New RX8 owner looking forward to days to come
 

So, I bought my 05 RX8 6spd with 85k from an auto auction for well below KBB value. As a matter of fact I was kinda joking when I bid on it but hey, I got it. Lol. The first drive scared the daylights out of me as it would not stay running if i took my foot off the gas. After a little research and noticing that the clock was wrong I determined that the battery had recently been disconnected and the ecu was still learning fuel trims.

This has been my dream car since I was 12 years old and Im so excited to finally have it. That being said, I promised myself Id only keep it until I graduate undergrad in 2 years at which point Ill have to buy something more economical for law school. So, Im gonna enjoy the 2 years I have with her.

As of right now, the previous owner (only 2 owners before me) installed the mazdaspeed catback, k&n cai, and I think an aftermarket clutch of some kind. The ABS and TCS lights are on and according to diagnostics the front right speed sensor is faulty, but other than that this car is flawless (except for the big crack i put in the front bumper cover the first time i drove it.).

So, I have a couple questions. First of all, what is the best way to check the vehicle maintenance history (engine replacements, warranty stuff, etc.)? Also, where can I find a good front bumper cover for it? Thanks in advance guys!



https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...254615b1b5.jpg

Contact Mazda with the vin number to see if the engine was replaced under Mazda warranty. If the previous owner has any service records get those. If the service was done at a Mazda dealer, those service records can be pulled up from their computer as they are stored with Mazda.

Any used RX8 needs a rotary engine compression test to know the true health of your engine going forward. This is the most important thing for you to have done right away. We can give you advice on aftermarket stuff, but the engine compression test is paramount or else your "steal" of a price may turn into an expensive undertaking if your engine is failing. This car will take more care than a normal piston engine car, so I hope you are emotionally and financially ready for RX8 ownership.

Welcome !

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.
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