My Mazda Needs Major Engine Work and ‘The Australian’ Newspaper Says I Am Not The Only One
Every Saturday morning, I get to do something I truly enjoy—helping people on the radio. I always approach each problem with a simple question in mind: what’s fair in this situation? If your phone stopped working because you threw it at a wall, well, it’s fair that it’s broken.
But most of the issues I come across aren’t like that. They don’t start with the customer doing something wrong. They usually begin with a product fault, and a company that fails to acknowledge or resolve it properly.
Which brings me to my Mazda.
Which one, you ask? Good question. I currently have two, and until November 2024, I had three. The issue I’m dealing with involves my Mazda CX-9 Azami Turbo—which is now off the road. When I bought it, it was one of Mazda’s most premium models. Like any major purchase, I did my homework before spending over $70,000 on a new car.
At first, everything seemed fine.
But years into ownership, trouble started brewing—literally—in the engine bay. The car developed a coolant leak. I’m no mechanic, but I know a few, and one of them told me this issue is not unique. In fact, it’s been showing up in plenty of Mazda vehicles with the same engine.
“So it’s not the way I’ve driven it?” I asked.
He responded with one of those deep, hearty laughs that tells you you’ve asked a silly question.
No, this appears to be a known issue—a flaw in the engine design that leads to coolant leaks and engine failure. My own research confirmed it: this problem goes beyond individual cases and is at the heart of a class action lawsuit in California. Over in the U.S., Mazda has been covering repair costs for affected customers.
So I reached out to one of Australia’s top motoring journalists, John Connolly, to ask a simple question: Should I be paying the bill—currently $1,100 just for an engine “assessment”—or is this a manufacturing fault that Mazda should be addressing?
John took an interest and has written about it in The Australian (behind a paywall)
Epson Projector – Review
Epson has a new ‘Smart’ projector, with Google TV and built-in portability, and we have reviewed it right here.
Windows 10 End Of Life Is Almost Here
This October marks one of the biggest waves of PC retirements in history, as many well-loved Windows 10 machines will no longer be safe to connect to the internet. If you’re among those planning to upgrade, it’s a great time to talk about how to save money when buying a new PC. Let’s break down the key do’s and don’ts, along with some important things to consider before making your purchase.
ECOVACS WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI – its best window cleaner yet
The ECOVACS WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI is a robot window cleaner with a storage case, retractable power cable, and a 110-minute battery for more portable operation.
The technology has been upgraded since the 2022 W1 to include
- Dual side x 3-nozzle micro spray system for more accurate coverage.
- Gravity acceleration and optocoupler sensors.
- WIN-SLAM 4.0 intelligent planning system for 30% cleaning efficiency over W1.
- Multiple Cleaning modes*: fast, thorough, heavy duty, deep and edge cleaning
- Up to 110 minutes on a 4500mAh battery and 55m2 (depends on cleaning mode).
- Dual charge – battery and/mains power. 3+hour charge
- Improved synchronous belt climbing system and 5500Pa suction
- Edge mode improves edge cleaning to within 2mm of the frame.
- 37% faster than W1.
- 5.5m retractable power cable acts as a 100kg safety cable, and the case has a suction bottom.
- It must be used with Ecovacs window cleaning solution with fast dry characteristics.
- Uses ECOVACS Home app and Yiko voice control
- 63dB quiet
- Return to the start point
- 271(L) x 271(W) x 77(H)
- Minimum window size 30 x 40mm and at least 4mm thick
* The online manual (not the brief printed manual) mentions Split Zone Cleaning for panels up to 8m wide. It is not obvious in the app, but it is under ‘Remote Control’, which has Water Spray, Spot Clean and Zone Clean.
Does it work? Read more..
Guests and Topics on the Show
We missed this story last week so we tried to do it again this week.
We spoke with Phil Krok, Product Lead at Anker, about the launch of the Anker SOLIX X1 – a home battery storage system designed to help Australians better manage their power use. Phil explained how the SOLIX X1 integrates with solar setups, stores energy for peak times, and fits neatly into modern homes. With rising energy costs and growing interest in sustainable living, this was a timely chat for anyone considering a smart energy upgrade.
Mother’s Day Deals
Ahead of Mother’s Day, we caught up with Mitchell Whitaker, Director at Harvey Norman Newcastle, to talk through some of the top gift ideas in-store and online. From tech-savvy gadgets to home must-haves, Mitchell shared thoughtful suggestions to suit a range of budgets and interests – perfect for Aussies looking to spoil Mum with something special this year.
We love having Mitch on the show to talk about different gift ideas. Here are some of the items we mentioned –
Medisana Foot Massager
Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses
Moto Tags
Apple Watch Series 10 (Save $150)
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