This week I tried to schedule an appt with my closest local dealer to get my ECU updated. Been noticing a near stall RMP range at some stops. So I tried to see when I could get this taken care of.

Of course first I had to fend off the “anti-Internet” conversation when I pointed out where I was getting my information requesting the ECU flash. But once I got past that, I ran into some issues at setting up an appointment. The shortest time frame I found was four days and the longest was just over a week.

Now I’ve experienced this before. I bought an Audi in 2001 when their sales were going through the roof. I was all prepared to post about Mazda sales being high of late and dealerships not having resources to service the sales just has Audi had experienced. I was also going to note a Lexus policy that distributes new cars based off of service bays. But then I looked at the number.

Mazda total unit sales for the past five years (1999 – 2003) have been 189K, 169K, 166K, 159K and 164K. Not exactly a spike. Actually, pretty flat and certainly not what I expected. Now it could be that my region (Indy – actually the Mazda Cincy region) has just had better than average sales. Currently, I don’t have access to regional sales numbers. So I can’t really check.

So I’m at a loss for the delay. I’m pretty much used to next day availability in most appointments, not that I usually schedule that quickly. But my concern stems from a must do repair that only takes a day and has the “8” sit for a week or longer. This is what happened to several Audi owners in the period I owned mine. This might explain why at least one dealership seemed to give me the brush off for service for the ECU flash and oil pan replacement. Perhaps they already have all the business they can handle?

So anyone else care to comment on what kind of time frames they are experiencing in setting up service appointments?

 

Yes i called up the service department to make an appointment to get my oil changed. Well I was expecting the service rep to say the next day, but he says next friday is the earliest appointment. I mean they cant take 15 min to change the oil when you bought a $34000 car from them. Nearest dealership is about 30 miles away. Sorry, I needed to vent a little bit.

 

I went to get the new oil pan for my 8, and noticed my car would drift to the left a little. I had an appointment and everything for the oil pan change and it would take a day and told them about the drifting problem. Now they need to hold my car another day b/c the technician is waiting for the specs to fix my steering problem. What the hell does that mean,waiting for the specs?

 

Sorry for the previous rant, but to answer your question my experience is that it takes 2 or 3 days for the quickest appointment, and most repairs take only one day.

 

I've only had mine in for regular service, they slip me in same day or sometimes the next day. They only have 1 tech to service all the RX8's. Sorry some of you are takeing longer, its just part of life and our vehicles.

 

Maybe Mazda dealerships should consult this forum for useful info rather than bashing us.....

HERE are the specs they are making you wait for.

 

Well, the situation with my dealer seems to be slightly different:

1. Call them to schedule Oil change & lubircation (yeah, no jokes!) and they asked me when would I like to go in. It was a Friday, so I told them if I could be there first thing next morning (Saturday..): NO PROBLEM!

2. While there, I asked them about Warranty work (an AC vent out of whack!, and a worn shift ****) they told me that work requiring the attention of a Certified Tech had to be done during weekdays.
They placed the order for the AC vent and called me a couple weeks later. We sheduled the appointment within 2 days (considering that it was Friday again...) for Tuesday first thing in the morning (because I asked for such date....however, I am possitive I could've been in on Monday as well..)

 

Don't you think you are acting a bit spoiled guys? Waiting 4 days for a non-urgent apptmt is far from being the end of the world is it? i'm sure if the car was sitting outside not running at all they would take care of it faster. Go to jiffy lube for your oil if it's that urgent . :-)

 

I can TOTALLY relate. See this thread , back from when my car needed its first oil change. I've finally found a dealer (West Covina Mazda) who actually lets me schedule a while-u-wait appointment within a day or two of my call, AND who actually uses the correct oil in my car! Yes, you have to make sure they know the 8 requires 5W-20 -- see this thread .

Good Luck....

 

I got a same day appointment (called in AM and brought it in to dealer in the PM) - plus a loaner for my 4 month maintenance/oil change!

They have several techs that work on the 8's.

 

Haven't taken my '8 in yet, but we just got rid of a Tribute a couple weeks ago and I always got next day appointments at Irvine Mazda and Phillips Mazda (Laguna Hills) whenever we had routine service.

When something broke, Irvine usually handled it the same day without an appt. unless we had to wait for a part (but we'd get a free rental though so it was OK).

 

My friend is a service writer at Galpin Mazda in the San Fernando Valley in CA. Twice I have brought in my car. Once I got it the next day, the other CES issue was resolved in two days. If anyone is in the area I will give you his information to set up an appointment. They do rentals too, I think its included with the service . Overall they have a good service department there.

 

Thanks for the link. I'm actually pretty pleased, I thought I would have to pay for the alignment but didn't have to pay anything. I like things for free!