Hello. I have been lurking on this forum for the past few months, as I researched and finally decided to purchase an RX-8. I would like to thank everyone for the excellent information I have obtained here. Once I test drove the 8 my mind was made up, the handling, looks, road feel, and comfort won me over.

I picked up my Titanium 6sp with GT package on 4/2. The first week of ownership went almost perfectly. I had read on this forum the issues with flooding, and was careful to warm the car completely before shutting it down.

About 4 days after I picked it up, I went around a couple of sharp twisties, then accelerated at about 3/4 throttle onto a straightaway. As I passed 6500 RPM, the check engine light came on, and the engine lost power. The CEL blinked for about 10 seconds, with the car feeling it was about to stall. The light then went out, and everything returned to normal.

I called the dealer the next morning, and they said to just keep an eye on it, not a problem unless it happened again. I brought the car into the dealer on 4/9 to have the rear spoiler installed. I mentioned the CEL, and that the car had been hard to start when cold a few mornings. They said they would look into it, but when I picked the car up I was told there were no codes stored, and they would follow up further next time I came in.

When I got home from the dealer I parked in my driveway and got out to open the garage, when I got back in the car it was idling roughly, and the CEL was on solid. I was barely able to drive the car up my driveway, as there was no power. Stopping and starting the car had no effect, the idle would not smooth out and the CEL stayed on.

Called the dealer first thing Monday (4/12), they told me to bring it in. Had to smoke the clutch starting up one hill, as the engine would not accelerate at low RPM. CEL alternated between blinking and being on solid during the 5 mile trip. I had printed out the latest service bulletin regarding the M flash, and gave that to the service advisor, he wasn't surprised, said other customers have brought the service bulletins with them as well.

They called me that evening, told me they had updated the car to the latest flash, and changed the spark plugs, but were still getting misfire codes. Next day I had the same conversation, said they were working with Mazda.

On Thursday the call was quite different. The service advisor told me I probably wasn't going to be happy, but Mazda was advising them that the engine needed to be replaced. A new unit would need to be pulled off the assembly line in Japan, as there were none available in the US. The engine would not arrive for at least 5 days.

So I had the car for 9 days, 2 of which it was undrivable, and the dealer has had it for 11, with little chance that I will see it soon. I am disappointed, but realize these things do happen. It seems to me that those people here who have had their engines replaced have had few additional problems. Hopefully this will be the case with my car.

I just wanted to add this incident to the board, as I found the posts of other peoples experiences quite informative. Thanks.

Well, that sucks big time. Hope all turns out all right for ya. I would have them look @ the clutch also since you had to ride it.

Glad you're handling it well, and I hope the engine comes in sooner than expected. My 8 was the first car I ever bought, and if that had happened to me, I don't think I'd be quite as calm.

Hopefully, your new engine will be awesome. Will having a replacement engine bring down the value of your car?

Dude,

Please take this advice, you have every right to get a refund. In fact, without sounding too harsh, I have no idea why you haven't demanded one yet.

Get them to give you a brand new car, that one is a lemon. You can by law return in item within 30 days.

Get another titanium GT, a NEW one...

you'll get a new engine and everything will be fine. thses things happen. good luck.

Agreed, the new engine will make all things better.

Sorry to hear about the early issues.

Thanks for the feedback. I do believe the new engine will make the car as good or better than new. OTOH if I continue to have problems of this severity I'll pursue the lemon law. They will be more than half way to the 30 days from this incident alone.

As for resale value, I don't think there would be any impact. Although a major component, the engine is just another part being replaced under warranty. Not sure I'd feel obligated to even mention it 3 or 4 years down the road if there are no other problems.

I wouldn't expect the new engine to effect resale value. I'm a little confused as to why they would put in a new engine though. To me this appears to be an electrical/computer problem, not a mechanical problem. I guess that when the say new engine then mean more than just the rotor housing, rotors, and shaft. Either way I agree with you that you should let them do the swap before even thinking about the lemon laws.

Which dealership is this?

Your love affair with this car is sure to improve, once you have had a chance to "bond" with it!!

franksrx8, sorry to hear about your trouble. Just curious, you bought the car in April, but do you know the build date? Interested to know if it was an early build date. There haven't been any recent engine replacements noted here.

If the wait for a new engine looks like it is going to get you anywhere near having the car off the road for a total of 30 days, the NY lemon law kicks in and you should get a new one now.

Dude, that truly sucks. Hopefully once the engine is replaced you can experience the same trouble free bliss many others have had (like me!).

I believe the build date was November, 2003. Checked at one point on the door plate, if not Nov it was Oct. I remember wondering where the car was during all those months.

The car is being repaired at Adzam Mazda in Bedford Hills, NY. Bought it at White Plains Mazda, as Adzam didn't have what I wanted in stock.

Just spoke with the service advisor, the new engine is here. He said it was pretty cool, set up the way it would be on the assembly line, with hoses and wires already hooked up to it all prepped to drop in the car. Car should be ready middle of next week, the old engine has been removed. If his estimate is correct two and a half weeks total to get a new engine off the assembly line in Japan and install it doesn't seem too bad.

Of course when I brought it in I thought it was just going to need the M flash.

I must say that I agree with "fietguy" - ABSOLUTELY demand a new car - and let Mazda "deal" with this one - they can put a new engine in it and sell it as used....this constitutes a major malfunction in my book - and as "red_rx8_red_int" said - it sounds like there is "more to the story' then just the engine...

But - bust of luck mate....

Follow up. New engine was installed last Monday (4/26). I got the car back last Tuesday. The new engine seems perfect so far, about 500 miles on it now. Idle is now buttery smooth, and the mid range seems stronger. Overall the car definitely feels better, but then I did have a defective engine before...

Took about a day, but the negative feelings have gone away and I am really enjoying driving the car. Looking forward to a long, trouble free ownership experience. Thanks again for the input.

Good to hear your happy....

If you are the least bit concerned with resale value I would definitely rethink trading the car back in and demanding a new one. Keep in mind that your vin numbers b/w your car and engine probably aren't the same. If true, this will definitely impact your resale value. Just a lil advice in case you need it.

The RX-8 is not some early collector's car; no one will care if the engine is "original" or not.

Engine replacement is a very common procedure these days, with an engine swap being no bigger a deal than replacement of an alternator, radiator or transmission. It's a "part," albeit a large one, and the replacement of it does not entitle you to a new car or to "lemon" your vehicle unless your vehicle falls under the auspices of your state's lemon law.

Yes, it sucks, I'd hate to have it happen myself, but as with anything in the universe, failures happen, that's why you have a warranty...

Originally posted by BillK
The RX-8 is not some early collector's car; no one will care if the engine is "original" or not.


An 03 RX-8 may very well be a colector's item in 10 to 20 years from now. Only time well tell.

I have to say I agree completely with BillK. This will have no more effect on the value of my car then replacing any other part under warranty. As for demanding a new car, neither Mazda nor my dealer would feel obligated to do this, especially since my car is now perfect.

The lemon laws exist to provide clear guidelines as to when you are entitled to a new car or a refund. It's all based on the amount of time and / or visits to the shop, not the perceived severity of the problem. It is not in Mazda's best interest to start replacing every new car that has a defective part. I really don't agree with the idea that going to the dealer and demanding a new car will make them change their policy.

In truth I would rather have my car with it's new engine. The engine was manufactured only a couple of weeks ago and air freighted over, and is absolutely current. A replacement car that has been sitting around since November like mine was is more likely to have whatever manufacturing defect my engine did.

That said, if I have another major problem and the car is again in the shop for over 2 weeks, I will pursue the lemon law. I bought the car to drive, not sit in the shop while I drive a loaner...

If the car becomes a collector's item in 10 to 20 years, and the mismatch of VIN and engine serial number lowers the value, it won't be my problem. Technology marches on, and in 4 or 5 years some new car will call to me. Who knows, maybe it will be the future incarnation of the 8...