Service question for Baltimore area...
 

...RX-8 owners: Which dealership(s) do you feel give really good service and seem to really know our cars well? Let's face it, all mechanics can get around a piston-driven engine, but only a select few really know the intricacies of a rotary.

I bought my car in Marlow Heights (John Koons Mazda), which is a bit of a haul away from Baltimore (I live near the Inner Harbor). While I do believe that my dealer has quality service, I'd like to get with a center closer to home. Plus, it's easier to bum rides off of people! :D

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions!

Arvin

Arvin,
I bought mine at Rich Morton in Pasadena, Md. They were the only dealership that knew the type of oil the 8 took and a question about maintenance on my "s". (My former dealer didn't know the answers even after calling me back four hours later.) Rich Morton had to install my in-dash 6 cd changer. Couldn't tell they had to take the dash appart to put it in. I go back in about a week for 1k oil change and want to get the m-flash done. I'll let you know how they do ... They are on Mountain Road by Circuit City. should cut about 30 miles off your trip.
Reno

Thanks for the info, Reno! :D

Let me know about the "M" flash, what it's supposed to do and if you can tell the difference. I actually know exactly where Rich Mortons is...have a friend who lives out that way. Not that big of a haul for me at all...

Arvin

re:
 

Gents,

I bought my 8 at Rich Morton's in Pasadena as well, and Frank Titus, the Service Manager, is as straight a shooter as they get. He'll tell it like it is, with no B.S. I've had both re-call fixes done there as well as two oil changes. They've even had a rental car waiting for me everytime. I highly recommend them!

Anyone who has purchased their RX-8 from RM's, did your car have rust on the brake rotor surface? When I bought mine in Oct 03, every other 8 on the lot did. Just wondering if other 8 owners have seen this.

~Dave
aka drifter d

Re: re:
 

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the recco on Morton's...will check them out soon since 3000 mile mark is just on the horizon. As to your rust-on-the-rotors question, I think most, if not all, 8's have this in common. When I took my car from dilivery, the rotors had rust on them. I was told it was due to the combination of materials used in the pads and the rotors themselves and that it would disappear during driving. In fact, the only "blemish" the car has after I wask and detail it is the rotors...they look rusty as heck! :p

Arvin

Got mine back on Tues. 1st oil/filter change and had the M flash done. Frank Titus is on top of his game. On their web site you can check the status of your repair. I happened to be checking it just as he called to let me know it was done. also, the site had just been updated to reflect the work being completed. I didn't expect him to call ... just have it ready that afternoon. The dealership has demonstrated that they know the little things matter. Loaner was ready as promised ... no scratches on the car, phone calls returned ... got to speak with the tech .... friendly guy .... likes cars .... I've been dealing with Mazda dealerships since 88 in Va, Il. & Md. .... so far Rich Morton is hands down the best. They have earned my business .... will also be taking my "S" there for service.
The "M" flash does several things .... lowers the amount of fuel injected at certain times ... less likely to flood, seems to have added some low end torque, makes the engine rev quicker ... the engine feels like it is less restrained... The "M" flash makes an observable difference in the performance of the car.
check out the tech garage for more detailed info there.
still rarely see another 8 on the road.

I bought mine at Koons Mazda in WDC. Not sure I would go there for service though. A friend of mine at work had LOTS of problems with service for his MPV. I also was not impressed with their general technical knowledge (although I admit this my experience was mostly their sales staff).

As for the rust on the rotors - I get that every time I wash my 8 :)

Hi there!

Thanks a bunch for this good info, I have yet to meet a service guy who really loves these cars, which is kindof a bummer!

I've recently discovered what appears to be a coolant leak between the front motor mount and the front chamber, so really would like to have a good tech have a look. Hopefully they'll give it the attention it needs at RM's.

BTW, Arvin, where in the harbor do you live?

I live right up from Camden Yards, in the new west-side development area. My apartment is cut-corner from the Hippodrome.

They are really doing a good job at improving this side of town and it's very convenient since I'm close to work...I walk most days. But, although I have a garage to park my 8, my car gets dusty as heck most of the time with all the renovating and building going on around me. :mad:

Arvin

Sweet Digs!
I used to live in a warehouse just up Eutaw street from there.

Agreed on the dust problem. For me its pollen, pollen, pollen.

Anybody know of an ionizing coating or wax that really works to repel dust? I've read some of the Zaino threads and will probably do that soon.

I hear you on the pollen...spend a lot of time at my girlfriend's place and my car gets coated with the stuff!

As for repelling dust, I do not have any experience with any of the Zanio products, but have been using (very happily!) the Klasse line of products. While they do not repel dust, pollen, etc. per se, they really make it easy to just dust the car off. A couple of swipes with a Swifter or California Duster and I'm nice and shiny! :cool:

Well, weather's really getting nice...let's all get together Baltimore/MD 8 owners!

Arvin

Hands down Neil @sheafer and strom in whitemarsh are it.Neil put in a mazdaspeed flywheel no charge when they had my tranny out.They have the best rotary mech in the state i think guy has two 7s.See Neil hes your man,And if you where impressed because your dealer knew your oil weight you need to up your standards.

Hey there! Thanks for the great info on Schaffer and Strohmanger Mazda. I heard some good things about them from a friend of mine who is a Miata-freak. I was going to contact them since I found out they're so close to my girlfriend's place. Hopefully I get them same great service and attention you got...thanks! :D

Arvin

Looking for reliable RX-8 mechanic
 

I was reading this and noticed it was dated 2004. Our 2004 RX-8 is in need of service as it has developed an oil leak and out of warranty. We have dealt with Heritage Mazda in Bel Air since we purchased new and lost faith in their ability to properly service the RX-8. Multiple visits for same issues and several ambiguous conversations that indicate to us they don't really know the vehicle. I am looking for a reputable mechanic that knows the RX-8 and can diagnose and repair the vehicle with out the BS that comes from dealing with someone pretending to know the car. We live close to Bel Air. Has anyone dealt with Neal @ Shaf & Strom recently? He was noted earlier in this string.
Thx.