I've Had It!
02-21-2007 | 04:27 AM
#26
1.21 Jiggawatts
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,330
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From: Lima, OH
I'm sorry to hear of your woes. I know that once you get on the troublesome track with the 8, there definately doesn't ever seem like there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
Of all i've heard, it just sounds like the typical run of back luck with the 8 and dealerships. Also, in my experiences...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I was never a fan of going through the book and getting every little recall on my car done. The most infamous of that being the emissions recall.
If it's really the end of the road with your tolerance, the best advice I could say would be sell it and start looking for a car to better fit you. Rather it be an 8 or another car, good luck.
One thing i've always kept in mind is that not all 8 owners seem to have all these problems. Buying another may not mean ALL of these problems again. Just food for thought.
Of all i've heard, it just sounds like the typical run of back luck with the 8 and dealerships. Also, in my experiences...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I was never a fan of going through the book and getting every little recall on my car done. The most infamous of that being the emissions recall.
If it's really the end of the road with your tolerance, the best advice I could say would be sell it and start looking for a car to better fit you. Rather it be an 8 or another car, good luck.
One thing i've always kept in mind is that not all 8 owners seem to have all these problems. Buying another may not mean ALL of these problems again. Just food for thought.
02-21-2007 | 04:32 AM
#27
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 337
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Originally Posted by kidryno
This car has been treated like a baby....
I drive the crap out of my car... 3 years and 1 more month till I'm out of warranty. My RX8 still feels like new!!!
Last edited by astro; 02-21-2007 at 04:37 AM.
02-21-2007 | 10:07 AM
#28
Registered
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,319
Likes: 58
From: NYC
Originally Posted by astro
There's your problem, never ever baby a rotary. It's designed to be revved and revved hard.
I drive the crap out of my car... 3 years and 1 more month till I'm out of warranty. My RX8 still feels like new!!!
I drive the crap out of my car... 3 years and 1 more month till I'm out of warranty. My RX8 still feels like new!!!
"Babying your car" does NOT necessarily mean driving only at low revs like an old lady. I regularly redline mine AND I also "baby it"—meaning I change the oil every 3K, use only premium fuel, wash it every week, keep it under a car cover, etc.
02-21-2007 | 10:16 AM
#29
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Yay, welcome to "I have too much problem with my 8" club! I think I had all of your symptoms 
I am going back to dealership tomorrow for check engine light on issue for my 8 (same year, also auto). I wonder what future holds for my exciting trip back to a dealership!
I am going back to dealership tomorrow for check engine light on issue for my 8 (same year, also auto). I wonder what future holds for my exciting trip back to a dealership!
02-21-2007 | 10:23 AM
#30
Mentalhealth is overrated
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,289
Likes: 2
From: Calgary
I've had many issues too. Sometimes you just end up getting a Friday car. The best thing I did was chage which dealership I go to. It is the farthest away from my hous ein town but they do the best warrany work.
02-21-2007 | 10:40 AM
#31
⎝⏠⏝⏠⎠
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 5
From: USA
Originally Posted by kidryno
As the owner of an '04 RX-8 GT A/T I have absoultely had it with this car. Aside from the multiple little things.... interior rattling, creaks, sunroof issues, etc. I've had multiple run-ins with the mechanical troubles of this car, everything from the no-start scenario due to flooding, weak starter, what have you.... to heavy engine vibration, stalling, lack of acceleration power, surging, etc. etc. etc.
This car has been treated like a baby.... I've used only premium fuel since day one, have changed the oil to spec. and have had every service recall to date.
This car has been treated like a baby.... I've used only premium fuel since day one, have changed the oil to spec. and have had every service recall to date.
Not sure what to do anymore..... this is becoming epidemic. I keep bringing it in, and the problems continue to go unresolved. Anyone familiar with Lemon Laws?
02-21-2007 | 12:44 PM
#33
II SOCIETY
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 0
From: The Bay Area
I don't think the "you didn't do your homework" answer isn't very fair in this case. I mean no ammount of homework could've fortold that his AT would be stalling in traffic! Furthermore, he did all the right maintenances/replacements that should've fixed his issues. I mean, we can use the "homework" slap on those who are complaining about MPG, oil consuption, etc. but this poor guy's car sounds like a nightmare! And his dealership sounds incompetent!
kidryno,
I think it's time to trade-in...a car's sole purpose in life is to run at command and take you places, if it takes you there with a smile on your face--then that's a bonus. If it can't transport you consistently and no one seems capable of fixing your problem--fire it. It's not doing its job.
2 cents.
kidryno,
I think it's time to trade-in...a car's sole purpose in life is to run at command and take you places, if it takes you there with a smile on your face--then that's a bonus. If it can't transport you consistently and no one seems capable of fixing your problem--fire it. It's not doing its job.
2 cents.
02-21-2007 | 01:18 PM
#35
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
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From: Atlanta, GA
Thanks to all who have offered true advice (no thanks to those RX-8 loyalists who chant the mantra of "this car can do no wrong" and always assume operator error), you're a waste of my time - the objective of this post was to see if other 04 owners have found themselves in similar scenarios and if so, what has been done (if anything) to correct.
I have been a sports car owner/auto enthusiast for years and am not a newbie complaining about traits inherant to sports cars or rotary engines. These are mechanical issues, real issues that any RX-8 owner could face. Mazda produced a faulty car, that is all I am saying (this is why car companies issue warranties) - unfortunately, in this case the resolve has yet to be found. As we all know, I am not alone in this as Mazda US is aware of the issues that plague the '04's through scores of customer complaints.
I dropped off my car this morning and had a long talk with the Manager of the Service Facility. He is calling Mazda corporate today on my behalf to discuss the options.... I'll wait and see.
I have been a sports car owner/auto enthusiast for years and am not a newbie complaining about traits inherant to sports cars or rotary engines. These are mechanical issues, real issues that any RX-8 owner could face. Mazda produced a faulty car, that is all I am saying (this is why car companies issue warranties) - unfortunately, in this case the resolve has yet to be found. As we all know, I am not alone in this as Mazda US is aware of the issues that plague the '04's through scores of customer complaints.
I dropped off my car this morning and had a long talk with the Manager of the Service Facility. He is calling Mazda corporate today on my behalf to discuss the options.... I'll wait and see.
02-21-2007 | 01:29 PM
#36
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,327
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by Rotario
I have an '05, and (knock on wood) but I haven't had a single issue with it. It's only been back to the delaer for regular maintenance and the engine recall.
But I went through an ordeal similar to yours with a '97 Honda Accord. Constant surging, stalling, misfires during acceleration, 15 mpg mileage, 20 mph swings in speed with the cruise control on, etc etc. It developed these problems shortly after I purchased it (new). It went back to the dealer on 5 separate occasions. The first two times they said they had made some adjustments and it was fixed. Not. The second two times the report came back that they could not duplicate the problem and that nothing was wrong (just me and my imagination, I guess). The final time I was told that this behavior was "normal" for an Accord with a manual transmission. I had contacted Honda's division headquarters after the 3rd trip (when "no problem existed"), and they offered little help. After the 5th trip, I made copies of all the service reports, and sent them along with a letter via certified mail, return receipt to Honda North America. The letter was polite and professional, but also quite clear that if they chose to do nothing about the problem(s), I would have no choice but to begin legal proceedings. About a week after I sent the letter, I got a call from Honda corporate, and to make a long(er) story shorter, they provided me a loaner while they kept the car for about a week. At the end it was fixed, and was apparently something with the computer or the wiring to the computer that was causing all the problems.
I'm only relating this because you might give the certified letter angle a try first. Lemon law proceedings can work, but they can also be a major time sink, especially when you might have a dealer saying that they can't ever duplicate the problem(s) you're having. Hope things work out for you, man.
Best,
Bill
But I went through an ordeal similar to yours with a '97 Honda Accord. Constant surging, stalling, misfires during acceleration, 15 mpg mileage, 20 mph swings in speed with the cruise control on, etc etc. It developed these problems shortly after I purchased it (new). It went back to the dealer on 5 separate occasions. The first two times they said they had made some adjustments and it was fixed. Not. The second two times the report came back that they could not duplicate the problem and that nothing was wrong (just me and my imagination, I guess). The final time I was told that this behavior was "normal" for an Accord with a manual transmission. I had contacted Honda's division headquarters after the 3rd trip (when "no problem existed"), and they offered little help. After the 5th trip, I made copies of all the service reports, and sent them along with a letter via certified mail, return receipt to Honda North America. The letter was polite and professional, but also quite clear that if they chose to do nothing about the problem(s), I would have no choice but to begin legal proceedings. About a week after I sent the letter, I got a call from Honda corporate, and to make a long(er) story shorter, they provided me a loaner while they kept the car for about a week. At the end it was fixed, and was apparently something with the computer or the wiring to the computer that was causing all the problems.
I'm only relating this because you might give the certified letter angle a try first. Lemon law proceedings can work, but they can also be a major time sink, especially when you might have a dealer saying that they can't ever duplicate the problem(s) you're having. Hope things work out for you, man.
Best,
Bill
02-21-2007 | 05:29 PM
#42
Thread Starter
Registered
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
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From: Atlanta, GA
Ready for this...... just got the call from the dealership. And guess what? It needs a new engine. Funny how before I mentioned legal action to remedy all these troubles, the response was "we were unable to verify the problem".
So, now I've gotta ask, who amongst this forum has (A) received a new engine, (B) has had their issues resolved because of the engine replacement.
Additionally, the service manager was unable to tell me if Mazda is replacing the engines with 07 technology or 04's or even refurbs.
So, now I've gotta ask, who amongst this forum has (A) received a new engine, (B) has had their issues resolved because of the engine replacement.
Additionally, the service manager was unable to tell me if Mazda is replacing the engines with 07 technology or 04's or even refurbs.
02-21-2007 | 06:04 PM
#43
kid, not to sounds like a ***** but you should do a search for people who got a new engine. I know I've seen a thread or two about it, I just don't happen to know where they are at the time.
Hopefully the new engine will help fix some of these issues.
Hopefully the new engine will help fix some of these issues.
02-21-2007 | 06:13 PM
#44
North County Boi
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: The OC
Originally Posted by kidryno
As the owner of an '04 RX-8 GT A/T I have absoultely had it with this car. Aside from the multiple little things.... interior rattling, creaks, sunroof issues, etc. I've had multiple run-ins with the mechanical troubles of this car, everything from the no-start scenario due to flooding, weak starter, what have you.... to heavy engine vibration, stalling, lack of acceleration power, surging, etc. etc. etc.
This car has been treated like a baby.... I've used only premium fuel since day one, have changed the oil to spec. and have had every service recall to date. I've called Mazda Corporate a few times to address these issues, and while I have been covered every time to have the car looked at or repaired, the issues still remain.
According to my dealership, they have been unable to replicate these problems and I was not a candidate for the engine replacement program as they said it passed all the tests. I've had the plugs changed, the starter replaced, the coils replaced, the engine mounts replaced.... but just this morning the car stalled on a heavy traffic road while at a red light after driving the car for 20 minutes and I then spent the next 10 minutes going throught the no start scenario while scores of drivers behind me were all too eager to give me the one-finger salute, not to mention making me late to work. Immediately, I called the dealership and spoke to the service manager (who knows me on a first name basis) and he said to bring it in again.
Not sure what to do anymore..... this is becoming epidemic. I keep bringing it in, and the problems continue to go unresolved. Anyone familiar with Lemon Laws?
This car has been treated like a baby.... I've used only premium fuel since day one, have changed the oil to spec. and have had every service recall to date. I've called Mazda Corporate a few times to address these issues, and while I have been covered every time to have the car looked at or repaired, the issues still remain.
According to my dealership, they have been unable to replicate these problems and I was not a candidate for the engine replacement program as they said it passed all the tests. I've had the plugs changed, the starter replaced, the coils replaced, the engine mounts replaced.... but just this morning the car stalled on a heavy traffic road while at a red light after driving the car for 20 minutes and I then spent the next 10 minutes going throught the no start scenario while scores of drivers behind me were all too eager to give me the one-finger salute, not to mention making me late to work. Immediately, I called the dealership and spoke to the service manager (who knows me on a first name basis) and he said to bring it in again.
Not sure what to do anymore..... this is becoming epidemic. I keep bringing it in, and the problems continue to go unresolved. Anyone familiar with Lemon Laws?
I've lost power several times, the transmission is ALWAYS in the wrong gear and often freaks out, shifting from 4th to 2nd to 4th to 3rd to 2nd, when I'm flooring it. I'm just thankful my commute went from 1h 30m to 5 mins recently and I'm not in my RX as much as I was. I'm SO thankful I leased so I can turn this torque-less wonder in and buy something else.
My BMW is already on order.
02-21-2007 | 07:38 PM
#45
Registered
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 1
From: Canberra, Australia
Originally Posted by kidryno
NYCGPS, Are you even worthy of a response?
Do you seriously expect "babying the car too much" is a reasonable explantation??? jesus, what a crock. You know, if you'd hammered your car you never would have seen these problems......ya right.
02-21-2007 | 09:20 PM
#47
stop flooding ur engines
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: NE
"Do you seriously expect "babying the car too much" is a reasonable explantation??? jesus, what a crock. You know, if you'd hammered your car you never would have seen these problems......ya right."
thats exactly the problem.
funny how my car with 20k on it has no issues at all, starts when its 7 degrees out, idles smooth, revs like a bat out of hell.
this guy has an auto, babies it, yeah the thing prolly saw like 5k once by accident. theres ur prob. it dropped compression bc the old calibration had the MOP setting at 3 during idle which is too low.(on a scale from 0-60)
the recall reflash set the idle mop posiiton to 6 when idling and that helped to solve the issue but for this guy, the engine was already done. hence the stalling when idling, low idle, poor starting, etc etc etc.
9500 each day....its the only way
thats exactly the problem.
funny how my car with 20k on it has no issues at all, starts when its 7 degrees out, idles smooth, revs like a bat out of hell.
this guy has an auto, babies it, yeah the thing prolly saw like 5k once by accident. theres ur prob. it dropped compression bc the old calibration had the MOP setting at 3 during idle which is too low.(on a scale from 0-60)
the recall reflash set the idle mop posiiton to 6 when idling and that helped to solve the issue but for this guy, the engine was already done. hence the stalling when idling, low idle, poor starting, etc etc etc.
9500 each day....its the only way
02-22-2007 | 01:35 AM
#48
Registered
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 1
From: Canberra, Australia
Originally Posted by RoXanneBlack8
"Do you seriously expect "babying the car too much" is a reasonable explantation??? jesus, what a crock. You know, if you'd hammered your car you never would have seen these problems......ya right."
thats exactly the problem.
funny how my car with 20k on it has no issues at all, starts when its 7 degrees out, idles smooth, revs like a bat out of hell.
this guy has an auto, babies it, yeah the thing prolly saw like 5k once by accident. theres ur prob. it dropped compression bc the old calibration had the MOP setting at 3 during idle which is too low.(on a scale from 0-60)
the recall reflash set the idle mop posiiton to 6 when idling and that helped to solve the issue but for this guy, the engine was already done. hence the stalling when idling, low idle, poor starting, etc etc etc.
9500 each day....its the only way
thats exactly the problem.
funny how my car with 20k on it has no issues at all, starts when its 7 degrees out, idles smooth, revs like a bat out of hell.
this guy has an auto, babies it, yeah the thing prolly saw like 5k once by accident. theres ur prob. it dropped compression bc the old calibration had the MOP setting at 3 during idle which is too low.(on a scale from 0-60)
the recall reflash set the idle mop posiiton to 6 when idling and that helped to solve the issue but for this guy, the engine was already done. hence the stalling when idling, low idle, poor starting, etc etc etc.
9500 each day....its the only way
And as for babying it, he says himself
"...By babying the car, as I explained in my first post, meant that it has been treated per Mazda's specs for this car by always using Premium fuel and always staying on top of oil consumption and oil changes/regular maintenence...."
02-22-2007 | 11:07 AM
#49
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Atlanta, GA
I'm starting to wonder if some of you actually read the first post or if you just comment based upon your "assumptions". I'll assume the latter. The RX-8 is a sports car, and as such, it will be driven like one. Mazda didn't issue an engine RECALL because one or two customers had issues. You fix those on an "as needed" basis. This has affected a large amount of 04 owners. Just look at the posts on this forum alone.
What I'm amazed at is the "lets treat the symptoms, not the problem" scenario I've been finding myself in. When the recall came out, I was having continuing issues with the car, and I thought - FINALLY - Mazda is taking real strides to correct these issues.... but I was called back that same day, and told that my car checked out fine and was not in need of anything.
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, and I brought my car in for the same symptoms.... again, the response was, the engine is fine, but was in need of new ignition coils. Fair enough,.... but the problems persisted.
Then just yesterday, (this time I met with the Service Dept. VP) the response later in the day was "Your engine's compression is all messed up, you need a new engine".
Am I the only one here who finds this odd. Just 2 weeks prior, the engine checked out fine, despite having the same issues all along the way. BTW, I was trying to research threads regarding those who were new engine candidates, but I was unable to find anything on if the new engines are 07 technology or retooled 04's. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
What I'm amazed at is the "lets treat the symptoms, not the problem" scenario I've been finding myself in. When the recall came out, I was having continuing issues with the car, and I thought - FINALLY - Mazda is taking real strides to correct these issues.... but I was called back that same day, and told that my car checked out fine and was not in need of anything.
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, and I brought my car in for the same symptoms.... again, the response was, the engine is fine, but was in need of new ignition coils. Fair enough,.... but the problems persisted.
Then just yesterday, (this time I met with the Service Dept. VP) the response later in the day was "Your engine's compression is all messed up, you need a new engine".
Am I the only one here who finds this odd. Just 2 weeks prior, the engine checked out fine, despite having the same issues all along the way. BTW, I was trying to research threads regarding those who were new engine candidates, but I was unable to find anything on if the new engines are 07 technology or retooled 04's. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
02-22-2007 | 11:23 AM
#50
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
My guess is the dealer didn't have a clue, was hopelessly in need of an answer to attempt to placate you as a good customer, and after discussion w/MNAO said - "new engine for you fella!"
Now if that doesn't fix it it's probably the left rear bumber lugnut has come loose and no one bothered to check
Good luck with it.
Now if that doesn't fix it it's probably the left rear bumber lugnut has come loose and no one bothered to check
Good luck with it.