Miata Mailing List: February 1994, Message #38
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   From: suskind@isdev1.melpar.esys.com (Barry A. Suskind)
Subject: Re: Lemon Miata
   Date: Thu, 3 Feb 1994 11:23:34 -0500

[uunet!JEFLIN.TJU.EDU!GOZUMM] Writes:
> 
> This is af irst for me.
> 
> <<
>  
> I've got a 93 with about 20000 on it and haven't had a lick of problem with
> it.  His problems include having the carpets replaced due to them pulling
> out from the sides.  He's even had his computer module replaced in 91.
> Can't say he's very happy with his car.
> 
> Any response is appreciated.
> 
> TIA
>   Bill
>   
> 
> <<
> 
> These guys describe quite horrible problems with a new miata that
> is quite unacceptable.
> 
> That there hasn't been any good solutions since you purchased it
> there are two things to do:
> 1. inform the dealer about the plethora of problems and need
> a complete resolution to it.
> 2. at this point, ALSO inform MAZDA USA, in my 1991 brochure
> I received their number for complaints.
> 
> You should see if the car falls under the definition of "lemon
> 
> and thus thu subject to the lemon law.
> 
> At this point, it seems your friend needs a completely NEW
> car or the dealer is really not worthy of the dealership 
> (that is, their mechanics).
> 
> Lets here from the other miatateers.
> 
> Marvin
> 
> 
> 
> 

On a general basis, I hate car dealers. Mine, Rosenthal in Tysons Corner,
I never went back to except for necessary waranty repairs. Every time I went
there I was reminded of how my car's waranty was in question because I never
got the car serviced by Rosenthal. They even sent me a nice letter on Mazda
stationary about getting 15,000 mile check up. In the book it's listed as
an oil change for everything but harsh driving (like high altitude, or dust).
Instead Rosenthal wanted me to sign up for a $350 dollar service that included
a full tune up, break check, tire balance, wheel alignment, and oil change.
I called Mazda and their comment was they did not appreciate when dealers tried
to sell unecessary services and all that was quite uncessary.  They also said
even if I did my own oil changes there should never be a problem honoring
the waranty, but suggested I keep my reciepts and records, which I do.

I have heard of other dealers, both foreign and domestic, selling cars as new
that were damaged on the truck.  This type of stuff would range from cars 
being dented to cars falling off the truck.  My uncle once bought a car that
the front quater panel faded and rusted, but the rest of the car did not. The
body shop that fixed it said the car must have been hit before and the fix was
poorly done. Without any proof he just had to pay for the repairs.  Also car
dealers, when they do waranty work, get a lower rate from the manufacturer 
than do repairs you have to pay for. Consequently you get the most junior
people working on your car.  The big moral in all this, is that dealers want
to make as much money as possible and do as little as possible for it.

By the way,,,, does anybody have a list of good mazda mechanics in the DC area?
I am coming up on the big 60,000 mark and would like to avoid being ripped 
off when I have the timing belt replaced....

barry



-----  Barry A. Suskind, Information Services, E-Systems Melpar Division -----
----------------  7700 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22046 ----------------
----  Internet: suskind@melpar.esys.com ----------- Ma Bell: 703-560-5000 ----
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