Just took an 04 rx8 off the lot and I kinda wanna make sure im familiar with the basics. Anyone have any quick tips or is there a thread im absolutely missing here? More curiosity, but whats the truth to always using premium gas in these rotary engines...

 

welcome rbowler!
There are quite a few threads here to help you out with some of those questions. The first thing I would suggest is to familiarize yourself with the search function on this forum. There really is TONS of great information on here, just some of it gets a bit buried with so much activity.

2nd: check out www.finishlineperformance.com They have a list of Technical Service Bulletins (aka identified 'issues' with the RX-8) that might apply to your car. It's usually little things from squeaky brakes to broken sunvisors.

What color did you get? Leather? Sunroof?
What kind of car did you drive before?

Oh, forgot to address the fuel question. Some people only use Premium (myself included) and some use regular without issues. It really comes down to your taste and whether an extra $2 - $3 every fill up really makes a difference to you. When it comes to fuel, I decided not to skimp so it's usually 91 octane Shell for me

 

Ok great! Thanks a lot for all the advice. Mine is silver with both sunroof and leather. I actually drove a pickup truck before this, so this is my first adventure into an actual sports car. I love the feel of it already though and can't wait to get further into it.

 

the RX-8 truly is a great car. Does it have it's little quirks, yes. Are there faster cars, yes. Do I enjoy EVERY minute behind the wheel of it, ABSOLUTELY.

Remember to check the oil levels on it every week or so. Some cars consume up to a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Make sure you don't turn off the car while it's cold, some 8's had issues with it flooding then then the car wouldn't start. (there's a TSB on it. that issue has pretty much been fixed but JUST in case)

Make sure you redline that car every day you drive it. Our engines can develop carbon build up and daily redlines help to break down the build up and ensure that your car keeps on running.

Is yours Manual or Automatic?

 

Mine's manual, I didnt want it any other way haha. One thing I was told was to keep a close eye on the oil levels too, any specific type of oil seem to do the job, or just like gas its a personal preference? I've heard different things about redlining it occasionally too, I was curious about that.

 

Read the stickies..

Welcome to the club.

 

any specific reason my rx-8 wont shift into reverse all of a sudden? Does it have to do with being cold out?

 

nope, you pushing down in the shifter a bit?

 

not sure, will that help?

 

To do in reverse you have to push down on the shifter. then all the way to the right, then back..

 

ok i'll try that, just caught me off guard as it just starting doin that. I'm sure im doing something wrong though

 

that or maybe the clutch is on its way out if you end up having to force it in

 

Yea its straight, I just wasnt pusing down in the shifter first. Thanks for the help.

 

Welcome!! it wont be long before you start buying alot of stuff for it, its made me broke!

1 thing that is a "must" on a rx8 it buy clear corners

 

What are "clear corners" ?

 

Clear reflectors right above the front tires. Anyone know the cost of those btw?

http://www.mazdaparts.com/images/pro...rcornershi.jpg

 

80 bucks