I'm keeping my 2004 AT RX-8
07-15-2012, 10:31 PM
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: So Cal
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm keeping my 2004 AT RX-8
I've been thinking of replacing my RX-8 which is almost nine years old, purchased in November 2003. I waited patiently for the RX-8 replacement but that's been shot down by reports that Mazda is basically abandoning the rotary. So I looked at the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ. but it's reported that it has a harsher ride, is noiser, and has a cheap looking interior which would be a step down for me.
My RX-8 has been trouble free except for the engine which was replaced twice (the first was ruined by inadequate oil injection and the second was a bad reman), but I now have a 2004 with only 2,500 miles on the engine. I also replace my Eagle F1 A/S (which was better than the Bridgestone OEM) with a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport. What a difference! Quiet, better ride, sticks like glue, and corners like crazy, allowing me to take hairpin curves almost 10mph faster. It's like a new car. And the RX is fun to drive again. So I'm keeping her for at least another two years, cause there's nothing better out there in its class.
My RX-8 has been trouble free except for the engine which was replaced twice (the first was ruined by inadequate oil injection and the second was a bad reman), but I now have a 2004 with only 2,500 miles on the engine. I also replace my Eagle F1 A/S (which was better than the Bridgestone OEM) with a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport. What a difference! Quiet, better ride, sticks like glue, and corners like crazy, allowing me to take hairpin curves almost 10mph faster. It's like a new car. And the RX is fun to drive again. So I'm keeping her for at least another two years, cause there's nothing better out there in its class.
Last edited by rodmeister; 07-16-2012 at 05:59 PM.
that's why I laugh when people new to racing/autox do a plethora of suspension mods but keep oem tires lol...
07-16-2012, 05:20 PM
#4
Registered
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Same problem I have...I'm ready for a new car but there is nothing really comparable to "upgrade" to. At this point, I think I'm leaning towards the dark side...a 5.0.
07-16-2012, 05:52 PM
#5
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: So Cal
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So true. The Pilot Super Sports are the most expensive tires I ever bought and I was a bit skeptical. but they make the RX-8 so tossible around the road. I took my newly shod RX to PCH near Malibu and I made quick lane changes with absolute confidence.
07-23-2012, 08:05 PM
#8
Cars.Com Scion FR-S Review
The engine makes its peak horsepower at 7,000 rpm as it approaches a 7,400 redline, where the engine sounds wheezy. It's not helped by a "Sound Creator" that takes noise from the engine's air intake passage and transmits it into the cabin for effect. I'll take that feature in the Lexus LFA with its symphonic V-10 engine, but not in the FR-S.
07-26-2012, 07:57 PM
#9
Registered
And I have lighting Yellow 2004
one motor rebuild at 207000. one clutch at 270000 and now 290000 ks and its still really great to drive and lots of fun. People think Im nuts but I love it. Owned it from new
07-27-2012, 12:06 PM
#12
FULLY SEMI AUTOMATIC
iTrader: (9)
op upgrade in the same class is an mt rx8
07-27-2012, 12:23 PM
#13
07-28-2012, 10:12 AM
#17
'04 Red RX-8
Keeping the RX8
I agree with keeping the car. My '04 turned 9 on July 17, and I have 122,000 on it. The factory replaced the original engine at 44,000 and I'm still on the replacement. I replaced the catalytic converter with a straight pipe at about 85,000, and this spring I replaced the clutch pedal assembly as the tiny factory welds simply broke apart and the pedal didn't travel straight up and down. My mechanic welded the replacement together before installing it.
I did drivers eds for a couple of years while in between dedicated track cars, so I have coil overs and heavy duty anti sway bars. As for tires, I have a seperate set of mounted Toyo Proxy RA1s for the track, and on the street, I just drive the longest lasting all season radials I can find for the lowest price from the Tire Rack. I believe expensive Z rated tires are the worst of both worlds. They're not as good as R compound tires for the track and they're expensive overkill on the street. But then, on the street, I don't pretend that I'm on the track.
I did drivers eds for a couple of years while in between dedicated track cars, so I have coil overs and heavy duty anti sway bars. As for tires, I have a seperate set of mounted Toyo Proxy RA1s for the track, and on the street, I just drive the longest lasting all season radials I can find for the lowest price from the Tire Rack. I believe expensive Z rated tires are the worst of both worlds. They're not as good as R compound tires for the track and they're expensive overkill on the street. But then, on the street, I don't pretend that I'm on the track.
Last edited by norms8; 07-28-2012 at 10:14 AM.
07-28-2012, 01:39 PM
#18
Super Moderator
Agree..I won't be parting with my 8...seeing it IS the last true rotary.
The Scion/Toybaru, 86, BRZ thing is a disappointment, I really expected far better, but then when you look at the price, it is a very cheap RWD transport, refinement it ain't.
The Scion/Toybaru, 86, BRZ thing is a disappointment, I really expected far better, but then when you look at the price, it is a very cheap RWD transport, refinement it ain't.
07-28-2012, 03:14 PM
#20
Registered
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Northern California
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I too am keeping mine. It's close to 9 years old with only 45K all original. If I was still working I would have way over 250K on it. I am always enjoying so..... till the next RX in 201X.
Last edited by Old Rotor; 07-28-2012 at 03:16 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AllSeeingChris
RX-8 Parts For Sale/Wanted
6
08-16-2015 12:35 PM
Mr.Durden
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
4
08-12-2015 02:21 PM
