weak plastic?

[Airman Jack]

Has anyone else encountered problems with weak plastic parts on their 3's?

In January a chunk of snow fell off someone elses car on the highway, slid into my lane, and hit the bumper under the passenger side fog light. It punched a fist-sized hole in the lower bumper underneath the light but luckily it didn't shatter the lens or mounting brackets.

Also, after I got the bumper replaced (a $780 cad fix I might add) I discovered that the splash guard (?) underneath the engine has a rather large crack starting from the back near the drivers feet and extending forward about 2 feet, and over some bumps I hear a rattle from the lose plastic.

Is this typical? Can I get Mazda (Canada) to fix it?

[Tonys3]

I have not had that problem...um not sure ,, but i would try if i were u

[canada3]

store it next winter like i will be doing...especially if ya drop it

[Airman Jack]

*lol* some of us don't have the luxury of having a beater car for the winter! I've actually been thinking of picking up an old protege and making it into a project car, and keeping my 3 reasonably stock as a daily driver

[Da 6]

* and keeping my 3 reasonably stock as a daily drivernotice he didn't say "completely" stock:cool:

[Brian MP5T]

Bump 2004

[JOS3]

no problems yet

[Airman Jack]

holy resurrection Batman! No the bumper has held up since then.. but I've had to replace that splash shield underneath the engine as well.