Mazda want £550 for a 2-year extension to their 3-year warranty. Although the extension keeps the same terms and conditions as the original warranty, it is underwritten by RAC - not Mazda UK. Has anyone any experience of making claims on the extended warranty? Do you think it's worth the money they're asking? (1/00)

When I bought my (new) Roadster in 1998 it only came with a one year warranty so I paid £550 to extend to 3 years. Although not RAC (have not got exact details to hand) it gave me peace of mind. But fortunately I have not needed to call on it so cannot comment on claims efficiency. My wife has a Toyota RAV4 and has just paid similar money (£570 I believe) to extend the Toyota 3 year warranty for 2 additional years. I conclude this is the going rate for one of the more reliable Japanese cars. (1/00)

That was what I paid 2.5 years ago when I got a new '5. I've found it to be really useful, even at the old servicing prices it was cheaper to pay in advance than having to pay for each service over 3 years at a Mazda dealer. I'm sure servicing a '5 hasn't got cheaper in that time. The only drawback is that you need to keep the car for three years to make the most of the warrenty. But once you've got your nice new '5 you won't want to be selling it. I just drive in every 9000 miles, get a free (in effect) service and drive out again. There is no paperwork to fill in. I think you have to use the same dealer that you bought the car from (that may be a porky told by the salesman) but as I've been more than happy with Oxford Mazda in that time I'm happy to give them the business. In short, I'm glad I got the cover, and would do so again if I got another new car. (1/00)

Warranty - Free Servicing - eh Not were I come from. Warranty covers Mechanical Failure of parts NOT routine servicing. If we are on about Service plans then thats another matter and they can be very good value for money, BUT the company that is selling them knows ho much it really costs to run a car and you just pay it in regular bite size chunks so it feels less painful. (1/00)

My warranty includes servicing and cost me 550 quid 2.5 years ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, but all '5s come with a 3 year parts warranty. Therefore we must be talking about servicing contracts. Right? (1/00)

That sounds like a great deal, was it a special offer or something! They all come with 3 year WARRANTY for parts very right. Now I'll have to find out about service contracts - could well be something that Oxford sort out themselves. Anyone else any comments on this then? (1/00)

I don't think it was a special offer. (1/00)

I had to make this decision last year, I chose not to as 500 odd quid is quite a bit of cash if you dont use it. Only a week before I had a service and managed to get 2 new alloys from Mazda as mine were corroding in the centre for some odd reason. I might have managed to get another 2 out of them if i had opted for the extended waranty but the other original wheels were almost perfect at the time given their age. Nothing else was/is wrong with the car a year later so already saved 250. These cars are reliable as hell and at the end of the day you can't do any mods to the car while under waranty :) N.B I don't think that the extended waranty covers paint work etc so check carefully. (1/00)

Just in case I have made a complete fool out of myself, last year in Jan when my 3ry waranty ran out I looked at taking the additional 1 or 2 years but servicing was definately not included in the offer, otherwise I would have taken it out without even thinking. Seeing as the 54000 mile/5 year service is near 500 anyway at Oxford due to timing belt change et all. (1/00)

This is what is throwing me here as well! Just rang local dealer and 2yr extension to take to 5yr 60,000 miles is £533 for WARRANTY which doesn't cover paint , it is mechanical, but does give 2 years Mondial cover as well. (1/00)