My wife brought her car into a Mazda dealership with an engine light that went on. In addition to talking care of the engine light the service dept told us that since the car is so old, 8 years old and very low milage, 25,000, we must get our timing belt changed (over $800). They also said that it could have dry rot because it has not been driving much and if the belt breaks, the car dies and the engine will be destroyed.
I have read that the Mazda has a non-intrusive engine (whatever that means in auto talk) and that is the timing belt breaks, there will be no damage to the motor so the dealership was probably scaring us into getting the repairs. Is this the case. Any thoughts on this low milage replacement of a belt that will destroy my motor is the belt breaks?
Hi you should look at the timing belt for cracks but if there is no cracks it should be fine.the dealer probably just wanted some money
What size motor is that and possibly confirm that it is a miata... the one mazda motor i did look at is referred to as 'freewheeling" which basically means damage is unlikely but you should still do a compression check to make sure.
I'd call around to check on the shop flat rate for replacing the timing belt... even with the cost of the belt it sounds like they are charging 200 an hour labour... a bit steep
Robert
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