First things first - '05 TI02 MT GT Red/Black new from dealer 12/18/04. I've been lurking around this Club since October last year and went in eyes wide open. To date I've just been reading and learning, what a great site! I feel very fortunate as (1) I own an 8 and (2) I haven't had any issues period! Hope this doesn't change my luck :eek: The gas mileage is right where the sticker said it would be; no condensation in any lights (despite being keep outside in the rain; no flooding; and yes, it does drink oil. Hopefully my patience around here will prevent me from asking all the new (repeat) questions. And YES, I clean the tailpipes every other day, look at it parked a zillion times a day, and look for any excuse for a drive. The only mod I've done so far is windows tinted all around. It lives up here in very northern california where its bright, sunny, and hot. I had a great buying experience but alas my greatest fear is coming upon me, its first only change and tire rotation. I can do the tires myself but wonder what to do about the oil change; do it myself, the local jiffy lube, or take the 2 hour drive to the mazda dealer (Chuck Patterson Mazda in Chico)? It just turned 4000 miles today. Suggestions welcomed.

I change my own oil.

Take it to Jiffy if you prefer. That way you will have a paper trail in case of warrenty repair work.

Welcome and nice avatar. You could go to a jiffy lube etc. but I think you are better off changing it yourself. It doesn't take much time and you'll get some good bonding time with the 8 Try the:
DIY: RX-8 Oil Change for dummies (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=12455)

Use the resources of the friendly people here at the Gentlemen's.. I mean RX8 club. ;)

If you change it yourself, just be sure to keep a copy of the reciept for the oil and filter that you purchased and keep a log with the date and mileage that the change was performed. There is no magic in the receipt from a dealer or oil change shop. Your records are just as valid.

You might want to go to the dealer anyway the first time. While you are there you can pick up a supply of the crush washers for the drain plug.

Personally, I barely trust the oil change shops or the dealers. I did the third change after the first two changes at the dealer. The oil filter was barely on. Didn't even have to grab it to loosen it. It started unscrewing as I was wrapping a rag under it to catch any spills. Do it yourself and you know that it was done right.

My last dealer oil change resulted in a charge for 5! quarts of oil and when I checked the level after 15 miles it was about .5 qt low. Looks to me that they gave me 3 qts and charged for 5!!
BTW did anyone notice the guy on ebay trying to sell the little nylon oil drain plug washers with a starting bid of $5 each?
Got to watch 'em!

I personally do my oil changes myself- it's good bonding time, and it's not much work at all. I would avoid Jiffy lube and any other quickie place at all costs... I'm not going to trust a pimple-faced teenager to something as critical as an oil change to a $35k car.

BTW did anyone notice the guy on ebay trying to sell the little nylon oil drain plug washers with a starting bid of $5 each?
Got to watch 'em!
Hehehe! Yeah, I saw that. I don't expect anyone to bid on it, but you never know. Did you see the dealer selling RX-8 accessories for prices well above what our favorite dealers charge? Like "they" say, there's one born every minute. :)

Quite a few folks have commented on how tough the original factory filter is to get off. I took mine in for the first change because of that. It's not hard to get to, but it's awkward to apply a lot of force to if it's on too tight.

If you're not gonna do it yourself, find a reputable independent mechanic. Never EVER go to one of those large national franchise places, it seems like there are so many horror stories about them.

Up here there aren't any independents left that work (or worked) on rx7's. The Mazda dealer left about 10 years ago. Now that means my 8 is a mystery car to the locals to ogle and gaggel over. I don't know beans about the dealer in Chico. I called and spoke with the service manager and he said not to worry and just drive it to 7500 before worrying about a change. I called Jiffy Lube today and asked if they could change the oil, the answer was a spooky "why not". So I go all the way to 7500? I've added 1-1/2 quarts over the first 4000 miles so in one respect the oil is being continually changed.

Up here there aren't any independents left that work (or worked) on rx7's. The Mazda dealer left about 10 years ago. Now that means my 8 is a mystery car to the locals to ogle and gaggel over. I don't know beans about the dealer in Chico. I called and spoke with the service manager and he said not to worry and just drive it to 7500 before worrying about a change. I called Jiffy Lube today and asked if they could change the oil, the answer was a spooky "why not". So I go all the way to 7500? I've added 1-1/2 quarts over the first 4000 miles so in one respect the oil is being continually changed.


Well, 7500 is the "light duty" interval, and 5000 miles for regular duty usage. If you drive on any dusty or dirty areas you should look at the lower interval. Also, many of choose to do the first change earlier to get the break-in bits and pieces out of the oil... like 2500-3000. Considering your situation, If you're the least bit mechnically inclined, I would tackle it yourself- there are several threads with DIY's, tips and help on changing oil in the '8... let me know and I'll post a few.

Alleycat: Great first post--It shows that you did your homework and took the time to become well-informed about the 8 and, in turn, about our community here. Very much appreciated.

I agree with G8rboy--I wouldn't take your car to the Jiffy Lube. There was a thread on this a while ago, but I remember Polak or someone commenting on how Jiffy Lube in particular had a really bad reputation. Besides, most of those places are likely to use synthetic oil, which does not come highly recommended for the rotary engine (the explanation I received from my local Mazda, non-dealer mechanic was that synthetics, I think he said, lubricate the combustion chamber too much, causing mistiming). My dealer offered my first oil change for free, so I took them up on their offer.

Also, you might want to sift through the Good Guy/Bad Guy section of this forum to see if there's any feedback on the particular dealer in Chico you are talking about.

Good luck with your oil change and tire rotation (remember, the tires are directional), and Welcome to the Club! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/aktion/action-smiley-066.gif

When I bought my 8 I was a little nervous about getting the oil changed after reading all the posts of people adding too much oil, etc... I have been taking my car to a Mobil Express Lube where I sit in the car for the entire change and they never move the car and they are right there where I can make sure the correct amount of oil is put in. I never liked the oil places that want you to get out of the car and they start your car pull up and turn it off.

Also it is very normal to stare at the car alot, I park my car in my parking spot and I can see it all day long and I check up on it many times a day. Welcome aboard!! :D :D