Should You Buy a Mazda Extended Warranty?
Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract–not an extended warranty. However, we've used both terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.
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Thinking about a Mazda extended warranty? While Mazdas are reliable vehicles, nothing lasts forever. A guarantee that your Mazda continues to “zoom zoom” in its old age may be what you need for peace of mind.
This article reviews the Mazda Extended Confidence warranty by comparing coverage and cost with the potential cost of repairs over time.
Before you buy coverage from Mazda, you should also compare it to extended warranties from third-party companies. You can easily free, personalized quotes from the providers that topped our list of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry to help you shop.
Table of contents
Mazda Extended Warranty Overview
Mazda Extended Warranty |
Coverage Term |
|---|---|
Extended Confidence |
9 years/100,000 miles |
Powertrain Confidence |
9 years/100,000 miles |
All repairs must be made by certified Mazda dealerships, and Mazda promises to make repairs using only genuine Mazda parts. Both plans are fully transferable and—like the factory warranty—include 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.
The Mazda extended warranty service contract does mention specific exclusions. These are:
- Damage to tire or wheels
- Environmental damage
- Damage from lack of maintenance
- Damage from incorrect fluid or fuel use
- Damage as a result of a collision
If you decide to purchase a Mazda extended warranty, be sure to read through the service contract yourself. This will give you a full understanding of what is and is not covered.
As with most extended warranty plans, a Mazda extended warranty requires that you regularly maintain and service your vehicle. These service visits are not covered under warranty and must be paid for out of pocket.
Additional Coverage
In addition to extended warranty protection, Mazda offers:
- Gap protection: This will help you recuperate the difference between the amount paid by your insurer and the amount you owe in car payments in the event of a total loss auto insurance claim.
- Vehicle theft protection: You'll receive a $3,000 reimbursement and $2,000 replacement allowance if your vehicle is stolen and not recovered. Mazda will pay the insurance deductible if your recovered stolen vehicle needs repairs.
- Tire and wheel protection: This covers reimbursement for flat tire damage, tire replacements, rim protection, and any taxes.
- Appearance package protection: This package includes paintless dent repair, interior fabric repair, and key fob replacement.
Do You Need Extended Warranty Coverage?
When considering extended coverage, first weigh the cost of the coverage against what you can expect to pay in repairs. Understanding your vehicle’s normal service costs can help you determine the value of an extended warranty.
Much to the delight of Mazda owners, the Japanese automaker manufactures exceptionally reliable vehicles. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for a 2018 Mazda3 is only $338. Major repairs for the Mazda3 are uncommon, and the same is true for the rest of the Mazda fleet. The CX-7 tends to require repairs more frequently than other Mazdas, but is still quite reliable.
The chart below details some common repairs for a 2018 Mazda3 and associated costs, according to RepairPal.
Mazda Repair |
Cost |
|---|---|
Clutch hydraulic system bleed |
$44 - $56 |
Exhaust manifold gasket replacement |
$240 - $297 |
Oil change |
$127 - $147 |
Engine compression test |
$107 - $136 |
Powertrain control system diagnosis and testing |
$88 - $111 |
Automatic trans shift cable replacement |
$326 - $368 |
Wheel hub replacement |
$ 289 - $331 |
When considering an extended warranty, another thing to keep in mind is that most vehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty already. The value of an extended warranty comes from what it provides beyond the coverage that you would have without it.
New and certified pre-owned (CPO) Mazda vehicles both come with factory warranties. These warranties are transferable, so even used Mazdas may be covered.
Mazda Manufacturer’s Warranty
The Mazda manufacturer’s warranty that comes standard with all new Mazda cars includes:
Mazda Warranty Coverage |
Term |
Details |
|---|---|---|
New-Vehicle Limited Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
Bumper-to-bumper coverage for defects in materials and workmanship, with some exclusions |
Powertrain Limited Warranty |
5 years/60,000 miles |
Powertrain coverage for defects in materials and workmanship |
24/7 roadside assistance |
3 years/36,000 miles |
Towing service to the nearest Mazda dealer |
RX-8 rotary engine core limited warranty extension |
8 years/100,000 miles |
Coverage for rotary engine core components in RX-8 vehicles |
Brake pads and shoes |
Lifetime |
C overage for brake pads and shoes, not including installation costs |
The factory warranty offered by Mazda is standard in terms of length. The detail that makes the Mazda factory warranty stand out is the lifetime guarantee for brake pads and shoes. Brake pads are not typically covered by warranties.
Certified Pre-Owned Warranty
Mazda’s certified pre-owned warranty provides an extension of the factory warranty. It includes:
- CPO-Vehicle Limited Warranty: Covers the same components as the New-Vehicle Limited Warranty for the remaining term of the original warranty, plus 12 months/12,000 miles
- Limited Powertrain Warranty: Covers the same components as the factory powertrain warranty but lasts for 7 years/100,000 miles
- 24/7 roadside assistance: Towing for repairs covered under either the limited or powertrain warranty
Mazda Extended Warranty Cost
Costs for Mazda extended warranties vary by vehicle model, deductible, and warranty term. The chart below lists some coverage prices for Mazda warranties with a $0 deductible and 3-year/75,000-mile contract.
Mazda Year and Model |
Total Confidence Warranty |
Powertrain Extended Warranty |
|---|---|---|
2018 CX-9 |
$1,422 |
$1,031 |
2016 Mazda3 |
$1,328 |
$994 |
2019 MX-5 Miata |
$1,192 |
$974 |
These are good rates and about average for the industry. A major selling point of the Mazda extended warranty is that you can purchase one at any time. With most manufacturer warranties, you must purchase the extended warranty when you buy your car. With Mazda, you can purchase an extended warranty online at a later date if you prefer.
Benefits of Third-Party Extended Warranties
Usually, the greatest advantage of a third-party warranty provider is that you don’t have to purchase it when you buy your car. Because the Mazda extended warranty can also be purchased anytime, third-party warranties do not carry this advantage.
However, it’s worth comparing any manufacturer warranty against third-party offerings, as they may be cheaper or have longer coverage limits. Endurance, CARCHEX, and CarShield all offer extended warranties as high as 200,000+ miles. It's important to note that while these are technically called "vehicle service contracts," they function in almost exactly the same way as a warranty program.
With a Mazda extended warranty, you must have your vehicle serviced at a Mazda dealership. Dealerships usually offer superior service because dealership mechanics can specialize in one manufacturer. But it can also be inconvenient to have your car serviced at a dealership if none are nearby when your car breaks down. With many third-party extended warranty programs, you can take your Mazda to any certified repair shop you choose.
There are advantages and disadvantages with either warranty. The chart below offers a quick comparison between Mazda and Endurance extended warranties.
Mazda Extended Warranty |
Endurance Extended Warranty |
|
|---|---|---|
Coverage Start Date |
Anytime |
Anytime |
Longest Term |
9 years/10,000 miles |
200,000+ miles |
Levels of Coverage |
2 |
6 |
Deductible |
$0, $100 disappearing, or $250 |
$0, $50, $100, or $200 |
Where to Get Repairs |
Mazda dealerships |
Any US or Canadian repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Transferability |
||
Cancellation |
Full refund available within 30 days, prorated refund after 30 days |
Refund available within 30 days |
Roadside Assistance |
||
Rental Car Reimbursement |
||
Availability |
Purchase from Mazda dealerships or online |
Get Quote |
Final Thoughts on Mazda's Extended Warranty
It’s not usually the best idea to purchase an extended warranty the same time that you buy a new car. It’s better to wait until the factory warranty is about to expire. This is why we generally recommend third-party warranties over manufacturer extended warranties.
However, the Mazda extended warranty can be purchased separately from your vehicle, making it a more attractive option. The Mazda warranty offers comparable protection to most third-party warranties at a fair price. It is certainly worth considering.
We recommend comparing prices and protection plans from a few sources before making a final decision. Most providers will offer you a free quote upon request to help you make a thorough and accurate comparison before you choose.
Methodology
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company's customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company's history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Q & A
Does Mazda have an extended warranty?
Yes. Mazda offers extended bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage for up to 100,000 miles. Both warranties have two deductible options: $0 and $100. A great benefit of the Mazda extended warranty is that you do not have to purchase it at the time you purchase your vehicle.
What does a Mazda extended warranty cover?
Mazda's extended warranty covers the same parts as the factory warranty, with only a few exclusions. You can purchase bumper-to-bumper coverage or protection for only the vehicle's most essential parts and systems, like the engine.
Is a Mazda extended warranty worth it?
Mazdas are particularly reliable vehicles. There is a good chance that the price of a Mazda extended warranty will not exceed the cost of covered repairs under the contract term. However, the peace of mind offered by an extended warranty may be worth it for drivers.
How much should I pay for an extended warranty?
The cost of an extended car warranty varies depending on the age and model of your vehicle. Extended powertrain warranties can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per year. When comparing warranties, be sure to consider deductibles and breadth of coverage.
To measure the value of an extended warranty, compare your vehicle's average annual repair costs against the price of the warranty. You should also check out a few of the most expensive repairs that your vehicle could encounter so you understand what could happen in a worst-case scenario. In addition to saving money, another great benefit of an extended auto warranty is peace of mind.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
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