hagar852

Ok here we go.....

I have had my car for 2 years now and once I heard of this problem I thought to myself hmmm I hope my car is alright. Did a little test myself with the a/c on and driving it for a while and checking the idle and the such. Didn't seem to have any problems. Then a couple of weeks later my car started to idle horribly like 500 rpms.


Took it in and the performed the recall.. Failed all tests... So first I got a new CAT, ingition coils, plugs, and a reflash. All was fine for about 24 hours. And the car was no different before I braught it in. So retested again and failed again and new engine. I would only have the problem after driving for a long period of time.

I commute to work every day for about an hour each way. And it was noticeable after driving that length of time. After driving for only 20min the usual symptoms weren't there.

Most of that drive is highway and I drive roughly 70-75 the whole way. The car is running about 3700-4000 rpms the whole way. I wouldn't redline my car all the time but every once in a while I would get on it... Just no wide open throttle.

I always changed the oil every 3,000 miles and often checked my oil levels.


I always let my car idle before I drove it like the manual states, and every other thing you are supposed to do.

Followed the break in procedure to the T, I did everything I was supposed to do to take care of the car. And here I am getting a new engine... heh

I am willing to bet you drove my car harder than I drove mine which I have gathered so far is a good thing for the engine.

How many miles do you have on yours?

Have you had any power loss while slamming on the gas? Usually you feel it in first gear.. I felt it today actually.


Well now my car is sitting at the shop awaiting the new engine. As far as I know I might be one of the first in New England to have an engine replaced. I am not sure about that but I have tried to find out if my car might be.

Cause like you once I heard the warm climate thing it was a little nervous about the whole thing. And once I found out about my car needing a new engine, I know that the warm climate excuse is not the reason for this problem.

I was just there today.. You can mention to them that you know the guy with the Blue 8 getting a new engine.

If your car isn't having trouble idling or losing power then you are probably ok.

Later man

M23RX8

I live in NJ and thanks for the tip.

The engine bay work they did must have been replacing the ABS pump (its the only thing that comes up when running the VIN for service history). And once again, they did not ship the engine cover because I would have had it today if they did. Starting to really get mad now...BTW, thats a good idea about noting the cap/filter position.

So its going in Friday for the recall to Schwartz Mazda in Shrewsbury, NJ. We'll see how that goes. Only has 780 miles as of tonight. For the most part, runs like a champ. Idle does fall a bit at times, brakes squeak (dont care), 2nd gear is notchy, all things Ill be mentioning.

HVACMD

[QUOTE=Clavius] Thats b.s. from what Kev told me she was a Rotary Head and always gave excelent service. Maybe she was to nice and hence not in line with where they wanted to "take the business" a real shame for Werner since again Kev always raved about 'em now thats one dealer offa my list
QUOTE]

I bought my 8 at werner. I would never consider going back to them for anything. The whole purchase process was unlike any I had ever gone through. And I buy a personal vehicle or company vehicle at least every other year. So, it's not like I'm green. Funny how the interest rate during the walk from the salesman's desk to the F&I guy's desk went up dramatically. Um...I don't think so. And the sales manager was a jerk.

I didn't even get sent the questionaire from Mazda they promised me. Maybe they were afraid of what I'd put on there.


Did I say I will never, ever go back?

mlaird

I shopped at Werner and couldn't believe the bad treatment I got from their sales staff. The contrast between them (terrible!) and Johnny K. at Tulley Mazda in Nashua (great!) couldn't have been more obvious. So if you're looking to buy a Mazda, I'd strongly warn you to avoid Werner Mazda. Go to Tulley Mazda in Nashua and ask for Johnny K. -- he'll treat you like an intelligent person who might like to buy a car.

Switching gears (so to speak) to the service department, if Apryl is no longer at Werner Mazda, then I don't know that I would want to go there after the bad experience I had in their sales department. So has anyone had experience with Tulley's service department? They're closer to me than Werner anyway, so I'd rather go to them if they're competent with rotaries.

dmc27

Thanks for the info. I have had the recall work done, and have NOT had any of the symptoms in the 10 k miles I've had my 8. So hopefully with the new flash, which I actually had done when it was 1st available in June (ish) and the reflash (same one?) from last month I won't have to worry about it.

The whole damn thing is just unsettling, but then I don't have to tell you that, do I? We will find out soon enough if Autocenter is as good with bigger issues.

Good luck. Let us know how it works out.

VOODOO8

I haven't been in to Werner since Apryl was dismissed so I can't comment on the new Svc Mgr yet from personal experience. Hopefully this person will be OK as the head rotary tech there (Mark) has always been very helpful and has done good work on my vehicle (including my engine replacement, various TSBs, MS cold air induction system add-on, and so forth). I have had some regular maintenance work done on my 8 by Autex in Keene in the past and they were fine to work with for this stuff (was not impressed by them from the sales side which is why I initially bought from Talarico, now Werner, back in 2003).

I just received my recall notice so will be trying the new Svc Mgr out at Werner later this month.

As an aside, Apryl is now with Manch Subaru in ManchVegas...

Dre2216

I live in Manalapan and use Irwin Mazda in freehold for all of my service. They have been amazing to me, much better than ponitac was with my firebird. I brought my car in last week to have the heat fixed because it was not working and still under warranty. While it was there they did 2 emissions recalls and changed some other things that are under warranty since my warranty is almost up and had it all done by 9:00 am the morning after i dropped it off at 8:00 the previous night.

Jer

It's a bit of a drive, but I went to Lou (Service Mgr) at Smithtown Mazda out on Long Island. He fixed a whole list of things, (condensation in taillamp, missing floormat bracket, high-speed starter upgrade, etc... etc... etc...) in addition to the recall. Even did an oil change for free, because I had to wait for a while for some other stuff (parts on order). No charge - and he topped the tank and washed it and vaccuumed it, all without a recall letter (which I actually just got THIS WEEK). I didn't need a rental, I left the car there while I was on vacation. Call him up, he seems to be good people.

M23RX8

Got the car back today from Schwartz Mazda.

They had no Mazda loaners so I got an Enterprise Ford Explorer. Too bad, Im considering the CX-7 so it would have been nice to try it out. Anyway, reflash and spark plugs for me. I didnt notice much difference at all so far except it idles a bit lower now (approx. 800rpm).

I mentioned the 2nd gear notchiness, tech claimed it was fine I had a 150K mile Honda that shifter smoother but ok. Next thing I asked them to check was the trim along the drivers side door which was coming up on one side (most likely a broken clip). Schwartz says "clip was fine it just had to be refastened". Picked up the car and the trim looks the same. WTF? And lastly was the free wash which looks like they wiped it with a wet rag. Inside was not so good as well. Fingerprints and a dirt/oil smudge on the door fabric .....and he scuffed the door sill Ya, Im particular but the car only has 790 miles, know what I mean.

ecxel

took my car in at rich morton.

can i say great service?! I got the new flash, new spark plugs, they replaced my tail lights, console lid, and realigned my driver windows, and gave me new breaks!

not to mention, the car seeems so much better, couldn't be happier, starting is the same, and the car just runs like new, (more peppier than before i took it in for recall) got car wash and full tank of gas, im happy.

KrysyGT

Dropped my car off at 8 am this morning at Wellesly Mazda. Got a Mazda 5 loaner for the day. Not the greatest, but hey I am not one to complain when it's free

They have a whole laundry list of things to look at- the recall work, they are going to do the new starter and battery, oil change, fix my steering wheel that is no longer adjustable and only stays down not up, my center channel speaker which seems to have blown out etc etc etc.

Will have an update today when they call.

KrysyGT

- Update. As of 4:33 they still have my car, Jeff's going to get it now, AFTER he got into an argument with the service guy on the phone. So needless to say right now I am not happy.

Along with having the recall done, i wanted my oil changed and my steering column is no longer adjustable, it won't stay up if you put it up, so I wanted them to look at that.

They called Jeff, and started arguing with him that they couldn't fix that and then went on to tell him that the car looked like it was in an accident and there was overspray everywhere... (we checked that car with a white glove when we bought it, no overspray ANYWHERE, no accident report etc.) And the guy continued to argue with Jeff about it being in an accident.

So much for white glove treatment. Instead they are treating us like imbosiles that treat the car like ****.

Clavius

^Holy **** Krysy
Seems like they are trying to get out of doing any work on the car. Hope your bf told them off with a added "Run a Carfax on it ******* it hasnt been in a accident!" I forget did you buy her new or used?

Man looks like Wellsely is taking a turn for the worse as of late. WtF!!

I hope things pan out well for ya.

tmak26b

I thought they were good, I will make sure I stay away from them along with Quirk

Alucard

Got mine done the other day at Flemington Mazda. They did a good job only replaced two spark plugs and reprogram. Took them just around two hours.

KrysyGT

Final Update-

Well whomever called Jeff and argued with him on the phone must have been gone when he got there or cooled off. They were much nicer in person he said. All was done, oil change, and the recall testing. The steering column, the foreman has to check it out so it's going in for 2 days after Thanksgiving with a loaner.

As far as recall work: Car passed with flying colors. Cat was fine. They replaced the leading plugs, and reflashed the ECU. Car was washed and vacumed, but no gas which really does not bother me as I had 3/4 tank when I got there. $5 gas fee on the loaner as well. No biggy considering we had it from 7am to 5pm.

They also did the starter and battery TSB.

Despite the rude phone call that got us both heated, I feel okay with Wellesley. I will continue to go there mainly out of convenience. Never know, the guy could have had a bad day and just hit the fan when he called us about the car.

All in all thumbs up for Wellesley. Just don't talk to them on the phone

roonsrx

Mine went into Grecco Mazda yesturday! They called last night everything is ok, no major issues. I had them fix the sunroof rattle and an oil change. I got a cx-7 for a demo and my wife and I both love it!

roonsrx

Great customer service, but no full tank of fuel or car wash?? Oh well!

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

What's up guys,

I got my letter finally and I'd like to take the 8 in this week. Anyone have experience with either Heritage Mazda in Bel Air, or Schaefer & Strominger in Perry Hall?

Also, I need some rim repair for a little curb rash and a scrape on my MS sideskirts that happened at the same time. I was going to have the dealer get one of their contractors to do it, but I thought I'd ask if someone locally knew of a good shop.

Thanks!

hagar852

Got my car back today after having a new engine put in.

I will know better tomorrow if it really is better, but the engine really is much smoother than before thus far and accelerates nicely.

nofxp506

I recently had my 8 in for service because of a check engine light. I live in NJ and took my car to Schwartz Mazda in Shrewsbury.

I bought the car used, so i knew for the most part what had been done to car and what hadnt, but i asked the dealer to check while it was there anyway. and do what hadnt been done etc.

I got the car back, Check engine was because of a loose gas cap (F***ing attendants) But other things were done. PCM reflash, new plugs, new tail-light(it was foggy). And plus, they filled it up and washed it too, INSIDE AND OUT.

so, as far as i can tell, they were great to deal with.

h0rde

When I first brought this up with my local dealer (not where I bought the car but where I've had all of my service done) they didn't even know about it. Not reassuring. I have my letter and they're aware of it now, so my check-up will be done hopefully at the end of this week. I know that they have never changed an engine in an RX-8, so if I need a new one I may consider going to the larger dealer where I originally bought her (Faulkner in Harrisburg.)

pizzamiglio

Figured I would add my $0.02 to the mix here. Took mine to Gaithersburg Mazda last Wed. Was supposed to take it in the week before that, but they called me and told me not to because they did not have any CX-7s available to give me as a rental. When I dropped it off for the engine recall, I had them knock out a couple of other TB’s while it was there (sunroof and seats) and had them check on my airbag light that keeps coming on. They gave me a white CX-7 to drive around in. Man, that thing rides nice, but not nearly as eye catching as the 8 (My neighbors actually came over to make sure I didn’t trade the 8 in…they were worried about my sanity. Hehe.)

I was supposed to have the car back last Friday, but they did not have the seat parts in stock for the TB. So they just told me to keep the CX until they are finished and they will wash and gas the 8 before they give it back. Hoping it is going to be sometime soon, because I have the MS CAI sitting in my living room right now, and I’m dying to put it on… =(

I have always gotten my work done at Gaithersburg and they have always been nothing short of outstanding. If you live in this area, I highly recommend them. Roy Farley is the name of the service rep there. He will take care of you.

V/R

Mario

dmc27

That's not bad. 2 weeks and you're back in the 8.

Good luck w/the new engine.