where you are located are you getting oxygenated gas now?

dont really understand the question, i am located in the burbs outside chicago.
robert

Then yes, we not only have 10% ethanol, we also have oxygenated winter blends... neither of which help our fuel economy.

What part of the burbs are you in?

Im in western, lombard, villa park elmhurt area, you?
robert
sorry just saw where you are~

Sorry for sounding like a total retard but.... what does that mean?
As you can probably tell by now, I am not exactly the most mechanically inclined person on this forum. :rolleyes:

I live in sunny Southern CA... is our fuel any different?

well i am now at the 1/4 mark on gas and i have 122.8 miles now to the full tank so far. what the fuck is the deal, i brought it up to 8500 about 5 times but still for it to drop that badly... think this is something that has to be looked at, cause i just dont understand how my mpg went to shit so fast.. oh and i only use the shell vpower in my car aswell. hope this helps some.
robert

The gauge is far from accurate... so don't get too freaked out until you've finished the tank, recorded how much you put in, and divide by the tripmeter reading. I've had 120miles at the 1/4 tank point, and I've had 200miles at the 1/4 tank point... there are a ton of variables.

I always land right around 150 miles at my 1/4th mark ever since I got my car. I do mostly city driving with mostly 3k shifts, maybe about 4-5 redline runs per fillup. Using Shell V-power, build date is 6/04. 120ish at the 1/4th mark is pretty bad, I'd definitely go and raise hell about it if I were you.

I don't think cali's fuel is oxygenated, might be ehtanoled. What was told to me, or what I have picked up from people trying to explain it is that in many major cities they switch blends of gas based on the seasons. Namely winter and summer. In winter, since many people let their cars warm up, and the way the engines run due to the cold temps, The gas companies and EPA oxygenate and add ethenol to gas to help keep the emissions down. This again is how I understood it when someone tried explaingin it.

All of the gas in Socal uses ethanol. I'm not sure about it being oxygenated.

120 miles at 1/4 tank
 

I always fill up until the pump shuts off. yesterday I filled up with 125 miles on the trip odometer and it took 10.6 gallons. I would be happy if I got close to what some people here get. Just give me 15 mpg and I would celebrate. I also have the latest flash. My dealer is going to have to address this. But all said, I do love my car.

I think I meet you once at the car wash once on St.Charles Rd. Mine was built 9/03 and I have the same problem. I'm getting about 13mpg. The last two tanks of gas, I tried to granny drive the car shifting at 3K. Didn't help at all. I'm going back to wide open throttle.

yes the light went on at 148 miles tonight and i filled it up and did the math, i got a shitty 11.5 mpg... i dont care how hard someone tries to drive the car it shouldnt get that low of mpg.. and all i was first 1/4 tank shifting under 3or4 grand and then the rest shifting around 5 or 6 and the going to 8500 about 8 or 9 times...this is bullshit....i knew it would not get the best gas milage but this is bad...im calling the dealer tomorrow and talking to the owner of the dealer since i know him.. i will let you guys know what he says.
robert

Rotary fuel consumption vs weather changes?
 

Last week acold front came in downhere in Miami and our normal 80 degree weather shotdown between 65 - 75. Cooincidently I usually average 16mpg andthis figure somehow shot up to 20 at the end of last week. I remember looking at the gauge whenit was at 3/4 full and already having 70 miles on the tank andthinking "damn the gauge must be busted."

I always drive till the gas gauge is below the last notch and got about 290 miles and filled up 14.5 gallons on this new tank. I didnt change any driving styles at all otherthen using less AC b/c of the cooler weather.

I cantthink of any other reason for why Id have a sudden jump in mileage other than the weather change. Ive tried driving around before w/the AC turned off and that never had too much of an effect.

I reallycannot explain this butI wish there were a way tomake it happen more often

Yeah i noticed a change in MPG this past week so far at 1/2 tank 150 miles

me too.. my car seems to eat less gas even though ive driven it hard this tank of gas :/ interesting to find out if theres ne truth to this or if its just in our heads o.O

well seeing that it is now in the 20's-40 here in chicago and my gas has gone down.. makes it hard to believe for me... im prob one of the few that have the shitty gas sucking 8s though. but it prob is a possibility seeing that it is used to higher temps.
robert

Your aircon usage plus the humidity in the air (more difficult for the engine to 'breathe') is the reason why your fuel consumption has increased.

So youre saying thatthis is likelythe same case for all cars down here rightnow and not just my Rx8?

I can say only that my mileage is just plain strange. I have not been able to find any rhyme or reason for it either. I have tested with different octanes, and brands...but was never able to get more than 15.53mpg.

There have been a few instances, however, when without really paying attention it appeared as though I was getting significantly better mileage. Just this week, I bought gas at about 1/2 a tank. I filled it up with 8.6 gallons. When I looked to reset my trip meter, it stated 140.0 Only on two occasions have a ever had more than 105 at 1/2 and this is one of them. This comes to just over 16mpg. After the fillup, today I have driven 43 miles, and I am already more than a 1/4 down.

I believe that my mileage has taken a turn for the worse in cold weather. Being in Michigan, we have had some pretty cold weather lately. I guess it makes sense though...colder air is denser, therefore more O2 by volume...so will the ECU apply MORE fuel to compensate? In which case, there is more power? I will say that my 8 FEELS faster in cold weather....just not sure.

I took my car into the dealer last week for shakes and rattles, and the low mileage. They said that there were no open TSB's, and no error codes. So, "nothings wrong".

Sorry for the long post.....By the way, I drove a Mazdaspeed 6 on Monday. It was a very strange experience. Aside from the fact that it is extremely powerful, the feeling of the AWD system was unsettling. Apparently, the final drive gear is variable...so different ratio in the rear diff in higher gears...weird, but definately fun.

I agree. I know that sportscars are not known for there efficiency, but there is no way to drive my car and get 18-20mpg. I could have gotten a Evo8 or STI for the same money, had more power, AWD, and gotten far better mileage.....I mentioned in another post, that my dealer said "no CEL, no errors, no problem." I have 13k on my odo, and it's been the same since July when I bought it. That's right, I have driven 13000 miles in 6 months. With the price of gas in Michigan (avg 2.15pg), I have used 65 tanks of gas at the cost of $1886....in 6 months. I don't know about you guys, but spending $3600 on gas each year was not what I had in mind. If I was getting 290 per tank like many people are, I would have saved almost $600 so far. I don't know about you, but that would almost pay for my insurance for 6 months.

Totally frustrated with mileage
 

After receiving the new flash I am still getting 10mpg. I called the dealership and they are doing nothing. I asked them to have someone from Mazda call me but they refused and just wrote down my complaint. I again called the Mazda assistance number and they repeated that they would contact the dealership and that I need to take care of it there. I have no alternatives other then legal left. I have no way of speaking with anyone from Mazda and obviously the dealership can offer no solution. They never test the mileage, they just tell me that the computer emissions say that my mileage could not be that bad and that I would have black smoke if it was. They say they could test the mileage the old fashion way what ever they mean by that. They never do test it though. I am still waiting to hear back from them after I called yesterday. They said they will tell the rep. They have been saying that for weeks. There is no other dealership close to me. I don't think it a problem with the dealership, rather that they just don't know what to do and Mazda is not willing to offer a resolution. I f anyone has a way to contact Mazda I would appreciate knowing how. That is other then contacting their assistance center which is a dead end. They repeat over and over that they offer no technical assistance and only call the dealerships. I don’t mean to start a gas mileage discussion thread. Please don’t tell me all of your ideas about how to drive the car or check the mileage. I know how to check the mileage and even if I kept the revs at 7000 rpm constantly it should get better mileage then this. What this thread is about is how to contact Mazda.

Beats me, my best idea would ask to speak with the Regional Manager or District sales manager. Something either has to be very wrong with your ride or your math is WAY off. One time my father had a major issue with a Lincoln, he bithced and moaned enough to get the problem escalated to a District manager who reports directly to people who actually make decisions and believe it or not got everything worked out. Good Luck

I would keep at it if I were you. Far as I know, there isn't any soludion to the low mileage issue that a few RX-8s are having. If you can find others who have the same issue to also complain they may take notice, otherwise they may think you're some guy who can't calculate mileage properly.

Been following your threads for a couple of months. And unless you're a nut case with the ability to conceal it on this forum, you clearly have a legitimate complaint. Here's some advice that is worth exactly what you're paying for it.

1) If you haven't already done so, begin immediately to collect documentary evidence to support your mileage claims. This should include dated photographs of your odometer readings and dated receipts for your fuel. (Purchase a disposable camera for the purpose if necessary.)

2) If you have not already done so, begin keeping a detailed log of all phone calls and copies of all correspondence with your dealer and with Mazda. Note the facts of each call, preferably in non-emotional language, in order to add to the documentation of your case.

3) MOST IMPORTANT. Contact an attorney, preferably one with experience in product liability or even better "lemon law" litigation for automobiles. You will probably find that an attorney's registered letter to Mazda has considerably more impact than your repeated calls to your dealership and the Mazda corporate help line. If your attorney is ethical, and lawyer jokes aside, most are, he/she will attempt to protect your interests and resolve the problem at minimal cost to you.

4) Contact your state attorney general. I have no idea how active the Indiana attorney general is in dealing with consumer issues, but you may find an advocate there.

5) In general, direct your energy and frustration toward a solution to your problem. Believe me, I, and others, understand your frustration and can sympathize with your desire to blow off steam on this forum. Having said that, however, I suspect that you should focus your attention directly on a strategy to resolve your problem. Others on this forum may provide solace, but they're unlikely to be very effective in assisting you (as you've already found, I suspect.)

Good luck.

well put
 

If you follow the above advice, you will find it will go far towards providing you with a good solution.

The alternative (and given your problem I'd say it's not too unethical) would be to drain about 3.5 quarts of oil from your engine, run the hell out of it until it dies, then put that same oil (used and brown) back in the engine, then call MAZDA and have them "fix" your engine. :D

Please don't do what I just said, but it sure makes you pissed off when they don't address a real problem like yours. Documentation and a good lawyer will go a LONG ways towards Mazda helping you out.

Howard, email me and let me know if that phone number I gave you was of any use.

Trevor

Howard's problem is only slightly worse than mine. Mine was built about the same time also ( if I remember correctly). I get 13 mpg. Now about the oil. When the oil level gets low, a indicator light comes on. This might send a error condition to the ecu which could be read later. I wouldn't try to kill an engine that way.

jsh1120, that's the best advice I think I've read here so far! It only figures you're several years and 1 day older than me. ;) That means you've been around the block a few times more than me. Experience is the best knowledge gained, isn't it? Right on! (and, nice avatar.)

Howard, do that stuff there. It really isn't a lot of trouble. A solution should come if you do.

Howard...

I work with insurance adjusters, field adjusters, and insurance companies working in the claims department at my job. What jsh1120 told you is right on the money. What you are trying to do is prove your case...ranting without proof does not go very far (not that you are doing that I think you have a real problem engine/car and you are just shareing, thanks for doing so) I"m just saying that you really have to start documenting this.

It does you no good to say it and not have anything to back it up. Here is what I suggest regarding what jsh1120 said.

Not only are you going to take pictures of the miles on the car & fuel receipts but also ask someone else to drive your car around town. If they also get 10mpg then they can't blame your style of driving or something like that.

To top it all off...while your doing the test take video of it. This is alot of work, time, and some money wasted (plus some miles on your car) but you are at a point where you need to document this and make it a FACT not your opinion.

So, take pictures
Let at least 2 other people (3 total with yourself) drive the car to see what miliage they get
Take video of this test so there is no way they can say that you were REVing the car to hell

If I was in your area I would love to do this test with you (ha ha, I would get to drive an 8 for a few hours...LOL) since I think you have a lagit and worthy complaint.

Oh yeah, since alot of people say the RX8 somehow looks like the Viper...you might want to remind the dealer that it aint a VIPER...and if it was it would get 12MPG in the city and not 10!!!!!!

Good luck!

I have already started this process and it is very good advice. Unfortunately I did not document the mileage in writing up until a couple of weeks ago. I do have copies of the service orders and the dates of phone calls etc. The dealership called me a few minutes ago. They want me to empty my car as far down as I can of gas and then they are going to rent me a car for a week to document the mileage issue. This is a good thing. Mazda told them they did not believe anyone could get low mileage like I am talking about. I really don't want to get an attorney. I am on a fixed income and I don't think attorneys will handle these cases on contingency. I would hope Mazda can solve the problem, whether they have to replace the computer, the engine, or the car. I really like this car and I believe Mazda has done a wonderful job in engineering it. I would hope that Mazda will be able to provide as good of support as they have a vehicle. I don't drive a lot of miles so it may be a week or so before I can take it in. I guess that venting on this forum is exactly what I was doing. I would hope that anyone could do that here. The issue needs to have the emotions taken out of it when dealing with Mazda. I really don't want to alienate them. I am just frustrated with the process and concerned that they won't offer a solution. I have dealt with many companies in my life over product and service issues and I have found that more then half the time they are worked out satisfactory. I have never had a problem with a product this costly before and that makes it a little more worrisome. I appreciate those of you on this forum that have listened to my ranting and have given positive advice. As for those who are more critical, well they have the right to say what ever they want also. I think the fact that there are venues like this to discuss something we all value so much is great.

Howard, have Mazda ever denied your mileage, or just not bothered testing for high fuel consumption at all?

Whatever, I don't think you want legal action, you just want your car fixed. Right?

Send a letter to Mazda stating your problem, how you measured the fuel economy, what correspondence you have already had with Mazda, and threaten legal action if they don't solve the problem.

In the meantime, drive your car as much and as hard as you can, and enjoy it. No use loosing hair over something you cannot do anything about yourself...

it seems none of the techs who looked at the car ever tried to document the milage at all. they checked for codes in the pcm, of which there were none, and since everything else "seemed" to be within normal parameters they performed a re-flash with the most recent flash. they wanted him to drive like that to see if the milage improved at all.

howard have you noticed any power loss in general or at higher rpms? have you had any Check Engine Lights?

That is exactly what they have done to date. That is after 4 appointments. I don't seem to have any power loss or anything, however i have always had the low mileage so I wouldn't really notice any different. I really don't rev it high very often. Most is usually 5000 or 6000. I did take it to redline last week just for the heck of it. Anyhow I really have never seemed short of power. I am wondering why the dealership wants my car for a week to test milage. I know they have electronic equipment to do so and it shouldn't take a week. I hate to drive some rental car for a week and be without my RX*. I know most of you can understand that.

Howard iif i were you i would go ahead and let them take the car for a little while to verify the mileage- on one condition. that being that they drop your ehaust and take a look at the inside of your catalytic conveter. i believe they might find something wrong with it.

My solution would be to have them replace the engine.....if they contunue to ignore tham, stand outside their dealership on a saturday with a big f*cking sign that states:

"This dealership is the worst I've ever delt with, ask me why".

I did something like that once when a dealer wouldn't own up to a promise. It took les than an hour for the general manager to come out and delever what they promised. They don't like seeing new customers talking to mad customers.

I think I would get arrested for not having permission or something. I don't think they are going to check the converter or anything else until thry varify the mileage is low. They tell me it can't be and Mazda doesn't believe it as the emisssions are fine. They won't do anything else until they can varify that the mileage is low. After that if they don't fix the problem I will have it checked at a independent garage. The milelage that is. Then I'll go from there.

Believe me I know how all of this works. My father was a service manager for 40 years.

Can you go to a different dealership?...these guys, for whatever reason are not doing there job. It's possible that they have put you on "ignore until he goes away mode" that some dealerships use to solve problems that they can't fix.

Cal Mazda Corporate.....and talk to someone that can help you. Don't let them give you the runaround....

at this point you need to let them verify the mileage. they need to see it for themselves. offer to pay for it if you have to but get them to look at the cat

Gas Mileage
 

Damn, thats bad . I guess I should be VERY thankful. I'm averaging 19 t0 20 MPG on a tankful. :eek:

I'll have them check the cat. It will probably be sometime next week before I can get my gas down to where they want it. at is unless I syphon itoff. LOL On the bright side we are suppose to get 5-8 in of snow by the first of the week and I can try out my Pirrilli Snowsports. Maybe I'll take of the DSC and look for a big parking lot like when I was a kid.

So how many miles do you get from a tank?

Vince

About 140 if I take it down that far.

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is getting silly Howard, you want them to fix the problem but you won't give them your car??????? If you are so informed about this industry, then why is a week for a fuel economy test so strange??? You tell me, how else can you carry out a test and get reasonably accurate results?

Give them the car!!!! And don't complain when it comes back with an extra 200 miles on the clock, they have to d-r-i-v-e the car to test the fuel economy.....

Sheeeezz!

:eek:

Damn! That's very bad and your not crazy!

Vince

Just a quick note if you haven't given the car to them yet; take a photo of the odometer reading!!! That way when you get it back a week later you can see exactly how many miles they've put on the car "testing" it. If it comes back with 10 more miles on it then you know they didn't do much but take it around the block a few times and park it. It should come back with at least 100 more miles on it; in fact they should drive it a full tank's worth of gas to test it properly.

I was thinking along those lines, but maybe something a little more subtle. Go browse the lot while a couple of prospective customers are there, preferably looking at RX-8 with a salesperson. Interrupt the salesperson and ask if they can do anything to help you get some action since you can't get more than 10mpg and the service department is stonewalling you. Don't need to shout or be rude, just honestly ask for their help and make sure the prospectives can hear you. Nothing like souring a couple of potential sales to light a fire under their butts. May or may not work, but it's ethical and you don't "need permission" :)

10.8 Mpg
 

well the past two tanks of gas have been horrible, 11/.5 and now 10.8! i made an appointment tomorrow and the car will be there at 8 in the morning. I am also haveing them look at the front headlight cause of the film inside them and the back brake lights have condensation in them at times... fun fun fun i will let you al know how it goes!
RObert

Don't take it to Wilkins. I have learned from previous posts that you live in the same area as I do. I took mine there for my MPG problem (13 mpg). I was told to wait untill the car reaches 10 - 15 K miles and the mileage would improve. I don't thing anyone knows why certain 8's get poor or good mileage.

you're not spending an excessive amount of time sitting in traffic are you?