2004 RX8 Touring: Issues since purchased
11-29-2006, 10:56 AM
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2004 RX8 Touring: Issues since purchased
Guys I need advice. I've had similar support issues like this on my BMW and had to go to BMWUSA to get resolution so I assume MAZDAUSA will be the next step. I've documented everything well. Here's a brief as can be overview of what's going on.
Bought used Certified RX8 TE Autostick Feb 48k miles, had dealer agree to extend warranty to 70k for nominal fee.
Took car back 2 days later for load rear end noise and squeeky brakes not present at test drive.
Techs checked alignment and brakes and confirmed no problems.
March, took car back for rear end noise again. I noted to techs that the car was cupping tires, did research here and found out what culprit could be. I indicated that I thought it was a rear end issue because the noise was not from the road but the differential. Dealer replaced rear coils and 4 new tires.
May, took car in and brakes were replaced due to yellow status. Rear end noise still evident. Tech rode with me, acknowledge noise and left car. Dealer said it was OK, picked up the car, didn't do it until 2 miles down the road then began to do it again. Was able to determine how to reproduce the problem buy putting car on a hill, turning wheels and pulling out.
June, dealership replaced rear differential to a tune of 2475.00 under warranty. Told them it was the rear end. Stupid techs think they know everything, but when you drive it and you're an enthusiast you note the slightest changes/noises.
August, took car in for rattling dash and oil change.
Oct, car in for the 4206F recall after I researched the noisy engine and poor performance. Techs replaced top two plugs and reflashed the ECU. Said that the bottom two plugs weren't covered under warranty and replacement would be approx $270. Also, noted a problem of the transmission slipping when shifting into 3rd when in manual stick mode. Techs said the tranny fluid needed to be changed for a service fee of $126.
Nov, pulled out dipstick to check oil levels and noted milky oil. Called the dealership and they said not to drive it, call Roadside. Picked up car and it's currently at the dealership. Researched here and found the SB 01-050. Dealer said that this wasn't covered under warranty and repair would cost around $457.
Concerns and questions I have
1. Why was I charged for a transmission service? That is one of the Certified items checked. There is no way the fluid needed changed, if it were checked under the program. Should it have been covered? Also, what about the brakes? The cars brakes needed to be replaced, should that have not been noted under the inspection?
2. The car has been in and out of the shop since we bought it. Several of those times the car left with the problem it went into the shop to have repaired.
3. Dealer is telling me things aren't coverend under warranty, such as the milky oil. I spoke to another dealer and he said it should be. I'm currenty running the VIN with him to verify warranty status.
4. Why would the dealer tell me that in regards to recall 4206F that the two bottom plugs weren't covered under warranty?
5. Dash is still rattling and has since day 3. Quick fix was to up the idle speed, which they did first time, then tighten the horn. Only way the noise stops is to disengage the tilt control.
Ultimately, she signed on the dotted line and she's finacially responsible for the car. I just feel that the treatment and misleading information that my cute blonde girlfriend is getting is because they are tiding her over until the warranty expires and they are free from obligations. This is a typical scenario in this hell-hole I live in when it comes to service. I paid a premium to get premium service on my personal car which I didn't get. They got grease on my gray leather multiple times, broke trim and nearly ruined a $3500 set of multi-piece rims. I found that they didn't want to honor their commitments after leaving the lot.
What I'm looking for is input, ideas and help on how to deal with this situation. I love the looks and performance of the car but this is just not a reliable option for her. I want to get these items replaced and repaired and get rid of it.
Thanks to everyone who made it this far.
And if you did, here's a real shiat kicker.. Mazda Techs flooded the car. The called my g/f and told her it would be $80 bucks or so to get the car "dried" out and started!!!!!
She dropped it off, it was running, they flood it out and want to charge her??? OMG!!!! MAZDAUSA is really gonna want to hear all this aren't they? What a representation of Mazda this dealership is. BUT, there were offering her 15k for a trade in toward a 2002 Acura TL.. 
Bought used Certified RX8 TE Autostick Feb 48k miles, had dealer agree to extend warranty to 70k for nominal fee.
Took car back 2 days later for load rear end noise and squeeky brakes not present at test drive.
Techs checked alignment and brakes and confirmed no problems.
March, took car back for rear end noise again. I noted to techs that the car was cupping tires, did research here and found out what culprit could be. I indicated that I thought it was a rear end issue because the noise was not from the road but the differential. Dealer replaced rear coils and 4 new tires.
May, took car in and brakes were replaced due to yellow status. Rear end noise still evident. Tech rode with me, acknowledge noise and left car. Dealer said it was OK, picked up the car, didn't do it until 2 miles down the road then began to do it again. Was able to determine how to reproduce the problem buy putting car on a hill, turning wheels and pulling out.
June, dealership replaced rear differential to a tune of 2475.00 under warranty. Told them it was the rear end. Stupid techs think they know everything, but when you drive it and you're an enthusiast you note the slightest changes/noises.
August, took car in for rattling dash and oil change.
Oct, car in for the 4206F recall after I researched the noisy engine and poor performance. Techs replaced top two plugs and reflashed the ECU. Said that the bottom two plugs weren't covered under warranty and replacement would be approx $270. Also, noted a problem of the transmission slipping when shifting into 3rd when in manual stick mode. Techs said the tranny fluid needed to be changed for a service fee of $126.
Nov, pulled out dipstick to check oil levels and noted milky oil. Called the dealership and they said not to drive it, call Roadside. Picked up car and it's currently at the dealership. Researched here and found the SB 01-050. Dealer said that this wasn't covered under warranty and repair would cost around $457.
Concerns and questions I have
1. Why was I charged for a transmission service? That is one of the Certified items checked. There is no way the fluid needed changed, if it were checked under the program. Should it have been covered? Also, what about the brakes? The cars brakes needed to be replaced, should that have not been noted under the inspection?
2. The car has been in and out of the shop since we bought it. Several of those times the car left with the problem it went into the shop to have repaired.
3. Dealer is telling me things aren't coverend under warranty, such as the milky oil. I spoke to another dealer and he said it should be. I'm currenty running the VIN with him to verify warranty status.
4. Why would the dealer tell me that in regards to recall 4206F that the two bottom plugs weren't covered under warranty?
5. Dash is still rattling and has since day 3. Quick fix was to up the idle speed, which they did first time, then tighten the horn. Only way the noise stops is to disengage the tilt control.
Ultimately, she signed on the dotted line and she's finacially responsible for the car. I just feel that the treatment and misleading information that my cute blonde girlfriend is getting is because they are tiding her over until the warranty expires and they are free from obligations. This is a typical scenario in this hell-hole I live in when it comes to service. I paid a premium to get premium service on my personal car which I didn't get. They got grease on my gray leather multiple times, broke trim and nearly ruined a $3500 set of multi-piece rims. I found that they didn't want to honor their commitments after leaving the lot.
What I'm looking for is input, ideas and help on how to deal with this situation. I love the looks and performance of the car but this is just not a reliable option for her. I want to get these items replaced and repaired and get rid of it.
Thanks to everyone who made it this far.
And if you did, here's a real shiat kicker.. Mazda Techs flooded the car. The called my g/f and told her it would be $80 bucks or so to get the car "dried" out and started!!!!!
She dropped it off, it was running, they flood it out and want to charge her??? OMG!!!! MAZDAUSA is really gonna want to hear all this aren't they? What a representation of Mazda this dealership is. BUT, there were offering her 15k for a trade in toward a 2002 Acura TL..
Last edited by Technician; 11-29-2006 at 11:07 AM.
11-30-2006, 12:04 PM
#2
Hermitage Holdout
Overall it sounds like its time for a new servicing dealer (if your extended warranty is transferrable that is). A few answers to your questions:
The following is what the technican instructions are regarding plugs in the 4206F recall: "It is NOT necessary to replace the spark plugs when the recall is performed on new vehicle inventory, because they will be replaced later during the FINAL QUALITY INSPECTION. Vehicles that have NOT had spark plugs replaced within the past 12 months of the recall inspection date, will require leading spark plug replacement."
Regarding milky substance on dipstick, this has been a common item discussed on this site and you'll find plenty of posts regarding same if you search for them. Suggest you take a look at the following web site and pull down the recently updated technical service bulletin on this topic: http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html.
Filing a report on the dealer with MNAO may get you no where, but its worth a try...
Good Luck!
The following is what the technican instructions are regarding plugs in the 4206F recall: "It is NOT necessary to replace the spark plugs when the recall is performed on new vehicle inventory, because they will be replaced later during the FINAL QUALITY INSPECTION. Vehicles that have NOT had spark plugs replaced within the past 12 months of the recall inspection date, will require leading spark plug replacement."
Regarding milky substance on dipstick, this has been a common item discussed on this site and you'll find plenty of posts regarding same if you search for them. Suggest you take a look at the following web site and pull down the recently updated technical service bulletin on this topic: http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html.
Filing a report on the dealer with MNAO may get you no where, but its worth a try...
Good Luck!
12-06-2006, 10:21 AM
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Only the leading plug is covered. That is all mazda will cover, read the recall.
Don't know what "certified" means but brake pad depth may have been on the minimal side and a little driving would put them in the yellow. Brakes are considered wear and tear item and are not covered under warrenty unless new and then only 12month/12k miles.
Transmission fluid is also considered routine maintenance item, not warrenty work. If you bought it at 48K and now have close to 60K, then look in the book for the scheduled milage change of the fluid.
I'm confused - you say you want things repair. What is left? The rear-end was fixed, the brakes fixed and the tranny fluid changed. Only thing left is the rattle, right?
Mike
Don't know what "certified" means but brake pad depth may have been on the minimal side and a little driving would put them in the yellow. Brakes are considered wear and tear item and are not covered under warrenty unless new and then only 12month/12k miles.
Transmission fluid is also considered routine maintenance item, not warrenty work. If you bought it at 48K and now have close to 60K, then look in the book for the scheduled milage change of the fluid.
I'm confused - you say you want things repair. What is left? The rear-end was fixed, the brakes fixed and the tranny fluid changed. Only thing left is the rattle, right?
Mike
12-06-2006, 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by agoodcave
Only the leading plug is covered. That is all mazda will cover, read the recall.
Don't know what "certified" means but brake pad depth may have been on the minimal side and a little driving would put them in the yellow. Brakes are considered wear and tear item and are not covered under warrenty unless new and then only 12month/12k miles.
Transmission fluid is also considered routine maintenance item, not warrenty work. If you bought it at 48K and now have close to 60K, then look in the book for the scheduled milage change of the fluid.
I'm confused - you say you want things repair. What is left? The rear-end was fixed, the brakes fixed and the tranny fluid changed. Only thing left is the rattle, right?
Mike
Don't know what "certified" means but brake pad depth may have been on the minimal side and a little driving would put them in the yellow. Brakes are considered wear and tear item and are not covered under warrenty unless new and then only 12month/12k miles.
Transmission fluid is also considered routine maintenance item, not warrenty work. If you bought it at 48K and now have close to 60K, then look in the book for the scheduled milage change of the fluid.
I'm confused - you say you want things repair. What is left? The rear-end was fixed, the brakes fixed and the tranny fluid changed. Only thing left is the rattle, right?
Mike
You could probably get a job there
- milky oil issue not resolved - they want to charge $457 for what should be done under TSB (unless poster is not clear on extended warranty terms). Customer should not have to pay to be able to see the oil level.
- shifting problems, which dealer suggested the "fix" was fluid change (bogus), which just passed their own inspection
- yeah, dash rattle - for which their fix was to bump the idle speed
- took 4 months and repeated visits to finally fix what sounds like an obviously bad differential - rear end noise and tire cupping.
- cosmetic and physical damage to vehicle by service dept.
Yeah, this guy has nothing to complain about.
12-07-2006, 09:12 AM
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Didn't say he didn't have a right to complain. Just pointed out a few things (lower plugs) and asking what was left to fix. I did not notice the blue text at the bottom of his post - thought it was his list of mods (sorry). Also, did the fluid change fix the tranny? Also, the milky oil issue may or may not be the same issue.
I agree he needs to find a new dealer. I was just asking for clarification on what needed repaired.
Mike
I agree he needs to find a new dealer. I was just asking for clarification on what needed repaired.
Mike
12-07-2006, 09:36 AM
#9
Misfit Moderator TnC
arent the trailing plugs supposed to be replaced under the hard start/ flooding tsb?....thats when they changed mine...and shortly after i had the recall and the leading plugs got changed.....dash rattle shouldnt happen....mine is tight as hell......my dealer put scratches on my aftermarket side skirts and i made them pay MY body guy to repair them....if it broke under thier care then THEY are responsible...technician it would help to give us a location because i doubt any of us would want to go to this turd of a dealer and maybe we can point you in the direction of a decent one
12-18-2006, 05:37 AM
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Thanks for all the replies and help. I'm located in the Tri-Citie's area of Tennessee. The dealership that's caused the headaches is Bill Gatton Mazda of Johnson City so I would warn anyone of going there for serious repairs. The other dealership is in Bristol and it's.. you guessed it.. Bill Gatton Mazda of Bristol. Owned by the same guy but I do know a service tech there that may be able to help me out. I plan on contacting Mazda USA since I have my documentation together with dates and a summary of what all happened.
The engine has since began making more noise and the performance has degraded. The car doesn't pull as good as it used to and I'd imagine gettin spanked by a new Honda Si if one pulled up next to me. This is pathetic!
I got the same run around with Rick Hill Imports on my BMW. It seems all dealerships around here are ran by wack service departments and department managers.
The engine has since began making more noise and the performance has degraded. The car doesn't pull as good as it used to and I'd imagine gettin spanked by a new Honda Si if one pulled up next to me. This is pathetic!
I got the same run around with Rick Hill Imports on my BMW. It seems all dealerships around here are ran by wack service departments and department managers.
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