It's been 6 days so far with my 05 titanium gray base 6-speed. I freakin LOVE this car, but i'm not even going to attempt to express the feelings I get from owning this car. ok so I scheduled an appointment for service for this saturday for them to take a look at an alignment problem. My first weekend with the car, i took it into Manhatten...BAD IDEA. I think to rough roads in teh city tore the **** out of my brand new 8, and now the steering wheel is off to the left by 10 degrees or so. I'm just wondering will they cover this under warranty as an "adjustment" or will I have to pay the $90 for an alignment. The second thing i noticed today was a hairline crack about 2 inches long in the left taillight. I'm assuming this is from closing the trunk. I use the handle inside the trunk to close it, so i have to use some force, but I am definatly not slamming it. I know its verry minor and hardly noticeable...but it still bothers the crap out of me. Will the dealer replace it free of charge?

 

dealing with Mazda dealers is like shooting craps... Some forum members are lucky to get sympathetic dealers, others (like me) get dealers who thinks you are a freaking hypochondriac for bringing your 8 for "stupid" things such as squealing brakes, new ECU flashes, rusty rotors, warm a/c, ad infinitum. My advise is go to one closest and see if they will fix your problem, if not then progressively go farther away until go get lucky... Your problem though SHOULD be covered (emphasis on).

 

Alignment can be covered if you have less than 1000 miles but if there is actual damage you will have to pay for repairs.

Depending on the nature of the taillight crack and your build date it might be covered. There was a TSB for taillight cracks.

 

When I close my trunk using the handle, I am able to just let it drop on its own and it closes securely. I don''t think you really need to apply much force at all

 

You probably have a spoiler. Those without spoilers need to get some momentum for the trunk to close securely. Take your car to the dealer to see what they say.

 

yeah tail light cracks should be covered. the alignment might be if there is no damage. damaged parts you pay for

 

Only you know what you did to car, and if the alignment is your fault. The taillight should be covered, and you should demand it be covered. My advice is PLAY STUPID. Do not mention driving in Manhattan, or any rough roads or potholes. Let them figure out what happened, and take it from there. Stay quiet and innocent, and just be nice, and they should take care of it for you since you did just buy it brand new. Good luck!!

 

Just go to Firestone and get an alignment for life for 160 bucks.

 

I don't think Firestone offers alignment-for-life anymore...

 

Yeah, the potholes may have knocked it out. Especially if the adjustmnet points werent tightened initially. Don't mention it to the dealer. That would be really dumb.


The light should be covered. As far as alignment, if they make you pay for it, try another dealer. If noone will do it under warranty, think about a performance alignment. I was surprised to find out how much my carcass changes the static alignment. Got one done with me in the seat for $85.

 

I can help with the tailights....

Print it and either fax it or take it with you on you visit to the dealer:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...8-04-1248a.pdf

 

If you dont have a spoiler on ur 8 you should be able to apply force by the use of ur pinky.

 

thanks for the replys.

I took it in on saturday. They ended up adjusting the steering wheel as thats all the problem was, alignment was ok. They offered to replace the tailight before i even got the words out of my mouth. I walked out of there in under two hours with a brand new tail light and straight steering wheel. hmm...1st encounter with Mazda service and I must admit, I'm impressed and satisfied. OH yeah, dealer also happened to get my plates and registration in on the same day and they actually gave me a check for $100. Apparently I "overpaid" the registration and title fee. Whats up with all these honesty from a car dealer? its spooking me out.