Yeah, the first time I had warranty work (1st recall), they gave me a Toyota Echo as well, holy shitbox. Since then, I've had to specifically ask Ira for a Mazda every time (at least they gave it to me every time).

 

The good news is, if they're stupid/jerks enough to try to pull the "aftermarket parts" routine on you, you're MUCH better off getting the work done somewhere else, anyways!

They did you probably the biggest favor in the world: they sent you running to another garage.

If something should ever happen like this again, realize the dealership MUST prove, in writing, how ANY aftermarket part damaged the item in question, and as to why/how that effects the warranty. If they can't do that, then they can't deny the warranty work. Not to mention, if you get it in writing, and it's a lie, you get to sue the shiite out of them...

 

If the renesis remans are anything like the older remans then Mazda doesn't even build them. I have not been overly impressed w/ some of the ones I have taken apart.