Hello members. I'm a newbie to this forum. I am mechanically inclined, but only to a certain point. My daughter inherited the RX from my brothers' estate a few years back, and it ran great until a few months ago.
Desperately need your help. It's a 2004, automatic with about 80000 miles. A few months ago I drove to town ( about 15 miles).She ran perfect. On my way home she just died at a stop light. Couldn't re-start, so I had it towed home. When I got it home I cranked it and it started but after a few minutes it was chugging and it died again. The next day I started it and it was just barely running. Chugging mostly. I did the flooding correction. Pulled plugs, and fuel pump fuse, cranked it several times, installed new plugs and nothing. It hasn't started since. Any suggestions or advice on what to do next would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

 

The symptoms you're describing are often associated with low compression. You should get a rotary-specific compression test before doing anything else to determine if it's worth doing further troubleshooting.

 

Is that something that most shops are equipped for? I live in a small town and will have to have it towed into town.
Thanks again.

 

No, you need a Mazda dealer who knows what he's doing or a rotary specialist. Luckily, there are a few good rotary shops in Florida, starting with Pettit Racing. See if that's at all near.

 

I may have to go another direction. It's a tough decision since it has sentimental value. But it is what it is.
I'm preparing my house for selling and have decided to sell the car rather than spend the time and money to get her back on the street. How much would you recommend I list it for? Its the Lightning yellow model, automatic/paddle shift. One family owned since new. My brother bought in new and left it to my daughter when he passed in 2012. Has newer brakes, motor mounts, struts, belts, and tail light seals. approx. 80k on car. Body and interior are in great shape. just needs a detail. Thanks, once again.

 

If it doesn't run, then you are looking at $1.5k max. Rollers don't sell for much.

 

It may be a simple fix like a set of ignition coils. 1500 for a non running automatic is too generous.