Have any of you had problems with the Mazda of Clear Lake service?

When I bought my 8, there were two scratches on the front bumper. They agreed to fix it up and make it look like new. They had a 3rd party guy come in and he did a fantastic job ... but he only did the top scratch. When I took it back in to get the rest of it done, they only used touch-up paint and told me they weren't authorized to do it like they did the first job. I still need to talk to the dealer who is yanking me around (he's on vacation right now), but this is really starting to piss me off.

There was another issue with the license plate "bolt-holding clips", but I'm hoping that's fixed for good now. They broke the plastic clips that hold the nuts for the bolts that hold the license plate on (sorry for the run-on sentences). The first time I took it back in, they took the bumper off and just attached the plate with a bolt and nut; no clip to hold the nut on. So when I took one of the bolts out to put a license plate frame on, the nut fell down into the bumper. I just got my car back and they assure me it's fixed, but after a road trip this weekend, I'm going to test their work and try to put on a frame.

These were all things done by the dealer and shouldn't even have to be charged to warranty. On top of that, they keep doing half-assed jobs. It's really wearing on me and I'm wondering if I'm alone on this.

Nope, you are not alone. They messed up my etching on my driver side window. For a whole month they said that they would either fix it or refund some of my money. He finally gave me the option to replace the window, but I told him I didn't want that because I'll probably end up with more problems when they tear up my door. Then he said, "Well, the best I can do is get your car serviced for free the next time you come here." I had some more words with him, but then left. I had other business to attend to.

My etching was smeared a little, so it is not that noticeable. However, since I know it is there, it bothers me.

I say we go up there and hassle them until they give us what we paid for.

Well, the license plate bolt clips seem to work. I put on a frame last night and the nuts stayed in place. When I was at the dealer this morning, I walked over to another blue 8 up on racks and noticed that one of the nut clips was missing on it as well. Recurring problem? Seems so ....

I had a talk with one of the managers today and he agreed to have me in this Thursday to finish the paint job correctly. I also asked about the etching (which they never did) and they did it today. It all looks okay, except for half of a character missing on the front windshield etching. You can still tell it's a "5", though, so I think I'll live with it. On top of getting the etching done, he had them detail it. So it seems they're finally getting their act together.

On a side note, I asked the manager about the Uniseal warranty. I'm not sure if it was him or the first guy I dealt with (young guy just getting into car sales), but I know one of them told me the warranty covered rock chips. I made it a point to ask "are you sure it covers rock chips?" Now the manager is swearing he never would have said that. So I'm not sure what to think of that deal. Granted, the warranty still covers oxidation/fading of the paint and interior, as well as cracks in the leather. At the time, though, I was sold on the warranty because I was told it covered rock chips. I guess I should have been more careful and asked for the paperwork/warranty details up front so I had them in writing.

Hey -- I just registered and I saw this for the new posts -- I'm from Houston and I just test drove an RX-8 -- Love the shit out of it -- I had an '88 GXL and I sold it for a 4 seater -- But I want a rotory again --- good to see H-town in the house....

Eradicator,

I think I saw you once on NASA Rd. If you are worried about rock chips, I would definitely invest in a clear braw. I got mine on a week after I bought my car, and I love it. My bumper looks great.

I got it done at a place on Westheimer. If you are interested, I can give you their contact info. They did a damn good job.

OK which one of you was it last night in the blue RX-8 by Walmart at I-45 and El Dorado? You were letting the woman drive!

LOL!!! Yep it was coming out of the Kohl's parking lot with a spoiler on it. Your er... uh...her car has been spotted!

c$v RX8 mentioned the clear braw place off Westheimer. I'd like to know more. I'm buying my RX8 this weekend if all falls into place and I've heard you want to get those braws on within the first couple hundred miles or so. Also, did you have them coat the back of the side-mirrors?

Any other forum-members have recommendations for clear-braw people or ding/scratch fix people (Thinking ahead)....