I would like to go into the dealership prepared for the best outcome. Other than price negotiations, what should I look for or demand be on the car? For example, I should insist on the M flash for the ECU, right? What about the free 48k mile service, or any recalls, etc? I have looked through the TSB section and see not too much action. Not a lot of updates needed before delivery, or are there crucial ones? Thanks to all of you forum posters.

 

If you are buying a brand new RX-8 it will most likely already have M-flash, and i would always suggest extra warranty, etc.

 

If you're going for the extended warranty, be sure to go over what is covered. You'll have to talk them down. This can take quite a bit of time with these guys. Make them spell out the total cost (not just what it will add to the monthly payment). Do a little research on the web as well, so you know what you're shooting for. The advantage of getting the extended warranty from the dealer is that you have their backing. A friend of mine did the third-party warranty thing before and the company went out of business! But if you play it right, you can get a good deal, and a deal on the maintenance as well.

 

Just my opinion, but I disagree about extra warranty coverage. Most extended/mechanical warranties aren't worth the paper they're written on. Manufacturers will find every possible excuse to not pay out on valid extended warranty claims.

Better to sink the money into keeping the car properly maintained with a reputable rotary mechanic.

T.

 

most dealerships are selling you an extended warrantee that you could buy directly without paying the dealership a middle man fee.

 

My Rx8 came with a 4 year full maintanance warranty. If you buy any of the aftermarket accessories have them put them on for free when you make the deal.

 

Extended warranties can be good. The last one I got saved me about $4,500 in repairs over its life span. However, I wouldn't personally buy one through the dealer (it's one of their biggest profit items, go figure) unless it truly covers everything and they drop the price to what you could get independent of the dealer through a third-party. And, some third-party warranties can be good, but The Rex is right--need to be careful. See this link for some good tips (hope it works):

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/warrant...34x62x40x62x40

 

How much is the extended warranty?

 

I have an extended warranty on our Chevy Trailblazer. The ONLY reasons I bought this was because 1) it was a GM vehicle and reliability could definitely be an issue 2) the warranty was directly from GM, so I didn't have to worry about the warranty company going out of business.

If Mazda sold their own extended warranties, I would consider one for the RX-8 since it is a new model with a redesigned rotary motor.