Hi Guys:

I'm new to the rotary. Just bought a 2009 RX-8 R3. Love the car. Would like to find a knowledgeable rotary guy on the Eastside who can do all the routine maintenace to keep my warranties intact. I want to run non-spec oil etc. and I don't want the dealer to have all that recorded. Any suggestions? I did search but all I could find is info on tuning, suspension upgrades etc. Thanks.

 

Change your own oil and just buy the filters from the Mazda dealership. Save the paperwork in your little mazda black book. Thats really about it till 15k or is it 30k? Oh I forgot. There is a check list in the back of one of yoru books that show when should be done when.

Come out to some of the local meets too.

 

^ true. you don't need a rotary specialist for an oil change.

 

Welcome!

With a 100,000 mile engine warranty, it's going to be a very long time before you'll actually need a rotary specialist for anything and not just go to the dealer. In general, the only time you actually need one is if something has gone critically wrong. All the fluids, suspension components and engine accessories etc. are pretty much standard fair.

 

Nothing wrong with saving money doing some of the maintenance tasks yourself but there is something to be said for developing a relationship with your local dealership. But if they suck then do it yourself and keep all your receipts as previously mentioned because they will challenge you on everything.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the input. I have been out of town for work for a few days and just got to your replies.

I understand all the good advice about doing my own oil changes. I am an experienced motorcycle mechanic and have no issues with the work.

The main reason for the question is that I want to protect my warranty, and I want to change oil grades. I can do that through a competent independent as he will give me receipts for Maxda spec oil, despite what I actually choose to put in.

I'm not sure how to do that if I buy my own off spec oil. I do not want to get in a pissing contest with Mazda if I have any issues with the car.

I spoke with RP oil guys about it on the phone, and they said you can change brands, but could have issues with Mazda if you use other than the recommended grade of oil.

The warranty booklet clearly states that using other than recommended fluids will void the warranty.

For me the cost of DIY vs. service center oil change is irrelevant.

Any thoughts?

 

Dont talk to dealerships period. I always play stupid like I have never touched a wrench. When/if you have a engine problem just show them receipts that you bought the oil filter and you used the recommended oil viscosity non synthetic. Despite what you read these motors can last if you change your oil about as often as your track bike.

Most important rule.
9k a day keeps the doctor away.

So rpm the motor all you want. Also remember the rotors are spilling 1/3 of the e-shaft. Due to the gearing.

 

As for the oil specs, I think the whole point was that if I buy off spec oil, I will not be able to back up my claims if the dealer asks for documentation.

And by the way, all my track bike tuning was factory GP250 2 strokes, so there was no oil to change!

 

So who would you recommend on the Eatside Lee Johnson or Doug's Mazda?

 

Doug's is in Lynnwood isn't it? Lee Johnson is pretty good, so is University Mazda.

 

Just curious, is there a performance gain expected with a different oil? I know nothing of these things and was just curious about the reason to change.

 

If your that worried about it than just buy Mobile 1 non synthetic at Shucks and change the oil yourself. Or buy the oil and filter at the Mazda dealership. Cheaper.

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