Please provide input asap!

My new to me 2009, 25k mile R3 is at the dealer right now with low compression. They have been on the phone with Mazda USA. No decision yet.

Assuming the engine is warranted: what are my choices?
1) Accept local dealer reman installation
2) Will Mazda pay me $x to go away? There are several rotary specialists in Dallas area I would prefer to build an engine.
3) ??

I've wanted one for years, held out for a long time, flew to FL to pick up this beauty. Was sure hoping to not put a new engine in so soon!

 

Accept the reman. That's your only option should you want Mazda to honor their warranty.
Otherwise, it's out of your pocket.
Of course having a reputable builder do the work is best, but it's your money.

Now I suggest you read the new and potential owners sticky found at the top of the new members forum and read about the warranty.

 

I was hoping there was an option other than accepting the reman....

The plot thickens. Dealer says 'car is from Canada'. Carfax shows purchased in FL, registered with 'Ontario Ministry of Transportation' (missed this line in the carfax!), all service in FL. Car is pri-stine, zero rust, more wax residue than anything else on it. Odd.

 

Sorry dude, but you should do a rebuild with someone you know and trust. Dealer mechanics are a crapshoot

 

I would take the reman first and see what happens. At least that will be under warranty. It may be a crapshoot, but it's a crapshoot with house money.

Worst case scenario, it still requires a rebuild, and you're back at square one.

Best case scenario, you get a reman that works the way it is supposed to at no cost.

 

Grrrr....I'll likely take the reman. What is reman warranty - 12mo/12k?

Tempted to have Rotary Performance or Kevin Landers at Rotary Ressurection work their magic, and have a kickass motor built by the best in the business. As opposed to an engine of unknown quality in the car.

The car 'started and drove' fine, with very good butt-dyno power. I'm surprised by the results.

Might it be possible the engine is carbon'd up by *****-footed previous use, and will rebuild compression with appropriate use? Or just hopeful thinking.

 

You're over thinking this. Just bring it in for warranty. Or pay to have it built.
Either way, you have all the info you need.

 

A lot of the remans have a lot of new parts...so even getting a reman and getting it pulled apart and rebuilt will be better than using your old parts

 

Most remans are fine, don't over think it. The fact that it failed at 25k and was a Canadian car (makes no sense to me if they are willing to warranty it) is just odd but maybe it was a demo car and dogged out.

 

OK thanks for the input gents
Waiting for a call from the dealer this AM
I suspect the owner was Canadian with winter home in FL. Car was purchased and kept in FL. Service records, etc all from FL. Driven 4k/yr.

 

Either way, you're warranteed for 8 years from first purchase date, the rebuild's own warranty shouldn't matter to you yet.

That's a very unexpected failure though. 25k...
Is the car white by any chance? That would prove it's Canadian.

 

Car is black, Carfax shows purchased/serviced FL, registered Canada.

I may be 'overthinking' this but my method is to think through a plan, consider all the options

25k is low and I'm very tempted to Seafom it, take the car to a couple track days for an 'italian' tuneup with some good premix (case of Idemitsu waiting in the garage) and retest compression.

I hate to let a dealer mess with the car as I don't trust they'll get it 100% right. Too many opportunities to screw up other things, use incorrect fluids, etc.

 

Well, if you are a baller then ball out.

 

No, he is no longer covered. The warranty extension was for series 1. He has a series 2 from 09.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...rranty-147287/

 

The engine warranty applies on the 09+ RX-8 as well.

 

Dealer verified Yes it is under warranty. Canadian terms because it was registered in Canada even though sold and stored in FL. 96mo/160,000km

Service entry date was 9/29/09; covered till 9/29/2017. So it has almost 2yrs left on engine warranty. Not bad!

I'll let them replace the engine. Considering yanking it right out and sending to one of the Rotary Gods (RR, Petit etc) for some magic dust and whatever porting/cooling etc mods they can do.

 

I would pass on Pettit, I would hardly consider them a Rotary God. You are better off with Rotary Performance but I wouldn't bother with porting unless you plan on buying Mazdaedit and learning how to flash tune.

 

Good to know, thanks. I've had great experience with Kevin Landers and used to hear good things about Pettit.

 

Pettit has a great rep, but as of late the quality coming out of that shop has led to quite a few disappointed customers (some of which that love Pettit). Ask Kevin about the Pettit engine he tore apart. I had Pineapple Racing build mine in 2011 for boost duty and I could not be happier.

 

Forgot about Pineapple. Wow their rebuilds are $$$

 

Cheaper than Pettit and Rob actually takes the time to outline what is in his build.

 

OP, really just let the Dealer do their work and not put the horse before the cart.

As far as I can tell you will get a new (reman) with next to zero cost to you, you may have to pay for a new clutch kit if it is suspect.

Mazda are not going to give you cash to go away, it does not work like that.

You have a 6+ year old car and are not the original owner, and you will possibly get a new reman engine for nothing, I would consider myself fortunate, I wish the rest of the world had the same policy.

 

Thanks gents
Getting annoyed with dealer. "We'll call with an update" - they never call. HATE dealers.

 

Dealers hate some customers too mate, perhaps they are busy, perhaps they have not heard back from MNAO, you want first class service and I guess you have never bought a car from Dealer or had your car serviced there?, they are not a charity, no car dealer is.

Not having a go at you, keep it cool mate, you will go way further with them.

And I get it. not all Dealers are the same, it is Christmas, nothing will happen now till the new year.

 

I hear you. Very polite and friendly on the phone; vent a little here. If you have a new client: best way to make him a repeat is treat him right the first time!

I run a $2.5M customer-facing business. We never make promises, even 'we'll call you this afternoon', unless we keep it. Just tell them the truth. I guess my standards are too high

Merry Christmas all!!