sdxicana

Hello, my 2006 RX8 (automatic) has been having issues lately. In December it had the engine replaced due to the low compression problem by Mazda (my car had 81K miles on it). When I got it back I started having this issue where after going a certain speed, if I get to a very quick hard stop the car will just shut off on me. Mazda couldn't really figure out the issue and based on a call they put into the Mazda tech line they basically "guessed" it was the throttlebody that needed to be replaced. I then took it to a rotary specialist here in San Diego and he indicated that he found a code on the transmission, however he's not a transmission guy so he suggested I take it to Aamco for a better evaluation, but he thought that perhaps I would need a tranny rebuild or replacement. After taking it to Aamco they determined that I would need to have my transmission rebuilt, that they need to take it apart, replace all the soft part and at that point inspect the torque converter to see if it needs replacing and also the valve. They quoted me a starting price of close to $1,500 including labor and soft parts, and if they torque converter needs to be replace it would be about an additional $300 and if it's the valve, I can't quite get a quote on that just yet they said.

So my question is, does this sound like a fair price? I'm honestly not sure, and I'm just wanting to make sure I"m not being taken on the cost. Should I get a second opinion (although I alrady paid them $40 just for the evaluation). And if so, who else could I take it to in San Diego that does transmission work on RX8s?

Digger1911

Yes, you should get a second opinion. I'm not really a fan of Aamco.

The tech at Mazda of Escondido has treated me well, might be worth a call
to Andrew in the service department.

sdxicana

The only problem is that I don't want to pay Mazda dealership prices. I've been dealing extensively with Wescott Mazda in National City for a few months and I'm done with dealerships, I'm looking primarily for a non-dealership shop at this point. Mazda of Escondido is actually where I originally bought my car 6 years ago and my husband used to work there a few years back as a lube tech himself, and I don't dis-trust that shop necessarily, but I just can't afford their cost anymore.

Digger1911

I understand not wanting to go to a dealership, What I was suggesting was just giving them a call and discussing your problem with them and see if they could shine any light on what is going on with your 8. A call is free.

The torque converter should be replaced when the trans is rebuilt.

jrx13

Is it possible you could get the codes and post the code numbers here?