I recently purchased a 2004 RX-8 GT with around 92K km, fully stock after my old RX-8 got smashed while sitting idle at a stop light. Bought it certified and within the first couple of weeks as of today the engine light came on and car feels increasingly sluggish to drive, having to rev it to 4000 - 5000 RPMs in order to accelerate at a normal speed with traffic.

I have booked it in for a compression test, however is there anything else I can do or check to see the issue? Also doesn't Mazda have engine warranty on the RX-8s for up to 100k kms?

 

whats the code? is the cel flashing? check the cat and ignition parts (coils/plugs/wires)

 

No, the CEL isn't flashing, only the orange engine light remains on while the car is running.

 

If it's a manual and you need to rev it out without a corresponding change in speed, the clutch is done.

Is it certified by Mazda and does the place you booked it with have a rotary compression tester? If not, it's not likely to be useful.

The warranty was 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

If it's flashing do not drive the car or you will destroy the engine. Get the code read and be ready to replace ignition components and/or catalyst.

It would be a good idea to replace ignition coils, spark plugs and wires anyway, if their age is unknown or more than 30-40,000km. They can fail without symptoms (except eventually a dead engine).

 

My last one was a manual, but this one is an automatic. I purchased it from a used dealer who certified it within their shop.

To clarify the CEL does not flash. The only visible light code on the dash is the orange engine light which remains on while the car is running as shown in the photo (from google).

 

My previous RX-8 was manual, this one is an automatic. I purchased the vehicle from a used dealer who certified it, not Mazda.

To clarify, the CEL is not flashing. The only light that is on is the orange engine light that remains on while the car is running located on the right side dash under the oil gauge.

EDIT-- The spark plugs were replaced with brand new ones within past month.

 

So almost guaranteed the dealer doesn't have the tools to perform a compression test properly or diagnose or repair the problem. Spark plugs are good, coils are the real killer. They spark plugs were replaced for a reason, it might be a sign they were trying to fix a problem. Used car dealers don't spend money just for kicks. See if they are willing to have you work with a rotary specialist while still covering the cost of repairs.

But at least they can read the code and see what's up. Get the actual code, not their interpretation of it.

Also read the fine print of your certification. See if it covers rotaries. Some folks have had problems with that.

Sorry if this all sounds so dire, it's meant to help you save time and headaches others have had before.

 

certified? i would try to return it and get a m/t but as loki said bad ignition kills cats, cats kill motors. can you get the code read at a near by parts store?