hi everyone. i've been planning to buy an rx-8 for a while now and the car that i want has a vin number of 29411 (2004). after reading around the message boards here i've heard that the ideal number to look for (in a 2004 model) would be something after the 35000's. what would be wrong with the car if i got one with a vin of 29411? also, are there any questions i should ask the dealer about the car before i buy it? thanks in advance.

 

i boughtt one a little earlier than that and have had no problems - just make sure they did the m flash

 

That number is fine. 28,000 puts it around Dec, so yours is Dec or Jan area. You shouldn't have a problem with it.

 

ask them if the ECU has been updated to the 'M Flash'

 

Whether it was an early build or a later one, the problems have largely been fixed through recalls and TSB's. Why is everyone always looking for the latest build date? Just find the car you want and buy it -- relax!

 

jtimbck2, because the earlier build cars randomly had very poor mpg issues that have not been resolved by any tsb. The owners of these cars get 11-14 mpg no matter how they drive it.

If your car was one of these, you can bet you'd be unhappy too. It is a big deal, and there is no way to tell without driving the car for a tank and seeing what mpg it gets.

 

plus people just feel more comfortable with a car with NO TSB/Recall listed for it, less hassle too

 

And it's just good to know that it hasn't been sitting out in the sun on the dealer lot for a year or more.

 

I bought mine in August and my vin # is in the 25's. The car was built in NOv. '03. I have no issues but found out the dealer had not done the M flash. I just took it in for an oil change and they did the M flash then.

 

What is the M flash?
I had a new starter put in on my last dealer visit due to a recall.
Am I OK? I am in the 24000's

 

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...01-022-04.html

good luck :D