You are correct on most points, and that is indeed good advice. In this case however, during MY ownership all maintenance was done on schedule or better, comprehensive logs were kept on fuelly and all receipts were organized and provided. Mazda's rationale for refusal was solely based on the lack of maintenance records from before I owned the car.

I started this thread based on the initial "excuse" Mazda used, which was that in their opinion I couldn't demonstrate I had done maintenance. Once I provided all receipts and logs, they changed their tune and started asking for prior owner's maintenance records. I went to great extent to procure those, but in the end I was unable to locate all of them. This is when they finalized their decision, which I tried to appeal without success. My entire argument revolved around the fact that I believe it is unreasonable to expect an owner to be held responsible for providing proof of maintenance from a previous owner when such records simply do not exist.

Following receipt of my formal complaint with BBB, the written response from Mazcan came promptly, stating they had made a "mistake" and supposedly closed my file without having having considered all of the evidence I had submitted. I'm sorry but that's just too convenient, don't you think?

 

i suppose, it's just a good idea to try and purchase a car with all previous records for anything that still has any type of warranty.

they're just trying to cover their *** and not hand out without proper proof, otherwise everyone would expect the same treatment based on their word(not yours but that it was maintained prior to your ownership).

 

wat RX-ed ^^ cuz you talk funny n dont make no since n i caint under stand all ur talkin

did u git ur motor fixxed?

 

lol not yet, but it's approved and ordered. Just waiting for the engine to arrive from Japan.

 

AFAIK, you will be given a re-man engine from the US (MNAO).

 

The service manager initially thought they would have engines at the warehouse in Toronto, but when he checked they said RX-8 engines were backordered and that they needed to order one from Japan. I thought this was somewhat unusual but from what I read not unheard of.

Do we know for sure that all remans installed in North America come from the US plant or have there been exceptions to this rule?

 

congrats, at last u got it.

I have all my receipts, plus I enter my records onto Mazda's web site AND I write them down all in a book. so if Mazda tries to pull that "oh u don't have records", oh yeah, loads of records. and I do oil changes, coolant changes, whatever maintenance much sooner than what Mazda "recommended", like 1.5-2K oil changes, coolant changes every year, coils every 10 to 15K , etc.

if Mazda warehouse has no reman for at least a month then they will order one from Japan.

Mind you, they have Reman engines even in Japan from Mazda. not just Rx-8, they have been doing this for years even for RX7s.

Getting an engine from Japan doesn't mean it's good/better, it really comes down to the guy who assemble the engine, for example did he pay attention to the letter codes, apply sealants correctly, etc.

 

Mazda Japan do not make/stock complete anything (Engines, Trans, Body Shells) once that vehicle is not longer being made..ie S1 Engines have not been installed 'in production' for 3.5 years.

 

its kind of funny, you don't trust mazda to do the maintenance, but that is why they don't want to warranty your engine. that it self might be costing all the money you saved lol plus stress.

 

How true - I may have to reconsider my approach once I get the replacement. I certainly don't want to have to go through hell again should there be an issue with the reman engine.

I still would prefer to continue doing my maintenance myself for the reasons I mentioned earlier, plus I actually enjoy doing it, but it's just not worth the stress and aggravation. Anyway I'm still on the fence regarding maintenance, I still have a bit of time to think about it.

 

Hmm - seems we have two completely different possible answers here... what the dealership said to me matches what nycgps says.

Which answer is the correct one? Or maybe I misunderstood: Ash, did you mean Mazda Japan do not make NEW S1 engines anymore?

 

All new for the North American market...YES.

Separate new components, of course they still make them.

They (MMC Japan) may have a few "in Stock" but I somehow doubt it, but can not confirm.

There are virtually no Series 1 RX-8 outside of North America that has any Factory Engine warranty, as of now.

MNAO are distributors for Canada, there is a re-man plant in the US, so why would they spend twice as much+ to fly over a short engine when they have a plant re-manufacturing them?.

I would suggest that there is a wait or back order from the US re-man plant as there "may" be a shortage of some separate new components used in re-man plant, like there was 12 months ago S1 Rotor Housings were not available from MMC.

Series 1...total of 5 engines for North American (California/Fed and Canada market).

N3H2-02-200 Auto 2004-2005
N3H3-02-200RV0 Manual 04-07
N3M2-02-200R00 Auto 06-07
N3Y1-02-200R00 Man 2008
N3Y2-02-200R00 Auto 2008

 

Thanks for this info. I will give the dealership a call tomorrow to get a status update on shipment, and at the same time I will try to clarify where the engine will be coming from. I know it doesn't necessarily make a difference in the end but I would like to know just the same.

I don't want to pester them but it has been 12 calendar days since I was notified the engine is backordered; they may have an update for me.

Cheers

 

As it turns out, I didn't need to call; the Service Manager phoned me to say the engine has arrived. I am taking the 8 in tomorrow, and should have it back early next week...

Hopefully I will get to start the break-in process before having to store the car for the winter.

 

I got my car back today with the replacement engine, and also had them do the clutch, 2 engine mounts and wheel alignment. I plan on keeping my 8 for a long time, so I thought I might as well do the clutch.

I am so glad this is now over, I really look forward to experiencing the "new engine" feel! I will be taking it easy for the first 1000km, which likely means I won't go near the red line until spring...

One thing I noticed though is that the steering feels somewhat stiffer - could be my imagination though as I have been driving my Liberty for over a week. I will go for a longer drive tomorrow so I should be able to determine if there is anything different.

What a roller coaster ride this whole experience has been!

 

Glad things worked out for you man...

 

Thanks!

I had a bit more time to drive and inspect the work; all seems to be well. The steering is fine, and I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary - other than the smoothness and linearity of the engine, and the new clutch which took a little bit of adjustment on my part

Upon closer inspection, I think my reman has new rotor housings (apparently they don't always come with new housings). The outside finish of the housings is what I would best describe as a brighter "bare" aluminum; not painted silver as I have seen in some pictures. So new rotors, seals, housings... pretty much a brand new motor in my book!

I don't rev over 3750-3800 RPM, and will be pre-mixing (Lucas). Also it could be my imagination, but I think I am getting slightly better mileage, in the order of about 15%. It is a bit early to tell for sure though.

Cheers

 

if you were having engine issues, then you should well expect an increase in gas mileage.
Glad this has all worked out for you!

 

thanks man - I guess the possibly improved mileage might also have to do with the fact that I am now premixing...

Anyway, I'm a happy camper for now. I also just traded in my Liberty for a used CR-V so I have a more economical ride for the winter. While that's a decent enough set of wheels, I know I'll miss the 8 in the coming months!