Firstly, let me say I am totally in love wif the RX8. It is a car with character. But I have driven French cars all my life and noe dat cars wif character usually come with tantrums and their own set of problems...: )

Am abt to commit to a Dec 2004 4AT from the dealer. However, b4 I put pen to paper, there are 2 issues that I need answered.

1. I have read about the recall issues, esp afflicting pre-2006 batches wrt PCM and other issues. Some people even had their engine changed? :O The problem is, when buying from a 2nd-hand dealer (many of whom noe nuts abt the car they are selling), how can I confirm that the recall and relevant firmware upgrades have been performed? The 4AT is a PI car. Did MM cover the recall for the PI models?

2. Secondly, the car is obviously not serviced at the main agent MM. How can I obtain a service history of the vehicle? Usually from the service history, you can tell whether u r buying a lemon and what type of major problems have afflicted the poor thing.

Hope the gurus and big brudders here can help : ) Put my mind at ease and I hope to join ur 'elite club' soon! ; )

 

nobody can help? =(

Can anybody cfm if the 4ATs in S'pore were recalled before and for wat issues? and where is the Monster Garage? do they have the necc equiptment to check the car's computer for recall history and also do a accident check for mi?

 

See if this help.

http://www.rx8clubmalaysia.com/index...d=5&id=650#650

 

With your kind of worries and concern, I would advice that you buy a new RX8 from MM.

 

not too sure about PI in sg, in MY, there is no way to check the service record from the previous japanese owner unless you know who he/she is. what u need to do is have a flesh service (change engine oil, oil filter, air filter, battery, spark plug, coolant, brake pad, tire etc) at the milleage at it is. then continue your service per 5k km interval.

hope this help.

 

i would suggest to pay a bit more to buy a 6AT instead. Mine is 4AT and I wish I have a 6AT.

 

It is good that you have made the effort to do a little reading up prior to purchasing an 8.

The recall's were mostly North American cars as far as I'm aware. Not heard of any Singapore cars being recalled tho but dont quote me on that. Maybe some of our 4AT bros can help answer this question?

Service history was never a big thing here and tho it could be an indicator if the car was a lemon - chances are that the owner could have chosen not to document any recurring issues.

The guys have a point when they say that it is best to purchase a brand new 8. The Renessis at best is a tempremental engine and you wont know just how badly its been trashed before by the previous owner. In addition, do not forget that the 4AT runs on a 4 pot engine while the 6AT/MT are on 6 pot. As a point of reference, one of our 4AT bros with pretty much most of the NA mods you can do....lost out in a straight line sprint to a stock 6AT.

Whichever route you go down - good luck bro and welcome to the club in advance! Feel free to look us up - Svper started hanging out with us 3 months before he finally got his 8 :-) We do the usual things, club, rounding, watch movies, karaoke, etc.

Cheers,
Merv

 

bro, you called me?
you smsed me...
i return call... u no pick up...

yes, i am the guy who drive an 8 in RCC.

 

I own a 2005 4AT. No issue whatsoever so far. I love my car. Sure, some people will tell you 6MT is better but it's individual's preference at the end of the day. Yes, 6AT is probably better than 4AT but I believe you're looking at 2nd hand becos of $ or other contraints. Any RX8, 4 AT or otherwise, is a great car, gorgeous and unique in so different ways compared to the other cars on the road. You have to make your own decision on what you really need!

As to your questions,
1. Those with engine changed afaik are due to carbon built-up in the engine. They drive their RX8 "too gently". It is recommended that you redline your engine once a day to burn off the excess carbon. Renesis engine loves to rev so there is no harm at all redlining it... after you warm the engine up of course

There is no way for you to know if all recalls are performed. I only went back for "recall" once which is to check the fuel tank insulation. I'm not aware of any other recalls.

MM will not recall PI cars. The PI who sold that car is supposed to inform the owner.

2. There is no way you can tell if the car is a lemon. Even if you buy Toyota, there is a small chance you will get a bad batch of production. If you want peace of mind, buy new to get the warranty... or pick another car :p Personally I don't think the additional cost is worth the small chance of warrantiable repairs.

Hope this helps

 

hey thks everyone! sorry Stephy i din hear ur call cos wuz bz test-driving.

yes i m looking at 2nd hand cos I dun hv enuff $$...My 1st 2cars were first-hand and i can't stomach the depre =))

Anyway, i test drove the 4AT and 6MT 2day...and happy to say dat after i stepped out of the 6MT, i tink it wuz clear in my mind which car...I went for the Manual...i din noe the difference cld be so stark...

so on Tues, if everything goes fine wif the STA inspection tmr, i will join the club! yay! =)

 

STA inspection???? dun waste effort..... even if got ccident or any other problem, the report come out will still say problem free, everything ok..

might as well her, se whether the previous owner belongs to the forum... then history automatically revealed if ex-owner is from here.

 

wanted to bring it over to Monster Garage for a once over and diagnostic (your place?) but ur guys say the earliest they can have a look is Tues...

If u can do it tmr i will be most happy to bring over...=)

 

Hi flyingmuffyn,

Helped Needed
Im oso beri keen in RX8.. Im oso looking 4 2nd-hand..so can u kindly tell hw much u pay 4 the 6MT?? & wat the diff btwn 4AT & 6AT, better fuel comsumption?? I noe nuts about cars.. pls advised... great THKS..

 

flyingmuffyn,

heard from d88p you got the yellow cab.
now who88 oso wan one..
who esle from rcc coming to join me... ke ke

 

aiyoh u dunno wat is the difference b/w 4AT and 6AT? aiyoh

 

yah bro! lighting yellow 6MT! mit up soon ya!