[tcass]

Hi,
My alternator broke a few days ago and the car was towed to a mechanic. I've been told that the Mazda replacement part is $3,000 (part only) and they also have to replace the battery (only about a month old) as the alternator and i-loop fault caused the battery to also break. Total bill A$3900. Am I being taken for a ride? Is the part really $3000?? Really appreciate a response. Thank you

 

[tcass]

PS; Its a 2013 Mazda 6 Diesel with the i-loop features. Other than this its been a great car. But three hours after collecting car and being charged $4k its broken down again!
Other views would be greatly appreciated

 

[Mad Myche]

It does seem to be a bit high to me; I probably would be checking the local auto parts stores to see what an alternator actually does cost. I would also look into whatever warranty there is on the battery, as you may be able to get that replaced at a reduced if not free cost based on the very low age of the battery.

Please remember that this is community reaches globally- and your $3000 does not translate to 3000 by me as the exchange rate is only about 70% from Australia to the United States.

 

[MazdaRex]

I'm in the USA, with lots of cheap parts sources. Your car isn't even offered here, but a quick look shows discount alternators ranging from $200 to $330, all US dollars. I can't imagine what's in your alternator that makes it cost eight times more??

I second Mad Myche's comment about battery warranty, too. What the heck happened?

 

[tcass]

It does seem to be a bit high to me; I probably would be checking the local auto parts stores to see what an alternator actually does cost. I would also look into whatever warranty there is on the battery, as you may be able to get that replaced at a reduced if not free cost based on the very low age of the battery.

Please remember that this is community reaches globally- and your $3000 does not translate to 3000 by me as the exchange rate is only about 70% from Australia to the United States.

Thank you. I think I need to look into this and how much the part actually cost. Happy to pay premium for good service but not if hidden. Particularly given the car broke down again 90min after collection!

 

[bulwnkl]

Do you have shops there that rebuild alternators? Those used to be common as could be in the USA, though they're less so now. I'd call them as well as the auto parts stores on the alternator. A re-wind would be 10% (or less!) of the cost you've posted, if it was here.

 

[El Leon]

For the i-Loop alternators, i'm not surprised the cost is stratospheric compared to normal 12v internally excited alternators.

Your specific alternator is responsible for generating something like 35-48v and storing that charge for a period of time, and discharging it through capacitors to reduce fuel usage and has some sort of drive component. It's Mazda's half-ass half-hybrid design that's fairly rare in automotive use (due to it being a half-ass solution to the problem of internal combustion).

Can only guess what other required parts are, and what they have as mandatory replacement ansulary components which haven't been specifically listed for you.

Frankly, i'm not doubting that's the repair bill including R&R (Repair & Reinstall). They probably have to rip the motor mostly out of the body just to get to these components!


The most accurate question you could ask them about the R&R is "what is book time on this job, both in time and $?". If they come back with some crazy 4-6 hour book time on it, then components are the rest and there you go, you're into it for $3K.

 

[Mikeab]

Hi,
My alternator broke a few days ago and the car was towed to a mechanic. I've been told that the Mazda replacement part is $3,000 (part only) and they also have to replace the battery (only about a month old) as the alternator and i-loop fault caused the battery to also break. Total bill A$3900. Am I being taken for a ride? Is the part really $3000?? Really appreciate a response. Thank you

I replaced my own with out IE-loop for about 130 dollars myself. I saw a IEloop Alternator for about 250 dollars on rock auto online part. I would look at purchasing the alternator your self and the battery and having some one install it for you. Have to unfasten but not disconnect the ac compressor to install the alternator. Good luck