First, I probably could have (and should have) run a search for half the issues I am covering in this post, but I'd rather get "live" feedback when I can. It's probably been six or eight months since I've spent much time here on the forum and I have some questions that ask for an update and a couple of questions that don't.

By way of update:

1) Did Mazda ever engineer a fix for their visor-splitting or are they continuing to replace the low-quality visors with equally-low-quality parts? I know the last time I read about it, they weren't at all focused on a fix, just a replacement. I've lost two visors (all I had to lose obviously) to splitting and I've got to drop the car off for replacements.

2) Are we still on the M-Flash or have they come out with a later version?

As you might have guessed, I've never taken my car back to the dealer since I bought it. I have my local mechanics (whom I trust) for oil-changes and routine stuff and I'm not a huge fan of dropping my car off with strangers. But, given the above "problems" (and that pesky passenger air-bag recall) I've got to drop the 8 off for service sooner or later.


Okay, the strange stuff.

1) I was Zaino-ing the car for the first time in awhile the other day and my driver-side fog light and the air-cooler that it's mounted too, are "dangling". The fog light is behind the cowling, barely even visible when looking at the car head-on. I couldn't have hit something and knocked it loose without knowing it. So I'm at a loss as to why this assembly is askew. Has this happened to anyone else on here? What was the cause? What was the fix? What was the approx. cost?

2) Ballpoint pen ink on the leather. Not sure how it got there, all I know for sure is I don't own a ballpoint pen. Regardless, I need to remove the 2 inch long line from the driver's seat. Have the light brown leather interior (Chaparral?). What is a quality leather cleaner that can tackle ballpoint ink without harming the leather?

3) While we're on the subject, what's a quality leather conditioner? One that won't leave the leather "slick" or "sticky".

4)Oh, thought of one more. The Potenzas have 23,000 miles on 'em and I'll be looking for some new tires fairly soon. What's your preference for replacement tires? More Potenzas or another brand?

Thanks for fielding six requests in one post. I appreciate any help that you have to offer....

 

1) I have never had a problem with the visor. It works great and looks fine.
2) N-Flash - go get it.



1) Did you hit a bird or something? I would have the dealer check it out.
2)I have used a dry erase marker on permanent ink to remove a stain. The alcohol in the dry erase marker dissolves the ink. I haven't tried it on these seats so do a test on a not so visible area first.
3) I use Meguires. Nice stuff
4) I would go to the tire rack online and read some reviews. I guess it depends on how aggressive you drive. Do you want ultimate performance or better wear?

 

1. Had a visor replaced. Pretty sure it is still the same as the original.
2. Up to the "N" flash as far as I know.

As far as strange stuff:
1. Have not had this happen to me, but have read about it. Think it is covered under warranty.
2. Ballpoint pen ink. Try the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Seems to get pretty much everything else out. I also had a pen ink mark on my chapparell leather (in the back seat directly behind the driver's seat where nobody has ever ridden). My leather wipes took it out with no problems.
3. I use Maguires leather wipes, although they leave the leather a little bit slick if you do not give it time to soak in.
4. I think that if you ask just about anyone on here, nobody is replacing their tires with the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas. I replaced mine at 23k miles with Nitto 555's. So far so good. Much cheaper and pretty sticky. I couldn't afford to spend $250 for each tire so I went with one that was rated the same as the OEMs and supposedly has a much longer tread life. I have no complaints so far.

 

I am going to replace my tires with BF Goodrich KDW's soon if (*dons asbestos suit*) I don't replace the 8 with an STi first.

 

my driver side fog light was also found to be dangling. I was following a moving van and he ran over a piece of tire that was on the highway, his back tires shot it at my car and obliterated the fog light bracket. Luckily the fog light itself was not damaged at all. Cost me $100 CN to get it replaced. The bracket itself only cost about $30 CN. The rest was labour. Could have done it myself but didn't feel like it.

 

1. Don't know.

2. P

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1. Don't know.

2. Lexol cleaner

3. Lexol conditioner OR Connolly Hide Food

4. Continental ContiExtremeContact 245/40-18 All-Season