I have a 2006 3, and I'm due to replace the timing belt. The dealer told me it'd cost $440 just for the belt, not including labor or anything else. Is that right? I could really use some input! Thanks.

 

Mazda3's have timing chains, not belts. What is your car doing that your dealer is recommending a timing chain replacement. Also, this would be covered under warranty. You shouldn't need to do a thing to it unless your car is having problems.

If your chain does need replacement, then you most likely need to replace the gears as well. It could get quite pricey.

If your car is running fine and the dealer is recommending timing chain replacement, I'd find a new dealer.

 

WARPED, I agree with sst as to what brought this recommondation from the dealer. How did your car wind up in the dealer and where do they got off charging you ?

 

[font=californainfb][color=navy] ...And report them to MazdaUSA too.

 

Well, here's the thing... As far as I'm aware there isn't anything wrong with the car. My dad told me that at 36,000 miles I'm supposed to replace the timing belt. I can't find any information in the owner's manual about it, but it seems to me that I shouldn't have to replace anything just yet... the car isn't even two years old. Based on what you guys have said, I don't think I'll mess with this for a while. Thanks.

 

36k miles?? Man, I haven't heard that since the late '70's/early '80's whenmanufacturer's first started using timing belts instead of gears or chains.
Since the engine uses chains and gears (cogs, really)to drive the camshafts instead of belts,under normal circumstances, you shouldn't have to worry about themfor 100k miles or so....
There are guides and oil pressure driven tensioners that will probably let you know they need service long before the chains are worn out. Just keep changing your oil and filter @ regular intervals, 3, 5 or7.5k miles, and everything should be OK.

 

Your Dad is wrong on this one.

 

Thank you. That's really what I thought too (but, you know... I'm a girl, I don't really work on my car, so I wanted to check that out). Appreciate it.