A British Columbia driver says they were blindsided after discovering the used Mazda CX-5 they purchased just weeks earlier wasn’t covered under warranty, despite dealership staff telling them in writing that coverage would last until 2026.
In a detailed post shared to Reddit, the buyer recounted purchasing a used 2020 Mazda CX-5 GS FWD. The dealership, they wrote, provided a CarFax report showing one previous owner, no accidents, and a warranty valid until April 30, 2026. Both the sales representative and finance manager confirmed that timeline, according to the buyer, who says they have the statement in writing.
However, within weeks of the sale, the vehicle began making a chirping noise while shifting gears, a known issue for some Mazda models. After researching a Mazda-issued service bulletin covering the defect, the buyer booked a service appointment to have the problem checked under warranty.
Surprise! An expired warranty
When they arrived for the appointment, they were told by a service advisor that the car’s warranty had already expired in August 2025, more than a month before the purchase. The service staff appeared equally confused, with internal records showing a different expiration date than the sales documents.
“The system he was using had different information than what I was given,” the buyer wrote. “At that point, I was told they’d start the diagnostic and speak to the sales team once they came in.”
Hours later, the dealership’s sales manager called with an explanation and an admission. The vehicle, it turned out, had previously been used as a demo car at another dealership. Because it was first registered several months before its first retail sale, Mazda’s factory warranty clock had started earlier, ending in August 2025 instead of 2026.
“The finance manager and sales rep didn’t know that,” the buyer recalled being told. “Apparently, they didn’t have the full history when they sold it to us.”
A costly repair and two bad options
At the same time, the buyer was also informed that the car’s torque converter needed replacement, an issue covered under the service bulletin they’d researched. The repair was estimated at around $6,000, but now, without warranty coverage, that cost would fall entirely on them.
To resolve the situation, the dealership offered two options: Pay for the repair out of pocket through the dealership or an independent mechanic. Or instead, exchange the vehicle for a similar model, a 2021 CX-5 GS AWD with fewer miles but one reported rear-end accident, by paying the price difference, about $5,600 plus tax.
The dealership acknowledged the misunderstanding and described the situation as “unfair,” according to the buyer.
Frustration and hard choices
While the exchange would provide a newer model and upgraded drivetrain, the buyer said they were disappointed to be in this position at all, especially since they chose the 2020 model partly for its unique colour and features. “My partner doesn’t even like the newer one as much — it doesn’t have a touchscreen,” the post read. “But we might have no choice.” The couple now plans to negotiate both offers, seeking a reduced repair bill or a fairer trade-in price, and has asked other Reddit users for advice on how to proceed.
Consumer advocates often warn that factory warranties can be shortened by demo use or early registration dates, even when dealerships fail to disclose that detail. Experts recommend that used-car buyers verify warranty status directly with the manufacturer before completing a purchase, not just rely on dealership assurances. For this Mazda owner, the dealership’s mistake could cost thousands. And as they put it in their post: “We had it in writing. We just didn’t know it wouldn’t mean anything.”
