Afternoon all-

I'm in the market for a Rx-8.

Obviously a 6spd.

I've done some research, asked question, and want to ensure i'm making the choice when selecting a Rx8.

I've been told my numerous sources, and articles that the 04's are problematic, and the 05's are the way to go as Mazda worked out most of the 'bugs' after the launch year.

Everyone speaks of 'blown' engines...I plan on keeping this car for a good 3-4 years...

Mileage wise, what is acceptable as "normal" mileage?

I've driven an 04 with 56,000Km's and an 05 with 48,000Km's and another 04 with 81,000Km's....all seemed fantastic, infact the 04 with the highest mileage seemed to run the smoothest.

I'm not purchasing any of the afformentionned vehicles, however would like to narrow down which would be the best choise.

Any links (within this site) or other pointers would be greatly appreicated.

Thanks kind,
R

 

Welcome to the forum. Please add location to your profile.
Late 04 is the same as an 05
Read through the stickies (at the top of each sub forum)
Normal mileage varies with driving style. Two years tracking mine I've averaged 13 litres per 100 km in mixed driving.
I add oil roughly twice between oil cahnges.
Love the car! 83000 km on mine

 

Any that is in good running condition.

 

lol dorito spinners, i didn't get it till I read through the post and not seeing any doritos and was like oohhhh--
dunno which is better get the one with a good engine

 

I have 65,000 Miles on an '03 built '04, and I have had no engine trouble. I think that with all things, it has more to do with how the car was cared for more than when it was built. If it runs well and has a decent maintenance record, then I would choose it over a later build without those tags. Just an opinion.

 

+1

Make sure you do your homework on the RX-8 using the Search function and see if you are up to the task of taking care of the car. I am not in any discouraging you but this is no Honda Civic where you can never check anything on it and it will run fine. You are going to have to be vigilant how you drive your car, how long the trip was, the last time you checked your oil, where all your money went, why you spend more time at the gas station then on the road, etc....

 

sounds good-

essentially, I was going to shy away from '04's alltogether, yet if I find one thats had all the proper recalls done, has proper maintenance records etc etc- I wouldn't suspect any issue.

Hitman, I certainly wouldn't expect these to be anything like a civic or any other 'turnkey' car which goes forever without a care in the world, my background in vehicles is boosted VW's...I'm not even going to open up that saga.

thanks for the input guys!

 

I had a stock built '88 Jetta GLI bought new. The RX8 is waaaaaaay more reliable.

 

Also, the 04 feeling smoother is common as the Renny (rotary in general) gets a little stronger as it ages. I have 04 with 50K miles and it runs better than when i got it (35k miles). I wouldnt exactly base your decision primarily on the age of the car but on the running condition, mileage and recalls/TSB's performed.

 

i have a early 04' i bought used with 28K miles, about 1 yr and a half ago, i barely hit 40K miles, and ive never had a issue, i had the recalls done and all the fluids changed, my gas mileage just started to get better too. a rx8 is a rx8 just treat it right

plus with all the great info here, you'll be set if you have any questions