Attack

So I've had it with Millennium's (Durham) service department for a bunch of reasons that I won't go in to. Can someone recommend another local Mazda dealer where I might get some better service for my 8?

Thanks!

BLUE PHI RX-8

Al Smith (they have or are in the process of changing ownership) in Raleigh probably has the most quaified ASE mechanics with years of experience, but Capital of Cary has longer service hours on the weekend until 7:30 pm (I think). I've had my cars serviced at all 3 dealerships in the Triangle at some point and time and have had success with all three. I currently patronize Capital of Cary. It's closer to my home.

mrthundercleese

2nd Recomendation for Al Smith. They do a good job on my car when I took it in. No problems and nice people from what I can tell.

ccracing19

Worth the drive, but come to Valley Mazda in Fayetteville, awesome group of people. Last year I bought a MSP (Mazdaspeed) from Capitol (Valley was not a speed dealer) Didn't feel like I got that personal service I felt that I deserved. So I started taking my car to Valley here in Fayetteville and they treated me great even though I did not buy my car there. When I decided to get another car I bought my RX from Valley and they are great. I think all the guys and ladies in service/parts knows my name. I think they make a point on recongizing there customers.

Thumbs up to Valley!!!

TORacing

I use Ingold in Burlington, but also used City in Greensboro.

wifedrivenRX8

I agree with CCracing19. I have had a bad transmition and they fixed it no questions asked. There main consern is you the coustomer. I even had them install my mazdaspeed flywheel. I trust them with my car and will always take it to them.

JeffS

I had excellent success with my (admittedly first) visit to Millenium in Durham. Too bad you didn't have the same luck. My salesman at Millenium was also top-notch- if anyone is looking for a Mazda (or a Hyundai or Kia for that matter), I can point you to him.

Jeff

Rx867Camaro

What was wrong with millenium, i take it there like once a month for little things and they've been great.

Attack

* Nav system broke - they ordered parts, a month later told me they were in, they weren't. Didn't hear from them for a month, I called, they hadn't been ordered. Ordered them, told me they were in, the ordered the wrong parts, month later hadn't heard anything, called, parts were in, took them 3 days to fix it.

* Had an illuminated shift **** that they outright lied about breaking.

* Gave me bad advice about rotating unevenly worn tires - told me it would even out, not true - makes the wear worse. Because of that had incredible road noise and a shot set of tires after 9K miles.

* Frequently have no note of appointments made.

* Don't take complaints about the car seriously ("my brakes are noisy" " we couldn't make it happen" "come ride with me and I'll show you" "we can't do that")

At first they were fine, but past few months have been a terrible sequence of events. Nice people, all of them, just not good at servicing cars.

Rx867Camaro

I do have to agree with the frequently have no note of appointments made. They've done that a couple times with me. Sorry about the parts thing, i guess all the parts i've ever needed were in stock. The RX8 mechanic is really nice though.

RKM

I bought my RX8 at Millenium 8/14. Recently had the AC Amp replaced and it made very little difference in my opinion. I've got the engine cover grommets on order as well. One was missing and I showed them the service bulliten for my VIN. They're suppoded to call me when they come in but I've learned to call them..They aren't good at returning calls.

I have 2,000 miles on my 8 and not sure when I should get the first oil change done. Millenium said they do not use 5W-20, but put 10W-30 in all their cars.

Capital said they use a synthetic blend 5W-20. I think Al Smith is the only one that uses the mineral 5W-20 so I'm thinking about getting my car serviced there in the future.

Any advise?

Attack

Now that's something I didn't know - they put OTHER than the recommended oil in my car?! That just seems downright stupid.

So to my previous message, add:

* They don't know that different kinds of oil should be used in different kinds of cars.

I'm going to do some shopping around for different service departments before I bring it anywhere... will let you know what I find out.

RKM

Just to let you know, I called MAZDAUSA about the oil Millenium and Capital use and they recommend the 10W-30 over the synthetic blend 5w-20 if you have to make a choice. I told Mazda that I simply want a dealer that puts the right damn oil in the car.

Unfortunately, they can't do a thing. Al Amith uses the right oil so I may be driving there from Durham. How many miles before you got your first oil change?

Thanks.

RKM

YEP!! Just got off the phone w/ Al Smith service. They use Shell 5w-20, non-synthetic. They recommend the first oil change at 3,000 miles.

Bye bye "Wrong oil Millenium"

Al smith will be where I take my 8 going forward.

RKM

Attack

I got my first oil change at 3000, although I do put in about a quart a month between changes... 5w-20 isn't that hard to find, I wonder why dealerships are incapable of using it?

RKM

It's probably a money thing. Since Millenium uses only ONE oil weight for all of their cars, they probably get 10w-30 bulk rate discounts and it's cheaper that way. I going to call Millenium before my first oil change and tell them why I'm going to Al Smith just to see what they say. I'll keep you posted.

RKM

Doomcue

I've heard about Millennium's service, and I was told it was pretty good. I've not taken a car there, though. I have, however, dealt with both Capital and Al Smith. Capital can kiss my pucker. You can read about my experience with them here: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/im-pissed-now-35594/ I have since taken my car to Al Smith, and they did a great job. I had them check the work Capital did, and they changed my oil. My appointment was at 8:30 am, and my car was ready by 9:00 am.

-djb

RKM

Thanks Doomcue. Al Smith actually uses the recommended 5w-20 non-synthetic oil, so I'm going there for now on and I don't care about the extended drive to get there. By the way, how's the AC now? Mine really doesn't seem better after the "fix"...

RKM

Doomcue

I think there's a noticeable difference, but it still isn't what I would consider good. I've driven a lot of cars, and the 8 has the worst AC unit by far.

-djb

Rx867Camaro

Please call millenium and see what they say. Mines due for an oil change soon and I really dont want to drive from chapel hill to raleigh for an oil change.