Mazda admits power deficiency!
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 50
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Originally posted by Edge
After putting 2000+ miles on the vehicle (long road trip last week) I have to say that the power is indeed missing. I've driven a variety of vehicles, and we're just not getting it done. In terms of straight line acceleration it's not even close. It picks up speed much more like my '66 Mustang (289V8 AT, 144hp) than my Eagle Talon (turbo, MT, 210hp, FWD). I spent enough time getting on and off highways (not in 6th or 5th thank you) to build a solid opinion that I was happier hitting the highway in my Miata than I am in my 8 right now.
The numbers do matter. For everybody claiming they don't because the performance is still the same, you're full of it. Performance is NUMBERS. I don't care if you compare 0-60, lateral G, 1/4 mile, hp, torque, whatever. They're quantified values and many of us comparison shop using those numbers. I enjoy this car. I want it fixed because right now it's not developing enough power, acceleration, or whatever to beat my Eagle Talon (210 hp) onto the highway in front of a big rig.
If I did not read this forum, or had not received THE LETTER, I would have been complaining to my service department (1st oil change) next week about a lack of power, especially at high RPM, with the intent of getting the car fixed. What's worse is that now not only is the car broken with no hope of repair, I'm the laughing stock of several performance communities for trusting Mazda or actually believing that Mazda could pull off a 4 seat / 4 door sports car with not too many compromises.
I love the car, but a 250 hp car should make me MORE confident facing an on-ramp with a fast apporaching rig than any previous vehicle I've owned. I want that margin of comfort/safety, not $500/free service and not a refund.
PS totally dif thought: last i checked this was the USofA. we don't supress people for voicing their opinions, regardless of whether we like them or not.
After putting 2000+ miles on the vehicle (long road trip last week) I have to say that the power is indeed missing. I've driven a variety of vehicles, and we're just not getting it done. In terms of straight line acceleration it's not even close. It picks up speed much more like my '66 Mustang (289V8 AT, 144hp) than my Eagle Talon (turbo, MT, 210hp, FWD). I spent enough time getting on and off highways (not in 6th or 5th thank you) to build a solid opinion that I was happier hitting the highway in my Miata than I am in my 8 right now.
The numbers do matter. For everybody claiming they don't because the performance is still the same, you're full of it. Performance is NUMBERS. I don't care if you compare 0-60, lateral G, 1/4 mile, hp, torque, whatever. They're quantified values and many of us comparison shop using those numbers. I enjoy this car. I want it fixed because right now it's not developing enough power, acceleration, or whatever to beat my Eagle Talon (210 hp) onto the highway in front of a big rig.
If I did not read this forum, or had not received THE LETTER, I would have been complaining to my service department (1st oil change) next week about a lack of power, especially at high RPM, with the intent of getting the car fixed. What's worse is that now not only is the car broken with no hope of repair, I'm the laughing stock of several performance communities for trusting Mazda or actually believing that Mazda could pull off a 4 seat / 4 door sports car with not too many compromises.
I love the car, but a 250 hp car should make me MORE confident facing an on-ramp with a fast apporaching rig than any previous vehicle I've owned. I want that margin of comfort/safety, not $500/free service and not a refund.
PS totally dif thought: last i checked this was the USofA. we don't supress people for voicing their opinions, regardless of whether we like them or not.
The 8 is a good car. It handles great and looks really cool. Can you just imagine what a blast it would be if it really produced the 238HP (not to mention the 247 under which my buying decision was based)??!!!!!
I haven't checked the mail the last couple of days, but haven't gotten "the letter." I am headed out for a week of vacation. I hope that time away from things (work, car, etc.) will provide the needed clarity to make a decision one way or the other....of course the reoccurance of finding an oil sheen on the battery cover and standing oil in the creases thereof makes me think there are better cars out there. I may just have to trade uniqueness and the "cool factor" for something more powerful and reliable from a manufacturer willing to stand behind their product.
Note: I obvioulsy haven't made up my mind. I am cruising this forum in hopes it will help.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 95
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From: Phoenix
Anyone bought an 8 lately?
I have been drooling over the 8 for about two years now, but resisted the temptation to preorder one and bought a house.
I am glad I did, but it looks like I might be able to get a hell of a deal on one of these now. There were eight sitting at the local dealer last week. I test drove one and was very impressed.
They were all 6spds and fully loaded with stickers at $36. That is a complete joke considering the HP recall.
I am wondering what you could get one for now. Should be under MSRP I'd imagine.
I am glad I did, but it looks like I might be able to get a hell of a deal on one of these now. There were eight sitting at the local dealer last week. I test drove one and was very impressed.
They were all 6spds and fully loaded with stickers at $36. That is a complete joke considering the HP recall.
I am wondering what you could get one for now. Should be under MSRP I'd imagine.
Love to rev!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,081
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From: Mississauga - Ontario
Originally posted by 1stRX8
While the book is informative and gorgeous - it's produced by the marketing dept. not engineering.
Love the book, I read it like I read stuff on the internet, carefully.
While the book is informative and gorgeous - it's produced by the marketing dept. not engineering.
Love the book, I read it like I read stuff on the internet, carefully.
For most people here, we know the wankel is a thirsty engine. But Joe public is used to piston engines and for the most part those engines deliver the advertised hwy fuel economy minus 2-3mpg.. Some 8's are reporting decent fuel economy numbers but some are reporting very low numbers too, no matter what the driving style.
Canzoomer, please make sure you post your dyno curves before and after the ECU reflash.. This will be quite interesting.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 95
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From: Phoenix
Well, no one is standing in line for them here. If the MSRP of a car is X dollars at whatever hp and fuel mileage, then it should be less at less hp and mileage.
I read somewhere on here that a dealership in Texas had over 20 sitting in the lot.
Maybe it's just not doing well in the south because of the weak A/C. I test drove the car here for quite a while. I had the A/C on and it was plenty cool, and plenty fast. I should have turned it off for the test drive, but I was enjoying the car so much I forgot the dealer put it on when he pulled the car out for me.
It was late in the day and wasn't that hot though, maybe 105.
I read somewhere on here that a dealership in Texas had over 20 sitting in the lot.
Maybe it's just not doing well in the south because of the weak A/C. I test drove the car here for quite a while. I had the A/C on and it was plenty cool, and plenty fast. I should have turned it off for the test drive, but I was enjoying the car so much I forgot the dealer put it on when he pulled the car out for me.
It was late in the day and wasn't that hot though, maybe 105.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1
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I purchased a 6SPD GT on 8/22 and took delivery on 8/26. I called the sales manager today and he mentioned that he just received an email over the weekend with the details. He said I didn't have to wait for letter from Mazda. I could just stop by the dealership and fill out the form there! Sounds easy and I like the idea of Mazda performing all the maintanence. Should help resale value by keeping all the records. (Kinda like BMW) Otherwise I would have performed some oil changes on my own and/or had local retailer service the vehicle. This is great and I like the idea of only allowing Mazda pros open the hood. :-)
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Joined: Feb 2002
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Perhaps some places they're sitting there, but they're flying out of the lot around here. I haven't seen any at the dealer's I bought from for over a week now. It's probably going to be a while before you can get significantly less than MSRP on any 8's other than those with unpopular packages/options.
BUT, if you can find on for less than MSRP, jump on it!
This is really the most amazing car. I keep taking the long way everywhere just to spend more time in it.
BUT, if you can find on for less than MSRP, jump on it!
This is really the most amazing car. I keep taking the long way everywhere just to spend more time in it.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 184
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From: Lenexa, KS
I think the only reason I am getting a deal is because the salesperson is making double commission on me. Bought this first one at sticker, returning it and getting another one for 3000 under sticker. He has also been talking to Mazda about getting my car returned as soon as possible.
FX8TED on my RX-8
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 815
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From: San Antonio
Originally posted by jdwk
Well, no one is standing in line for them here. If the MSRP of a car is X dollars at whatever hp and fuel mileage, then it should be less at less hp and mileage.
I read somewhere on here that a dealership in Texas had over 20 sitting in the lot.
Maybe it's just not doing well in the south because of the weak A/C. I test drove the car here for quite a while. I had the A/C on and it was plenty cool, and plenty fast. I should have turned it off for the test drive, but I was enjoying the car so much I forgot the dealer put it on when he pulled the car out for me.
It was late in the day and wasn't that hot though, maybe 105.
Well, no one is standing in line for them here. If the MSRP of a car is X dollars at whatever hp and fuel mileage, then it should be less at less hp and mileage.
I read somewhere on here that a dealership in Texas had over 20 sitting in the lot.
Maybe it's just not doing well in the south because of the weak A/C. I test drove the car here for quite a while. I had the A/C on and it was plenty cool, and plenty fast. I should have turned it off for the test drive, but I was enjoying the car so much I forgot the dealer put it on when he pulled the car out for me.
It was late in the day and wasn't that hot though, maybe 105.
who?!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: N. VA
Originally posted by Elara
Perhaps some places they're sitting there, but they're flying out of the lot around here. I haven't seen any at the dealer's I bought from for over a week now. It's probably going to be a while before you can get significantly less than MSRP on any 8's other than those with unpopular packages/options.
BUT, if you can find on for less than MSRP, jump on it!
This is really the most amazing car. I keep taking the long way everywhere just to spend more time in it.
Perhaps some places they're sitting there, but they're flying out of the lot around here. I haven't seen any at the dealer's I bought from for over a week now. It's probably going to be a while before you can get significantly less than MSRP on any 8's other than those with unpopular packages/options.
BUT, if you can find on for less than MSRP, jump on it!
This is really the most amazing car. I keep taking the long way everywhere just to spend more time in it.
check on ebay man.. there are tons of them for sell and at even lower than msrp.. not many greens and blues though
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