Hi I live in Ottawa and own a 2005 RX8. A few questions:

1) Can anyone recommend a non-dealer garage for me to take my RX8 to? i.e. some place good that is less expensive than the dealer, reliable and trust-worthy. Preferably centre-town or west end. This is for general maintenance and repairs. I do a few things myself (brakes, etc) if I've got time but often I just take it to the dealer. Was blown away when the dealer today said $250 for spark plug replacement so I just bought them online for $90, and will either install myself or take the plugs to a reputable garage. I did break-down though and pay for the 48K maintenance package given that I'm up at 80K and hadn't had it done.

2) Can anyone recommend a good auto-body, paintshop for touch up work? I'd like to have a few scratches and dings repaired.

3) Are there any stores or garages that will do free code reading, as some places that have been mentioned in the US? My check engine light has been intermittent, and once again today the dealer, for a mere $100, said they couldn't find anything. I guess maybe I should just buy a code reader but if there are any places that provide free code-reading, I'd like to hear about them.

Thanks, ..Roger

 

Hey Roger,

You should register on ottawamazda.ca. (OMC)

Most things (especially spark plugs, coils) will always be cheaper if ordered online. Dealers and even wholesalers here have hard times getting good prices on them. Almost any garage will have charged you the same for plugs. But if you have about 20-30 minutes, plugs are easy to do.

As far as service, Elite Mazda in Gatineau is the only dealer worth going to. Join OMC and get a discount on parts and service too. Aside from that, CT Carling and Perry Automotive are the 2 places recommended by MCO (mco.org). Ralf (service manager at CT Carling) is an active BMW racer and so are half of his techs, so you won't get screwed around.

For body shop, the only one I trust is BEMAC on Clyde North. Beacon also does good work but they're pretty disorganized. Dependign on what you need though, Auto Dentist does paintless dent removal and the rest might be doable with just a porter cable and some polish.

PartSource should offer free code reads. Half the people in OMC also have code readers. I have one which you're welcome to use. We're likely having a small meet tonight if you feel like dropping by; 9-whenever at Meadowlands & Merivale.

 

Thanks for the answer. I did not know about Ottawa Mazda and just registered. Thanks also for the meet invite but can't make it tonight.

I'll check out some of the places you recommend.

..Roger

 

I use Stagra out in Greely, they have a full machine shop and work on a few RX-8 and 7's in the area. They don't mess around with billing either if they working on your car for 30min they charge you for 30min.