Hello,
I have just recently traded in my 2018 lexus for a 2025 mazda mx5 on January 18th. I just moved back to California for a job, and had my eyes set on a new 2025 mazda mx5 with the 6 speed manual transmission. After just 9 days and 422 miles of driving, it is becoming more and more difficult to get it into any gear, with gear changes feeling very "clunky", and sometimes grinding. The most difficult is first gear when its moving at any speed. And yes, I do fully bury the clutch pedal before getting into or out of any gear. I had to baby it home today so I can get it to the dealership tomorrow morning for a repair, and have not driven the car hard since owning it (i.e. no dumping the clutch or skipping gears or redlining)
Does anyone have any advice when it comes to getting things repaired though the dealership on a brand new vehicle? Or any other means which I can use to maybe have them buy this junk back?
What a shame, I was hoping the new toyota and mazda partnership would bring better quality control to an already known to be reliable sports car, but apparently not.
Thank you.
Sounds like a clutch problem, possibly a hydraulic problem. The dealer "should" fix it but might try to weasel out of it saying the clutch is a wear item that is not covered. Read your warranty carefully and be prepared to put on the gorilla suit if necessary.
@chucktobias How would I go about getting them to look at it for another problem (which is most likely is I think with only 400 miles on it) instead of them just saying its a clutch problem? Any tips on that?
It probably is a clutch problem, but likely with the hydraulic system, either air got in somehow or there's a problem with the master or slave cylinder. As I said, check your warranty. Depending on what the problem is just bleeding the clutch hydraulics may fix it. If the dealer won't do anything get Mazda corporate involved.
It's important to understand that the vehicle manufacturer Mazda, warranties the vehicle not the dealership. I would call Mazda directly and politely discuss what's happening with your new car purchase. They might be willing to help out.
https://www.mazdausa.com/contact-us
If not, then start reading up on California's lemon law. The law states if your vehicle's problem could cause death or serious bodily injury and the dealership can't fix the vehicle after two attempts. You should be eligible for a complete refund of the purchase price.
https://www.dca.ca.gov/acp/pdf_files/lemonlaw_qa.pdf
Also read the warranty paperwork about how to file a dispute with an arbitrator, and sometimes it's also possible to opt-out of arbitration all together if you wish to choose your own legal venue.
Also have a paperwork trail for your own records. I'd request a receipt showing the date of when I dropped the car off for service along with the customer's stated reason for the service. I'd also get a receipt when picking the car up with the date and which services were performed.
chances of them buying it back are very slim. Like Chuck said, go over the warranty with fine tooth comb. Might even be worth seeking independent diagnosis.
