the forks anodized black, and the rims powder coated.

Out back, the crew built a minimal subframe, with support for the solo seat and revised shock mounts. A new pair of 15” shocks now holds up the rear end. There are hand-rolled fenders at both ends too, attached to custom-made brackets.

For the fuel tank, Federal sourced a 1977 Husky 125 item—but it was pretty banged up and rusted. They tidied it, fabricated a new tunnel to match the BMW’s frame, and welded in a new cap tunnel and petcock bungs. The gas cap is a custom knurled aluminum part. Chris Paluch designed the subtle fuel tank graphics, which NSD Paintwerks then executed.

Right behind the tiny tank is a scant little bobber seat, upholstered by Dane Utech, a Chicago local, using suede and leather from Relicate Leather. Dane covered the ‘passenger’ pad too and did a stellar job—but you’d need to be brave (and petite) to take a ride on the back of this bobber.

One of Federal’s biggest challenges was the boxer’s stock Bosch ignition coils (they’re big, and usually sit under the tank). So the guys sourced a dual pole Dyna coil, and mounted it under the starter cover. They also rewired the bike around a Motogadget m.unit blue Bluetooth-enabled controller, stashing it away under the tank.

The bulky battery was replaced with an Antigravity Lithium-ion battery, which sits in a custom-made box just in front of the rear wheel. It’s been designed so that its back edge traces the radius of the rear wheel; a neat little touch.

In the cockpit, Federal fitted 7/8” Biltwell ‘Tracker’ bars, and a speedo, push buttons and bar-end turn signals from Motogadget.

It’s also sporting new levers, a set of OEM BMW cables, and Goodridge brake lines. A 5.75” lamp lights the way out front, and a small LED taillight is mounted to the swingarm.

Lean and purposeful, Federal Moto’s first foray into bobbers is a total knockout. If this is what it takes to stave off complacency and boredom, count us in.

Federal Moto | Facebook | Instagram | images by Daniel Peter

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2020 Audi SQ7: A Detailed Look Inside This Fast Seven-Seater!

• The 2020 Audi SQ7 comes loaded with a number of tech and safety features.
• Among the features that really stand out: Audi Phone Box and the suspension.
• A powerful V8 comes standard, although a quattro sport differential is optional.

The 2020 Audi SQ7 is the faster, sportier version of the German company’s big SUV. Thanks to its 4.0-liter, TFSI V8 that cranks out 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft. of torque, the SQ7 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. But it’s not all go and no comfort. You get S sport leather seats, room for seven, and a near perfect balance between necessities and desires.

Audi says it is the Q7, but only more amplified. Or to put it another way: sporty meets utility.

2020 Audi SQ7: Ride & Handling

Like I said, it’s not all about the engine, but Audi is really on a roll when it comes to drivetrains these days. Yes, the 2020 SQ7 being powered by that twin-turbo V8 is impressive, as is the eight-speed Tiptronic it is mated to. And of course, all that power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive.

The S-tuned adaptive air suspension electronically controls the vehicle’s dampers to enhance ride quality. On top of that, there’s the standard all-wheel steering that turns the front and rear wheels in opposite directions at low speeds, and voila, the SQ7’s turning circle is now smaller. At highway speeds, Audi has designed the system so both axles turn in the same direction, which they say allows for greater stability and comfort.

There is an optional Sport Package with active roll stabilization, quattro sport differential for better cornering, and red brake calipers.

Can The 2020 Audi SQ7 Tow?

Towing? Oh yes, of course. With the available towing package, the 2020 Audi SQ7 can handle a maximum of 7,700 lbs.

2020 Audi SQ7. Photo: Audi of America, Inc. (European spec shown).

2020 Audi SQ7: Styling & Design

The SQ7 stands out with S-model bumpers, an integrated front splitter, double-slat Singleframe grille, and Alu-optic exterior side mirror housings. Out back, there’s quad tailpipes and a rear diffuser inlay. 21-inch, twin V-spoke bi-color wheels with summer performance tires are standard. An available Black Optic package gives the SQ7 a black Singleframe grille, black exterior mirror housings, black roof rails, and 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires.

• Related: If you are considering a new Audi, here is what you might pay for maintenance.

Interior Treatments

Inside the SQ7, there is a three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles and a snazzy S emblem; as well as stainless steel door sills with an illuminated S logo. The front seats are heated and come in black, Rotor Gray or Arras Red leather with a diamond cross-stitch. Ventilated and massaging front seats are an option.

Taking care of the “U for Utility” in the big Audi SUV, the second row can split and tumble-fold in a 35/30/35 configuration, with both fore/aft and seat-back angle adjustments. The third row power folds 50/50, returning back upright with the touch of a button.

2020 Audi SQ7 interior layout. Photo: Audi of America, Inc. (European spec shown).

On-Board Technology

There’s tons of infotainment tech on-board the 2020 Audi SQ7. There’s a new MMI touch response system that replaces the rotary dial and conventional buttons. It’s complete with two high-resolution touch displays with haptic and acoustic feedback features baked in. There’s a 10.1-inch upper display for controlling infotainment and navigation functions, and the 8.6-inch lower display takes care of climate control, comfort, and other convenience functions.

The SQ7 also has Audi’s second-gen virtual cockpit as standard, with a 12.3-inch display offering HD resolution as its main focal point. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control, and an extensive Audi connect portfolio of online services such as parking information; weather updates; and Yelp reviews. There’s also internet radio streaming and Amazon Music.

Photo: Audi of America, Inc. (European spec shown).

The Prestige Trim Gets Loud!

Prestige models get a full-color heads-up display and an Audi phone box, a device that connects compatible smartphones with the vehicle’s antenna to charge them. A 3D surround sound system with 19 speakers and a 15-channel amplifier is standard. And if that’s not enough, Prestige models can come with a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System with 23 speakers, a 23-channel BeoCore amplifier, and ICE power amplifiers with a peak output of 1,920 watts.

• Related: Will your Audi warranty last as long as you need?

Safety & Security

The 2020 Audi SQ7 comes with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and active lane assist. The Emergency Assist feature detects if you are inactive or inattentive for any reason. The SQ7 can initiate a multi-stage process to alert the driver, eventually decelerating the vehicle to a stop (only in the same lane) while simultaneously activating the hazard lights.

Other similar safety features include Intersection Assist, which helps monitor cross traffic when pulling into an intersection. Turn Assist notifies you of an oncoming vehicle when turning left, and traffic sign recognition can help detect speed limits and other critical road signs.

The SQ7 also has five LATCH child seat mounting points with three pairs of anchors and tethers in second row, and two pairs in the third row.

Photo: Audi of America, Inc. (European spec shown).

2020 Audi SQ7: Pricing & Trim Levels

The 2020 Audi SQ7 starts at $84,800 for the Premium Plus, and $90,400 for the Prestige. Tack on another $995 for destination charges. Yes, that is a lot of money, but this baby can haul five babies at once! If you have a growing family, and like a lot of luxury and technology, the new SQ7 might be your thing.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 

2020 Audi SQ7 Gallery

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Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc. (European spec shown).

Original article: 2020 Audi SQ7: A Detailed Look Inside This Fast Seven-Seater!

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