jisoo26

It looks like University Mazda seems to get some good praise for quality service but the threads I've found were pretty old (as were all other threads I searched for). Can anyone suggest a good dealership for service around Bellevue? There's Lee Johnson in Kirkland which is probably closest to me, followed by University. Then there's Pinnacle but that's kinda far down in Renton. Any recent personal experiences are appreciated!

Thanks!

05TiGr8Lady

jisoo26, I asked this question not too long ago and got this back from a local person. Hope it helps!

"I purchased my RX-8 from University Mazda in Seattle, and continue to take my car there. Great dealership. I shopped at Lee Johnson and the Renton dealership (Sound Mazda). Both were horrible. I was lied too and given the run around at both places.

UMazda is great. I took my car in for the brake TSB, and on the drive with the service tech they didnt squeal. They were fixing some rattles I had as well and when I picked up my car the tech replaced the pads anyway! I thought that was top notch. My car is always done when they say it will be done, which is nice, and even for a one day turn around offered me a loaner car (which is actually an Enterprise rental car paid by Mazda).

Ive only had two issues (if you call them that). Twice I have done the online appointment through their website (www.umazda.com) and not gotten a reply. Second, is when I took my car in for the gas tank/control arm recall I also requested the TSB repair done to the Shock sensor alarm. The alarm TSB was not done, but the recall work was.

I think they're fantastic about TSB issues. For the two flash updates Ive had done theyve never questioned my, or asked if my car is experiencing the issues as outlined in the TSB, they just update the PCM. I now Ive got it good since I always read about members who state their dealership wont/cant/dont know how to reflash the PCM.

The only other thing I dont like is they do a complimentary car wash (even for just oil changes). Its done by hand by a lot attendent, but Ive got some swirl marks now (black Rx8). So it would be my preference that it is not washed, but its my fault for forgetting to ask them not to wash it when I brought it in.

Dave (the service manager) always call the day after you pick up you car to inquire if the service was complete and satisfactory, which is a nice touch."

I bought my 8 at Lee Johnson and I've taken it there for my 2 oil changes so far. The only thing I didn't like was the car wash too. They didn't do it the first time, so I didn't know not to say no. I was surprised and upset when they washed it the 2nd time, so now I know. As far as the purchase, my experience was OK, but my brother is a car broker so he handled most of it for me.

jisoo26

Thanks 05TiGr8Lady! Looks like I'll be making the extra distance to University then. I'd rather drive a bit farther for good service than be lazy about it

P.S. What the heck are you doing up at 7am on a Sunday?! lol

JamesBaud

This is probably way too far for you, but there's a mechanic who runs his own repair business in Enumclaw that I go to (and have for many years.) He's a bit of a specialist with rotaries since he worked many years at Rapid Rotary. Charges less than a dealership and does good work:

http://www.mtpeakautomotive.com/

jisoo26

It's about 38 miles away (ouch). Maybe if I have a serious problem or need to do a mod I'll check him out. Thanks for the heads up!

05TiGr8Lady

I got up early to wash my 8 in preparation for the drive/BBQ we did today... About 6 of us (plus families) met at Lake Sammamish State Park about 10:30am, headed out to Tolt/MacDonald Park in Carnation and had a BBQ, then we went on another one of Kristopher_d's wild and excellent rides! Bummer that you missed it! It was awesome just like all the others we've had this summer .

kristopher_d

A lot of it is personality too. I'm a pretty intense guy, and know exactly what I want. That's one reason I like Lee Johnson. I tell them what I want, and they tell me what that'll require. I just wish they'd leave the damn seat alone. I've spent a lot of time getting it just right. But, like every car service place, they seem to be unable to sit forward in the seat in order to pull it into the garage. I'm not sure what they'd be like if you weren't certain about what you wanted them to do. I never leave any wiggle room.

Krankor

I've had exactly one experience with Lee Johnson, and it was a good one, so I'll be going back.

shaunv74

Anyone know a good reasonably priced suspension shop? I want to get my new springs installed and have the car re-aligned. University Mazda quoted me $700.00!

I was hoping to pay less than that. Anyone have any recommendations?

FABRO

I went to speedwaremotorsports.com in Redmond. They installed my coilovers, re-aligned, and weight balance all for about $750

shaunv74

Thanks I just left them a message. If $700 is the going rate I may go with University as their closer to me.

shaunv74

Thanks FABRO! Brian over at speedware quoted me $480 installed and aligned!

FABRO

not a bad deal, tell Brian I say hello. He probably won't remember me, just say the guy with the black 8 and red lugs and he will remember =)

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

I use to deal with University Mazda back in 1979 through 1984. When I had my RX-4's.
What happened to Hayes Rotary in Redmond?

Blue87Sport

Hayes went from one of the top rotary shops in the NW to one of the most despised.

See http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=469867 for the morbid details.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

^WOW That is shocking. I heard they were doing wrong to people, but that thread you posted is something else. The reason I asked about Hayes is because I use to work there from 1979 through 1984. I think there was a picture of an Orange Midget race car on the wall in the office. I was in that pic. I heard Donny took over ,I remember when he was a little kid about 7-8 years old. Dennis Hayes was a good man and was always fair when I was there. It's sad that that had to happen.

shaunv74

I made my appointment at speedware for the 26th! Now I'm all excited to see how it handles at the next drive! I'll post up some pre and post install measurements and impressions for interested parties.

FABRO

I never asked, but what kind of springs you putting on Shaun?

shaunv74

The Espelir lowering springs. Supposed to be a 30% increase in spring rate and lower the car about 1.25"(30mm) front and back. I was originally thinking the RB springs with the Tokico's but once AutoRnd had the sale for $100 for the set I couldn't resist and did the impulse buy after a little reading up.

I'm only doing the springs for now. When the shocks wear out I'll either spring for the Tokico's or Koni's. It seems like the koni's have a little better jounce and rebound adjustment but I like the fact that you can adjust the rear Tokico's on the car. How do you like the coilovers? When the time comes I'll probably ask around about how to set up adjustable shocks.