I took tires for inspection and road force balance at the local shop in town. Passenger side front tire was "hopping" on the machine. They re-mounted the tire to reduce the hopping. They were able to get it to "11". Anything under 20 is good balancing. Rear driver side tire was a "22". With careful re-balancing they were able to get it to a "9". The other two tires were "10" and "11".
Took car for a spin and the problem is 95% gone.
Why the F couldn't the dealer do this ? Why the B.S. about normal characteristic of the car ?
What is going on with the quality control at the Mexico factory ? Not good and not confidence inspiring in the overall quality of the vehicle.
Happy the problem is fixed and related to tires only, but pissed with the way Mazda handled this. I would think twice before buying or recommending Mazda based on this interaction.
Tires are 19 inch Bridgestone Turanza EL440, which are rated pretty badly on TireRack, so yeah not good again...
Getting a bit philosophical here....
Why would a company like Mazda that prides itself on driving experience choose to put these cheap tires on ?
But yes, we know the reason. Cost.
But still, why take a chance compromising the most important differentiating feature for them ?