Need some opinions

[rob989_69]

Currently have a 2006 MS6 base. No add ons. with 18800 miles. I like the car, but I'm really considering trading it in on a 2004 350z with 26000 miles. The Z is loaded to the gills and in great shape.

Only issue I have with the 6 right now is that the engine light is on and doesn't want to go off. I was told the reason is that I had been running 87 gas in it (dealer never mentioned it needed high octane) I've since run about 4 tanks or more of 91, two of those tanks with injector cleaner, and the light is still on. Idles really rough and backfires on downshift sometimes.

Anyway, any opionions on the Z or fixing the 6 would be appreciated.

 

[BlackCherry06]

First, stop using fuel injector cleaner in it. And don't admit to anyone else that you did it. Your owner's manual and the sticker on the inside of the fuel door both state PREMIUM FUEL ONLY.

Second - you have a warranty on the MS6...take it in and get it looked at. A check engine light can mean anything from a defective gas cap to a non-functioning emission control system. Without getting the code read, you have no idea what's wrong with your car.

If after you get it fixed, you still want to trade it on a Z, knock yourself out. The VQ35 is a sweet engine and I've always liked the Z, except for the claustrophic feeling I get from sitting inside, it's laughable interior space for more than 2 people and a duffle bag, and the horrible visibility out the back.

Speaking for myself, I'd never trade a MS6 for a Z.

 

[rob989_69]

Sorry, should have mentioned, I did take it to the dealer, they read the code and said it was the injectors, and their the ones that recommended the injector cleaner. Also (and I had them verify this) No where on the car does it say to use premium fuel. The dealer thought I was crazy till I told him to go look for himself.

 

[BlackCherry06]

Just to make sure we're talking about the same car...you're driving a Mazdaspeed 6, or a Mazda 6?

Even if the sticker on the fuel door is missing, the owner's manual contains fuel grade information.

Fuel injector cleaner is going to do nothing to help you, but this is the kind of bulls*** I expect from service advisors that don't have any idea that your car is different than the other 6's coming and going out of his shop. (Speaking of which..don't trust them to do an oil change on your car...they'll likely install 5W-20 oil, another no-no for a Mazdaspeed).

If he told you you're having a problem with your fuel injectors, demand that they fix it. It's not likely they're clogged since they operate at around 1700 psi. I'm assuming he knows that you ran 87 octane in the car, which he may try to turn around on you. At that point, remind him that the owner's manual states that lower octane fuel is acceptable for emergencies and the car WILL run on it.

 

[speed6_dude]

I think the problem is with the dealer they sound like they dont know whats going on! I had to run 87 in my car for about 4 weeks cause of the gas shortage, the town i lived in only had 87. Never threw a cel and now that i am running high grade again still no problems. There is a problem with your car and you need to find a dealer that cares and will fix it! It is warrenty work they have to fix it! You will probably fall in love with your car all over again once every thing is running the way it should.

Second, If you want a z thats a great car never owned one but drove my fair share of them! Beautiful very nice cars, but like he said very small interior and hard to see out of! Just make sure the z will fit your lifestyle, for instance i traded a vw jetta gli for a crossfire thought i wanted a two seater in a couple months i was miserable! A car that size is the worst daily drive imo there ever could be... so i went back to the sedans i love so well!

Just a couple pints to think about but in the end it is your choice!

 

[rob989_69]

Guys, thanks for all the information. Yep, it's definately a speed6, in fact our cars are almost identical, I have the black cherry 06 as well. I bought the car used and I'll be honest, never looked at the manual. I ran it for 6 months on 87 and not hard at all without issues then one day it started giving me problems. At this point it's going back to the dealer. To be fair to them, the dealer I bought it from is not a Mazda dealer, and the mazda dealer I talked to (who recommended the injector cleaner) didn't see the car, I was explaining the issue to them and telling them what the other dealer told me.

Anyway, it's going in tomorrow. Still up in the air on the Z. Nice car, really, I'm not concerned about drivability as I'm a former mustang owner. It's not really that much worse in winter than my 6 is now so we'll see.

Again, thanks for the opinions and information.