04 and 05s really that scary?
 

Could i get some feedback on current rx8 owners with 2004 and 2005 models. Are they really that scary for people looking to purchase them

Peps who don't own them think they are scary. Baloney. It's a machine. IF they have been updated with all TSBs during their early years, and well maintained otherwise, they are no different than any other 03-08 models, mainly because they are are all virtually identical.

Mileage, maintenance, and TLC records are what really should matter for used car buyers of ANY year.

Good luck.

Nope.

The only thing to really consider is engine warranty and previous user maintenance (and as Spin pointed out, making sure all TSB's are up to date).

A compression test is also vital. If the engine is healthy and you maintain it accordingly, you shouldnt have any major problems. If you are looking to buy an 8, look for one that has recently had a reman engine replacement (they are pretty common nowadays), then plan to spend a few days reading through all the required threads to educate yourself on proper maintenance. If you follow those tips you should be on your way to a decent motor.

Love mine, I have a Sept 2003 build. Nordic Green. IMO better colors in the early years. I keep getting stopped at the track and asked the color for folks repainting their cars (so far Porsche and BMW drivers).

Engine was replaced before I bought it, and it had all the updated flashes. I would get a compression check and verify the flashes, and then not worry. The flashes are important, so is fuel pump and the stuff in the First $100 Thread in my signature.

If you have one you are interested in, post some info, with price, and get a group opinion.

Good luck.

From what I know, an 05 have lesser issues than an 04's. Don't get me wrong, some 04's still have the original engine because it has been maintained properly. It really depends on how you take care of it. Mine has 36k on the odometer and still on the original engine with no major issues so far.

GOOD to know because there is an 04 rx8 with only about 35k miles on it at a nearby dealer. (There asking like 13 for it but I'm sure i could talk them down)
I really wana check it out but what do you guys think, the car fax looks fine it just wasn't driven much obviously if it only has 35k miles. From 2010 to 2012 it only put on 6 thousand miles. Potentiall problems from lack of use? or is it worth checking it out

I suggest you read this thread to help you make your decision.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

Maybe visit the local rotary club, www.evolvchicago.com. We have a meet coming up in 2 weeks in Downers Grove.
https://www.rx8club.com/mw-rx-8-foru...8/#post4297069

Sure... Get a trusted mechanic to do a used car inspection and compression test (be sure that they know a rotary takes a special kind of compression tester.)

Definitely worth checking out! If someone found a Jaguar XKE with that kind of mileage it would be gone in a nanosecond.

Yeah, that's a lot of money for an 04' - regardless of the miles.

Potential problems from lack of use would be the same as any other car that has been sitting for a long while.

First, in a situation like that I would CERTAINLY replace ALL fluids: oil change, transmission, brakes, clutch, radiator, differential, etc. Hydraulic fluid - especially - can be contaminated with moisture over time, especially if the car it's just sitting around.

I would also inspect the tires. Even if they are in ok shape, they are probably so old that I would replace them anyway. Don't want to be driving at high speed with old-cracked rubber.

Some people would also advise to replace the fuel filter, air filter, ignition cables/wires, as well as other parts of the electrical system.

In summary, do a complete tune up if you buy the car!!!

That seems high for an 8 year old car. I paid $12,500 for my 04 2 years ago. GT, leather, sunroof. Had 63,000 miles on it, now has 104,000. Hit Auto Trader and search for 100 or miles around where you live...

I've owned two 04's now, and I haven't considered either of them to be scary. Actually, I bought my second with a zero-time engine and appropriate flash, as others have suggested.

Not really, if the car has not dents good interior and compression is good, it's worth 13k

I have a 2004 and no problems.

Original owner of a 2005 GT - zero problems - change oil 5w-20 every 3000 no exceptions, change coils/plugs every 30,000 and changed the rear struts - Mazda made good on those.

Just rolled 110,000 this week. I drive the crap out of her!

i would call Mazda, or a dealership and see if there is any warranty left (it goes by selling date), it is probably out, but you should check. you also should make sure its had all of its recalls, as there have been several.

with only 35K this is optional, but a compression test might be in order, it'll pass, but maybe its due diligence. while they are doing it, they can check the brakes and tires and things like that.

if you do buy it, it should get all the fluids changed, and probably both air filters (there is one for you and one for the engine), and whatever else it needs to be brought to current on the services.

mike

NHey guys I've been really wanting an rx8 for a while, looking for a sporty dd.
But I've been reading things that have been discouraging me a lot.
First, the good;
Handles like a dream, cheap insurance since its a 4 door, very comfortable, inexpensive to buy, 9k redline, nice power to weight ratio, and rarity
The BaD
Crappy mpg, no torque, engine can blow at any time, costs a lot to maintain, mazda uses many excuses to keep from validating warranty, ecu problems, warming engine properly, oil hog, oh and engine can blow at any time.

Now I'm trying to convince myself its still an awesome car dispite those issues, but honestly I feel like I should just save a few thousand more an buy an AP2, can't really think of things wrong with that car.

just be shure that the car still under warranty from mazda ( for the engine replacement)
some 05 are under warranty so in this way if you end up buying the car and the engine goes bad after six month you get one free from the dealer

@TS,

To me, not any worse than any used car. Most recent purchase was a ford pickup truck. checked out great, looked good, rear main seal went 2 months later.

The engine warranty is nice, but also a negotiating point if out of warranty. IMO WRT engine, if it will pull hard, it works. Then get it, clean it up, do the stuff in the First $100 thread below and check the fuel pump. After that, tune up and map it.

no idea what an AP2 is... you are on your own there...

AP2 = 2003+ S2000 Honda :)

honda boys always hide their car's problem, when there is one they will always be able to find an excuse just so that they dont look bad.

anyway, its funny people talk about crappy mpg when their own ride is doing the same. any engine can blow at anytime, name one engine that will warn u when its about to go. mazda never gave me any problems with my warranty, i did my part, no issues. oil hog? all engine will use a bit of oil rotary is just designed to do that from the start, and if that hurts their butt so much the person should just ride a bike.

I think mine is one of the first manufactured ones. June 2003. I am not scared, but I am a mechanic at heart. I do all my work myself and have had several issues, but they are all worked out now so I hope to have a problem free 8 for another 100,000+ miles.

Honda is not too bad, looks like an 8, with less room, less comfort, more noise. I usually see the back, followed by the side, followed by the front. Repeat a dozen or so laps later....

Honda culture (observed) is to take it to the dealer for an oil change, and pay to fix whatever they tell you at the time. The ones I know just know they paid for something, and it never broke down. I used to carpool with one. He typically dropped $400 per oil change and was convinced it was a reliable car.

Oh, I get 23 mpg and add a quart or so of oil every thousand miles. It does not burn oil as much as it squirts it in places where it is needed. Read up on 350Z's for burns oil like a pig....

Dude, Honda's have pistons, eww..

And go through front tires like brake pads :)

The first few years they had huge front suspension issues..not sure how that all worked out, but the buddy who had one sold it after going through 4 set of front tires in a year.

Torque is nice though..although it feely heavy and sledlike in the corners compared to the 8