win98nogood

might trade my 03 gt 5 speed , cat back and CAI , 10.5 rear wheels 315/35/17 MINT for a 04 RX8, what should i look for Im new to rotary , car is an auto w/ 53K miles
heres my car

rglbegl

What to look for in an RX8 = Manual transmission

Make sure it has all the updates
Make sure the previous owner was competent
Do some searching around this forum for a while, there is some really good info around here.
I am sure you know that you are gonna be going from a torque car to a twistie road car. HUGE difference in the driving experience.
BTW - Clean stang.

win98nogood

stay away from and auto one then?


thanks
Gil

05rx8mazda

iTrader: (4)

Yea GEt one that has actualyl been maintained.. and all the flashes that are up to date.

manual transmission.. I would try to get a 2005-2006

I do my oil changes every 3K miles I use royal purple 5w-30 fully synthetic.. car runs a little smoother and it helps to cool it down a bit..

Check to see if the coils are bad since they are pretty weak.. I had mine for about 45K miles and i was beginning to hae mis fires..

prevent it from flooding by allowing it to warm up to fully operating temperature before shutting it off.. oH!!! and it guzzles more gas than your mustang..

or maybe around the same but im sure it guzzles a little more..

Nice stang my buddy has one just like it! why are you getting rid of it????

win98nogood

getting bored of it , actually get good gas milage on it

Nerve

That's one thing that will never happen to you if you get an 8

champi0n

iTrader: (1)

It's no different than purchasing any type of car... check the history etc etc etc... blah blah blah.

Looks like you take good care of your cars, you'll enjoy an rx8 for sure.

I've driven a 2006 mustang (auto) - and while it sounded deep and powerful, the auto really sucked. I could peal out, but not get that feeling of power.

I haven't driven an auto RX8, but my MT feels way better then the mustang did. (Ie. it feels faster and more "put you in your seat"). Plus with my experience driving other domestics, the difference is that you dont feel the engine struggling and losing power at redline.

Both cars felt "big" to me when i drove them.

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

You'll get bored of the 8 even faster...
Mustang GT = Torque and Powah!
RX-8 = No Torque, no Power, but superb handling.

Coming from a Mustang GT, you'll probably think that the 8 is the slowest moving object in the entire universe after you drive one. Trust me, I know.

jones75254

iTrader: (2)

Is because its a boring car (no offense). One thing for sure, boredom is the LAST thing you will get with the 8. You will find excuses to get out and zoom around in it. Have fun and congrats on ur future purchase!

win98nogood

guess i will start looking for a manual one , someone must want to trade for my stang

superglue

I can't imagine this engine without a 6 speed manual. Shifting gears and hitting the redline is a large part of enjoying an RX-8.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

The manual is more powerful than the auto in the RX8. I'd get the manual (personal preference). It also redlines at 9500rpm whereas the Auto redlines at 7500rpm.

6 Speed = 232 bhp
Auto = 212 bhp (04, 05 and 06 Autos were 197 bhp)

Manual has two oil coolers, which is a necessity with the rotary. Only new RX8 Autos have dual oil coolers; older ones have single. There are reported motor failures in predominately (although exclusively) hot climates, especially in stop and go driving, and especially with the auto (one oil cooler).

I would not advise buying any RX8 unless owner kept it stock. Mazda just extended warranty on Renesis core (motor core) to 8 years or 100k miles for original and secondary owners; mods may give Mazda Corporate or Dealers to nullify warranty.

Make sure you know that you can't start and stop the RX8 cold - it may flood. If you need to move it, for example when you wash your car, drive it around the block a few times (even though short trips are evil). I've never flooded mine. Maybe I'm lucky.

Make sure you get a list of TSBs and owner has his/her car up to date. Many ECU flashes. I haven't had any problems with my car, and I stay away from the dealer if I can avoid it any cost, even for TSBs.

If you can, do a compression check on any RX8 before purchasing.

Make sure the original owner understands his/her car:

1) Checked the oil often (motor is designed to burn oil to lubricate Apex Seals)

2) Redlined it often (fastest way to hurt a RX8s longevity is to baby it; carbon build-up)

3) You will absolutely need winter tires if it gets cold or snows where you live. No exceptions. See if owner will throw in mounted snows (preferably on 17" wheels; and narrower snow tires are better).


I've had no problems with my 05 manual. Great car. Amazing handling. I had a 1987 (not 2007 - thanks for the catch on the typo 05rex8) Ford Mustang LX 5.0 that I loved. Different animals completely. RX8 has no torque but can be wound up relentlessly, and handles fantastically.

I am averaging about 21ish when I drive like an old lady - 16 or 17 when I drive like it was made to drive. Others report much worse mileage no matter what.

There are a ton of super knowledgeable people on here about the rotary/wankel. Search is your friend.

Nice Stang, by the way.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

^there is no such thing as a 2007 mustang lx 5.0..I'm assuming you goofed up the year?

Razz1

Buy one from a member here.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

I meant 1987.

I am getting very old. And that depresses me greatly. You have no idea.

Thanks for the catch.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

^was it a notchback? those were fast bone stock w/ 5 speed

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

It was. And it was a 5 speed. And it had GOBS of torque. I loved that car.

arghx7

auto cars have more carbon buildup, not good for the life of the motor

chancejat

iTrader: (2)

one change youll like is the interior, the 8's is so much nicer than the stangs.....

HCTR154

I am going against the norm here, but I would just keep the Mustang. It's clean, a lot faster and gets better mileage.

That being said, this is coming from a former owner of two Mustangs...'94 Cobra and '85 GT. Just depends on the kind of driving you prefer.

Captain Kirk

There is life after 60mph.

The 8 isn't the fastest accellerating car around, nobody disputes that. But claiming "No Torque" is doing the car a disservice. It was designed to be driven, not just punched hard when the light turns green. And even then, RPMs are your friend- like no other car on the road.

If you think satisfaction depends on getting to third gear as quickly as possible, then skip the 8. If you enjoy driving as an integrated activity at all speeds and under all conditions, you will thoroughly enjoy the 8.

I took a pass on a V-8 Mustang (and that damn Z) and bought an 8. I'm more happy with my decision today than ever.

Test drive one before you make the switch.

mmats69

definitely test drive one before you buy. if you are still into straight line speed, this is not the car for you

win98nogood

i think want to consider trading for one , so if any one is tired of theres PM me .