raphy3

So, it costed $100 to get the ding out. I think the website says something like the pricing goes a few per panel, so I wouldn't have paid any more if another ding was on the same panel. The site is http://www.doctordoording.com/
Look at the pricing section you'll see $75 is the lowest. Somehow the dude quoted me $100 for mine. Probably figured he'd highball me and see if I'd argue. I was so pissed about the dent that I figured 100 was close enough to the $85 I'd expect.

He didn't have to remove any part of the door panel. It was incredibly noninvasive in fact. He put a piece of metal inside the door through the window slot to protect the window, and he slid a tool down into the door and got behind the dent that way. He alternated between pushing it from the inside and tapping it from the outside until the reflections across the door were all parallel. He had a panel with stripes on it the he affixed to the door with a suction cup so that he could see reflections on the door.

I was pretty shocked by how well it turned out. It's impossible to tell there was a dent there in the first place. So for that part I was 100% satisfied.

Zephyrzone

WOW. That's awesome. I would gladly pay $100 to have a ding taken out, especially if it looks perfect when it's done. Did you tip the guy? Thanks for the link, I'll be calling them up soon. This is great news. Glad it worked out for you, sorry to hear you paid a bit more than expected.

zigrat88

Thanks! I got a manual sunlight silver GT from congressional down in Rockville. I have to say internet buying is the way to go. All haggling over e-mail then go in to sign the papers w/o any BS!!

I am psyched about my new baby. Looking forward to getting a nice weekend day so I can go spend my 6 hours washing / waxing her.

Question for the local group, does anyone have any recommendations on mazda dealerships to have service done? I've had a few negative run-in's with Russell VW so I'm weary of their Mazda service. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

they all pretty much suck ***. rich morton's sucks. fitzgerald sucks. russell sucks.

first-rotary04

iTrader: (4)

where are you located ?? in the DC area?? if you are, then you might want to try Rosenthal mazda in Arlington VA they've done good things to me so far.

I'm about to take mine in today for a couple of things that need to be taken care of. BTW, I have a sunlight silver as well but I only have a navi system (no sunroof or leather seats)

oh, and now that I'm talking about the navi system, does anybody have a 04 with a navi system?? I ask because mine has aproblem I think; everytime I turned the radio up the vibration of the speakers make the screen look like there are waves in it, causing distorsion in the image of the screen.

I took it down to the dealer for that problem and they replaced the screen but it's still doing it even with a new screen.

zigrat88

I'm actually in Columbia, so Rosenthal is a bit of a hike. Glad to hear there's a long list of ones that are as good as Russell.

Anyone have experiance with Ourisman or Towson mazda?

Revvittupp

I've been to Heritage(Owings Mills) a few times for minor things and found them to be adequate.

Zephyrzone

I wasn't thrilled with my Heritage experience in Owings Mills. They were very nice but they didn't fix my problem, they wanted to get me in and out as quickly as possible. It's doubtful I'd go back.

The service department is SO important. It's worth a hike for a good one. I've heard positive things about Rosenthal but I have no experience. I bought my car at Ourisman in Laurel (I too live in Columbia) and I have my work done there. Actually, my car is in for a few issue as we speak and they gave me a rental. I don't want to recommend or not recommend them until this current work is done (probably tomorrow) but I'll post once it's been complete with a detailed write-up of the dealership and service department.

zoomzoomnash

Ourisman is new, but very capable. I had a situation where I happened to get a warning light about a 1/2 mile from them. I pulled right in without an appointment and they hooked me up. A young salesman chatted with while I waited. Nice guy. Once they fixed the problem (gas cap sensor went), the tech wanted to answer my every question about the car. Shocking enough, it seems they realize we love our cars like a mistress and if they give us good service we will come back.

Rosenthal is a bit far for me, but I have been there, too. Top notch.

Hey, shout out to the purple/black I was playing bumper tag on 95 with today.

Revvittupp

Where in Laurel is Ourisman, I work right off of route 1?

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

it's off of 198

EdwardsB

Just wondering if any of you are from the Aberdeen or surrounding areas, I am going to be down there this summer from mid May till August or December due to a internship I accepted. Just have a few questions about the area and too see if there are any rx-8's around there.

raphy3

Oh, yeah, I asked, "How much do people tip in this industry usually?" which is generally a loaded question, but he said "usually nothing."
So I gave him ten bucks.

I'm just hoping I don't have to do this to often... lol.

zoomzoomnash

EdwardsB

You have a good group just south of Aberdeen (20 minutes or so?) off route 40 in Essex. I went on a fun run with them tonight. Just got back after getting lost. oops!

Check back a few pages on this thread for Nuegenracing and Floridagirl for info on their meets. I'm sure you will see me around as well. I have some friends I visit in Aberdeen every once in awhile.

I'm on the southwest side of B-more. What questions do you have about the area?

Revvittupp, Ourisman is East of route 1 about half the way to 295. Coming from route 1 go out 198. It is about 300 yards past the Home Depot on the north side of 198. You can't miss it.

nuegenracing

Hey! last night was fun, I was all the way up front with the pack, I wish I would have known you got lost. I'll send you a pm with my cell number for next time. Thanks for coming out I really appreciated it, hope to see you and ANYONE else out next time. Now that it is getting warm this will probably become an every weekend deal.

first-rotary04

iTrader: (4)

hold up how, how come I didn't get any notice abou this?

zoomzoomnash

nuegenracing, sign them up.


Go UMBC basketball! Won the AEC. Heading to the NCAA.

Zephyrzone

I just got my car back from Ourisman and the did a great job with the fix (headlights). The service manager (Mike French) is very good, and as the previous poster suggested they know we love our cars and are eager to help. The facility isn't very inviting, old furniture, small waiting area etc. And the people that work there can be gruff at times, but that's all service shops. My RX8 has been there a few times so I know everyone on a first name basis now and I won't go anywhere else. Treat them with respect and they'll show you the same courtesy. They know me pretty well so you can say "Jason with the red RX8" recommended them to you. Julie and Tallal are the reps who answer the phone and write up the tickets. Mike is the service manager. All good people- just be prepared for strong personalities. If your car is in for a while they'll put you in a rental from Enterprise across the street, which is OK, but I'd rather have a lot car.

PS- Bob is the master tech who fixed my headlights. Heritage said there was "nothing wrong with them". Bob is very, very good.

floridagirl

yeah, nuegen i told you we shoulda posted it! it was so much fun, and i hope to see more '8s next time

EdwardsB

zoomzoomnash

I am going to get a list of places previous interns have stayed, but I was wondering if you know any websites I could use look online to find a place to stay while im down there. Also just wondering what that area is like. My other question was going to be about if anyone meets up, but you answered it. thanks again and maybe ill see you this summer.

mikeyfuzz

I live in Havre de Grace. There are a few 8's running around.

nuegenracing

Sorry to those who missed out, i didn't post it on here this time because it was a club meet not an 8 meet. When we have just an all around meet and hang out I'll post it on here.

Zephyrzone

I think I saw Mythaibxr this week. Dark blue touring driving down Dobbin rd. in Columbia...

raphy3

Hey so looks like I have a couple of warranty issues or TSBs to get fixed. Wanted to see if anyone else has experienced these.

One is a rough idle, which it seems is very common from reading around the net and some parts of this forum. They have a fix for the engine mounts they say, but if it's my spark plugs need to be replaced, will I have to pay for them? The car has only 17000 miles on it, so that's way too early for them to foul up. Most likely the dealer fouled them the last time I had the car there honestly, because I'm always making sure to only turn the engine off when it's fully warmed up.

The other one is very odd. Only when it's cold outside, the ride will be very very bumpy for the first 100 feet or so or until it's warmed up. It's a regular thump-thump-thump feeling that feels as if I had a rock or something stuck in my tire. I've checked the tires though and don't see anything. The sound is muffled and sounds like it's coming from under the car or one of the tires. It's independent of engine speed and happens when rolling forward. Honestly it's kind of baffling; the tires are brand new - I have no idea what it could be. Has anyone seen anything like that before?

I'm planning on taking it to Gaithersburg Mazda, although I'm not sure if I really trust them, honestly.

first-rotary04

iTrader: (4)

i figured you have the summer tires on it, right?
if you do, remember that those are NOT to be driven in temps. lower than 50 degrees, well that's what i read.

about the rough idling, definitely take to the dealer. shuldn't be a problem about it.