Mazda Sucks (Dealer Service Experience)
03-18-2006, 09:04 PM
#51
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raptor after reading other posts, it seems like your situation isnt really that strange. there seems to be many others that gets similar mileage, so there might not be something wrong with your car.
03-19-2006, 01:34 AM
#53
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
We went back and forth and it became pretty obvious that the good folks at Autobarn in Evanston IL had absolutely no desire to fix my defective vehicle and just wanted me out of their hair.
I started a thread on Chicago area service centers. If you know of a good one, please post here:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/chicago-area-service-center-recommendations-85471/
Thanks,
saxon
03-19-2006, 07:21 AM
#54
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Wow, sorry to hear that buddy...I would be VERY upset if I got 11.5mpg, if nothing changed I'd trade in the RX8. No...not afraid to say that because honestly 11.5mpg is super performing exotic car type fuel economy and that's just not acceptable in the RX8.
I'm one of those people who get very good gas miliage:
Never less than 18.6mpg city and even when I really tired to save gas I was able to hit 20.5mpg in all city.
My highway fuel economy so far (not 100% highway...more like 80%) is less impressive 21.4mpg @ 75mph with the AC on.
I have a 2005 (Oct 2004 build) 6spd base and while my 8 mile drive has traffic, I can't say I'm stuck in trafffic often.
Well...my laptop battery is going out, so I just wanted to say I think you do have a case because there are enough 8 drivers with really bad gas BUT...you really have to make an effort to get Mazda to do something about it. Document your driving style and let someone else drive you car for a tank of gas...to see what they get. Finally, get a petition going from other 8 owners getting really bad fuel economy and then...and only then you will have more power to fight this out.
Just keep in mind...some of the people complaining have nothing to blame but themselves, so make sure your data is from "normal" drivers...what ever that might be.
I hope the best!
I'm one of those people who get very good gas miliage:
Never less than 18.6mpg city and even when I really tired to save gas I was able to hit 20.5mpg in all city.
My highway fuel economy so far (not 100% highway...more like 80%) is less impressive 21.4mpg @ 75mph with the AC on.
I have a 2005 (Oct 2004 build) 6spd base and while my 8 mile drive has traffic, I can't say I'm stuck in trafffic often.
Well...my laptop battery is going out, so I just wanted to say I think you do have a case because there are enough 8 drivers with really bad gas BUT...you really have to make an effort to get Mazda to do something about it. Document your driving style and let someone else drive you car for a tank of gas...to see what they get. Finally, get a petition going from other 8 owners getting really bad fuel economy and then...and only then you will have more power to fight this out.
Just keep in mind...some of the people complaining have nothing to blame but themselves, so make sure your data is from "normal" drivers...what ever that might be.
I hope the best!
03-19-2006, 09:45 AM
#55
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Many of you bring up very good points and there are others in my situation. I guess if I heard everyone saying they are getting roughly the same mileage I could write it off and move on but if you take a look in the lounge at the poll I set up for city mpg the numbers are everywhere. Add to this fact that Mazda has done very little if anything to address my concern I am back to my original quote about Mazda.
To be fair, I plan to meet with the local users group and get their input and I will talk to Mazda corp. I have a strong feeling I will get more from the local users then Mazda corp. Others have reported Mazda giving them a line and sending them on their way.
We all should have an issue with Mazda and need to press them, if you don’t have one of the **** poor mileage 8s it is only by the luck of the draw. By putting pressure on Mazda and letting them know this is unacceptable maybe our best chance to get them to correct the 8s that are doing so poorly.
To be fair, I plan to meet with the local users group and get their input and I will talk to Mazda corp. I have a strong feeling I will get more from the local users then Mazda corp. Others have reported Mazda giving them a line and sending them on their way.
We all should have an issue with Mazda and need to press them, if you don’t have one of the **** poor mileage 8s it is only by the luck of the draw. By putting pressure on Mazda and letting them know this is unacceptable maybe our best chance to get them to correct the 8s that are doing so poorly.
03-19-2006, 10:00 AM
#56
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Originally Posted by TEW Rotors
It's a wide descrepancy, but it's a very small sample of very vocal people here on this board. No one could claim that the people on this board make a statistically significant sample. It's a lot more accurate to look at things like Consumer Reports to get an idea of the average mileage for the RX-8.
Unfortunately, you have a very difficult commute. Nine miles in half an hour is an average speed of 18 miles per hour. How can you expect any car to get good mileage on your commute?
Unfortunately, you have a very difficult commute. Nine miles in half an hour is an average speed of 18 miles per hour. How can you expect any car to get good mileage on your commute?
I live in Lincolnwood so I know we share the same roads. My commute is hard on mileage and surprisingly I also drove a Probe GT (94) for several years so I do know what to expect. I still find it hard to swallow this discrepancy issue based on all I have heard. Look in the lounge at the poll there and look at an old poll from early 04. Both samplings though small support the fact that 11.5 mpg is far below average no matter how you cut it. If you can prove me wrong please do, I am more then receptive to other facts that would change my opinion. I am looking for the truth and it is difficult to find. The answers I received at the Autobahn did not easy my mind in the least "The brush off" was closer to that experience.
03-19-2006, 10:42 AM
#57
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Alright Who is willing to do the 300 mile roadtrip at 55MPH in an RX8?
Just the humiliation of letting 70MPH Prius's pass you will be enough to convince any RX8 owner to accept 12 MPG!
Just the humiliation of letting 70MPH Prius's pass you will be enough to convince any RX8 owner to accept 12 MPG!
03-19-2006, 01:32 PM
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That would be easy enough to do since a lot of the freeways in the Portland area for a good portion of the day/afternoon don't move faster than 40. There is a few hour stretch from about 10-2 where it seems to be normal and then for no apparent reason everyone just starts driving slow. 
03-19-2006, 01:38 PM
#59
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
TEW Rotors, are you the mechanic at Auto barn I spoke to????
Anyway, just know that at least I'm in the same boat with you. I average a little over 300 miles/month on my car (I've had it over a year and it only has about 4000 miles), and my mileage is about the same as yours. I generally have to fill up about twice a month, give or take.
I tried driving like a granny and my mileage improved. But, I decided I didn't want to drive that way, so I have accepted the poor mileage as a cost of the increased enjoyment.
03-19-2006, 02:01 PM
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Wow, this disscussion again.
This horse has been dead for a couple years now, but if we must beat it again,
a) fuel economy on the 8 kinda sucks (but you should have known this going in)
b) fuel economy (for me at least) has steadily improved as I broke in the car and have gotten used to driving it. (used to average about 14mpg when new, now I average about 19mpg with 31K miles on the 8)
c) the driving conditions probably have a LOT to do with your milage ...as others have pointed out, the more time you spend at idle, the worse your fuel economy is going to be.
BTW, my 8 was purchased in April of 04, so I have one of the earlier ones
This horse has been dead for a couple years now, but if we must beat it again,
a) fuel economy on the 8 kinda sucks (but you should have known this going in)
b) fuel economy (for me at least) has steadily improved as I broke in the car and have gotten used to driving it. (used to average about 14mpg when new, now I average about 19mpg with 31K miles on the 8)
c) the driving conditions probably have a LOT to do with your milage ...as others have pointed out, the more time you spend at idle, the worse your fuel economy is going to be.
BTW, my 8 was purchased in April of 04, so I have one of the earlier ones
03-19-2006, 04:57 PM
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car and driver had an interesting article about fuel economy a few months back. the editor made a good point: "every car has 2 different fuel economies, EPA economy, and your economy." depending on how YOU drive, when and how hard you brake, how much you depress the accelarator, when you shift etc. will all affect your miles to gallon. i decided to throw fuel economy to the wind when i decided to buy this car. my '87 civic didn't get the best mpg anyway with it's 1800 rpm idle. hell the engine even burned about a quart of oil every other week. i actually fill up less often now in my 8 (granted i'm puting more expensive 93 octane in it rather than good ol' 87) and haven't really worried about it since.
03-19-2006, 09:16 PM
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Raptors, my advice, exhaust all options. Mazda will just get their back up if you come to them with "representing" a group of cyber complainers. Talk to the service manager, the dealer manager, the owner, the district warranty rep, his boss, etc. etc.
Shouldn't be this way, but it is.
Good luck.
Shouldn't be this way, but it is.
Good luck.
03-20-2006, 04:07 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by silverx8
Alright Who is willing to do the 300 mile roadtrip at 55MPH in an RX8?
Just the humiliation of letting 70MPH Prius's pass you will be enough to convince any RX8 owner to accept 12 MPG!
Just the humiliation of letting 70MPH Prius's pass you will be enough to convince any RX8 owner to accept 12 MPG!
its already been done by many people (well @65mph) and we have all gotten 24 or HIGHER mpg. ive gotten 24.4( also got 23.9 on 2 consecutive tanks) nemisis8 has gotten 25 i think(really close) Elara has done 25 or 26 mpg. Brillo got 27 mpg recently etc etc.
03-20-2006, 04:24 PM
#64
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I'll be really excited if I can manage to get those numbers on my way to my new job (yay!!!) since it is at least 90% highway/highway-like driving. I'll just have to wait and see. 
03-20-2006, 07:05 PM
#65
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Can we please review...'you can get this gas mileage if you balance on your head, rub your belly, do two spins, flip back up and land on one toe.' This car is not meant for 65 mph cruise control road trips, shifting between 4 to 5K rpms, or shifting at 17, 24, etc. mph, as someone stated Mazda? recommends for optimum fuel economy. I understand the concerns, within reason. Let it go...or get another car. I LOVE (willing to marry) my RX-8.
03-20-2006, 08:19 PM
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This is my seventh Rotary I knew what to expect. I understand how people are surprised. They think 1.3L, how bad could it be, it's so small. It is lower mpg then we all would like, but it has improved over earlier rotaries,both in mpg and hp. Its an engine still in its infancy in comparisson to piston engines. I normaly get 16-21mpg. I have got 29.5mpg doing 55-60mph, but its too hard with the fun of this high reving engine. It will improve as the miles pile on. Sorry for you who are not happy, but remember you are one of the very few who get to enjoy this electric like motor.
03-20-2006, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by papipito
Can we please review...'you can get this gas mileage if you balance on your head, rub your belly, do two spins, flip back up and land on one toe.' This car is not meant for 65 mph cruise control road trips, shifting between 4 to 5K rpms, or shifting at 17, 24, etc. mph, as someone stated Mazda? recommends for optimum fuel economy. I understand the concerns, within reason. Let it go...or get another car. I LOVE (willing to marry) my RX-8.
i've only noticed the poor fuel economy is whe i've been purposly pushing the car for extended periods of time on a few streets w/o cops to ticket me. i love the car, i'm not going to let poor gas milage get in the way of that.
03-20-2006, 09:45 PM
#68
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Raptor-
From my experience with three winters in Chicago, you should be seeing an increase soon. My fuel economy drops at least 2mpg when they switch to the oxygenated winter fuel. And magically, my last tank just went from ~14.5mpg to ~17mpg... and I don't baby it at all. I drive around in the powerband at all times (4k-5k rpm), and shift at the beep all the time. I've also noticed that when I work from home and just do short trips (taking kids to school, running to Jewels for beer, etc), my mileage is noticeably worse (similar to your heavy city driving), especially in the winter as everything takes longer to get up to efficient operating temps.
Anyhoo... when you pick up my exhaust we can look at your MAF sensor... I clean mine every month or so.
From my experience with three winters in Chicago, you should be seeing an increase soon. My fuel economy drops at least 2mpg when they switch to the oxygenated winter fuel. And magically, my last tank just went from ~14.5mpg to ~17mpg... and I don't baby it at all. I drive around in the powerband at all times (4k-5k rpm), and shift at the beep all the time. I've also noticed that when I work from home and just do short trips (taking kids to school, running to Jewels for beer, etc), my mileage is noticeably worse (similar to your heavy city driving), especially in the winter as everything takes longer to get up to efficient operating temps.
Anyhoo... when you pick up my exhaust we can look at your MAF sensor... I clean mine every month or so.
03-21-2006, 01:22 PM
#70
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Raptor..out of curiousity..just how long are you warming up before you drive your 8? If you are warming over 2 min. per drive, you are eating up your gas..
I've been doing 2 min. initial warm-up, then less than a min. after that and am getting 18-20mpg during my 90% city drives.
I've been doing 2 min. initial warm-up, then less than a min. after that and am getting 18-20mpg during my 90% city drives.
03-21-2006, 01:42 PM
#71
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Originally Posted by icyur2
Raptor..out of curiousity..just how long are you warming up before you drive your 8? If you are warming over 2 min. per drive, you are eating up your gas..
I've been doing 2 min. initial warm-up, then less than a min. after that and am getting 18-20mpg during my 90% city drives.
I've been doing 2 min. initial warm-up, then less than a min. after that and am getting 18-20mpg during my 90% city drives.
I also don't think the MAF would be dirty after on 1050 miles.
03-21-2006, 03:46 PM
#72
My mileage so far (new '05):
1st tank = 17.6 mpg
2nd = 18.6
3rd = 19.1
4th = 21.9 (mostly highway @ 55 - 70mph)
Notes:
• Driving = 70% highway, 30% city
• Fuel = Mobil Super+ (93)
• Odometer = 930 miles
• I've barely had it over 3,500-4,000 rpm (following the conservative Racing Beat "break-in" suggestions, so I'll start exceeding 4K rpm at 1K miles, gradually bringing it up to redline as I approach 2K total miles).
• I stop pumping gas—every time—at the first "click". No topping off.
• Not many "startups" per tank. I use the car mostly weekends for long rides out of town, and typically the engine runs an hour or two before I turn it off. So few "short trips w/lots of starts".
• Since mostly weekends, NOT much sitting in traffic.
I'm curious to see how much the mileage drops when I can finally drive the car normally.
1st tank = 17.6 mpg
2nd = 18.6
3rd = 19.1
4th = 21.9 (mostly highway @ 55 - 70mph)
Notes:
• Driving = 70% highway, 30% city
• Fuel = Mobil Super+ (93)
• Odometer = 930 miles
• I've barely had it over 3,500-4,000 rpm (following the conservative Racing Beat "break-in" suggestions, so I'll start exceeding 4K rpm at 1K miles, gradually bringing it up to redline as I approach 2K total miles).
• I stop pumping gas—every time—at the first "click". No topping off.
• Not many "startups" per tank. I use the car mostly weekends for long rides out of town, and typically the engine runs an hour or two before I turn it off. So few "short trips w/lots of starts".
• Since mostly weekends, NOT much sitting in traffic.
I'm curious to see how much the mileage drops when I can finally drive the car normally.
03-21-2006, 03:56 PM
#73
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I get 16MPG and yes it was a shock at the beginning. But that's the way the rotary engine is, it was always known for bad fuel economy.
Also, when you look at the specs for other "sports" cars they are bad on gas too
Also, when you look at the specs for other "sports" cars they are bad on gas too
03-21-2006, 04:34 PM
#74
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
I do about 9 miles one way and it takes me 20 to 30 minutes. It is suburban city.
The math on this commute is murder - especially if it's fully 30 minutes. I let my car idle way too long one morning (lost track of the time while I helped a tow truck driver pull my wife's van out of the neighbor's yard) and the fuel drain at idle just blew me away. Can you say, 'goodbye 1/4 tank'?I'm going to suggest you get more data on your car.
What can you find?
Any CEL to investigate? No.
Any worn/dirty parts to replace? No.
Any more help from dealership? Not likely.
I would claim the commute is the real problem. I suggest pick a destination ~150 miles away and get a friend or girl-friend to ride along this weekend. Top off the tank after a few miles when the engine is warm - then use the cruise control for optimum fuel economy for ~150 miles, then fill up again and find the *best* mileage *your* car can get.
Clearly 11.5mpg is alarming, but *other* driver's stories about mileage on their *other* cars isn't going to give you more information about *your* car.
For instance - I drive a mostly rural commute here in NY ~18 miles in ~25 minutes, almost no idling. I also do some around-town driving and ~20 mile trips on the freeway. I make sure to red-line at *least* once per trip and sometimes drive-it-like-I-stole-it. I've been getting 17.9 to 18.9mpg.
See, that didn't help. You already knew almost everyone gets better mileage than 11.5mpg. Try a controlled test on your car.
03-21-2006, 10:14 PM
#75
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Originally Posted by zoom44
its already been done by many people (well @65mph) and we have all gotten 24 or HIGHER mpg. ive gotten 24.4( also got 23.9 on 2 consecutive tanks) nemisis8 has gotten 25 i think(really close) Elara has done 25 or 26 mpg. Brillo got 27 mpg recently etc etc.