ASH8

For Mazda RX-8 owners here in Australia who are not aware Mazda America and Canada have recently announced an extended engine core warranty of 8 years or 160,000 KMS (100,000 miles) for ALL RX-8 owners, including the soon to be released Face-Lift Model.

See link below.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/2009-rx-8-8yr-100k-warranty-extension-press-release-q-jeremy-barnes-147753/page4/

It now appears Mazda Australia will not be offering any warranty extension.

I have certainly been trying and in my opinion plan B needs to be put in action.

I STRONGLY believe we need Mazda Australia and if necessary Mazda Motors Japan to hear us in NUMBERS which will compel them to listen, one person (myself) can only do so much, but collectively it is a new ball game.

This is my suggestion.......

When any issue such as this is put in writing to those concerned their obligation is also to respond in writing, emails are ok, but it is far better to post a letter.

Rather than tell you exactly what to write, I will make the following suggestions.

1. Your name and address and date.
2. Tell the recipient that you are aware of the North American extended 8 year engine warranty policy.
3. Explain your concerns about your own RX-8 and the longevity of your engine particularly after your new car warranty has expired.
4. Include your Selling Mazda Dealer and your Vehicles VIN # that's the JMOFE1031......
5. You could also mention your personal experiences with your Mazda dealer.

I would also suggest that you send a copy or a fresh letter to the Dealer Principal from where you purchased your RX-8.
(DP's have independent Dealer Principal Meetings to discuss issues before a representation to Mazda Australia)

At the very least email Mazda Australia and your Dealer Principal (look up your Dealers Website for their email address)

ALSO an important point...Please DO NOT be concerned that Mazda may "void" your warranty because of your letter, this of course can not be done.

OWNERS out of warranty, Please, Please still do the above, obviously if we are successful YOU will be included.

GUYS WE NEED ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT, AND WE NEED IT NOW, SO GET ON YOUR PC'S AND DRAFT THAT LETTER.

I WOULD HATE TO THINK THAT WE LET THIS OPPORTUNITY 3 WEEKS OUT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH OF THE
NEW MODEL AND YOU DID NOTHING.

I WOULD ALSO HATE TO THINK IN A FEW YEARS WITH A FEW MORE THOUSAND KILOMETERS YOU MAY HAVE ENGINE RELIABILITY ISSUES...AND NO FACTORY SUPPORT.

I am happy to help anyone via a PM

National Customer Services Centre
Mazda Australia
Private Bag 323
Mount Waverley BC
Victoria 3149
Attn. General Manager

mdr

If you are going to do a letter writing campaign, I think we should get the address for MMC in Japan and copy the letters to them also.

MMC has to ask MA about it and that will at least trigger response of some kind.

ASH8

I don't disagree, however, perhaps it is only polite to let the Management of Mazda Australia to respond to our letters.

Here is the link to email Mazda Japan...

https://ssl.mazda.co.jp/inquiry_en/

At this stage I think they will just forward it on to the Distributor..

Ash

ASH8

I just received an email from a well known Australian Website on Motoring...he receives Advertising from Mazda so i won't divulge his name or company, I did email the owner for some local advice and support...

Ashley,

Thank you for your email.

Warranties tend to vary from country to country and are more part of a marketing expense than an engineering initiative.

So what Mazda do in the US does not necessarily happen here due to differing local issues.

I suspect the eight years in the US is part of a North American strategy to address a North American issue – i.e. to support demand for their remanufacturing plant, for example.

I suggest that you rally the troops in the Australian market on forums etc and get your club associates to write to Mazda management. If you think you have a good case then you should put that case and make sure that you bring it to Mazda Australia’s attention in numbers that will compel them to listen. If they think there is sufficient demand then you may get your way.

Good Luck.

____ _____

ASH8

So, the weekend is over....

How many have written to Mazda..any?
Mazda Australia are not going to take one person (me) seriously unless you guys back me up...

Would you like me to make up a template letter for you, so you can fill in the blanks?...really!!!

I have many Ideas and are prepared to spend more of my time and money to achieve something..

If the 73 people who have viewed this new thread can not make any comment or even say...letter sent...what the F**K am I doing.

For those who don't want to get involved or play it straight or even play it safe, you are dealing with a car manufacturer here and dealers who are Bloody Car Salesmen for god's sake.

IF you are not prepared to play at their game or their level, then I think..no I know, everything you guys post about how bad Mazda are, and whinge and whine about dealer service is nothing when
your cars engine fails you in a few years time out of warranty, because mark my words IT will.

But hey those who can afford it will just trade it in..won't you.

Revolver

Below is the text of my own letter, mailed today.

FWIW, I suggest you keep your letters short and simple and on the single issue of extended warranty. Lengthy whinges about other issues such as poor service, expensive part prices, etc, etc will just dilute the campaign's message.

I own a 2004 RX8 purchased from Brookvale Mazda (VIN JM0FE103100101888, engine no. 13B429831).

I have become aware that Mazda in the USA and Canada has offered a retrospective 8 year engine warranty on the RX8 model.

Does Mazda Australia plan to offer similar warranty protection to its customers? If so, when? If not, why not?

You would, or should, be aware that several owners have experienced engine failures due to lubrication and/or ignition problems, some of which appear to have been addressed in the forthcoming revised RX8 model.

My own car has suffered difficulty starting, which necessitated the early replacement of battery, spark plugs and starter motor. Shortly after the three year warranty expired, the coils and two of the replacement plugs (and their leads) failed, necessitating expensive replacement parts. At that stage, the car had only done 40,000 kms and had been regularly serviced by your dealer at Brookvale. This is hardly satisfactory for a modern vehicle.

Many owners are watching this issue closely. You would not need reminding that the rotary engine has struggled over the years with a reputation for poor long term reliability. Many motoring enthusiasts I speak to warn against their purchase. Although I applaud Mazda’s persistence with this alternative form of engine, I expect Mazda to support those customers who have shown similar faith in its worth.

mdr

I have written a letter Ash but I am not one that has suggested there is a problem with Mazda service or the car itself.

I have asked them to simply be fair and give us in AU what the US and CA are getting.

ASH8

I have just spoken to John Real (Canberra) Not John Read (Mazda Australia),

You recall I was trying to get clarification on ADR 79-80 and the "IN SERVICE" Conformity rules of 5 years or 100,000 KM.

This guy is extremely clued on ADR Emission Rules for Australia...as he should.

It is true that we align our ADR Emission Rules with Europe, these rules are gazetted by our Federal Parliament on behalf of the States, however, it is the States who actually "police" the conformity all the way down to the actual "Police Force" in your state.

This Commonwealth/State agreement goes back to the early 80's when evaporative emissions compliance ,exhaust catalysts, and the removal of leaded fuels.

Basically ANY manufacturer who wants to market a new car here must show that the vehicle complies with the 5 year 80,000KM rule "IN Service" for that period of time. Obviously a manufacturer can not date/age a car of 5 years, so an on road test is carried out of low kilometres times a factor of 1.2.

This vehicle is then officially re-tested by ADR and is if passes is given compliance to sell as many units as the manufacturer desires.

This is the GREY Area or ouch!

While the vehicle is obliged to conform for these 5 years proving the liability is another issue because there are many factors that causes a breakdown of a component...fuel quality is the main one a manufacturer will use as an out.

Outside a Vehicle Manufacturers Warranty Period the onus is then on the owner to prove there is a faulty component that will prevent their car conforming to ADR 79-80.

This is done by Independently performing an ADR Full Emissions Test at the OWNERS EXPENSE...the Cost is between $1500 and $2000.

So there it is...A test in most cases will outweigh the cost of your repair.

GREAT HEY!

John did say that they have tested many cars outside the 5 year period and they still comply.

So LabRat, I don't think I can take this one any further.

Ash
http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/...skWebForm.aspx


If you wish more clarification on this issue or to the above site, go to 'feedback' section and mark the attention of John REAL..

mdr

So the 5 year 80,000KM rule "IN Service" rule is a bogus rule that they are able to guesstimate compliance with and not warranty.

Sounds a bit fishy to me either it last for 5 years and they warrant to last for 5 years or it doesn't. Wonder just how many failures there are during that 5 year period that no one wants to know about and the owners have to cop the repair on? I am talking all brands here Holden, Ford, Mazda etc.

ASH8

Yep it is one of those rules which the Feds gazette and the States 'enforce or regulate' the compliance, as John said he is not a lawyer but it is again one of those minefields of governmental buck passing.

John Real did say if there is evidence of a number of the same failures with a brand/model of car concerned he would take the issue further, I get the opinion we are talking 10 to 20% of all RX-8's, as an example, if the RX-8s Catalytic Converters were failing at say 4 years or 75,000 kms.

Andy Wana

I've sent my letter out. Let's hope it didn't fall on deaf ears.

ASH8

Thank you Andy...

IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR OTHER OWNERS TO FOLLOW SUIT, TO COPY THE LETTER SENT BY 'REVOLVER' DAVE, YOU CAN MAKE SOME MINOR CHANGES, BUT HIS IS THE BEST AND CONCISE FORM...

I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO THINK WE AS A CLUB COULD AT LEAST SEND 100 LETTERS INTO MAZDA AUSTRALIA.

MY OFFER,
TO ANY, I REPEAT ANY AUSTRALIAN OWNER WHO WOULD LIKE ME TO CONSTRUCT A LETTER ON THEIR BEHALF JUST PM ME, SUPPLY ME WITH THE SAME DETAILS OF YOUR RX-8's YEAR, CHASSIS NUMBER, SELLING DEALER, DATE OF PURCHASE, CURRENT MILEAGE AND YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.

I WILL PRINT THE LETTER AND POST IT TO YOU IN A SELF ADDRESSED AND STAMPED ENVELOPE TO MAZDA AUSTRALIA, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SIGN IT..
THEN POST IT!

So come on guys and gals...We are doing what is best for you and your car.

ASH8

Given this matter of ADR Compliance "IN SERVICE" Rule..

If an owner has a Emissions component failure just outside their 3 year Mazda warranty, or under the 5 year K100 kms ADR Rule and can show your dealer you have maintained your RX-8, perhaps you could suggest to them that you are not happy with the lifespan of the component and are considering your options to have your emissions fully tested to see if your car is still compliant with your State/Local EPA.

As you are aware of the ADR 5 Year 'In Service Conformity" expectation you may be able to call the dealers and Mazda Australia's rebuttal or rejection, BEFORE they do so.

This way you are not lying, you are supplying facts and you are standing up for what should be your entitlement.

Revolver

Come on people, Ash couldn't make it any easier for you. This is a 5 minute job. Do it...

ASH8

There have been a few requests for a Letter Template to Mazda Australia.

Click on this attachment, put mouse arrow inside, right click - select All, then
right click again on highlighted area, select COPY.

PASTE this in your Microsoft Word or similar.

FILL IN YOUR CAR AND PERSONAL DETAILS, AMEND OR REMOVE WHERE YOU SEE
(.........), THEN PRINT ON A4 PAPER, PUT IN ENVELOPE AND POST.

THEN YOU CAN PRINT AND POST OR EMAIL TO..

John Read..Customer Services Manager Mazda Australia
jread@mazda.com.au

Doug Dickson (General Manager Mazda Australia)
ddickson@mazda.com.au



DON'T BE ANOTHER APATHETIC OBSERVER, GET BLOODY INVOLVED AND SEND IN YOUR LETTER.....

EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT AN EXISTING RX-8 OWNER, TELL MAZDA AUSTRALIA YOU ARE CONSIDERING THE NEW RX-8...BUT WANT A BETTER ENGINE WARRANTY.

enforcer

Good on you Ash, my draft is done and I'll post it off tomorrow. I appreciate your efforts on this...

timbo

I doffs me lid to Ash for the hard yards he's done on this. If I still had my 8, I'd be onto this in a heartbeat....hmm...I still have the VIN...

ASH8

Its a numbers game...the more the better AFAIAC

Pappy

Thanks Ash! My letter is now on its way.

Cheers,

Pappy

enforcer

...and for those who don't know AFAIAC = "as far as I am concerned...!"

Revolver

Well, I've received a nice little postcard from MA saying they received my communication and I'll hear from a Customer Service Manager in the very near future.

Will keep you all posted...

erx8s

Ash8 / others

Would you know if the 2008 version 2 RX8 that you intend purchasing complies with the Euro 5 emmission laws ?.............they come into force in September 09.

if it doenst Mazda will be forced to make some quick changes in order to comply .

Cheers
Michael

ASH8

Michael,

Umm, Lets see, I talked to John Real about emissions and there are no other regulations from July 1 this year, which the current and new 8 complies.

The new Euro regs (I thought they were #4) comes into force here on the 1st July 2010...but that will apply to all brand new generation models, not existing ones...so the Series 2 can continue up to 2011-12, whether it will or not is another matter.
Many are saying we will see a new RX- with the 16X, I am not so certain about that now given the cost of petrol, and if Mazda can't perfect Direct Injection for NA Rotaries, you would then see the 16X using more fuel than the present 13B RENESIS...How would that go down in the marketplace?

That's roughly how it goes, there was no mention of Sept, 2009? on emissions.

ASH

SteveGT

Ash,
Just sent off my own letter to Mazda Australia this afternoon.
Just want to say a big thanks for your effort on this issue - if it comes off we all owe you a beer or two. You'll be drunk for a month ....
Steve

ASH8

OK Steve, you are on...

But on a serious note, I am REALLY disappointed on the small number of members who have acknowledged their letters to Mazda Australia...

I can not understand, is it that hard for you to copy and paste the above letter and fill in your details and put it in the post?

WHERE ARE ALL OUR ACTIVE MEMBERS WHO ARE ALWAYS COMMENTING HERE, WHY HAVEN'T YOU DONE YOUR LETTER? MMMmmm

I don't want to have to go through this Australian Section and PM EVERY one of you......a POSITIVE Outcome WILL benefit ALL Mazda RX-8 Owners...EVEN IF YOUR WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED LAST YEAR OR THIS YEAR...

I DON"T LIKE FAILING...do YOU!