Don’t buy a first model year with a completely new power train for the entirety of the Mazda brand then.

And no, gas cars from reliable brands have nowhere near as many problems…

There’s 2.4 and 2.0 theta engines. They fucked everyone with the 2.0 L engine that sold more units which is not included in any recalls

Hyundai and Kia shit engine Does not have a lifetime warranty in most places. It’s 10 y/100 k miles by default, and if you buy it used it’s 5 y/60 k miles passed down to the second owner, not the original warranty! Their dealership service departments also backed up for months if you need to have your engine replaced AND they do not cover a rental. So good luck making insurance payments, potentially car payments if the failure hits early enough, and paying for a rental and contacting corporate attempting to get rental reimbursement. If you actually need a car daily it’s not one of the Korean ones.

Also if you want a statistically more reliable engine don’t buy a turbo. 🤷‍♀️ for me it’s a given any turbo will come with oil burning and potentially other issues. Tons of high mileage Mazdas chugging along without a turbo. Several over 300 k miles 2016 CX-5s. I have 60 k miles on my 2021. No issues for now but my actual reliability checkpoint is at 120 k miles. If I’ve done nothing but oil, brake, tires and spark plugs before 120 k, I’ll buy another.

Unless I see a receipt with those prices I don’t buy that anyone will do it for that cheap. Don’t know where OP is either because in a high cost of living area I don’t think that price is unheard of.

The option is simple though. You either pony up 7 k for this repair or 7 k for a downpayment on another one. Reach out to Mazda corporate, you’re not that far out of warranty and if your VIN falls within the known problem cars they might help you with some of the cost.

If you’re upset about this engine don’t get a Kia Or a Hyundai. ever.