Groundrush

That's great news Jeff...be sure to post back when the new engine is in, you drive her home, and she pulls like a beast.

Overall, I'd like an opinion on service centers that you guys have been to. I've been going to Indian Mound out in Newark as it's the nearest to my home, but I'm dismayed by my last visit. They tore my transmission down and replaced sixth gear (it was making noise) and swapped out my plugs due to a misfire CEL. Sadly, I tried to get them to look into the marbles-in-a-can sound I have on acceleration, but they told me they couldn't reproduce it. Funny...you can hear it pretty easily. They told me to use higher octane gas, despite the fact I told them TWICE I use no less than 93 octane at all times. On top of that, I'm getting a strong gasoline smell while the car is running that I'm pretty sure is my exhaust running rich.

It seems you guys haven't had a lot of luck with MazdaDirect and Byers, but all the posts I've seen here seem to indicate that Ricart has been solid. Opinions? A guy I work with is having some odd tranny noises and is looking for a good place to take it.

Huhwha

Truth be told, as much as I hate it, I would go to Ricart. Anybody who was any good has left Mazda Direct and I've never seen lazier people than at Byers.

One man's opinion.

alphapenguin

I already posted this question in the lounge, but any of you have any suggestions for a new car: Civic Ex equivilent price and gas mileage.

My wife totaled her 02 Civic Ex yesterday so she needs to get a new car. She really insists on getting another civic, so does anyone know if it is possible to get it for invoice?

Groundrush

Wow AP...I hope she came out of the accident OK.

I think some interesting models to look at in the equivalent price range might be:

Mini Cooper
Scion TC
Saturn Astra
Pontiac G5
'nuther Civic
Mazda 3

I think the Mini Cooper actually gets a little better mileage than the Civic, but doesn't have as much horsepower. I hear they hold their value really well though. I think the Astra looks pretty slick, but it's brand new, so deals are probably not gonna happen. I hear the Mini is a blast to drive though...so maybe I'm biased. Mazda3 ftw too!

success07

I posted info for Jeff a few posts back w.r.t. landing a Honda (Civic) at a great price. PM me and I'll pass along some additional info.

Huhwha

If the Civic gets to be too much price-wise, have her take a look at the Fit. I was quite impressed for what it was.

Still waiting on my car

RA-Eight

iTrader: (6)

My wife loves her Mazda3. However, it can't beat a Civic in MPGs.

alphapenguin

do'h I remember reading that post now. I should have went back through before I went off to visit the dealership at Immke. I'd feel bad for the current sales guy if I switched now, but eitherway, I am currently working on a deal with 2 dealerships to see what works best. So far best offer is 20k OTD for a Civic EX Coupe '08. Invoice on the puppy is $18,509 so overall the car would be "under invoice" after tax and title, but I am trying to squeeze out Free Foglamps and installation.

I'll let you guys know how it goes. If I was the one buying a new car (instead of my wife) I totally would go get a SMART car that supposed to be coming next month:-)

Scuzzy

Hey, I'm the new kid on the block.
Just got my 8 back in early December and I'm back here in Columbus for crazy learning action (I'm a student at OSU).
Anywho, aside from the generic "hi, how's it going, I'm new in town" stuff, I've got a problem here with my 8 and I was wondering if you guys can help.

Driving down the road tonight I noticed my car was veering to the left, so I got home fast and parked it and apparently my left front tire has slipped a good inch off of the wheel rim (slipped to the inside of the car). It's not flat and I can't find any puncture marks so I figure I'll take it to a Mazda dealership around here to get it fixed and checked out since I have no idea what could have caused it. The tire looks fine aside from no longer resting around the wheel, so I was wondering if anyone has any idea what could have caused this along with any inputs on which dealership I should take my 8 to? From what I've read here Ricart seems to be the best option, but any extra input would be appreciated.

In case this helps at all I've got Axis Se7en MOD 19x8.0 wheels and Nitto NT555 tires.

alphapenguin

is your tire inflated all the way? what year do you have? well ive been to all the dealers here and have had good and poor experiences w/all. i personally dont like ricart and they are the farthest from me.

anyway i say mazda direct>buyers>ricart

is your car still under warranty?

Scuzzy

I checked the pressure yesterday and it was fine.
It's a 2005.
And yes, the car's still under warranty.

Thanks for the quick reply.

BigWillieStyle

iTrader: (1)

Hey Guys,

I am on a mission and any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking for an RX-8 factory chrome fuel door. I know they were discontinued, but was hoping to find either a used one or if someone knew of one I might be able to get?

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Huhwha

Just wanted to update the saga a bit:

Picked up my car about 10:30 yesterday. Made it about 20 miles before the oil light came on. I stopped and checked the oil and it was a good quart low. I put a quart in and did a quick check for leaks. I didn't find anything, so I assume they never checked the oil after they first filled it. Once it filled the oil coolers, it was down a quart.

Anyway, continued on my merry way and made it to Marysville in one piece. Put in a grueling half day at work, came out and fired it up. What do I get - CEL #8!

2 1/2 weeks and a new engine and I'm no further along than when I started. Well, not exactly true. I did have the dubious pleasure of driving a Ford 500 for 2 weeks and now I'm the proud driver of a base white Focus.

While I had the car it seemed to run well. Idled nicely and seemed to pull ok, although I didn't want to really get on it during the break-in.

Maybe Monday will bring better news.

alphapenguin

Got her a deal over at IMKE, $20,200 OTD with foglights installed. From what I calculated, that is a little under invoice (before taxes and title etc).
Nice car thats for sure.

kellybrf

iTrader: (2)

welcome scuzzy. byers sucks, md used to be good but anyone who was worth anything there is gone. ricart was the last place i took mine to and, after being denied service by md, they worked well with me. unfortunately your problem isnt a warranty issue given that they are aftermarket rims and tires. id suggest taking it over to the rx8 store off roberts rd. theyre an amazing resource to have and i try to support them whenever i can, even if its a few bucks more.

Groundrush

Cripes Jeff...your patience must be wearing thin. Sorry to hear you're still having trouble.

Groundrush

Hey Willie. Your best bet would be to post in the Parts-For-Sale/Wanted forum. Somebody out there probably has one sitting in their garage. I've seen used ones posted for sale a few times. You might get some bites there.

Any updates on your wheel upgrade?

BigWillieStyle

iTrader: (1)

Hey Rush,

Yeah, actually posted in the For Sale/Wanted forum before coming to you guys.

There was a guy on Ebay this week that said he had a chrome one, but the pics looked like the satin finish not the chrome finish, so I refused to take the chance and bid.

I'm going to wait until spring for the new wheels. I'm still going with chrome 20's. My favorite are the Maya MRS, but if you know anything about Maya's they're close to $4,000 a set. So, since I want that MagnaFlow exhaust, header upgrade and cold air upgrade, I'll probably end up with a cheaper set.

I'm more than likely going to go with Earnhardt Jr. Killers(kinda like the Maya's) or there are a couple Foose models I like too. I want to keep the 5 star wheel pattern.

Keep me posted if you guys come across a factory chrome fuel door!!! Thanks!

ps- Does anyone know the cheapest place to get MS sides skirts? The real ones not knock offs.

Huhwha

Turns out CEL #8 was rear O2 sensor - the same one that MD changed in October!

Whatever...I had them bring it to me in Marysville - I couldn't stand the thought of yet another trip to Groveport. Hopefully it will get me home and then out to pool league tonight.

Wonder if Sylvain has a three-rotor lying around I could throw in it?

Groundrush

Ha! Not before me Jeff! Can't wait to see them running that new 70 car this Saturday. Glad to hear your problem was just an O2 sensor.

Huhwha

Made it all the way home and back into work today! I've got 250 miles on the engine, so I'm still going easy.

I plan to watch a lot of racing this weekend - should be fun, but the TV coverage will put too much focus on the DP cars. Maybe with McDreary in an RX-8, the GTs will get some coverage.

kellybrf

iTrader: (2)

good to hear it wasnt major jeff, i had to replace my o2 a few months back

just a heads up, i got a ticket the other day and apparently ohio will no longer allow you to plea it down to a non-moving violation anymore. trying to get it thrown out, but that s bad news

Scuzzy

Whelp, as an update to my odd wheels...
Brought it in to MD and they just inflated my tire with air, apparently there's some bump or defect of some sort in the tire and I hit a pothole just right which messed it up. Long story short I'm just gonna replace it with a new tire and keep this faulty one around in case of some catastrophic emergency. I'll get some pictures of my 8 up on here once it's a nice enough day and my car isn't covered in grime. Go go sunlight silver.

BigWillieStyle

iTrader: (1)

SS = SUPER SICK!!

Huhwha

Spill the beans Brian - what were you doing?