model half-years 2008.5? - replacement value

[thebluejay]

So what's going on with this new half-life of car models?
I owned a 2007 Mazda 3 Sport GT which was stolen recently. I had purchased replacement value insurance from the dealer and now they are trying to tell me that I must accept a 2008 replacement model and am not entitled to a 2008.5. I wouldn't mind that, but they don't have the colour I want in the 2008 models that are available (it seems not many are around any more). Under the terms of the contract I do not get to choose colour. How does one know if the model is a 2008 or a 2008.5. Is there some indication of that in the VIN? Is it just by the date of manufacture?

[SonicBoy]

Wow that is a good question. They should still alow 2008.5 models since technically that is the current model available and not the 2008. I don't think there is a difference in the VIN.

Can you elaborate more on the how your car was stolen? Was it towed? Did they get the keys?

[thebluejay]

Well, the dealer was able to find a 2008 model the colour I want so I'm OK with that. He says the VIN does not indicate half-year models and both types are considered 2008 models by the licensing authorities. The only way to tell the difference according to him is by the dealer's identification code in their vehicle documentation.Also, the last 6 numbers on the VIN for 2008.5 models will be higher numbered than a given figure.

I have no idea how the vehicle was stolen. It just disappeared from a shopping center parking lot.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

So what's going on with this new half-life of car models?
I owned a 2007 Mazda 3 Sport GT which was stolen recently. I had purchased replacement value insurance from the dealer and now they are trying to tell me that I must accept a 2008 replacement model and am not entitled to a 2008.5. I wouldn't mind that, but they don't have the colour I want in the 2008 models that are available (it seems not many are around any more). Under the terms of the contract I do not get to choose colour. How does one know if the model is a 2008 or a 2008.5. Is there some indication of that in the VIN? Is it just by the date of manufacture?

First off, you can use the anti theft etching policy rebate towards any Mazda you like.. don't let them push you around.

What dealer are you dealing with?


My 2006 mazda 3 sport gt has a driver's headrest that just won't stay down

How about this one? Mine (a 2006 Mazda 3 Sport) doen't even have a remote trunk release!!!

Secondly, how many Mazda3s have you owned? and have they all been stolen? :whoa

[thebluejay]

The dealer is Mazda 2-20 in Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec.

I am not going to have the etching done, since my insurance company now requires that I install a Boomerang or they will not insure me. Expensive, but I have no choice.

I have owned 3 Mazdas. I was lucky enough to sell the first one (a Protege) before it was stolen! I had a 2006 model (3 Sport GT) stolen after 9 months of ownership and the second was a 2007 model (3 Sport GT), stolen after being owned about 18 months.

[bunchi]

wow you're the supplier for those crooks! :chuckle might be the same group that's hitting you over and over again... maybe your Boomerang can actually help track them down too, not just your car.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I am not going to have the etching done, since my insurance company now requires that I install a Boomerang or they will not insure me. Expensive, but I have no choice.


Okay, so the etching has put $10,000 in your pocket in the last 4yrs, but you don't want it on this car......

:loco

[Swerny]

sounds like something is missing from this story.

[thebluejay]

Okay, so the etching has put $10,000 in your pocket in the last 4yrs, but you don't want it on this car......

:loco

Sorry, no idea what you're talking about. I never had etching and I never received $10,000.

[Swerny]

too bad no etching, $10K would be nice to have

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I had purchased replacement value insurance from the dealer

What is this???

[S.F.W.]

What is this???
perhaps he means the depreciation waiver from his insurance company?

[thebluejay]

It means that my primary insurance company gives me the market value of the car (about $22,000) and the replacement value insurance sold to me by the dealer at the time I purchased the car makes up the difference of about $8000. So I get a new $30,000. car at no cost to me.
They insure that portion above the market value that it takes to replace the vehicle with a new one.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

It means that my primary insurance company gives me the market value of the car (about $22,000) and the replacement value insurance sold to me by the dealer at the time I purchased the car makes up the difference of about $8000. So I get a new $30,000. car at no cost to me.
They insure that portion above the market value that it takes to replace the vehicle with a new one.


never heard of that kind of coverage offered by a dealer and I have been doing this for 7 yrs... also my sister lives in Quebec, she has never heard of it either...

Whats it called? and what company underwrites it.. I would love to offer it here.

Also does it cover theft only? Does it cover writeoffs in a collision? Does it cover you regardless of purchase method? Lease/Finance?

[thebluejay]

It's called replacement value insurance. All companies that issue car insurance in Quebec offer it at additional premium. If your car is stolen or a total loss in an accident, they replace the car with a new one. Car dealers also sell it when you purchase a new car. In the case of my dealer, the program is called CoPilot. Check it out here: http://www.coutucom.com/copilot/advantages.htm

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Wow... not bad..

I think this is available only in Quebec, because Quebec insurance companies do not have Waiver of Depreciation...

Correct me if I am wrong.

[Swerny]

The dealer is Mazda 2-20 in Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec.

I am not going to have the etching done, since my insurance company now requires that I install a Boomerang or they will not insure me. Expensive, but I have no choice.

I have owned 3 Mazdas. I was lucky enough to sell the first one (a Protege) before it was stolen! I had a 2006 model (3 Sport GT) stolen after 9 months of ownership and the second was a 2007 model (3 Sport GT), stolen after being owned about 18 months.

if you had 2 cars stolen in a year, i wouldn't even insure you.

Kinda explains why they want you to install the Boomerang.

Totally justified IMHO considering your track record.

[Speedy2008]

So what's going on with this new half-life of car models?
I owned a 2007 Mazda 3 Sport GT which was stolen recently. I had purchased replacement value insurance from the dealer and now they are trying to tell me that I must accept a 2008 replacement model and am not entitled to a 2008.5. I wouldn't mind that, but they don't have the colour I want in the 2008 models that are available (it seems not many are around any more). Under the terms of the contract I do not get to choose colour. How does one know if the model is a 2008 or a 2008.5. Is there some indication of that in the VIN? Is it just by the date of manufacture?

I think Mazda's decision to release mid-year refreshments was intended to draw attention away from other manufacturers who roll out completely new redesigns to their model lineup. Recently, Toyota unveiled their fancy new Corolla & Matrix which look great, especially in the XRS trim level. I also believe Mazda is trying to deter potential customers from waiting for their 2009 release instead of committing to an immediate purchase of the current model. No one really wants to buy a car that will soon be "outdated."

[Darryl]

Ok, but the '09 isn't gonna be re-styled...not that I've heard of. Only the Mazda 6 is getting re-done for 2009. And as for the Corrolla and the Matrix...I think the designers must have taken a pay cut or something.:loco

My humble opinion.

[condor888000]

Maybe he meant that the new 3 is due in 2009, which is correct. It'll just come as a 2010 model.

[mogul_pro]

What is this???

Replacement value...

If I buy a car for 30 grand... have it a few years now its worth 20...

Say it is stolen OR written off...

Instead of giving me 20k which is what its worth.. they give you 30k which is what it will cost to replace your stolen/broken car with a brand new exact same model... i have it on my policy too..

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I had purchased replacement value insurance from the dealer

What is this???

Replacement value...

If I buy a car for 30 grand... have it a few years now its worth 20...

Say it is stolen OR written off...

Instead of giving me 20k which is what its worth.. they give you 30k which is what it will cost to replace your stolen/broken car with a brand new exact same model... i have it on my policy too..

No, that is called Waiver of Depreciation and it is on pretty much every new car insurance policy .

What he purchased was at the dealer instead of the waiver of depreciation, because it either isn't available or ridiculously expensive in Quebec.