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Mazda3 Exterior & Bodywork Issues

27 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2011 at 3:11 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Exterior, Hatchback

    

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 27 Brand NEW 2011 MAZDA3 paint issues? by lylone

Aug 23, 2011 (9:42 am)

Has anyone had any paint issues on their brand new 2011 Mazda3. Mine is a month old and I noticed grey/white spots in the paint. It's all over the car and are very random spots. Finally the dealer now sees the spots and needs to consult Mazda. Anyone else have these issues and what are my rights in this matter. Repainting the whole car will depreciate the value, so should I ask for a new-new car?
 
Thanks!

#2 of 27 Re: Brand NEW 2011 MAZDA3 paint issues? [lylone] by autonomous

Aug 23, 2011 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: lylone (Aug 23, 2011 9:42 am)
grey/white spots in the paint
What is the color of your Mazda3?
 
all over the car and are very random spots
When you say all over, does that include the roof and trunk? Imperfections on the front and sides of the car could be attributed to stone chips.
 
Can you feel the spots when you run your hand over the affected areas?
 
Some paints use mica to reflect light with a shimmer, but there is nothing wrong with the surface.
 
Repainting the whole car will depreciate the value, so should I ask for a new-new car?
The advantage of getting a new car, is that you no longer worry about the solution to the problem! Hopefully, Mazda and or the dealership see it that way also.

#3 of 27 Re: Brand NEW 2011 MAZDA3 paint issues? [autonomous] by lylone

Aug 23, 2011 (2:18 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Aug 23, 2011 1:22 pm)
What is the color of your Mazda3? Velocity Red
  
When you say all over, does that include the roof and trunk? Yes, on the roof and trunk also. Even the parts of the frame above the door. They are just white spots and not grooved like rock chips or etc.
  
Can you feel the spots when you run your hand over the affected areas?
Some, yes, others no. There is like a hard spot on some that are actually pertruding out from the spot. Using a finger nail will not remove the hard spots. Other spots are just spots like when you get sun damaged white spots on your skin and there is no roughness at all to the spot.
 
We do have a Lemon Law in our state that does say that if the issue causes a depreciation in the cars value, then the dealer must buy it back and a replacement given to the owner.
 
How much does a repaint depreciate the value?
 
I have an appt set up with the dealer's Mazda Representative next Tuesday.
 
Thanks for your help

#4 of 27 Re: Brand NEW 2011 MAZDA3 paint issues? [lylone] by scwmcan

Aug 24, 2011 (3:04 am)

Replying to: lylone (Aug 23, 2011 2:18 pm)
It is possible that some lawn fertilizer got on the car at the dealership, had this happen to one of my cars ( the dealer stopped using fertilizer after that, they had a fair number of brand new cars affected). As for the solution that is up to you either repaint or new car, I am not sure how much repainting willdepre iatethe car,but it really depends on how long you keep it,good luck and I hope you get a satisfactory solution.

#5 of 27 Re: Brand NEW 2011 MAZDA3 paint issues? [lylone] by autonomous

Aug 24, 2011 (12:56 pm)

Replying to: lylone (Aug 23, 2011 2:18 pm)
Sounds like you have a very strong case, lylone.
 
I would consider documenting the problem by:
- taking as many photos as possible (pretend you work for CSI),
- reviewing the requirements in the lemon law,
- drafting a letter describing the problem, the times you have visited / spoken to the dealership (include the earliest date possible you mentioned the problem to them), stating your preferred remedy (i.e. a new vehicle) and finally mentioning legal action via the state Lemon Law, if you are not satisfied.
 
If your dealer does the right thing and provides you with a new vehicle, you won't need the documentation. But, if not, you should consider taking the next step. The longer this takes, the more the dealer will claim it is your responsibility (i.e. wear and tear) rather than admit that the problem is due to the manufacturing process or some other reason.
 
The dealer may want to make a deal and have you "share" in the repair. It seems clear from what you have said that you are not responsible for the problem and therefore should not accept any burden to remedy it.
 
Frankly, I don't know how much a repainted vehicle would be discounted. Most buyers would be curious if not concerned why a vehicle was repainted. One could always say, "I did not like the color" (except of course if you repaint it to the same one!).
 
Let's hope the dealer does the right thing.

#6 of 27 Re: Brand NEW 2011 MAZDA3 paint issues? [scwmcan] by autonomous

Aug 24, 2011 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: scwmcan (Aug 24, 2011 3:04 am)
possible that some lawn fertilizer got on the car at the dealership ... they had a fair number of brand new cars affected
Amazing!

#8 of 27 Windshield Scratch by hawre

Sep 15, 2008 (5:34 am)

I have a 2008 Mazda3 HP with only 8k miles. I noticed that my windshield wipers have made a long scratch each on my windshield. I believe this is a wiper defect. Has anyone had this problem? Is this covered by warranty? Thanks

#9 of 27 Re: Windshield Scratch [hawre] by jhorton6

Jan 20, 2009 (9:19 am)

Replying to: hawre (Sep 15, 2008 5:34 am)
I have a similiar problem on my two year old car. I think some dirt got trapped under the wiper and left a 4 inch scratch mark on the one side of my windshield.
When I showed it to the dealer they said it wouldn't be covered under warranty.
When the weather gets warmer I am going to try some glass polish on it to try and lessen the visability of it.

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