msrecant

I just had a 12 month service, 7,500 mile tire rotation, AC cycling TSB and state inspection done at Whitten Mazda. In general they did a good job and, between my "free maintenance" card and a coupon I got in the mail, it only cost me $1.00.

As a heads-up, I did have several small issues:

1. Apparently they are not capable of of correctly converting the statement "RX-8 Schedule 2, 12 Month Service" into the correct list of items to be done. They seem to use some generic table that they feel works for all Mazdas, Chryslers and Jeeps. I made a list of what I knew should be done, asked them what they had planned and then had them add the missing items. Everyone should watch out for this sort of thing. I don't know if Cap Mazda is any better.

2. I initially got an argument that the tire rotation at 7,500 miles (which my car was at) is not in the maintenance table so it is not covered under the "free maintenance" card even though it is listed in the owner's guide. Rather than fuss I told them to charge me. When I got the bill they had done it at no charge.

3. I asked them to check the AC cycling based on the TSB and the fact that my AC temp has always cycled cold-to-hot-to-cold. When I picked up the car they had a new AC **** on order to resolve the problem (apparently the only AC related TSB they could find). Even the service writer thought this was strange, asked me for a copy of the TSB (which I had with me) and went ahead and ordered the AC Amplifier. Hope to have it in over the next week. Lesson learned ... next time give them a copy of the TSB when I drop off the car.

9-K Rever

Okay, I am haveing severe RX-8 withdrawl..

I decided to go back it. I will get a new one in 2005.

I am thinking White this time around..

I miss the suspension and the rotary noise.

I need to rev 9K again....

msrecant

Not that we don't miss you, but isn't it expensive switching from one new car to another? Or are keeping the legacy?

9-K Rever

Well, its all in how you look at it. I purchased the Legacy, and I want to avoid another major depriciation hit. I already took one when I drove the car off the lot..from 29K to 26k.. wich is exactly the loan amount I had when I drove it off the lot at that time. So, to keep ahead of the deprication game it would be in my best intrest to sell the car before the model year turns. So, basicly when you take that into consideraion, its actuly the best way to keep ahead of depriciation becuase you can sell or trade in the car at a higher value while it is still in its model year. Plus, depending how much I sell it for, I can use that money to pay for tax title and tags. Plus, I like leasing more than purchaseing. No personal property tax payments and the option to walk away from the car at the end of the term.

Elara

I thought you liked the Legacy? Why do you want the 8 again? And not that I'm complaining we might get you back, but you seemed so sure about the Subaru...

BTW, did you know Subaru's higher-ups have given the company 5 years to be on par with Audi and catching up with BMW? personally, I don't think it's going to happen. Subaru will never have the same connontations with name as BMW or Audi- but they're going to try

9-K Rever

Elara... Yeah I read that artical. It can't happen in 5 years. Even people at Subaru don't belive it can happen. They would have to start a new line brand to do that, and they don't have enough money to.

But, I like the Legacy. But, it got the shaft from the Japanese version. It did get the 2.5 liter STI Engine that the WRX STI has, its de-tuned to 250hp/250 tourque..but its still fast as hell.

But, I don't like the way it handles. Its set up to be a luxury car, so the suspension is realy soft. Plus, no strut brace and the tires suuuuuck. Of course I could spend the money to get better tires, shocks and braces. But, then again...I don't realy want to.

I miss the RX8's ballance in turns. Even though its not as fast as the Legacy..it handels worlds better.. and I like that. I am not missing the gas milage though.. I am getting over 300 mpg in the Legacy..even with some runs at WOT with that huge turbo.

The gear box is not as good as the RX8's either. I even upgrades the shifter in the Legacy to a STI Short Shifter and its still not as good as the 8's.

So, there are trade offs. Yes, the Legacy will beat the RX8 in a drag race...alot of cars will. But, its not as fun to drive as the RX8.

Also, I remeber wakeing up in the morning excited to go drive my 8. I don't feel that way about the Legacy. I would make excuses to go places in the 8..I don't do that in the Legacy. So..I hope you can see where I am coming from.

msrecant

Now that is THE reason to move back to the 8!

9-K Rever

Your are right. I will go back. I have decided. It has been said..so it will be done!!

msrecant

Now are you sure you don't want to pick up one of the last yellow RX-8s? Come September you should be able to get a really good price on one. It may be a 2004 but it will definitely a collector's item ... someday.

9-K Rever

I thought about that..but I hate yellow. I would rather have White, so people will know it's a 2005..actuly I may be a sucker for a realy well priced Black 2004..like I had with NAV..

Do you know when the new 8's will come out?

Elara

9k, saw you leaving Short Pump this evening- we were at the light turning onto Broad, and I looked over and said "Hey, that's the car Patrick got!" and tried to pull up next to you but you jumped across three lanes of traffic and went into one of the new strip malls

don olliejandro

I saw a green rx-8 at willow lawn around noonish..and a black one heading to 195 to southside...ha i dont know if this has any relevance, but i get excited when I see rx-8's around the city. =)

Elara

Me too- saw a Titanium on *** and a Winning Blue on Hull this afternoon. Unfortunately, I wasn't in mine today, so I couldn't wave at anyone without looking like a dork.

msrecant

I have not heard anything yet.

9-K Rever

Hahha..yeah, have turbo will travel!

I had to go to the BOA over there...I owed Hanzo some money.

But don't get to used to that car. I orderd a 05 Rx8 from Cap Maz.. White. Said should be here end of October.. But, I am not holding my breath. It will get here when it gets here.

What did you think of the Legacy?

Elara

It was very aggressive looking, especially in the black, but it kinda reminded me of a Volvo sedan in the lines (sorry!!!!). It just looked a little bigger than I was expecting. BUT, you have realize I only saw you for about 3 minutes at the light and as you were flying across Broadstreet, so I can't really make a good judgement call!

9-K Rever

Hhaha,

Yeah, well if you guys come to the meets again I will let you drive it. Its realy fast.

It just doesn't handle to well..so I can't push it very hard. Week tires and suspension.

Sometimes I think I am driveing a american muscle car..all grunt..can't turn...for crap..

TheTick

trying to sell my 8 to buy a G35

9-K Rever

Really? Why a G35?

TheTick

I am traveling with my new job and I am sick and tired of the crappy gas mileage. I am going to have to sell the 8 on my own because they would kill me on a trade in value.

9-K Rever

New job?? What happend at CC? Are you still in VA? Whats the deal?

TheTick

Yeah I'm still here in Richmond. I was laid off at CC so I am now working for a consulting firm locally. Do you know when the 2k5 RX8 is coming out? I want to sell before the new season so I can maximize my money. I was also looking at the S2000 but I think the interior in it sucks big time plus you can't get a Nav in it and I really want one in any car I get.

9-K Rever

My sales rep at Cap Maz said 0ctober-November..but who realy knows...

Sucks about CC..sorry dude..hope you new gig is better. You should sell it now, if you are going to get rid of it.

I actuly can't wait to get back into a 8..

But..I am also hopeing the fixed some of the issues with the 05 model..ecspecialy the gas milage.

TheTick

I am burned out on Mazda I will prolly never buy one again because of the poor treatment and the crappy mileage that they would never admit to or fix. I hope you enjoy your 05 8 I just read that they are not changing much of anything beyond the white colr and the sat radio option.

9-K Rever

Yeah, its definatly a trade off though.. My main gripe is my Legacy is fast as heck..(faster than G35) but..it isn't realy fun to drive.

I don't wake up in the morning dieing to drive it like I did my 8..

So I am kinda at a pass. I could spend money on it and beef up the handeling..but..I don't know if I want too..

I am kinda at a loss.