ok... i've heard about how an 04 + AT = Disaster

What i'm wanting to find out... is there anything wrong with buying a 04 Manual?


Or more simply, If I will only accept Winning Blue as the color i will buy (meaning only 04 or 05), am I ok with getting an 04 or do I have to try and find an 05, because there are many more 04's than 05's


Thanks

 

Well, there is nothing really wrong with buying 04 model if the previous owner never listened to Mazda's 5w20 bull crap(I really mean stupid C.A.F.E. rules), premix and has all updates to the PCM.

There are people with 04 seeing zero engine problem. so its really just *luck*

but of course, if its just like 1 thousand or so differences then just get 05.

 

+1 I can think of all the people on here (RX8 Club) that don't premix or change oil grades etc., I can only imagine the thousands of uninformed others that own an 8 and don't redline it, top of oil, etc. Then try to sell it because it is starting to give them problems.

 

True, but I believe that I will get this with an 05 also. I mean, the 05's came out in the calendar year 2004, so they are 4 years old now.

Will an uninformed user be able to damage the 5 year old 04 any more than the 4 year old 05.

Also, people talk of the gremlins in the 04 but every post returned in my search that had problems was with an Automatic.

So, i'm under the assumption that the 04 manuals are fine...

 

Winning Blues were made in 06 also....I know this because i own an '06 winning blue..

 

It's a crapshoot, but yeah the 04 autos are a train wreck you might as well throw your money down a toilet, **** on it and light it on fire.

Just because it is a manual DOES NOT make it fine. The car has gone through many changes and still is, the newer the car the better your chances. But I stress the previous owner is a very big part of it. Don't buy one from a frail little ol lady even though a dude can be just as bad. Ask them how they drove it, did they baby it or like a bat out of hell, I will take the latter.

Have you looked in here...be afraid, be very afraid:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ew+engine+club

I just don't want you to end up being one of those "This car sucks" guys. I have had my 06 with out any engine problems it truly is an awesome car to drive.

GL

 

Exactly, when did the 05 appeared?
In fact my question will be: a 09/2004 is a 2005?

 

Huskerfan711.................Have to be careful with the 05 statements made so far............my build date is Sept. 05. and bought in December 05.

If I recall, there were some changes in mid-05.

Yes, I think the 04's are way more prone from what I have read, but I agree with everyone else........there are quite a few out there with no issues, so it just depends. If you want to merely play the odds, then stay away from 04's all together.

 

I have a Dec 04 build 2005 model.

Mazda made quite a lot of updates to the car, they made most changes on the 06 model.

Just be sure that the previous owner did his/her thing. thats all it takes.

 

Regardless of year, make sure it has had all the recalls and reflashes.

A well cared for '04 that is up to date on recalls and flashes may be 100X better than an '05 that is not........same goes for other years.

 

The 04 manuals are fine. As long as all the recalls have been done, the 04 is as reliable as any other year.

Almost 80k on my 04 RX8 MT and it still runs as well as the day I got it.