tidmutt

The LCD in my RX8 has a fairly deep scratch that runs the width of the panel. I noticed something when I picked it up from the dealer but thought it was just gunk from a protective plastic sticker. You can also only notice it when light is striking it from certain angles. Anyway, a few days later I investigated more closely and noticed it was actually a scratch. I called the dealer immediately and let her know and she said they would look at it. Well, I'm finally heading up to the dealer (long trip) and I am a little worried they'll claim I scratched it. I will obviously fight them as I know I definitely did not. I don't let any sharp objects inside my car. Hell, I barely let people sit in it.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has a ballpark dollar figure for how much a replacement LCD panel costs, or perhaps it's just a plastic cover that needs replacing? I want to know so that if in the worst case they refuse to fix it, I can at least just have it done by some other dealer (or do it myself) and it won't cost too much.

So, anyone have any ideas how much that LCD costs? Also, anyone else have this problem when they picked up their new RX8?

Thanks.

DOMINION

If you think the Dealer did the scratch take it back and let them know.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

^^^ He is. Did you even read his post? lol

And good luck man. The odds of them accepting the fact they made the scratch are little to none.

tidmutt

Quick update on progress so far. I have been back to the dealer twice since I started this thread and both times they've been helpful. I have to say, I'm fairly impressed. So before I go on, I should explain that there are two problems:

1) Scratch on LCD
2) White stains on the rotary accents

The first time I visited (about a week ago) they looked at the two issues and attempted to clean the accents but no luck so they decided to organize for the cleaning crew to come the following Saturday and attempt to fix my problems. For my trouble they said they'd fill my tank when I came up the following Saturday.

Fast forward to today and I make the long trek to the dealer. They try again to clean the Rotary Accents and have no luck. So I'm looking at it with the Service Manager thinking to myself, "why don't they just use a metal polish?". Anyway, the manager walks away and comes back with, you guessed it, metal polish. Turns out he used to work in car detailing. He manages to get them looking fairly clean, but not really quite satisfactory. He tells me there is nothing his department can do, I'll have to talk to sales.

I track down the sales person (very friendly and helpful) who says to me, "this is an expensive, brand-new car. I think we should sort all these problems out for you. Let me talk to my boss." A few moments later she introduces me to this guy, Adam, who is also very friendly. He tells me straight away, we'll replace the scratched LCD. He encouraged me to try polishing the Rotary Accents myself, however, I pushed back a little and I pointed out to him I'll be coming back to have the LCD replaced anyway, so why doesn't he just have someone spend a little more time on the accents. He agreed and proceeds to tell me that he sees me in the dealer all the time wearing my RX8 shirt and cap (guess I'm a little obsessed) and that I'm obviously an enthusiast and that he's just got to make sure I'm taken care of.

So, they are calling me on Monday to let me know when the parts for the LCD will arrive and when I can bring my car in. I'm pretty optimistic that it should all be sorted out in a couple of weeks. They are minor problems, but it's nice to know they'll take care of them.

I have to say, I was surprised how helpful they were. Perhaps there is the occasionally dealer who appreciates enthusiast owners.

shaunv74

Sounds like you have a good dealer. Make sure you maintain your relationship with them and bring them your maintenance business and get to know them. Introduce yourself by name, know your service manager and saleman's name and always ask for them when you call in the future.

If all else fails with the accents they can be replaced. They are relatively inexpensive and the dealer should foot the bill for them.

tidmutt

I went back to the dealer today and they installed a new LCD and they even replaced the rotary accents which now look nice and shiny. They left the protective plastic cover on the LCD and let me remove it. Nice touch.

Overall, I was very impressed. My sales person and her boss have both worked hard to make sure I'm happy. I was finally able to submit the Mazda survey and gave them appropriately high marks.

The service manager was a little cranky, but they just had two mechanics resign, including the head mechanic, so I can cut him a little slack.

I did ask if they would mind attaching my audiolink adapter to the stereo while they had the dash off to do the LCD. Although I wasn't sure if they have to remove the head unit to do that, I thought I'd ask anyway. They weren't very keen on doing it, which is not surprising given that it's not a Mazda accessory. In the end I decided not to push it. Figured it was a long shot anyway.

So surprisingly, it all worked out. I'll be heading back to that dealer in the future.