So, I get the new 8 and it has a small dent in the driver side rear door...the dealer is going to repair. I hope it doesn't involve actual paint work and can simply be dent repaired. Looked like someone simply leaned on the panel or maybe a mirror ding.

Anyone noticed if the 8 is especially soft and easily dented?


2nd: wheel alignment, etc.

The actual steering wheel seems to be a little off center (not square with the dash when driving in a straight line). Slight drift to the right as well.

Anyone else have early adjustments required after buying the 8?

It's only been half a day and I'm suffering withdrawals.

 

The dent should come out with paintless dent removal or I'd refuse the car. There's no reason you should accept a repaint on a brand new, yet to be delivered car.

-Eric

 

My thoughts exactly.
Let's hope it is an easy fix.

 

mine to the left since I got it the first day. I have it aligned last weekend and now more happy.

 

Mine was also off to the left. It took the service department two attempts to get it right.

 

Well, they want to do paint work.
I am going to refuse the car and unravel the deal.
What a pain in the rear.

Now, I am on the hunt again for another RX8.

My local dealer only has Autos and one black/fabric car.

Lame.

 

Why would a dealer want to swap with a lot damaged car?

Anyway...
I negotiated another deal...

1. Dealer will repair body to my satisfaction with a written guarantee of repair.

2. Dealer gives me addtional $500 of Mazda parts/accessories
(Mazdaspeed dealer : so I should be able to find some fun stuff)


Not a bad exchange.
Saves the hassle of finding another car.
Alaska is not the kind of place you just drive a few miles to the next dealer.

 

I hope the alignment is just a simple fix.

I notice the loaner Mazda Protege has the same off center steering wheel - is this a Mazda thing?

Odd.

 

If it isn't perfect, I won't accept it.
I can still back out of the deal if it comes to that.

They have to repair it one way or another...and if it is 100%, that's fine. I know I'll never keep a car for more than 3-4 years anyway.

Just a minor inconvenience at this point.

 

I have noticed the alignment issue as well. Mine has been turned slightly to the left since day one. Drives straight and true though. I may go to dealer and see what they can do for me...

 

What happened to your steering wheel??

 

Damn.
Well, I am getting uncomfortable again...but too tired to fight for finding another car.

In case you didn't already know, that door is aluminium - which leads to even more difficulty in getting a perfect finish.

See pic:

http://www.alaskazone.com/images/rx8/bodyrepair.jpg

 

Agreed. This is giving me seriously bad vibes.

Having just come off of a repurchase on my last new vehicle, I need to have a very good, no fixes, no repairs kind of deal.

Bummer. More work for me.

 

With regard to the alignment problem: I know that some members of the UK RX-8 Owners Club have had handling problems that were caused by badly aligned suspension settings and tyre pressures.

Here is one of the threads: Serious handling problems

I'm surprised that Mazda aren't including a Four-Wheel alignment check as part of the Pre-Delivery Inspection. I think I might try to insist on one when I finally get mine.

Ian.

 

I'd refuse the car, even if they reoaint that part, it will never be the same, and you will always notice whrre it is.. plus, any non-factroy paint on the car devalues it substantially!

 

I'm trying to unravel the deal now...of course my waffling yesterday is making it tougher today.

I'm going to be nice, but firm.

I've already found a good deal in Washington on a Winning Blue (which is what I wanted anyway)...now I just need to undo and redo!

 

Nah, the deal is actually as good or better from out of state...I'll just end up paying a little more to ship it here.

All-in-all, it will probably feel better to have a new/unspoiled 8. I had already settled for a 2nd choice color with silver, so now is my chance to get the RIGHT one for me.

That'll learn me to be more patient in the future.

 

Hang in there; they'll have to undo it. Didn't know those doors were aluminum. Mine got a parking ding in it, on passenger side, within the first 2 weeks. Fortunately my dealer has a paintless dingsucker guy there once every two weeks. For $85 it was gone without a trace. Since then, been very choosy where and how I park.