sherrrm

I've looked at an rx8 in the past and with the engine problems I wanted to stay away from them but now I'm looking at them again. I found a '04 rx8 mt w/ 32k miles...new tranny in 08 w/ warranty, never modded, guy seems like he wouldn't rage on it everyday, always took it in for a recall, always serviced at a mazda dealership...guy only wants $10k for it which seems like a steal of a deal

So I'm used to an AT and a MT would be new to me so do you guys think that it would be a good car to learn on?

I live in Oregon and we're known for our rain lol so the 8 being rwd would it be good in the rain?

After all the recalls, would I have to worry about the engine blowing or flooding? If so, does Mazda try to back out of the warranty in anyway?

Any help would be great...thanks!!

shaunv74

I would definitely ask if the engine was replaced. I personally think most '04s will need a replacement at some point. Mine was replaced under warranty at 55K. Get the VIN from the guy and call Mazda North America to find out if it is still under the 8yr/100K engine warranty so you know if there has been any previous warranty denials.

Other questions:
1)Have ignition coils and plugs ever been replaced? If not you should plan on replacing them

2)Has the cat. converter ever been replaced? When you drive it run it hard to redline. It should accelerate all the way. If it doesn't and feels like it hits a wall you probably have a clogged cat. This should be covered under warranty as well but I would have the guy replace it before you buy it to save you the hassle.

3)Has he had any clutch problems or replaced the clutch slave cylinder? In the early '04s the clutch slave cylinder fluid would boil when it gets hot and cause people to not be able to disengage the clutch. Also check the clutch pedal bracket to make sure it's not cracking (underneath the dashboard. It's pretty weak in general so if there is any creaking or it feels flimsy you may have to get it welded or replaced.

You'll figure out how to drive stick but it's definitely not the easiest car to drive stick. But if you can learn on this car you can drive anything.

As far as rain it's fine but you definitely want good summer/rain tires. I had the BFG KDWs and they were great. If you need to drive in occasional snow I would definitely make sure you're getting all seasons or get a dedicated set of snow tires. Most high performance summer tires will not work at all in snow so if you need to get to work in this make sure you have tires that are suited to snow as well. This car is a sports car so it's not going to be good in snow but it's manageable with the right tires.

treitz

Glad I read this post. I just purchased a 04 with 26k miles on it. Guess I better make a phone call too!

Guess I better drive the crap out of it so I can get the engine to die before my 8 years is up ;-) J/K. Nut seriously, it is kinda scary buying it BEFORE stuff starts going wrong as apposed to after because it could happen any day I suppose.

shaunv74

It's not a ticking time bomb or anything. You just want to know where you stand on all the items that commonly go wrong. I'm still on my original cat. and have never had problems with it even with the MM tune.

treitz

I am more concerned about the coils and plugs. I got it from a dealer... but I doubt they replaced them when they got it in as a trade. I can always ASK them... but than I would assuming they would tell me the truth. Lol. Doubtful.

RX8sd

yeah dealerships lie!!!!

RX8sd

I bought my 04 from a dealer and shortly after....my coils and my cat went out.

treitz

Yeah... That is my fear.

rx 8speciale

iTrader: (3)

i have my 04 for 2 years now with 1 problem with grinding in 5th gear,,,getting 50k today

srinivasadi

iTrader: (2)

I got my 04 rx8 with 36K miles in January 2008. So far only problem I had was that I flooded it once, other than than I have no issues what so ever. I recently got it checked as I had a misfire fault code come on due to multiple engine starts and shut downs which I had todo for some installs and the dealer said that the compression was with in spec. I now have 60K miles.

treitz

Glad to hear some positive comments. It seams like for every negative thing someone has to say about an 8 there are at least as many good stories. Just hope you don't fall victim to the little flaws.

RX8sd

every car has "little flaws"....it's just a matter of time before it happes. Just keep things in mind and treat your car right as your miles go up.....like coils...plugs.....ect. Those things usually have to be replaced at around 50K anyway. Clutch pedal is another thing that I"ve heard goes out at around 50-60k. Dealers are gonna tell you anything to get those keys in your hand by the end of the day. I'd get the coils and plugs changed first thing....if you get the car. Wish I would have done that. That way you know FOR sure that those aspects are covered and off your mind. Big boy toy=big boy care

Kevin McMahon

Here is my fear/concern with getting an rx-8. An 04 maybe 05 is all i can afford, and i love the car, but there is no mazda dealership within 75 miles of me. I know it is not a tacking time bomb, but, if i have a problem, there is no local dealership to go to. Is anyone else in this situation? Because that's my biggest concern with the complexities of this car and that most mechanics dont know even where to start.

thanks.

shaunv74

A good dealership is worth it's weight in gold for any car. I would definitely keep looking unless you're comfortable with doing your own work on this car. It's not hard to work on at all but if you want to properly care for it but aren't inclined to do it yourself I would find a car where you know you have a good dealer nearby.

Kevin McMahon

I guess I will just have to see where it takes me. I found a red 04 with 64k on the clock for 8,995 with a clean title. Havent asked about any of the recalls/warranty work yet because I do not want to get ahead of myself. I am not afraid of doing maintenance stuff myself, especially because I have access to a lift, im just worried about the big stuff.

shaunv74

If it's the original motor I would be concerned that at some point you'll need to have the motor replaced under the extended warranty. I would find out if the motor is original or not. If so I would definitely have it checked under warranty to verify it's condition before you agree to purchase.

RosabellaRai

I'm thinking about getting a 04 Mazda Rx-8 for my first car. Its for $9,995 and its has a lifetime engine warranty. I've heard so many stories about the Rx 8 not being reliable. This rx 8 is an automatic. They closest dealership is 47 miles away. (Not that bad!)

Should I look at other cars? Or should i stick with the Mazda ?

shaunv74

I don't really recommend automatics older than the '06's. The 04's and 05's had 4 speed automatics with a lower power 4 port motor. If you're going to get an automatic get an '06 or newer. It has the 6 port higher power engine and a 6 speed transmission. Definitely a better setup.

taylorkrobson

I would say go for the manual, the first time that i drove a manual is driving my eight off the lot and then driving 120 miles home. Sure you will stall it at a light or miss a gear but after a week you'll be loving it. I was nervous about a manual but i have no regrets about it, i only regret is that my winter car is an automatic and wow its boring now.

D~2

Is this including 05s or just 04s?

rx 8speciale

iTrader: (3)

05 too ,go have them make a test for u, then buy and enjoy the ride