17th May 2020, 02:52
Thank you for the insightful comment :)
I too think about the high stress that small, turbocharged, intercooled, gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines that are now popular now are enduring. It's one thing to have such a highly stressed engine push around a relatively light 2WD and aerodynamic vehicle that offers low resistance to forward motion, where their oomph is only used for short bursts. It's yet another when the load factor climbs with a not-so-wind-cheating, heavy AWD vehicle toting a full load of 6 people and their gear, that may also wind up towing a trailer. Up a long hill. In summer heat. That will be a relatively prolonged slog, resulting in potentially ugly heat loads. Nonetheless, this genre of engine is apparently seen as a prudent path forward by multiple manufacturers who likely don't want to anger their shareholders with profit-killing warranty claims. When you consider curb weight, payload, and towing capacity added together as the maximum load they could face, the Mazda has a 2.5 liter engine moving as much as 9300 pounds. The Ford Explorer has a 2.3 liter engine that lugs as much as 11,400, the Chevrolet Silverado with the 2.7 -> as much as 12,000, and the most ambitious -> the F-150 with 2.7 liters motivating as much as 14,300 pounds (!!!)
Adding to the potential for failure is the issue of fuel dilution of the oil that GDI engines often suffer from, which can significantly increase engine wear due to reduced oil viscosity. And then there is the further potential for annoyance with the potential buildup of carbon deposits on the intake valves and the attendant drop in fuel economy, power, and cold-start drivability.
Time will tell!!!
19th Aug 2023, 19:26
Original poster here.
A brake pulsation started @ 4,000 miles.
Slightly rough idle on hot days with the A/C on began @ 18,000 miles.
Mild intermittent clunk from left front suspension when going over some bumps began @20,000 miles.
No other problems :)
7th May 2020, 17:51
You just got the vehicle. I have heard of 3 cases on the Mazda forums where there was a coolant leak and eventually required an engine replacement. That is pretty expensive if you ask me. I hope that you added Mazda Confidence to your vehicle if you bought it; if you leased it then no worries as you can get rid of it after the lease. Mazda still hasn't gotten it right.
As for the allowance of 87 octane, you have a choice; if you want to get the full performance of the engine, you get the premium, but Mazda gives you the option of using regular, which won't allow you the full power of the engine. Also I would use synthetic, especially if it's a turbo. Mazda says it's okay to use regular oil. Remember in the end if that engine goes after the 60k powertrain warranty, you are on the hook for any repairs to that engine.
You should join the Mazda forums; it is free.