Replacement Gas Caps

[turner.gr@neu.edu]

Hey, folks. First new post.

Had my '08 for a few months now, and after the first fill-up apparently didn't put the gas cap back in correctly--I wasn't used to the design. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way as the next time I had to fill up, I couldn't get the cap out and accidentally snapped it in half. I can still seal the tank, and haven't had too many issues, but as the Check Engine light comes on periodically, I felt it was an appropriate time to do something about it.

So, I called my dealer. A replacement cap runs about $60. I'm not exactly the most well-paid individual in the world (the car itself is stretching the definition of "living within my means."), so that figure wasn't exactly tempting. Most of the auto parts websites and stores I've gone to haven't been much help, as apparently they don't know anything about the '08 Mazda 3 yet.


So, I turn to you. Never been to this forum, but have had decent experience with forums in general. Could anyone please point me to a cheaper alternative? Third party is fine, and a Lock would be a pretty sweet feature.

Thanks in advance!

[ken.boyer@gmail.com]

Mine broke on the seam the first month I owned the car. I told the dealer I must have put too much muscle into it and they replaced it for free under warranty.

[pearlwhite99]

Local parts store should stock one.

[jhhamm@gmail.com]

Purchased new 08 Mazda 3 hatchback 3 weeks ago. Gas cap stuck on 4th tank. Dealership says known problem. Say replacements covered by warranty. They say all replacements are different cap that is supposed to resolve issue. But said new cap can also get stuck. Ridiculous. If have to break cap and/or tow car whenever out of gas, car is a lemon. Will probably try to get custom gas cap. Mazda should do recall as they did with other models that had gas cap problem. How can they miss such a fundamental and cheap detail?