A bit of advice about my non MB car needed...

[HughJarse]

Im after a views from fellow members on this problem and how they think it shuld be handled.

Basically our family waggon is a 2004 Mazda MPV. Recently I noticed some rust appearing around the edge of rear number plate. Last weekend the screw gave out and it revealed about a one inch hole surrounded by 3 inches of rust. You can imagine my face!!
I went to local dealer ( sister/same of one where I bought it - just nearer to me) who took pictures and sent them off to Mazda.
Mazda have said they wont warrant it as the plate should never have been screwed on in the first place. So I have rang the dealer where I bought it ( new ... this was about a £24000 car in 04) and have told them basically that Mazda wont warrant it because they should not have screwed the plate on.


I await there return call. Obviously I have to wait to see what they say, however I have an inkling what their answer is going to be!

Any ideas... should I pursue it... should I let it go... what do you lot think?

 

[Mudster]

On the face of it, this isn't a warranty claim it's negligence (attaching the plate incorrectly) by the original supplying dealer.

IMO of course.

 

[Matt32AMG]

Im after a views from fellow members on this problem and how they think it shuld be handled.

Basically our family waggon is a 2004 Mazda MPV. Recently I noticed some rust appearing around the edge of rear number plate. Last weekend the screw gave out and it revealed about a one inch hole surrounded by 3 inches of rust. You can imagine my face!!
I went to local dealer ( sister/same of one where I bought it - just nearer to me) who took pictures and sent them off to Mazda.
Mazda have said they wont warrant it as the plate should never have been screwed on in the first place. So I have rang the dealer where I bought it ( new ... this was about a £24000 car in 04) and have told them basically that Mazda wont warrant it because they should not have screwed the plate on.


I await there return call. Obviously I have to wait to see what they say, however I have an inkling what their answer is going to be!

Any ideas... should I pursue it... should I let it go... what do you lot think?

I think it sucks, and if Mazda are saying the Number Plate shouldn't have been screwed on, and the dealer did, then it’s the dealers fault and in theory, they should pick up the tab for repairing it, which is about as good as you can expect. The trouble is, its six years on since you bought the car, and much will depend on what sort of anti rust warranty exists, and if you have complied with all the strings that are usually attached to qualify for warranty work to be carried out e.g. regular servicing at an approved Mazda service centre etc etc.

It’s a tricky one and I wish you luck with it, but in reality, I think if you got a 50% contribution to fix it from the dealer, I would consider it a result, but then that’s not me saying not try and push for more. Remember the old saying “If you don’t ask you don’t get” ....Good luck

 

[vincenz]

HughJarse as mudster says its whomever fitted the plate, its not really Mazdas fault as they sell the car onto the dealer who in turn sells it to you.

If the dealer had any interest in keeping you i'm sure they would offer some good will / repair to fix it.

Flip side is it will be isolated to the tailgate area so nothing structural / MOT failure, a decent local body shop could repair it (albeit with filler etc) but behind the number plate you would never notice.

Maybe worth a call to Mazda UK, they do have a pot of money for instances like this if they wish to retain your custom / feel you have been inconvenienced.

Good luck!

 

[lynall]

I think i would clean up and polish the rust marks near the outer edge of the plate so the plate covers the hole and any evidence, then refit number plate with double sided tape fitted just inside the edge of the plate all the way around.

Maybe a bit of silicone between the plate and the hole so the silicone seals its up.

Use a new number plate so you wont have to remove it in the future.

Bit of a bodge i realise but free and zero hassle.

I reckon the chances of any recourse ref the dealer are less than zero, especially as its nearly 6 years old.



Lynall

 

[BTB 500]

Friend of mine has a Mazda MPV (diesel).

Last year an injector failed open, causing a hydraulic lock in one cylinder. Con rod flew to pieces, bits distributed around the engine.

Guess the cost of a new engine, from a dealer?

£16,000

 

[Matt32AMG]

Friend of mine has a Mazda MPV (diesel).

Last year an injector failed open, causing a hydraulic lock in one cylinder. Con rod flew to pieces, bits distributed around the engine.

Guess the cost of a new engine, from a dealer?

£16,000

BL_ _ _Y HELL!!!...They didn't want the job did they.

 

[BTB 500]

It was being done under extended warranty, he ended up with a recon engine.

 

[grober]

Friend of mine has a Mazda MPV (diesel).

Last year an injector failed open, causing a hydraulic lock in one cylinder. Con rod flew to pieces, bits distributed around the engine.

Guess the cost of a new engine, from a dealer?

£16,000

Sounds like he had the dreaded DPF related problem suffered by many Mazda Diesel engines. It has effected so many cars Mazda are reluctant to acknowledge the problem exists despite large numbers of engine blow ups!
Mazda Mazda 6 - 06 2.0 diesel Particulate Filter problems: Motoring Technical matters forum

 

[219]

Maybe worth having a covert look around the dealer's forecourt at how plates are affixed to other used Mazda's for sale - if you can show this is widespread mis-practice leading to premature rusting maybe you will gain a little leverage against dealer lest you report this to Mazda ?

I've had cars in the past where plates have been pop-riveted on !!!!!!!!!!

 

[BTB 500]

I was parked next to an 04 plate Mazda Premacy today and was astonished to see rust around the rear wheel arch.

 

[The Pan Man]

This is interesting. Both my S210's had 4 screws in the rear number plate but my current W211 has the plate stuck on with double sided automotive tape. No holes = No rust in that area.