Appears as though ours has died a second time. I think our first was replaced around 70-75k miles? That was under the extended warranty; I know I posted on here somewhere, maybe on this thread, about how I was gonna sell it after the first replacement... but the wife wanted to keep it. So here we are at 150k and I was changing the oil and saw the transfer case appears to be leaking again. Probably fix it one more time and then start thinking about a replacement vehicle. It's been a pretty good vehicle but this and the water pump design has got me thinking it is time to get away from this ticking time bomb.
*Update 1*
Called the Mazda dealer where we had been having it serviced (including warranty work) before I took over oil changes and tire rotations. They said $1500-$2000 for replacement if no damage to transmission splines.
*Update 2*
Took it to an independent shop near our house to have them take a look. They confirmed the leak is where the PTU connects to the transmission. They told me that they didn't want to work on it; would have to charge me too much. I like their honesty.
*Update 3*
Took it to the Mazda dealer where we bought it. I had called them and service adviser talked to one of his techs who told him 5 hours of labor. That along with the price of the PTU would be around $1300-1500 out the door. We drove down there and dropped it off tonight.
*Update 4*
They called and said $1661 out the door to replace transfer case. Higher than they originally quoted but less than what I have seen others pay so we are happy.
Wife says she wants to try and trade it in at this point. I might try and sell it outright first.
*Update 5*
Went to pick up the car and was told the OTD was now $1789. I asked why I was told $1661 and the lady thought maybe it was before tax. Which, doesn't make sense because the total before tax on the bill is $1715.63. So, anyway, not a terrible price from what I have seen out there but pissed it was more than I had been quoted... but without it in writing what can I do?
Anyway, call around, get it writing, you've heard this all before; the nicer the guy is on the phone the less likely you can trust him.
*Update 6*
Traded her in today (01/30/2020). Picked up a 2016 Kia Sorento SX AWD with 26k miles and one year of warranty left. Got $5350 for the CX-9 on trade-in; NADA said $5500 for average trade in with 150k miles. She was a pretty good vehicle for us over the 120k miles we had her but with two major flaws (transfer case / internal water pump) keeping her longer just didn't make sense. Good luck to you guys!!