So my starter is completely gone after a hail storm that hit Calgary about 3 weeks ago and Mazda tells me that it'll take at least 2 weeks to get the starter from Japan. It's already been 1 week and they still don't know whether it's left Japan or not ... =.=

So I'm obviously pissed because it seems like I'll go a couple months without the car so I figured, is there anyone out there that has a trustworthy place that I can order my starter from? I'd like to get the car up and running within the next 2 weeks if possible and Mazda doesn't seem to be in a rush so it's pissing me off.

I have a 2009 R3.

EDIT: So far the best place I've found was https://www.mazda-parts.com

 

It's pricey but here is one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/09-Up...#ht_540wt_1124

 

I'm still trying to figure out how a hail storm would have anything to do with a starter?

 

I think the amount of water that followed said hail is more to the point the OP was referring lol

 

Hailed a crapton, then everywhere got flooded (apparently Calgary streets are designed to flood for some reason), and then at one point the water was up past my door ... and I was trapped in my car for an hour until the water finally died down a bit and I crawled out of my window and pushed the car out of the water ... =.=

 

So apparently nowhere in all of North America is there a new starter for the 2009 RX-8 ... fml and Japan taking their sweet time and giving me an ETA of 3 months ... anyone else have any ideas?

 

holyshit bro 3month thats outrageous! sorry I cant help you with this one!

 

Try calling www.mazmart.com

 

I have one...but I am in Australia.

OEM Number..
N3R3-18-400 Starter Series 2, Manual.

Paul AFAIK has a Series 1 Starter.

Just checking availability, I find it unusual that MNAO does not have one.

http://onlinemazdaparts.com/partloca...&siteid=214264

$354.34 from Jason Baggie at Montgomery Mazda..

 

At this point in time as long as it's a new one for S2 I'll buy it and pay for express shipping to get it here as soon as possible. I'm getting the car checked out by my insurance company and hoping for a write off so I can get the new red 2010 r3 on the lot ... hehehe

 

Make sure you look over that new R3 on the lot for hail damage.
My gf almost bought a brand new red R3 a couple months back, but once I started looking at the car from the right angles, I saw that there was hail damage all over the thing.

BC.

 

which starter are authentic?

N3R3-18-400 STARTER MAZDA RX-8 | eBay

 

Look for the price it looks good....normally about twice that when brand new OEM.
Not so sure about the all silver colour, IMO it could be a reman?
Brand new don't come in those colours, but it has the correct 13 tooth gear.