The Truth About Mazdas

Summary

The 2008 Mazda CX-9 offers solid performance, comfort, and reliability, with a 3.7L Ford V6 engine and a smooth ride. While it’s a great secondhand purchase, potential buyers should be aware of a critical issue: the water pump is driven by the engine's timing chain, and if it fails, it can cause significant engine damage. Regular coolant changes help prevent this. Despite this maintenance concern, the CX-9 is praised for its handling, spacious interior, and overall durability, making it a fantastic value at a fraction of its original price.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2008 Mazda CX-9 was the second year of production and was never sold in Japan due to its large size and high taxes in that country.
• 😀 The CX-9 is equipped with a Ford-sourced 3.7-liter V6 engine, which, while smooth and reliable, has a major flaw: the water pump failure could cause severe engine damage.
• 😀 Replacing the water pump on this engine is a complicated and costly job, requiring removal of both the engine and transmission, which can cost at least $1,800 in labor.
• 😀 To prevent water pump failure, it’s essential to regularly change the coolant every 5-7 years, particularly using Japanese coolant that lasts longer and reduces corrosion.
• 😀 Despite its age (13 years) and mileage (139,788 miles), the 2008 CX-9 offers a smooth, quiet, and responsive ride with good handling and plenty of acceleration for an SUV of its size.
• 😀 The interior of the CX-9 has held up well, with minimal wear on the leather and upholstery, offering a comfortable ride for both front and rear passengers.
• 😀 The CX-9 has good passenger capacity with its third-row seating, ample cargo space, and practical features like a roof rack and a small towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
• 😀 The vehicle's original price was around $33,000, but the owner paid just $11,000 for it, making it a great deal given its longevity and reliable performance.
• 😀 The blind-spot monitoring (BSM) system, common in older vehicles, may no longer function well in a 13-year-old car, and should not be relied on for safety.
• 😀 The 2008 Mazda CX-9 remains a solid and reliable vehicle for its age, with a high-quality build, smooth ride, and impressive longevity when properly maintained.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the Mazda CX-9's 3.7-liter V6 engine?

The main issue is the water pump design, which is run by the engine's timing chain. If the water pump fails, it can cause water to mix with the engine oil, leading to serious engine damage, including a broken timing chain and damaged valves.

Why is it difficult to replace the water pump in the Mazda CX-9?

Replacing the water pump in the Mazda CX-9 is complicated because the engine and transmission need to be removed as a unit. This makes the job labor-intensive and expensive, typically costing around $1,800 if done by a professional mechanic.

How can you prevent water pump failure in the Mazda CX-9?

To prevent water pump failure, it is crucial to regularly change the coolant, ideally every 5-7 years. Using good-quality Japanese coolant can help ensure the water pump runs smoothly and avoid corrosion, which can cause the pump to fail.

What is the long-term reliability of the 2008 Mazda CX-9?

The 2008 Mazda CX-9 is considered to be very reliable for its age and mileage. With regular maintenance, including coolant changes, it can last well beyond 139,000 miles, as demonstrated by the reviewer's personal experience with the vehicle.

How does the 2008 Mazda CX-9 perform in terms of acceleration and handling?

The Mazda CX-9 offers good acceleration and handles more like a sedan than an SUV. The 3.7-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, making the ride comfortable and responsive.

Is the interior of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 durable?

Yes, the interior of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is durable. The leather upholstery has held up well over time, and the vehicle still features a premium Bose sound system, ample space, and comfortable seating. Even after 13 years, the interior remains in excellent condition.

What are some of the notable features of the 2008 Mazda CX-9's design?

The 2008 Mazda CX-9 has a spacious interior with a third-row seat, a roof rack, and a tow hitch, allowing it to carry a lot of cargo and tow light loads (up to 2,000 pounds). The vehicle also offers good air conditioning and heating for rear passengers.

What is the reviewer's opinion on buying a used 2008 Mazda CX-9?

The reviewer is very positive about buying a used 2008 Mazda CX-9, especially if priced under $10,000. They believe it offers excellent value for money, as the car is well-built, reliable, and still performs well even with high mileage.

How important is it to change the coolant in the Mazda CX-9?

Changing the coolant is crucial in maintaining the health of the water pump and preventing expensive repairs. The reviewer suggests changing the coolant every 5-7 years, particularly if using high-quality Japanese coolant, to extend the lifespan of the water pump.

What issue does the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system face in older Mazda CX-9s?

The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system in older Mazda CX-9s is prone to malfunction due to the age of the vehicle. The reviewer warns against relying on these electronic systems in older cars, as they often fail over time.