Poll it up if you have accidently curbed your rims.

I did mine after 6 days of ownership. Backed out and didn't realize the curb on my right. One chunk out of the tire and a few scratches where rim meets tire! Good excuse to buy new aftermarket rims ;)

My rims, no. I did manage to lightly scuff a rim on the loaner RX-8 that I had for several days before mine arrived (stupid Whataburger drivethru), but I have managed to keep mine pristine so far.

mine are perfect for now but I had a heart attack yesterday because I thought I hit it

Help -- I kissed the curb the other day and now have a small curb rash on rear right wheel. Does anyone know of any rim repair shops local to the DC/Virginia (loudoun/fairfax) area?

I've already kicked my own butt for this!

Yup! Caught my right rear wheel two weeks to the day after taking delivery. Talk about feeling stupid.

Getting out of a Wendy's required a hard right turn at a stop light. I didn't even realize the right rear had made curb contact until the LSD and traction control proceeded to grind off a 1/8th inch strip of finish half-way around the rim.

My choices were:

1. $50 for a filler-type repair (questionable longevity)
2. $150 to have the wheel stripped, the damage smoothed and a complete refinish (it looks factory fresh afterwards)
3. $230 for a replacement wheel (including shipping) from MazdaStuff.com plus $30 for mount and balance.

Options #1 and #2 were problematic as the process takes two days so I either had to get a rental ($70) or buy the spare tire kit ($400).

I went with option #3. I will probably get a "cheap" tire to put on the damaged wheel and use it as a "fetch when needed" spare.

I'd do option 3 also, but I have very light curbing ;)

Sucks cause it's hard to gauge where the wheels are in this car, but I'm sure it'll get better over time.

I've had rims repaired in the past and they usually thin the lip on the rim to repair it. This makes the rim weaker. I think you did the right thing

Originally posted by syntrix
Sucks cause it's hard to gauge where the wheels are in this car, but I'm sure it'll get better over time.

I think it's improving. In my Miata I felt I always knew where every part of the car was as well as having perfect visability in all directions. In two months I have gotten a feel for the front half of the RX-8, but the back half is still a little spooky. In general, the car still feels big even though I know it's not. Needless to say I am also still a little paranoid.

However, I'm sure after 9 years of driving the RX-8, I'll be as comfortable as with the Miata.