What do you do?

On my side... if I can have the "courage" and "listen to pure logic", I will put an X in the second option "BUYBACK" :( snif.. snif..

I know that when I'll return my 8... I'll feel the same as when you're dump by a girlfriend... but I have to be logical...

My average fuel consumption is 18L/100km... my dealer doesn't want to check the car before 10000km... my A/C doesn't cool the car... my dealer checked and said that everything is ok.

I tried my friend's 8, and the A/C is 100% better than mine.... and he average 12L/100

So, I'll return my 8, get myself a used Saturn 2000 (don't lauch.. it isn't funny:mad: ) for the winter, check daily the forum to see if with the time those problems get fix... and hopefully order a brand new 8 for next spring or maybe wait for the 2005 model.


My problem is that for the moment, no other car in the 8's price range interest me; so instead of buying "anything", I get a used car and wait... and see

Have fun with your 8... it's the greatest car I ever had...

Love hurts :(

TT2RX8...............

I'm in the SAME boat!

I think I'm going to get a beater for the winter and then get an 8 in the spring, or fall.

My A/C isn't the greatest but I am getting good gas mileage. My problem is my dealer (whom by the way won't even return my calls!)

I LOVE my 8 and there isn't really another car in the price range I want. I keep looking but they don't excite me. I kicked some ass today coming to work, drove it like I stole it and it was fun as hell.

It's going to hurt to return it, but I really think it is the best thing to do. I'll probably get another, heck might as well get a different colour too :)

Wing... it's really a funny (not that funny..) feeling.

Your logic say: return the car... then you get out of the house to put the carbage at the street and you see that gorgeous car... my car!!!

Your logic say: return the car... then you get in the car, put the key in the ignition and "Vroomm.".. the sound, the dash, the interior design.. wow!

Your logic say: return the car... your're driving thinking and trying to convince yourself.. "After all, 4 wheels and a streering will take you where you want..." .... then you take a left hander, then a right and a left and accelerate.. so sweet.

I could go on and on... but the opportunity is there.... I have the choice, and don't have to live with the high fuel consumption, warm A/C... I test drove the 8 for 2 months and loved it. If I get another one, I'll be ready for the "bugs" and know what it does and don't. When I bought my TT, it was a first year car, I had to live with the bugs and problems... without any alternate solution. Mazda is offering a solution. Thank's Mazda!


Also I must also consider that living in Quebec City, winter is pretty hard here... so I'll watch my friend this winter and see how well the 8 handles the canadian's winter.

Mazda, you created a great car... keep working a bit on it and I will be back for sure. :D

You got it down EXACTLY! Any clunker will get me to work. Won't be much fun, but it will get me there.

I'm going to call now!

I have been looking hard finding reasons to keep my 8 and so far these reasons remain the same when I first bought the car...look, performance, and oh yes, fun. It hurts a bit about the power shortage but the look and fun still there and probably will remain for many more years.

However, I have been getting more reasons for checking the X on the repurchase option. Here are my reasons to return the car, so far.

1. My car seems to make noise when I shift gears. I took it to the dealer and was told it is ok. The mechanic idiot stalled my car 3 times while testing it.
2. I am getting poor gas milleage (almost as bad as my old Durango...so it seams).
3. Bad customer service from Mazda dealership...the one I went to and also heard from other people from other dealers.
4. Winter driving...need to get new set of wheels and tires - $$$.
5. Paid MSRP - I never bought any car at MSRP before until this car.
6. Engine makes foul smell when stuck in heavy traffic. I read an article posted about it but it would mean that I have to rev the engine frequently to keep the spark plugs from overheating due to long engine idle.

I love the car for what it is but my reasons are telling me that I should return it. I am thinking of returning it and wait until Mazda put their act together and I will get another one...may be 2005. My other option is to pickup the new Maxima 04 for $500 over the dealer cost. I hate the front of Maxima 04 but I did some research and found a few after markets grills.

The cut of date is near and I will probably drop off my decision tomorrow in the mail. I WILL MISS MY 8.

I believe that smell is oil burning? That's what mine smells like.

I was looking at the maxima yesterday as well. But it is a HUGE car, I like small cars.

You'll always have pictures. I'm never returning this thing. This car rocks, and I don't really see myself in anything else right now. I actually enjoy my ride to work or wherever I go. GOod luck with everything people. It's too bad we lost a few rx8's because of mazdas fuck ups.

These are all the same discussions I've been having for the last few weeks. Logically it should go back. Save the payments for the winter, plus insurance, plus storage (since I'm not planning to winter drive it) and go buy something new in the spring. I've even checked with Mazda that there are no conditions on the buyback about turning around and buying another 8.
But, on the other hand, I'm really attached to the one I have. The seat is all broken in just right and everything. And while a new one wouldn't have that little rock chip on the front bumper, just below and to the right of the mazda logo, and wouldn't have that little mark on the steering wheel where I managed to scuff the leather somehow, it would eventually get new little inperfections.
I guess I just get attached to cars. Must be the reason I kept my MX-3 as my winter driver, even though it sucks in the snow...

Hmm, can I take to 3 years and 500 back, then sue Mazda for the mental stress they caused by offering the buyback? :D

Damn I can't find the #! Is this a sign? LOL

EDIT: found it called.

If you are going to return it, send the form in and also in the envelope insert a copy of your purchase agreement.

Then you will be contacted when you have to return the vehicle to your dealer. And a mazda rep will be on hand to inspect the vehicle upon return.

I have 1 rock chip (that I fixed) hopefully they won't notice / won't charge thousands for a rock chip!

Can't wait to see the look on the dealers face when I drive up to return my car!

Here you are:

1-800-263-4680

Its funny how I read these posts of returning the car and get this hollow feeling in my stomach. (must be lunch time) LOL JK

My only RX-7 was a 83 GX. Everything except leather and air.

It was Black on Black. I loved that car. I knew how to drive it hard and I did. I babied it, washed, waxed it weekly and twice a year stripped the interior out of it and cleaned it there too.

Bought it for $17,000 taxes in and sold it for $12,000 with 120,000 km.

I replaced it with a 323 GT (DOHC 16V Turbo) was faster then the 7, but not as fun. The 7 was a better handling car, just no back seats and I had a baby on the way.

After the excitement of the 323 vanquished, I began yearning for my 7 back. When I think about my 7, that empty, lost my best friend feeling is still there today.

With what I have read about the excitement and feeling everyone gets from driving their 8, I am sure it will be that long yearned for replacement I need to get over my 7.

I do not own my 8 yet, but my guess is the only way those keys will leave my possession is when they are pried out of my dead cold hands.

I share your pain........

As a side... The Porsche Boxter only get 20 mpg city and 29 highway

Made up my mind, it's going back.

Everyone I talk to agrees it is a no brainer, get a new one after the crappy winter is gone. Or get something else, you had your fun :)

I love the car, I might get a GT later.

I'm thinking winning blue GT with moon :) Or I'll wait for the '05 rustang (although I doubt it) or hey what about the pontiac solstice?


I'll have my fun in my last few weeks before I give it up and winter comes. I'll get a beater and I might keep it when the snow melts for the next year and store my new beauty (whatever she may be) for the following winter.

P.S. Tire group buy is STILL on.

Originally posted by Wing
TT2RX8...............

I'm in the SAME boat!

I think I'm going to get a beater for the winter and then get an 8 in the spring, or fall.

My A/C isn't the greatest but I am getting good gas mileage. My problem is my dealer (whom by the way won't even return my calls!)

I LOVE my 8 and there isn't really another car in the price range I want. I keep looking but they don't excite me. I kicked some ass today coming to work, drove it like I stole it and it was fun as hell.

It's going to hurt to return it, but I really think it is the best thing to do. I'll probably get another, heck might as well get a different colour too :)

If the problem is just the dealer, why not get it serviced somewhere else? You don't need to ever go back there again.

That is one of the things I did not like about the Infiniti G35C, there's only one dealer in Ottawa. There are 3 Mazda dealers.

Whoa, Wing I never thought you would give up your 8 ! Especially after talking to you at our GTA meet and hearing all those great things you like about this car.

But you are right, having a car for you to test drive for 2 months and then giving it back before the Winter is definitely a chance of a life time. Can't really say no to that. Especially since you know these are all minor bugs which will be gone by the next model.

Who knows, maybe we can be 2005 RX-8 buddies next year !

I've decided to return it and either get another one next year or something else.

Nothing much out there that I really like right now though.... but there are cars coming.

Heck it's a pretty good deal, I wouldn't really lose anything I could give her up and get a GT instead :)

Test drove a TSX today and a 350z both nice, but not my cup of tea (although I liked the Z).

Well, TT2RX8 has summed up my feelings, emotions and turmoil exactly!

Those of you who have met and corresponded with me may be surprised, but I sent my letter in yesterday. The car is going back.

It might seem hypocritical, but I love this car! The best I've ever had!

I never intended to drive it in the winter. Figured I'd cross that bridge eventually. Couldn't bear to drive a beater, so maybe get a short term lease take over etc.

But now, I turn it in, I've driven it almost for free for 2-3 months.

I'll arrange some transportation (Prob 4X4, we're out in the country) and then consider a new one for the spring!

My only issue was the gas mileage, but I could live with that, it is getting better, as is the whole car as it breaks in.

This all might not make any sense, but obviously many people have thought the same way. An opportunity too hard to pass up.

I just hope my car finds a good home with someone who truly appreciates it!

You guys are totally summing up my feelings.
I love the car.. but the deal here is good enough that it made me stop and think.

Up until this weekend I was 100% keeping it.
Then, when I was at Tremblant for the Rolex Grand-Am races, my friends were used race-car shopping. (Part of the reason we were there.)
Anyway, it got me thinking again about getting a project car and a daily driver.. which I could do for the cost of the RX-8.
I love this car... but... I'm thinking taking the free money and running, then sleeping on it all winter.
Either buy a new RX-8 next year, or perhaps a 3rd Gen Turbo in need of a good home and a restoration.

Over the last 5 days I've gone from 100% keeping it, to 100% giving it back, to where I sit now, totally on the fence.

WOW! I didn't think you would turn it in either! Where is Pete? Hey let's have a return your car party! LOL!

rotorian I can't remember was your car the one with the chip on the door?

You know RedShift, you were never 100%.... because you didn't send the letter in. There is a REASON you didn't send the letter in, and it was because you weren't TRUELY 100%.

I thought for sure I was keeping the car. I said to myself "self, if you don't get laid off on the 18th, your keeping the car" There was rumours about layoffs on the 18th. Well the 18th came and went, I was going to send the letter in but decided to keep it.

Then it struck me, it makes me sick to my stomach but it is going back.

One thing that is interesting is I LOVE the look of the car, and always wanted a fancy car like this one that gets attention. But then I think "why?" do I NEED the attention? Am I shallow? Maybe? Anyway, I don't NEED a fancy looking car to feel good <--- not the reason I bought it and I'm not trying to imply this about others.

Just that for some reason inside I like to have a fancy car to show off, and I'm not sure why!

Guess I just like looking at them, and always wondering what it would be like to able to afford one. My parents didn't have $$$ to burn on this kind of thing. Now that I did I wanted one.

Well I had one for a few months, I had my fun! I might buy another, rotorian maybe yours! I'm thinking a nice new blue GT with moon would be nice to have in the summer, why not get another colour?

I posted my impressions of the 350z in the main forum (test drove some cars).

When I went to dealers before they ignored me, I drive up in my 8 and they are all over me, and let me test drive. Isn't THAT interesting!

I have been exactly the same, keeping, giving back, keeping, giving back, on and on. Very hard decision but in my case ultimately the logical choice.

And yes Wing, mine was the one with the door chip. I've tried repairing it. Not as patient as you though!
I'll have to take my chances at turn in time.
Hopefully we have the good part of October left to enjoy!

I keep hearing about this chip in the door.

What is the exact statement in Mazda's letter about wear and tear. I would think that a little scratch or ding that would occur would be normal wear and tear...

Maybe your fears of getting stung with a large bill for repairs on return is unfounded.

Wing, you're right.. if I REALLY was 100%, then I would have returned the letter already.

Damn damn damn...

And, other good points are brought up:
One of the main reasons I want to keep the car is, I LOVE the look of it, and I love the fact that people are always commenting on it. But, why? I'm normally the kind of person who shy's away from attention, and likes to keep a low profile.

Why would I keep something simply because other people like it? Weird.

Perhaps this whole experience is teaching me something about my self.

Would you be shallow because you enjoy something that you can afford but your parents could not.

If there are no financial problems with owning something expensive, then why not.

I am sure you worked hard for your money, so enjoy it, you only this life once.

whoa is this the Canadian forum? I just thought I would peek in the thread and was amazed to find nearly all Canadians giving back their cars for the winter????

I think I heard the Canadian version next year will be increasing 15% in cost and lose the HID and BOSE option.


:p

LOL

I know you are making your decision - just teasing.

Losing the Bose option? Wow.. that would make me WANT to give it back for a 2005 model.

I can undertsand people being stuck with a standard Bose system, but why anybody would ever voluntarily own one is beyond me.

Originally posted by Redshift
Losing the Bose option? Wow.. that would make me WANT to give it back for a 2005 model.

I can undertsand people being stuck with a standard Bose system, but why anybody would ever voluntarily own one is beyond me.

We get bose here in the Uk, no choice.

I guess its better than the standard stuff (or only just), but I'm an audiophile (but couldnt care less about incar stuff, harsh audio environment).

And bose suck.

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
whoa is this the Canadian forum? I just thought I would peek in the thread and was amazed to find nearly all Canadians giving back their cars for the winter????

I think I heard the Canadian version next year will be increasing 15% in cost and lose the HID and BOSE option.


:p

LOL

I know you are making your decision - just teasing.

Time to stop this rumour before it gets blown out of proportion.

Mazda Canada has not made any changes to pricing, options or models for the 2004 series being delivered between now and next fall.

If you're talking about changes to the 2005 model that will be delivered in the fall of 2004, only god and felix wankel know what will happen then :D

It's funny.. when I started the thread, I was afraid to be "flame"... then to my suprise, many of you had the same feeling.

Rotarian said:
-------------------------------------------------------
Well, TT2RX8 has summed up my feelings, emotions and turmoil exactly!
-------------------------------------------------------

If funny, that since I can barely write english... I could somehow express what most of us feel;) Imagine if I had written my feeling in "french"... everybody would be crying like babies:p

Anyway, I think that there is no right or wrong decision... we do what we feel.

I'll keep watching the forum... and who knows.


Btw, Wing, I had the same experience at the Nissan dealer when I went for a test drive; all the salemen sat in the car, talked about it and let me test drive a 350Z then a G35C... I guess that next summer, when I'll go with my "Saturn", they won't even be interested in letting me test drive a Sentra :D

Btw, Wing, I had the same experience at the Nissan dealer when I went for a test drive; all the salemen sat in the car, talked about it and let me test drive a 350Z then a G35C... I guess that next summer, when I'll go with my "Saturn", they won't even be interested in letting me test drive a Sentra

Don't worry about it. Nissan wants to sell sell sell, anyone who drives onto their lot qualifies for a test drive.

I'm not sure if a paint chip is normal wear and tear or not. I think it would be but it says "excluding excess wear and tear and physical damage"

So who knows?? But my paint chip is getting less and less noticeable everyday. At first I was thinking, hell trade it in so you don't have to live with this mess for 5 years or something.

Now looking at, that is not a factor at all (not that it really was). More buffing and it will be perfect.

Well...I droped off the letter this morning and I am keeping my 8. I have been going back and ford again and again and came to the conclusion that... I only live once and enyoye while I can.

This was the same reason that I bought the 8 initially and since there is no major problem with the car, I have no reason to think that I made a mistake purchasing this car intially. Mazda repurchase offer is very tempting but I see the $500 and free maintenance as the bonus instead. They did torture me for the offer. As for the HP shortage, I will deal with that in the future.

Thank you all for sharing your feelings and thoughts about the 8. It is truely unique and one of the kind sport car. I did several comparisions with many other cars as an alternative to my 8 but none appear to come close for the price of the 8.

THANKS GUYS...



:D :D

Just filled out my letter and will mail it this afternoon.
I decided to keep my 8. I like it too much to send it back, even though the buy back makes more sense to me logically.

Of course, having decided, I'm expecting a problem to be caused by the new oil pan being put on today that will leave me stranded in the middle of a cell dead zone at 2 a.m. this weekend...

Hi Guys:

I don't usually say much on the forum, just like to read your witty comments and keep up with the news but our FL friend got me motivated to tell you my experience.

I share your pain!!! I agonized about this but we have decided to cave and we are sending the car back.

We loved this car when we saw it at the Toronto auto show and we ordered it right away. Since we got it mid-August I have fallen more and more for it. Like some of you we have been getting followed, getting thumbs up, getting swarmed on the highway by kids in CIVICS and it is kinda neat. There is usually a small crowd around the car when I return to a parking lot. I make sure I don't run late now so I can answer their questions or let them sit in the car. I don't want to be rude to "OUR" fans. Man, this celebrity life is tough!!! LOL

I was willing to overlook all of the glitches until I realized how bad our fuel mileage actually was. We are still getting 16L/100km even though I have tried all of your suggestions ie. driving like granny, no A/C, regular gas etc. I gave the dealer a chance to fix it (soot at tailpipe/running too rich therefore bad mpg) but they don't know why it's happening or how to fix it. They apparently have not had a technical bulletin on this. They also look forward to having my car in so they can all examine it, since apparently, I have the first and only one they have worked on. Now that's a scary thought! Their solution is to wait until 5000km when they say it should improve. Now the question I had was; does something magically happen to the ECU program at 5000km to improve the mileage? Blank stares!

My main problem is with the range of the car. This is a CRITICAL flaw. In this day and age it is not acceptable to have a car with only a 375km range. I don't want to spend every other day at the gas station and in Toronto it is imperative to try and stock up on Mondays for the week, before the price jumps 10c/L. If we take long trips up north I don't want to worry about where the next gas station is. To put this in perspective; when I tow a 4000kg boat with a 5.7L gas engine Chev Suburban I get the same mileage. The (optional) fuel tank is 159L however, not 60L like the RX8 and that gives us a range of 1000km TOWING THE BOAT! Of course I don't tow the boat very far nor does it get towed back and forth to work every day!

Thanks to this forum and you guys I have known more about this car than either Mazda Canada (MC) or the dealer even down to knowing when we picked it up in August there was a good chance of a buyback. Depending on your point of view the fact that the forum is the definitive source of info is either good or scary!

In the end I realized I can't complain about the car after Oct 1 if I don't take the buyback so I decided to take my letter to MC in Scarborough in person rather than mail it. I was half hoping to be talked out of returning it. I met with the executive that is in charge of the buyback program. He's a nice reasonable guy named Richard Panneton, (416) 609-9909 X2454, e-mail: RPanneto@mazda.ca and he sat down with me to hear my reasons for returning the car. On behalf of the forum I gave him an earful.

He told me that MC is aware that Canadian cars are running rich and have advised Japan. He presumed they would write a new program for the ECU but it would take 8-12 months to implement the change due to goverment regs, emissions etc. He also told me that I was one of few that have complained about the mileage and also that of 500 buyback letters sent out I was the 5th wanting to return the car. Guys, that is not the sense I get when I read the forum. I think they are downplaying the feedback they are getting or you are not complaining. Do anyone see a pattern here? Miata, RX8 etc. Enough said!

By the way, he told me that when they started to see problems with the car he thought he better drive one so they gave him a demo for the day, and he did experience some of the glitches but said he didn't have it long enough to put gas in it. It kind of bothered me that MC didn't give the executive in charge of the car one of his own. It reaffirmed my decison to get rid of it. It seems to be common sense that I can't complain about the mileage after Oct 1 if I don't take it back now. On the positive side thanks to MC we have enjoyed free use of a cutting edge sports car (that you probably couldn't even rent for any price) for what will be 2 months. Thanks MC! I'll keep this in mind when we need a new van.

This is how he said MC will handle the buyback. After Oct 1 they will figure out how many of us want to return the car. During the next 2-3 weeks they will call us with about 1 week's notice of a return appointment at the dealer. This should give us time to arrange another car. A district manager will meet you at the dealer and inspect the car. He said it would be just like a standard lease return, normal wear and tear etc. The exception is the mileage. He said they are going to ignore that, stating that we should go out and enjoy the car over the next few weeks. I feel the need of a ski holiday.....is there snow at Sunshine or Lake Louise yet? LOL

The district manager will present you with a MC cheque on the spot for the full amount you have paid incl. Mazda accessories. In the case of a lease your downpayment, taxes fees etc will be paid. Monthly payments will be credited back to your account as if the lease had never happened.

This is a very sad situation because we love this car. I think that the mysterious 1 week delay some of you talked about in Vancouver was to change the ECU program to deal with emissions perhaps. This would explain the missing HP and bad mileage. My personal opinion is that they let this car out of the factory without working out the bugs. While this is quite common with other car companies the difference is that everyone else uses old fashioned PISTON engines. Their bugs are restricted to the car. Mazda on the other hand has introduced a radical new design of sports coupe with a radical new (international design of the year) renesis rotary engine. The potential bugs in this car are increased exponentially. I hope you guys keeping the car buy the super extended warranty!

We have decided on an Infiniti G35 coupe which although more expensive is now cheaper than the RX8 when you factor in fuel costs. It also has a back seat, 280 verifiable HP, 4yr/100k warranty, a block heater, winter wheels and tires and just about every option known to man is standard. I know it's not a true sports coupe but it's the only thing that comes reasonably close to the RX8, plus I just found out the dealer gives you a free Infiniti loaner when you are in for service. That's a nice touch!

Perhaps we could plan another meet in Woodbridge (Sat/Sun preferred) since I was travelling and couldn't make the one a couple of weeks ago. It might be nice for some on us who have had to make this difficult decison to attend a wake. It's been nice to meet you guys on line, I've learned a lot and will continue to monitor the site to see how you all make out. I hope you can make use of the info I have gathered as you try to make your own personal decisions this coming weekend.

WOW, that is probably one of the most informative posts I have read on this forum!

THANKS! Ten thumbs up!

It is possibly they haven't gotten many returns yet, I suspect that most will be arriving just before the dealine. I'll be sending mine out tonight in next day xpresspost.

Thanks for the information about the buyback, that is absolutely fantastic! I was a little worried about how they were going to handle returning my money. I was hoping I wouldn't have to wait long for it!

If I do decide to buy another car it makes it easy for me to take that cheque and pay "cash" for the next car. Keeping my current financing intact and not having to reapply.

Although I'll probably just pay it outright for now.

Nice to know they MIGHT fix this, maybe they will have a fix before I re-buy.

Also thank you for this guy's e-mail I will be contacting him. It seems it would be worth the time. If they have not heard too much about the issues, apparently we aren't complaining enough.

Thanks!

Awesome post Westie!
Thanks for the added info. I mailed my letter on Tuesday.

I think we should try for 1 more meet in the GTA before Winter, and before some of us give the car back.

Just a note of thanks to the members! I have been following the forum since June and purchased a Black GT from Kramer on Aug 8 as it was not spoken for.

Having owned a RX 7 and a Miata I still love the 8 and my 2 kids are not impressed it's going back. I think they love it more than me! I hope I can turn around and buy a Titanium GT in the spring, but only if I am convinced that milage has been improved. The best I ever saw was 420km on a 300km highway trip!

The problem with the G35 is those in the back seat crown themselves on the window. Not a huge consideration but still a consideration. I really hope to get a RX8 again when they get it right.

I understand there have been 22 sold here in Calgary. I have yet to see another on the road.

Thanks for all the info on the board . I checked Canada Post and my letter was received (expresspost) today. Now I wait, and drive.

Happy motoring

For give me if this is somewhat rambling, but I've been working 12-14 hour days for a couple weeks striaght now. :)

Yesterday I was completely undecided.
I dropped by the Mazda dealership, talked to my sales guy (who has now become sales manager) to investigate some options.

Anyway, I made a 500km-ish road trip today for work with the RX-8.
At the end of the trip, I had rediscovered my love for the car. Decision made! Easy!

Dropped in at the dealership (just down the road from my house) to check out a used 323 he'd mentioned for a winter beater.

Anyway, that's when he comes back to me with the details he had to check on for the previous nights scenario.
Here's how it would go down:

I return the RX-8 and get my money back.
I take the portion of the cheque that is for the relatively small car loan I have, and pay that off.
He has a Titanium Grey 2003.5 MazdaSpeed Protege that he will cut me a smokin' deal on. 4-year lease for $500 per month. (I can write of the payments on my taxes, so the lease is a perk)
Then, next spring I take the cash from the portion of the RX-8, and outright by the car I always wanted, a 3rd Gen RX-7 Turbo.. which can and will be my toy/project/race car.
I then have the MazdaSpeed as a fun/good looking/economical/reliable and warrenty having daily driver, with the RX-7 rocket in the garage.
All for $500 per month.

Very temtping. I am once again conflicted...

Titanium Grey 2003.5 MazdaSpeed Protege that he will cut me a smokin' deal on.

You are getting such a great deal because.

1. Its almost winter

2. The new Mazda3 is arriving soon

3. The Mazda3 sport has a 2.3 liter engine that out performs the MSP and comes with some kick ass handling.

4. He can't sell the MSP, like every other dealer out there.

5. He's a car dealer, and wants to sell you one of his vehicles.

Having said all that, the MSP is one sweet ride :D

Oh, I know all the reasons WHY he's cutting me a great deal. Doesn't make it any less of a great deal though. :)

I don't like the Mazda 3 anyway... their cars kept getting better and better looking (2nd Gen Miata to Mazda 6 to RX-8) but it all fell apart with the 3.

Tough call.. and I don't really see how I can lose with either option.

Remember, MC wants the letter in their hot little hands Oct.1...not postmarked ect.

Expresspost took 3 days from Calgary despite written claims.....does this sound familiar...maybe there is a buyback or some extra stamps here!

I sent my letter in yesterday via xpresspost. Guaranteed next day to Toronto. The way I see it is, if it doesn't make it by Oct 1st, Canada Post owes me $45 grand!

Originally posted by Wing
I sent my letter in yesterday via xpresspost. Guaranteed next day to Toronto. The way I see it is, if it doesn't make it by Oct 1st, Canada Post owes me $45 grand!

Good luck collecting that lmao

ARRRGHHH... I don't know what to do.
I want to get this letter sent back today.

That MazdaSpeed is a nice car, and I've always wanted an RX-7 TT, but this RX-8 is just damn sexy....

I need a SIGN. (Looks outside for lighting bolt)

I would like to thank Westie again.

I sent a lengthy e-mail to the contact he provided and I was called today to discuss it with him. He seems very pro-active and concerned about issues with the vehicle.

I expect he will return my call around 2:30 as he is out of the office till then.

I would like to thank Westie again.

I sent a lengthy e-mail to the contact he provided and I was called today to discuss it with him. He seems very pro-active and concerned about issues with the vehicle.

I just spoke to Richard at Mazda. He was very interesting in hearing my experiences and mentioned that my issues are being brought up with upper management and to the district managers to bring up with the dealer.

He also noted that since this car is top priority for mazda any complaint or issues you have are brought up to the upper management. Also that if you bring your car in for ANYTHING, a tech notice is served to Mazda in Japan about the issue. They will compile these and look for ways to resolve them later.

He also explained the buyback very throughly as did Westie, it will take a few weeks to get your money but they will give you the cheque the day you return your vehicle. Also the cheque will be in your Name and the financing institution if there is financing involved.


The other interesting thing to note was that he stated prices of the car will probably rise next year but the next year car will not be different from this years, they will be the SAME car. I would suspect prices will go up with inflation the 2004 350z's are up $500 from last year as well. But a mear increase of $500 should be easy enough to negotiate.

He also confirmed that the cars will be available to only mazda canada employees and that so far they have 6 or 7 to process. And they have received phone calls about people complaining they can't find a car, so they KNOW that there is still interest in this car.

The best part was when he told me he had my file on his desk and that he had a photocopy of my letter because the original was up on an executives desk :)

Okay, i haven't received a letter from MC so I called them and told them that i picked up the car on Aug 26th! My dealer is telling me that I am eligible for the $500 / free maintenance but MC tells me that I'm not on their list of eligible customers! I picked up the car on Aug 26th , which is the last day for having the buyback option! *can someone confirm this for me* MC told me to send them another copy of my contract cause the first one seemed to be shrunk for some reason and they will review it again! I thought as long as I bought the car within the given date I have the option to take the $500 or sell back the car! And I'm running low on time!

Originally posted by Redshift
I need a SIGN. (Looks outside for lighting bolt)

Redshift, keep the car.

Here's why:

1) You couldn't stop yourself from telling people how much you love this car
2) Even the lure of a good deal cannot convince you to get rid of it which means your love goes beyond just dollars and cents for this car.
3) The RX-8 is good enough to be a daily driver...... and there WILL BE another RX-7 TT in the future !!!
4) You haven't sent the letter back because you are looking for a reason to convince you to keep your car. Which only implies one thing: YOU WANT TO KEEP THE CAR cause you know you'll be happier with it !!!

Hope this helps.

oh yea here's the sign........ :D

I thought as long as I bought the car within the given date I have the option to take the $500 or sell back the car! And I'm running low on time!

Hey LiQuiD

Did you buy the car just so you could return it or get the $500.00/maintenance deal?

HI - I posted this in another thread and was directed to this forum...

After talking to Mazda and them representing that I should get the full purchase price back including dealer addons, I sent in my buy-back slip last week along with the bill of sale/contact. I received a message from Mazda Canada today saying they are ready to process the buy back but are unwilling to repurchase / refund the dealer add ons - rust-proof module, leather guard, paint coat etc. Has anyone else run into this issue?

This knocks a big chunk of change of the repurchase. ( I never went wrong with the paint coat before as it has kept the finish on my other vehicles looking fine - the leather guard was a waste of cash and looks even more so now but it was essentially offest but a package discount.)

The rust proof module is removeable but I am not sure about the transferability of the warranty for it.

The rest of these items are on the car - they weren't aftermarket add ons they were part of the original sale albeit with the dealer, not Mazda Canada. This was a package deal but then split up on the bill of sale.

Not such a good deal now. May have to rethink this. Looking at the acknowledgement, I have not declined the offer so I could argue the Maintenance package offer should still stand.

Comments?

Originally posted by radarguy
I have not declined the offer so I could argue the Maintenance package offer should still stand.

Comments?

I would assume that if you said you really wanted to keep the car, they would not force you to return it. If you do want the package you would have to send them something quickly on Monday...

Originally posted by Evolv


Hey LiQuiD

Did you buy the car just so you could return it or get the $500.00/maintenance deal?

no, but my dealer asked if i had received the letter from MC and I told him not yet! When I called MC, they told me I wasn't even on their list of eligible customers! Now I'm just wondering who's lying, if my dealer knew that I was gonna receive a letter, why am i not eligible? and if I'm not even listed in the first place, why did the lady over at MC even bothered to make me fax my VIN and agreement paper!

and i want to sell the car back because it wasn't the car i initially pre-ordered, Blue , Moonroof + Nav! After looking at all the options available, I'd rather go with factory nav!

I preordered my car in February, my dealer or Mazda messed up on the order and as a result orginal car ordered was not coming until September. Dealer gave me another car and included the Nav system for free. I took delivery on Sept 2. After many calls to Mazda and my dealer they agreed to cover the car and I just got my letter yesterday.

After seeing the negative posts re gas mileage I am really thinking twice about keeping the car.

Does anyone know what Mazda will do with the buybacks?

Hey MazdaRX8:

I think if you read through Wing's posts he said that Richard (the executive from Mazda I mentioned in my post) said they were going to be sold off to Mazda employees.

Why did you ask, do you want to buy it back for less money?

About the gas mileage, Richard told me that if it is sucking gas because of the ECU program then they won't have a fix for 8-12 months. Your decision if you want to put up with bad mileage that long. We have decided we won't and that's why we are getting a G35 coupe which is supposed to get double what we have been getting (16L/100km). To put it another way Toronto-Montreal return $150. I can almost fly for that. Good Luck with your decision!

Not sure if the ECU fix is for sure or not, but he said they were looking into it, but if there WAS a fix it would be that long.

Got a '94 subaru impreza today to last the winter. I'll get something else next year.

Now I'm REALLY hoping they get my letter on time! I mailed it Thursday xpresspost, next day but it didn't show up yet?

Originally posted by Wing

Now I'm REALLY hoping they get my letter on time! I mailed it Thursday xpresspost, next day but it didn't show up yet?

Since Mazda Canada knows your intent, and you have proof you mailed it, I would be shocked that they give you a hassle even if they don't receive it until October 2nd.

Hopefully you will have a GT in the spring:p !

Hopefully you kept a photocopy.

You can fax it to them, with a cover page giving your details, to:
416-293-2780
Att: Mr. Richard Panetin

I called Canada post they said it can take 48 business hours for the computer to update... what's the point of tracking then?

I then called Richard and left a voice mail. I wanted to confirm that YES he did receive the letter. If not I'll mail another copy out this aft via fedex or something.

Richard returned my call and confirmed they indeed have my letter and will begin processing it.

Guess I better get my stereo in my subura up to snuf fast!

Originally posted by westie
Hi Guys:

I don't usually say much on the forum, just like to read your witty comments and keep up with the news but our FL friend got me motivated to tell you my experience.
...

I met with the executive that is in charge of the buyback program. He's a nice reasonable guy named Richard Panneton, xxx-xxx-xxxx-xxxx, e-mail: xxx-xxx-xxxx and he sat down with me to hear my reasons for returning the car. On behalf of the forum I gave him an earful.


I talked with Richard today. He DID NOT APPRECIATE his email address being posted!
Apparently he received a flood of messages..
I think " too bad" as frankly the wholepoint is that if we make our feelings clear to Mazda then maybe the message will get through..

Still, it is rude!
:D :eek: :D

Oh well, at least our voices were heard. I sent a lengthly polite e-mail and he returned my call. My case may have been a little different as he already had my file on hand because of my previous issues with the dealer.

He has been more than courteous to me.

I made up my mind. I love this car too much to give it back.

Its a well made car, I really enjoy driving it, and It's cheap on insurance.

The only part that disturbs me is the gas consumption. Buts that still not enough for me to give the car back. I like the fact that not so many people have this vehicle. I see tons of 350z's and S2000's. I rarely see the Rx8’s anywhere.


After extensive research, I felt like the Rx8 won me over the 350Z and the s2000. It gives me what I need in a car. I'm not dissing the 350Z or s2000 at all. I think they're remarkable cars. I feel that the 8 stands out of the crowd of them (at least for me).

I work hard, and I want my daily commute to be one I enjoy every time I drive or leave work. I think I deserve a great looking car with all the toys, and I got it with my 8. Doesn't hurt that I might get a Mazda speed package for really cheap :) .

To all those returning your 8's.... good luck. I hope you find a car that will bring you the enjoyment the Rx8 brings for me. Don't be a stranger to this forum...


Pete

I am struggling with my decision. I am really worried about MPG, however, worst case I figure it will cost me an extra $70 per month. Not cheap certainly but not a deal breaker.
My biggest problem is a deal I made on a second RX. I got a discount price on the second because I sold them my RX7 at a $1000 discount to get the RX8 discounted.
Will Mazda refund my deposit and the difference of the discount from my trade?
Any help will be appreciated.

Just phoned MC to make sure they have receive my letter, contract etc.... Arrrgg.... :mad: not yet!!! I sent it last thursday using Canada Post XPressPost.... great service!!!

Now, Stephanie is suppose to fax me a new form, I'll sign it and send once again the papers.


Btw, Stephanie told me that so far they received 30 letters for the buyback...

Btw, Stephanie told me that so far they received 30 letters for the buyback...

Just for clarification. are these 30 buyback letters independant of the people taking the $500/maintenance ?

Richard called me today and he's faxing me the letter ! w00t?

You guys were right, he's a very nice fellow! Wow, one day to decide if I should keep the car or not! Tough

Originally posted by LiQuiDLaM
Richard called me today and he's faxing me the letter ! w00t?

You guys were right, he's a very nice fellow! Wow, one day to decide if I should keep the car or not! Tough


Write down the things u like and dislike about the car then keep the 5 things u like most about the car and 5 things u dislike the most.

Then from those 10 items place the most important factor at the top and least important at the bottom. Then place a 10 next to item 1, if its a dislike thing, make it a -10 or a +10 if it's positive. Add a 9 to item number 2, same +/- idea......

then add it all up... if you have a + total, maybe u should keep it

it might not help, but could be a good way to rethink your decission

show us the list when you are done

Well, I've got my letter signed, and just about ready to put on the fax machine.

Now I just need to get my pen to actually check one of these boxes...

Originally posted by Redshift
Well, I've got my letter signed, and just about ready to put on the fax machine.

Now I just need to get my pen to actually check one of these boxes...

Since you're torturing yourself, just close your eyes and go for it.

Eyes closed... tossed paper onto desk... stabbed at it with pen.
Didn't hit either box, but the dot is closer to the "keep it" box.
I'm going to the fax machine now. :)

good choice

Now THAT is a decision!

Hehe... can't say I'm not a decision maker. :)

BTW, did anybody else notice that the envelope they give you is too small to fit the form into?
I wonder if they just didn't want anybody to respond.

LOL, ask canzoomer if he noticed LOL!

Originally posted by Redshift
Hehe... can't say I'm not a decision maker. :)

BTW, did anybody else notice that the envelope they give you is too small to fit the form into?
I wonder if they just didn't want anybody to respond.

I noticed that too. I folded my multiple times and mailed it back in that envelope. Let them deal with the mess when they open it up :)

Originally posted by Wing
LOL, ask canzoomer if he noticed LOL!

Now girls... play nice! ;)

I guess you got your sign, Redshift. Juan didn't drop a tree on your 8, so you must be supposed to keep it.

And yeah, I was kind of waiting for a recall on the envelopes....

Well, I figured the sign was Juan shutting down the city so that I couldn't mail out my letter yesterday, when I was planning to say they can take it back. :)

Gave me one more day to think about it.

About the 30 letters they received so far... it's for the buy back.

About my letter, they finally received it; I spoke with Mr Panneton (or Panetin); as many of you said, he's a really nice guy.

I explained why I was returning the car (18-19L/100km) and said that he heard about the problem and notify Mazda Japan; he drove an Rx-8 and said that the "higher the speed needle goes... the lower the gas one goes!;)

Many of us said we were desappointed of MC... last night there was an autoshow on TV here in Quebec and they compared the way Mazda handle the situation versus Hyundai... they praise Mazda's way to do it!

Honestly, with a guy like Mr Panneton and the alternatives that Mazda offered us I must admit that I've been pretty well treated by Mazda Canada.

So, in my mind it's clear... I'll get a new Rx-8 model 2005... unless awful problems are find in the meantime on the car or a new 2005 car comes along an top the 8 excitement, look and fun :D

Ok, got to work a bit because at 5pm I'm gone a sign my contract for my new car.... my winter beater (and maybe next summer beater)... a Saturn SL1 2000... boy am I excited;)

I'll hang around the forum for sure...

See ya guys!

Originally posted by Evolv

show us the list when you are done

Didn't bother making the list, i knew i'd want to keep the car no matter what! Ultimately, i had to discuss it with my folks and the verdict has been reached! Told me to sell it back because we can really use the money elsewhere! So not really my call, i didn't do jack to earn something this good! Maybe if i get straight A's this term, but I'll probably still have to wait til next year. I'm working for some internet company right now but it's gonna take MANY years before i can afford my own RX-8!:( *sigh*

Keech Man, we gotta hook up for realz this weekend, i was thinking saturday but we'll see!

does MC must have the reply letter on oct 1? so the letter would be process?
i send my letter last week just thru their replying envelope with prepay post mark...
(i live in van)
so i should be alright right?

well, i read that MC want their letters by Oct 1st but i think you'll be fine! They let me fax the letter instead of thru air-mail! :)


call Customer Relations from their mazda.ca site if you got doubts!

From the looks of things, this thread will be vacant soon.

I'd like to say to all you have been, or maybe one day again RX-8 owners, thanks for your input in this forum.

I hope all of you stick around and throw in your 2 cents worth from time to time.

For those of you that kept your 8, enjoy the $500/free maintenance and the best sports car/sedan this side of anywhere

catch ya's all later and see ya at the 1st annual 8 meet. (whenever that happens)

As mentioned earlier, I sent in the latter asking for the buyback.
Then I started to explore the cars systems and decided i think we can "fix" it. I then decided to tell Mazda Canada I want to keep it after all.

So, I taked with Richard and told him I wanted to change my mind back to keeping the car. He was pleased and asked me to fax a letter to him to state this.

After about half a dozen tries I could not get a fax throught to them. It showed as received, but was not readable on their end. Either blank or black.
He even went and checked their fax right after I sent to them, and found a blank page.

So, he emailed me this morning:
"Good day Mr Hilarius,

I will look for Weber's order later today. I do no understand what's going on with our fax machine. I checked it again and still no fax. The program administrator has informed me that we can accept an email to confirm you desire to change options."

Cool guy.

YOUR KEEPING IT? OMG!:eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm :confused: I thought SOMETHING was UP when you kept posting information from your shop manual.

But yet the fax machine doesn't work... isn't that odd? :D

Hi all:

I was travelling for a few days and didn't have a chance to access the forum. I was surprised and dismayed to read canzoomer's comments about me posting the name of the MC executive in charge of the buyback on this forum.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by westie
Hi Guys:

I don't usually say much on the forum, just like to read your witty comments and keep up with the news but our FL friend got me motivated to tell you my experience.
...

I met with the executive that is in charge of the buyback program. He's a nice reasonable guy named Richard Panneton, xxx-xxx-xxxx-xxxx, e-mail: xxx-xxx-xxxx and he sat down with me to hear my reasons for returning the car. On behalf of the forum I gave him an earful.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canzoomer


I talked with Richard today. He DID NOT APPRECIATE his email address being posted!
Apparently he received a flood of messages..
I think " too bad" as frankly the wholepoint is that if we make our feelings clear to Mazda then maybe the message will get through..

Still, it is rude!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just want to clarify why I posted this information.

Like all of you I was getting frustrated dealing with Mazda Canada Head Office (MC) about this issue. I was fed up having to wait on hold for someone on the MC 1-800 number only to realize that I knew more about the car and the buyback program than they did. My dealer obviously was no help because he knew even less. The reason I knew more is because of fellow RX8 owners like you on the forum. In fact I have gotten to know more about this car in a short time than anything else I have ever owned!

Because I live within an hour's drive of MC I decided to deliver my letter by hand. They were happy to take it but for some reason could not give me a receipt or acknowledgment since no one had hand delivered the letter before. Since this was a $42,000 letter I said I would wait until they could send someone out to acknowledge receipt. That is how I met Richard Panneton (correct spelling from his business card). Like I said previously, he seemed like a nice and reasonable guy but didn't seem to know very many of our concerns about the car. I told him about the forum and of our discussions. I told him I was returning the car solely due to the bad MPG. He thanked me for my input, told me how the buyback program would work and gave me his business card saying that if I had any questions feel free to contact him. Well, I knew that a lot of people on the forum had questions! The lesson to learn here is that if you don't demand good customer service from the people in charge you will never get it, and the executives will never realize why they have lost a customer (and their friends and family) perhaps for life.

Now Canzoomer, I don't know how you do business in Alberta but when a guy gives you his business card and says that, my feeling is that the info is now in the public domain and I can share it with acquaintances, ie. forum members. I probably should have phoned and asked his permission but I honestly didn't think of it when I posted the info late that night. My allegiance is to forum members like you, not MC. It's not like we are a large group. MC sent out 500 letters and not all of those people read the forum. His idea of being flooded with e-mails and mine are probably quite different.

And while I'm on the e-mail subject, Richard is not some techie R&D guy working in a back office not able to deal with the public, his card says he is a Specialist, Customer Relations. If HE doesn't want to be contacted by RX8 CUSTOMERS then who at MC does? It's his job to handle the buyback program and that means being available to RX8 owners. If he's having a problem with e-mail volume it will be short-term ie. Oct 1-15, and aren't these just the RX8 customers he is going to talk to anyway?

I have enjoyed reading your e-mails on the tech thread Canzoomer and realize you know more about cars and electronics than I could ever want to know. I bought this car for it's smart innovative look, space utilization and handling. The rotary was a bonus. Now it has become a liability, so it's going back. Not to mention that in these times, for me personally, it is environmentally irresponsible to put up with incredibly severe gas consumption for so little practicality in return. I realize that you are keeping the RX8 because it has become a project, you want to fix the HP & mileage etc, and that's great. Like you we ordered the car without test driving one. MC has and still is publishing reasonable Transport Canada fuel consumption numbers for the car. That was factored into my buying decison. We are getting exactly half those numbers. All we originally wanted was to buy and drive (not fix) a great, affordable, 4 seater sports car that at least used less gas than the Suburban. It has failed that one major test.

I believe that all of us here, including you I noticed, have benefitted from me sharing his e-mail and the info I discovered when I met Richard. If you other forum members agree then post it and let me know. If you agree Canzoomer, I would appreciate a retraction of your previous post that it was somehow rude to post the e-mail of the man at MC that has the power to help resolve all forum member's concerns.

Thanks, Westie

I for one appreciated the info Westie, and don' think it was rude to post it.

The point is, if we had called Mazda and asked to speak to someone regarding the return program, Mr. Panneton is probably who we would have been directed to anyway.

Don't worry.

Originally posted by Wing
YOUR KEEPING IT? OMG!:eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm :confused: I thought SOMETHING was UP when you kept posting information from your shop manual.

But yet the fax machine doesn't work... isn't that odd? :D

I tried a different fax and it worked.
Seems my normal office fax and theirs have "issues"

Anyway, >yes< i changed my request to keep it.

As mentioned elsewhere I have been working on a project to "fix" the power and gas mileage issues.

You can be the first to hear the early results:
At this point we have remapped the fuel injection system.

The preliminary results:
Producing Canada and 48 US States legal emmission levels:
A gain of 24.5WHP at 8,000rpm
A gain of 11.3ft/lbs of torque at 5,750rpm

This is preliminary and we expect to make further improvements.
As it stands we are not at all close to a knocking situation on Canadian 91 Octane Shell premium gasoline.
Once we do some ignition timing mapping i hope to see another 10 to 15HP gain.

We will be doing a fuel economy highway run this evening.

We anticipate to publish final results in about a week.
At that time we will be making a product announcement.

Thanks!

Westie:

You misunderstood me.
I passed on Richards comment that he was not happy about receiving a flood of email

I agree with you. It is his job, so "tough luck!"

I do want to assay that posting anyones email address in a public forum is nomally bad etiquette.

In this case, however, I feel it was justified..

So, no hard feelings, OK?

BTW, Richard has done a lot of hard work for us, so he is, at least in my books, "one of the good guys"..

Originally posted by canzoomer

BTW, Richard has done a lot of hard work for us, so he is, at least in my books, "one of the good guys"..

Yes indeed, none helped me out with the buyback! Not the dealer, not the customers relations lady and guy! But Richard called and took care of everything for me! I feel like sending him a Thanksgiving card for his efforts! :D

_________

'All we originally wanted was to buy and drive (not fix) a great, affordable, 4 seater sports car that at least used less gas than the Suburban.'
____________

You too?!! I have a 98 3/4 ton Suburban with a 454 cubic inch engine. I sure was hoping the RX-8 would get better gas milage than this 3200 Kg behemoth. I mean it weighs 2.5 times more than the 8 and has less than 30% more hp. The two guzzle gas at about the same rate. At least they both sit in the garage utill I want some fun - I commute with my 15 year old Mx6. (The Suburban has 2-3x the range before fill up though. I can't imagine the RX-8 lugging around a 160 litre gas tank.)

Anyway, In speaking with Richard of MCI, I could not convince them to buy the RX-8 at the price I drove it off the lot for. So I ended up faxing in a revised response and switched to accepting the maintenance and $500. At least that will pay for some of the extra gas.

Down side - I keep the RX-8. Gas, rattles, oil light, and all including a spare tire that fills the trunk, blocks the trunk light and passenger compartment access to the trunk.

Upside - I keep the RX-8!!!


p.s.
Rumour from my dealer - RX7 to be out in 2 years, same chassis as RX-8 but shorter wheel base. Available in coupe and convertable. No comment on power differences. He is attending a regional dealer's meeting in Quebec this week or next and is expecting some anouncements. Again all rumour.

Originally posted by radarguy
_________



Down side - I keep the RX-8. Gas, rattles, oil light, and all including a spare tire that fills the trunk, blocks the trunk light and passenger compartment access to the trunk.

Upside - I keep the RX-8!!!


.

Mine doesn't rattle, and the oil light never comes on. I check the level after every two fill ups.

you should get the rattle noise checked

Hi Guys:

I'm leaving for another short trip so I have to be brief. Thanks for the retraction and clarification canzoomer. No hard feelings, good luck with your projects, I 'll keep watching to see how good you can get the MPG.

Westie

I just finished a long discussion with a Mazda customer rep.
They finally agreed....at least I believe they did that they will provide me with a buyback opportunity. At least they told me they would contact me tomorrow.
I purchased my car on August 23rd. I did not sign a waiver and was not aware of any HP issues at that time.

I have more than HP concerns with this vehicle. I filled up for the second time in 245 miles. The case mileage seems to be sighly better than a 6000lb hummer.

I am so sorry I sold my RX7. It got 21 MPG and ran like he...
I was asked by the Mazda rep what I would have considered reasonable MPG. I told him something close to EPA estimates would be satisfactory. 14-15 MPG with 80%highway miles is simply not acceptable.

Thanks for listening. This board has been a godsend of information.

Enough suspense! What happened?

I am returning the RX8. While I love the car, I cannot tolerate the gas mileage it is averaging 16 and I am driving the car like an old lady.

I know this sounds a bit odd coming from *ME* , but:
I suggest you hang on a bit.

Based on what we have done so far it is fairly easy to get the power back to at least original levels. As we are doing tis mainly with leaning out fuel air mixture it will definitely produce some improvements in the mileage.

Also, the one thing that came to my mind when I changed my own request from a buyback to keeping it is the fact that any other car I liked was more money. If I can get 250+HP, better mileage, and for a reasonably small amount of money, then it is a bargain.
I figure that the $500 and the service savings will more than cover the costs of the ECU mods.

for the ECU mods you refer to..............I have clients well versed in this field.....I am not............would this be the same as repplacing a chip for a VW?.............I know you are doing a re-mapping test on the ECU.........but wha are the implications and costs to the car?..........sorry.......I know a broad question......but wondering if this ECU mod will come out in the near future from the aftermarket?.......I think the car is great as is, but no doubt it would be better with another 20+hp

for the ECU mods you refer to..............I have clients well versed in this field.....I am not............would this be the same as replacing a chip for a VW?.............I know you are doing a re-mapping test on the ECU.........but what are the implications and costs to the car?..........sorry.......I know a broad question......but wondering if this ECU mod will come out in the near future from the aftermarket?.......I think the car is great as is, but no doubt it would be better with another 20+hp

Originally posted by Broker73
for the ECU mods you refer to..............I have clients well versed in this field.....I am not............would this be the same as repplacing a chip for a VW?.............I know you are doing a re-mapping test on the ECU.........but wha are the implications and costs to the car?..........sorry.......I know a broad question......but wondering if this ECU mod will come out in the near future from the aftermarket?.......I think the car is great as is, but no doubt it would be better with another 20+hp
No. What we are doing is leaving the original ECU in place. Frankly it is too damned hard to reprogram it or replace the chip.

What we are doing is putting a connector block between the ECU and the harness. From that we are bypassing the fuel management and ignition management signals.
We are using our own fuel controller and ignition controller.

All the rest of the ECU functions are untouched.
We can get 25HP+ very easily with ONLY the fuel map.
With the ignition there is another 10HP to be had.

All of this with quite mild tuning settings.
You will still be able to run midgrade gas, just not lower, like 87 octane.

As far as costs:
NOT emissions legal in 3 US states.
Possibly shorter catalytic converter life.
$750 US for the fuel controler, our fuel map and harness.
$1000 US with the ignition controller
$1500 US for the same plus an Apexi computer with 3 maps: stock, tuned, and one for use with a blower.

Yes, the next step will be a small supercharger kit.
That will cost around $2500

SWEEEEET

Looks like everything will be ready for when I take delivery of my 8 in the spring of 2004.

got a love a rotary

Well Canzoomer my hat goes off to you man. You ran your mouth quite a bit but you have put up with it and if i read you correctly you are keeping your car??

Now correct me if i'm wrong but the changes you talk about will cost 3200.00$ US ? that 5000 loonies , quite a big check... you have any idea how much improvement on the gaz mileage you will get from this?

Originally posted by f1michel
Well Canzoomer my hat goes off to you man. You ran your mouth quite a bit but you have put up with it and if i read you correctly you are keeping your car??

Now correct me if i'm wrong but the changes you talk about will cost 3200.00$ US ? that 5000 loonies , quite a big check... you have any idea how much improvement on the gaz mileage you will get from this?

Thanks for the "left handed" compliment.

Here is the correction ( in US Dollars):

$750 for ONLY the fuel controller, with harness, install kit, fuel maps.

$1,000 US for this PLUS the ignition controller.

$1,500 for this mapped on a more advanced fuel/ignition controller computer ( in-car, dashmount style) with multi-map capability, preloaded with stock and tuned fuel/air and ignition maps.
The tuned maps will include stock, tuned for NA and tuned for supercharger.

So, IF one bought the advance map devices AND a supercharger you could end up as high as around $4,000

These figures are preliminary and may change.
At this point we know our costs for the fuel mapper and related, and i am estimating for the ignition, computer and supercharger.

I have mainly said a lot of the figures to guage interest among the readers.

I had to do so before going too much further.

For most the fuel ampping will be the best solution, as it returns the car to slightly better than the original power output of the JSpec model.
The ignition mapping adds "icing to the cake" with another 10-12 hp.
At a certain point if using both it may be necessary to install exhaust components. There is a distinct possibility that with both fuel and ignition the exhaust temperatures may be too high for the stock catalytic converters to survive.
The alternatives then would be using larger high performance cats, such as the Vibrant Tech units, or running with no cat.

I want to make it absolutely clear that if one does all this and using a supercharger there is likely no way on earth to keep it emissions legal, and would be sold for "Use in competition and track applications - not for road use"

This is now all clear i hope!

Thanks, it's clear as crystal... could all that be available in esatern Canada (Mtl) ?

It can be shipped to anywhere, pretty well.
We have accounts with Fedex, DHL, Purolator, Andlauer, Canadian Freightways, Dynamex..

We can accept payment in various currencies, VISA, MAstercard, and so on.