NFT: Mechanic says wife's car needs a new radiator?

How big is the hole. Sealing a leak is usually only for pinhole leaks. Did a rock kick up and puncture the underside? Are you positive its not a hose leak or a faulty clamp on a hose? Whenever a mechanic or service technician mention a problem i demand visual proof and ask for alternatives.

I guess the warrenty is up. Ask him to show you where its leaking from. Radiators used to be repairable when they were all metal. But today they have plastic end caps and can't be repaird. I've never used any of those sealants you pour in and I would'nt do it anyway. Juat get it replaced for better peace of mind. How much are they charging?

to see if that's a common problem with that car? Maybe a defect? Maybe Mazda has a service bulletin to repair it.
Definitely rare to have to replace a radiator on a 3 year old car.

did you buy the car new/used? could it have been accident damage?

Are you in a cold climate? salty roads? I still can't believe it would rot that fast.

Before I’d spend the money on something major I’d have the dealership check it.

I haven’t had major issues (nothing with the engine or transmission) but constant smaller things like what you are mentioning. Power windows stop working, rear camera doesn’t work, steering column sensor needs replacing, seat belts don’t retract, stuff like that.

I think they use shit parts and aren’t made well.

have a Toyota Camry. My radiator had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles. The replacement was covered by an extended warranty I bought earlier, but I think it would have cost me $600-$800 otherwise. This was about six years ago.

In comment 16307290 sb from NYT Forum said:

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I haven’t had major issues (nothing with the engine or transmission) but constant smaller things like what you are mentioning. Power windows stop working, rear camera doesn’t work, steering column sensor needs replacing, seat belts don’t retract, stuff like that. I think they use shit parts and aren’t made well.

I have a 2014 Mazda 3. 55k. No problems...Mine is made in Japan, maybe yours is from Mexico...There is a difference...

was the car in there for other work?

Reason I ask is I brought my 03 Explorer into my mechanic for coolant flush, thermastat and water pump. Pump wasnt leaking but the milage was high and might as well do it too. Mechanic tells me the radiator was leaking which seemed strange because i didnt see any leaks but this was after a pressure test so I told him to replace it. Later he tells me that the radiator was damaged when his tech removed the cooling fan and that I wasnt being charged for it. Yes I have a good and honest mechanic.

But just mentioniong this in case it may apply to you.

In comment 16307275 steve in ky said:

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Before I’d spend the money on something major I’d have the dealership check it.

Dealership has as much (maybe even more) motivation then the local guy to upsell useless repairs.

This is why I learned DIY car maintenance. All my cars have been running smooth past 20years. But when I was young and stupid, dealer always said there was something catastrophically wrong with my car.

I was getting the battery replaced at a Meineke. Showed me where he said it was leaking but I didn't have my reading glasses! It was apparently on top.

Said about $500 plus labor. He didn't have the part. I'm going to take it to the dealer tomorrow. Will see what they say.

We bought it new. Probably wouldn't buy Mazda again, but it was a reasonable price tag. Get what you pay for I guess.

it was the radiator. Car reservoirs are plastic and cheap. Check the cap and the reservoir.

If you get a radiator from one of the after market places, many times they offer full replacement for as long as you own the car.

In comment 16307452 penkap75 said:

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In comment 16307275 steve in ky said: Quote: Before I’d spend the money on something major I’d have the dealership check it. Dealership has as much (maybe even more) motivation then the local guy to upsell useless repairs. This is why I learned DIY car maintenance. All my cars have been running smooth past 20years. But when I was young and stupid, dealer always said there was something catastrophically wrong with my car.

I didn’t say they wouldn’t, what I said was I wouldn’t spend a lot on a major fix with only the word of a neighborhood mechanic without first getting the dealership to check it out as well

$500 for a 2020 CX-5 radiator sounds exorbitant. I could be wrong but that sounds like a huge markup.

taking it to another mechanic and seeing if you get the same result?

In comment 16307290 sb from NYT Forum said:

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I haven’t had major issues (nothing with the engine or transmission) but constant smaller things like what you are mentioning. Power windows stop working, rear camera doesn’t work, steering column sensor needs replacing, seat belts don’t retract, stuff like that. I think they use shit parts and aren’t made well.

We're happy with our CX-30 as no issues have arisen.

Use it as my commute vehicle and put a ton of miles on it here in Florida. Knock on wood it's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned.

previously a 2004 Mazda3 owner...drivetrains are pretty much bullet proof...but it's always been the other stuff. Just replaced one of the hydraulic motor mounts and belt tensioner. Needs a new catalytic converter due to a bad ignition coil that was apparently feeding raw fuel into the exhaust system. Lots of the parts that go on Mazdas are "made in China". Still great cars though, IMO. Lots of fun to drive.

The "local guy" vs the dealer as far as cost goes is an old theory that doesn't hold water anymore. As far as radiators are concerned on newer cars, they are largely made of plastic. Pin hole leaks cannot be fixed in those cases

that we bought some kind of extra protection from Allstate when we bought the car (can't believe I did that), and all costs above a $100 deductible for the radiator, the radiator cap, the new coolant and the labor are covered.

It's a surprisingly good day!

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