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I really want to buy an RX-8 with a moonroof as I don't know, I've always wanted one, but I have the fear that over time, it's going to break or rain will be able to leak in. Does anyone have any experience with their moonroofs, what's your stories on the RX8?
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Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,373
I haven't had a problem with a factory installed sunroof/moonroof with any cars since the 70's. Prior to that I've seen some issues with leaks, but they may have been aftermarket jobs. I installed a manual sunroof in my '78 Celica in high school and it was perfect until 200k miles and rust caught up with it. The motors are the only thing I would worry about going out... but Mazda seems to use pretty good motors (never had a problem with my previous Miata with power stuff).
For the most part factory sun/moonroofs have been durable for many years without leaking. Aftermarket ones are a different story. I had one put in my 87 Starion back in 1992, and in three years it was dripping. It still drips, so I just garage it and avoid rain.
Well, I've had them on several cars, and I never had a problem with cracking/leaking, however, over time they start to rattle and whistle in the wind.
I've had them on Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans. My Mazdaspeed Protege was the first one without it, and since then I have preferred to not have them simply for this reason. Plus I go autocross often, and I need extra headroom for my helmet.
No issues with the RX-8 moonroof so far (34,000 km) and I use it very often.
There is one problem though, which does not concern the roof itself: If the car is wet and you accidentally hit the wrong switch (open instead of tilt), you're in for a quick shower before you notice your mistake.
I really want to buy an RX-8 with a moonroof as I don't know, I've always wanted one, but I have the fear that over time, it's going to break or rain will be able to leak in. Does anyone have any experience with their moonroofs, what's your stories on the RX8?
Assuming there are no other concerns besides leaks, go for the sunroof. Most Mfgers particularly the Japanese have not had real issues with leaking roofs for many years.
Now, if you were asking about a 1978 Camaro Z28 with T tops, I would yell for you to run and be very afraid...POS..
Mazda MX6s (and Ford Probes) have had serious problems with their moonroofs. A large proportion of those cars have the same problem after a few years; the moonroofs open fine but tend to stick and not want to close. This was a very common problem and is very well documented on the mx6 and probe forums... yet Mazda never issued a recall of any sort. The moonroof has been sticking on my mx6 for 3 years... But I still use it everyday, I just need to pull on it a bit to help it close and that always does the trick. Mazda quoted me $800 (canadian) to replace the motor. F' that, lol.
sort of off topic, but since the moonroof deflects air when extended all the way, what is the max speed you should drive with the roof open? i've been going 70+ without thinking about it, but I'm starting to think that will put unnessary pressure on the slide which may warp in time.
yep. All MX6s and Probes for the North American market were built in good ol' Flatrock Michigan lol
MX6s for other markets were built overseas...
Anyway in response to the first post's question... Despite the problems I've had with my mazda moonroof, I'm planning on still getting a moonroof when i purchase an rx8. I can't picture myself driving a car without one anymore.
sort of off topic, but since the moonroof deflects air when extended all the way, what is the max speed you should drive with the roof open? i've been going 70+ without thinking about it, but I'm starting to think that will put unnessary pressure on the slide which may warp in time.
Good question, I've been wondering if it has an influence on aerodynamics and roadhold. I've been driving near full speed with the roof open and didn't notice any big difference, but the noise may be too distracting. I guess it has an impact on mileage and I could imagine that the roof could influence the cars stability at high speeds. Data would be great ...
lol
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