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Dealer We Owe and alignment question

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Old 03-23-2004, 10:32 AM
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6mm
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No more body damage to fuss over

So, I get the new 8 and it has a small dent in the driver side rear door...the dealer is going to repair. I hope it doesn't involve actual paint work and can simply be dent repaired. Looked like someone simply leaned on the panel or maybe a mirror ding.

Anyone noticed if the 8 is especially soft and easily dented?


2nd: wheel alignment, etc.

The actual steering wheel seems to be a little off center (not square with the dash when driving in a straight line). Slight drift to the right as well.

Anyone else have early adjustments required after buying the 8?

It's only been half a day and I'm suffering withdrawals.

Last edited by 6mm; 03-24-2004 at 02:55 PM.
Old 03-23-2004, 11:08 AM
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The dent should come out with paintless dent removal or I'd refuse the car. There's no reason you should accept a repaint on a brand new, yet to be delivered car.

-Eric
Old 03-23-2004, 11:59 AM
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My thoughts exactly.
Let's hope it is an easy fix.
Old 03-23-2004, 12:15 PM
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mine to the left since I got it the first day. I have it aligned last weekend and now more happy.
Old 03-23-2004, 12:23 PM
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Mine was also off to the left. It took the service department two attempts to get it right.
Old 03-23-2004, 01:08 PM
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Angry Damn

Well, they want to do paint work.
I am going to refuse the car and unravel the deal.
What a pain in the rear.

Now, I am on the hunt again for another RX8.

My local dealer only has Autos and one black/fabric car.

Lame.
Old 03-23-2004, 01:52 PM
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Why would a dealer want to swap with a lot damaged car?

Anyway...
I negotiated another deal...

1. Dealer will repair body to my satisfaction with a written guarantee of repair.

2. Dealer gives me addtional $500 of Mazda parts/accessories
(Mazdaspeed dealer : so I should be able to find some fun stuff)


Not a bad exchange.
Saves the hassle of finding another car.
Alaska is not the kind of place you just drive a few miles to the next dealer.

Old 03-23-2004, 01:55 PM
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I hope the alignment is just a simple fix.

I notice the loaner Mazda Protege has the same off center steering wheel - is this a Mazda thing?

Odd.
Old 03-23-2004, 02:20 PM
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If it isn't perfect, I won't accept it.
I can still back out of the deal if it comes to that.

They have to repair it one way or another...and if it is 100%, that's fine. I know I'll never keep a car for more than 3-4 years anyway.

Just a minor inconvenience at this point.
Old 03-23-2004, 06:16 PM
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I have noticed the alignment issue as well. Mine has been turned slightly to the left since day one. Drives straight and true though. I may go to dealer and see what they can do for me...
Old 03-23-2004, 08:15 PM
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Originally posted by God of Thunder
Mine was corrected because they had to replace my steering wheel. When they put the new one on they just moved it over a notch.
What happened to your steering wheel??
Old 03-23-2004, 09:35 PM
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Damn.
Well, I am getting uncomfortable again...but too tired to fight for finding another car.

In case you didn't already know, that door is aluminium - which leads to even more difficulty in getting a perfect finish.

See pic:

http://www.alaskazone.com/images/rx8/bodyrepair.jpg
Old 03-23-2004, 10:02 PM
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Agreed. This is giving me seriously bad vibes.

Having just come off of a repurchase on my last new vehicle, I need to have a very good, no fixes, no repairs kind of deal.

Bummer. More work for me.
Old 03-24-2004, 03:11 AM
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With regard to the alignment problem: I know that some members of the UK RX-8 Owners Club have had handling problems that were caused by badly aligned suspension settings and tyre pressures.

Here is one of the threads: Serious handling problems

I'm surprised that Mazda aren't including a Four-Wheel alignment check as part of the Pre-Delivery Inspection. I think I might try to insist on one when I finally get mine.

Ian.
Old 03-24-2004, 10:14 AM
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I'd refuse the car, even if they reoaint that part, it will never be the same, and you will always notice whrre it is.. plus, any non-factroy paint on the car devalues it substantially!
Old 03-24-2004, 12:09 PM
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I'm trying to unravel the deal now...of course my waffling yesterday is making it tougher today.

I'm going to be nice, but firm.

I've already found a good deal in Washington on a Winning Blue (which is what I wanted anyway)...now I just need to undo and redo!

Old 03-24-2004, 12:26 PM
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Nah, the deal is actually as good or better from out of state...I'll just end up paying a little more to ship it here.

All-in-all, it will probably feel better to have a new/unspoiled 8. I had already settled for a 2nd choice color with silver, so now is my chance to get the RIGHT one for me.

That'll learn me to be more patient in the future.
Old 03-24-2004, 12:52 PM
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Hang in there; they'll have to undo it. Didn't know those doors were aluminum. Mine got a parking ding in it, on passenger side, within the first 2 weeks. Fortunately my dealer has a paintless dingsucker guy there once every two weeks. For $85 it was gone without a trace. Since then, been very choosy where and how I park.


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