ItsFlybye

Yes it certainly is. But here is a twist: I have had an FD since the mid 90s. So do any of the scary FAQs and warnings scare me? Not really

I work from home, and I drive MAYBE 3-4k miles a year with my current 04 Jetta DD. So I might not have much to worry about, but I do enjoy my good 100-150mph with the FD to clean things out. Problem is I live in S FL....yes the heat...which has me this overheating issue kinda worried. Then again I sometimes go 3-4 days without leaving the house. The NA FBs and FCs can easily be had with 200k+ miles, but then again they dont make much power. I kinda thought the 8s were almost the same in reliability...and then I read your monster lists of things that can go wrong. Well jeesh Mazda!

What I didnt catch in the war and peace size articles that you guys made is:
1. What percentage of 8s really had all these issues?
2. Is the cat issue really across all years?
3. Were there any specific years the coils were better?
4. I see 2006 is a safer bet with the newer ECUs and better oil metering. So is a 2006+ really the better choice as far as having less wear and tear and less likely hood of the renesis needing a replacement?
5. Was the high G fuel tank issue ever fixed?

Im mostly wondering if these issues applied to all years or some, etc.

Thanks!

jsemerica

I'd suggest getting a series 2 (2009+) unless you just like the styling of the series 1 or wanted to use the cobb AP or something. Regardless of the year, just make sure the maintenance and compression is on point and you'll be set.

ItsFlybye

Gotcha. Ty!

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

1. Overheating is 99% due to a worn and poorly functioning cooling system. In stock form and properly working, the cooling system works just fine in environments hotter than South FL.

2. Yes, cats fail, rotary EGT"s are high AF. Even S2's that have been tracked see cats failures.

3. There were/are three versions of coils, the latest, the version C coils (from Mazda) seem to do just fine. The aftermarket coils are all believed to be based off of old Version A Mazda coils.

4. 2006+ Rx-8's have some fixes but are nor more reliable than 04-05'. The faults of the Renesis are from a design standpoint, there are no fixes. But they can last to 100k if well maintained but could choke at 20k when well maintained as there are a lot of variables in the different types of engine failures.

5. The "high G" fuel starvation issue was not a huge issue, and typically only affected track guys who ran below 1/4 tank on the track. Most stock fuel pump assemblies go to 100,000 miles + without issue. Mine did.

6. Read the "New and Potential New Owners" thread and use the search function. Anything you can even dream of asking has already been asked and answered multiple times over the past 13+ years.

ItsFlybye

Yep did so hence my war and peace reference lol. Went through it for a few hours the other night. I just had those few odds and ends I dont believe I found that I wanted to clear up.

I find it interesting how Mazda didnt learn from the FD with certain things like perhaps a high temperature cat. Or maybe a cat simply doesnt exist that can withstand our high temps. My FD hasnt even had cats since about 98 or 99 when people started learning about them clogging up. And the radiator nipple cracking off? Come on Mazda lol.

Ill keep considering it. I dont need 2 project cars, but having a little rotary powered DD would certainly be fun. I test drove one when they came out, but I had the FD and an Infinity J30 back then in great shape so I didnt bother buying one. I might end up getting an 8 at dealer auction. Not the best place, but Ill compression test, and if Im not happy Ill immediately sell it and hopefully not loose any money. But at least I wouldnt be able to say I didnt try.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

I got my '04 four years ago with only 18k miles, now with almost 57k, DD except for snow and slush days.
I love it.
It's been as reliable as any other car or truck I've had, but I know I could be on borrowed time.
It's a moot point for me, because I've enjoyed it so much, I feel it's been worth it already.
It's definitely my favorite car ever, and I bought my first one in '76.