Rotary mechanics in BC Interior/Okanagan
 

Hi Everyone!

I'm thinking about buying an 8, but with some of the inherent quirks of the Renesis, I'm a little concerned about having access to a knowledgeable rotary mechanic. I'm assuming that the Mazda dealer here in Kelowna has someone on staff with rotary experience, but as they're the only Mazda dealer in the Okanagan, it doesn't really leave me with much of a choice.

So, what I'm wondering is, do any of you have experience dealing with Kelowna Motors? Are they up to the task of looking after these sweet little beasts properly? Are there any other rotary mechanics/specialists that you've dealt with in the Interior?

I have no problems with the idea of doing oil changes and basic maintenance myself, but I want to know that I have someone good available for any of the big stuff.

Thanks for any info you can provide to help with my descision making!

Hi, I'm up the road in Kamloops. I don't know about the Kelowna dealership, but the one in Kamloops is great. I have a great deal of trust for these guys. I have had an RX7, and MX6 and now an 8 that I bought there and take there for service.

They are honest, they have tried to take me through smaller problems over the phone rather than just tow it down (flooding in the winter in the RX7) and they price their oil changes services competitively against the local quick lube market.

Good luck in your search.
Cheers

Thanks a bunch for that. It's good to know that there's good service to be had in Kamloops, just in case things don't work with the guys here in Kelowna.

I'm still having a hard time choosing which car I want to buy though. I've heard lots of people say that they've had little to no trouble with their 8, but at least as many people say that they've had nothing but problems. I'm debating between the 8, the 350Z (I know, every wank has one), the WRX (ugly, but quick & fun) and possibly the 99-02 911 (I mean, come on... it's a Porsche!). *sigh*

Making decisions is hard sometimes! :D

Hi...I am on my second 8, and have had them both (plus my MX5) serviced at Kelowna Motors. Only problem I ever had was flooding the engine, they fixed it and told me how to avoid it happening again. I would not hesitate to recommend Kelowna Motors. They have experience with aftermarket too, they did the install of a Flyin' Miata 'Big Enchilada' kit on a friends Mazdaspeed Miata. If you decide to deal with them pm me and I will refer you.

Every Mazda dealership has to be able to perform the repair and warranty work on the cars that the manufacturer sells. I understand it's an all-or-nothing arrangement - the service department has to be able to service all the vehicles in the current line-up to maintain the franchise name. It's probably not an issue in regards to regular service or maintenance work, but being able to troubleshoot unusual problems.

Re : Rotary technician.
 

Hi,
I live in Kelowna, I just bought my RX8 from Kelowna Motors three weeks ago. I have no concerns about the service department being able to perform work ( if needed ) on my car, if they sell rotary engine vehicles they have to be able to service and repair them.
If you are planning on buying a used 8 I would suggest looking at the extended warranty. The 8 I bought from Kelowna Motors was a 2006 GT model with the luxury package, it had 26000 km. on the odometer, it's automatic and I just love the paddle shifters.
The price was fair and they were easy to deal with, the extended warranty I bought covers the car for 60000 km. / 3 years and it's bumper to bumper with a $50.00 deductibile and the cost was @ 2 grand. money well spent for the peace of mind ( in my opinion ). By the way the 60000 km. warranty is from the time I purchased the car not from when it was new.
If you need any further info. let me know.
buteman.

Larry the Service manager at KMM is a great guy to deal with. You'll quickly realize who to deal with and who not to there.

My GF and I are younger than most, and they speak to us in the very condescending way. Maybe i've only been there when they are having bad days, but very few times her and I have left happy. Maybe if I was in my 50's they'd treat us a little better.

Keep a look out for us.

Attachment 259003

Forcefed Performance
Langley, B.C.
Marko Stilinovic
http://forcefedracing.ca/

RX-7 Specialties
3813 17th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T3E 0C3
phone: 1-403-246-6980
email: espritauto@nucleas.com
website: www.rotaryengine.com

Hello My names Ryan Upsdell from ForceFedRacing (kelowna)thought would say hello.
Haven't had much luck with Kelowna Mazda they seem to be green when it comes to the rotary game .Kelowna is now very lucky to have a ForceFed in town.We are very comfortable with all rotary and have now problem working on them from mild to wild.
Check out our facebook page or our website
ForceFedRacing | Mazda Turbo
https://m.facebook.com/ForceFedRacingKelowna?refid=60

kamloops help with RX-8
 

I am looking for someone who lives in kamloops that wouldn't mind taking a look at my 2004 RX-8 I got and see if its mechanically good as I am not to sure how to tell or even feel confident about what is normal for these motors. PM me if you can help me out, I just don't have the cash to take it to honda and pay the high prices they charge. I have a few issues with when I am over 5000rpm it usually grinds going into 4 5 and 6 and when its fully warmed up I get a vibrating motor and worse with AC on. Hope to hear from someone soon.:rock:

if you really want a good investment and willing to take a day trip to kelowna, ryan at forcefed has done wonders. i believe he did a 13b swap into a miata so he knows his stuff. buddies done work there, one to add exhaust parts and the other doing porting work. he should be your guy if youre willing to drive down

Contact Greg at Staff's Auto, recently a RX-8 build was completed there few months ago.

RX-8 Rebuild | SA Motorsports

I'm way late but this might help others, Dieters automotive in Vernon, he's an old guy works on most imports BMW Lexus and such but he worked at Mazda for 20 something years when the first gen rx7 came out. I've brought him a couple rotarys and ive never been disappointed, only problem is he's older and I think is starting to take more time off