Mazda Problems

I agree that in your case it seems excessive, but service intervals are determined for the average use. You could service it annually, but be warned that if you did that and were to have a problem that resulted in a warranty claim you might be rejected because you haven't serviced it according to the book. I would service it according to Mazda's recommendation until the warranty runs out, and then consider moving to longer service intervals.

I don’t believe eight to 10 months between services, given the mileage you’re doing, would present a problem as long as you stick to a regular maintenance routine.

The first place to start is to check all the engine tune items to make sure they are all in good shape, that's plugs and leads etc. After that I'd check the crank angle sensor and its connections.

A failure of a water pump shouldn’t cause major internal engine damage. I would expect the failure to cause the engine temperature to climb and the warning light to come on. Providing you address the problem and don’t drive the car to destruction there won’t be any serious damage done. But I would be concerned that you have failed three water pumps in such a short time; that is not normal, as you appear to have been told. Have the dealer explain to you why he believes it is normal, and justify to you that it won’t continue to happen.

The tyres have probably scalloped, which is a problem on the Mazda 3 and would explain why the noise has got worse. You could try the Michelin Pilot Sport 3, PS3, which is regarded as a quiet tyre.

Mazda's maintenance schedule suggests that the fluid and fluid level be inspected every 20,000 km, so the dealer has done the right thing and checked yours at the appropriate service. He's also done the right thing in warning you that it could need changing at the next service, and given you a possible cost. Some automatic transmission specialists, those of the old school anyway, are adamant that the transmission fluid should be changed every 20,000 km to keep the transmission alive and well. It would seem the dealer has given you good advice on the possibility you might need to change the  fluid, although the cost does seem a little high. Ask the dealer for a breakdown of the costs so you can see what the fluid costs and how much time you're being charged for. That should tell if you are being overcharged.

Missing oil changes can be fatal for engines, it can cause oil galleries to become clogged and affect the oil supply to vital components like the main bearings. It also gives the carmaker good justification for refusing to cover a repair that might have been caused because you’ve missed your oil changes. Presumably the engine has been pulled down, in which case you could have an engine reconditioner inspect it with a view to having it rebuilt. You could also appeal to Mazda for assistance in replacing or repairing the engine, but I doubt you would have any joy there.

The diesel and petrol engines in the current Mazda3 have timing chains.

We haven't had any reports of this issue, perhaps other owners could let us know of their experience with the CX9. I would suggest you seek out other owners and ask them direct and perhaps even drive their cars to see if they are the same as yours.

Current analog radios won't work without some sort of interface. Pioneer make one called the Pure Highway that is mounted on the windscreen and receives the digital signal and puts out an analog signal.