Hello all. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on Mazda Service Departments in the San Jose area. I read a lot on this board about dealerships that don't know their stuff when it comes to the 8. I would like some real stories about your positive experiences with any service departments in the area. Thanks in advance.

I can't speak regarding technical competence. But Marina Mazda in Capitola charges $25 for an oil/filter change. The place in San Mateo offers a "discount" $30 coupon for the same service.
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Oak Tree Mazda in San Jose would be my recommendation. I used to take my RX-7 there, and took my RX-8 there for its first oil change.

I bought my car from Marina, and they did my engine replacement. No problems technically, but they f*kked up completely when they washed my car (and removed 12 coats of Zaino) even after I spent 10 minutes clearly explaining to the service manager that they must not wash the car.

What, they washed your car with dishwashing soap? How do you know it stripped all the Zaino?
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Originally posted by PUR NRG
What, they washed your car with dishwashing soap? How do you know it stripped all the Zaino?

The soap they used contained: Fatty Acid Diethanolamide, Lauramide Dea, N-Coco-B-Amino proprionic acid, Butyl Cellosolve, Ethoxylated Nonylphenol

Zaino's soap does not contain acids for a reason.

I know that the finish was damaged because water no longer beads and the shine has no depth. Essentially the finish looks like it did when I first stripped and claybarred the car.

Regardless, Marina failed to comply with my simple request, even after I spent several minutes explaining why and when the work order had "DO NOT WASH" written in large letters.

Originally posted by norcalrx8
Hello all. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on Mazda Service Departments in the San Jose area. I read a lot on this board about dealerships that don't know their stuff when it comes to the 8. I would like some real stories about your positive experiences with any service departments in the area. Thanks in advance.

I take my Mazda to Almaden Mazda/Kia Services and have been doing so for about 5-6 years. They get the job done and I feel better about taking my car to a Mazda dealership, but I must admit the downside is the expense. I own a Mazda 626 and the service just to maintain the car (regular tuneups and recommended services) cost a lot. A regular tune up will cost you $200-$400 depending on major or minor, and that cost does not include the OTHER recommended services (e.g. Transmission flush etc).

Sunnyvale Mazda and specify that you want Ivan to work on your car.