I plan on purchasing a new RX-8 in the next week or so. Seems like an awsome car. After reading a lot of posts in the past week I am dropping in to say hello and ask a couple of questions.

Is there a difference in the 2004 model and the 2005 models?

Are there any mechanical differences that would make one model better than the other?

I know I can get a good deal on a new '04 but would it be better to get an '05?

Great site ya'll got here should keep me busy till I get my car then I plan on driving a lot. Oh yeah...Stealth TL sent me here from another site. This one is much better.

 

Major improvements on 2005 are:

1. flip out key
2. Sirius satellite radio capable (button on dash and selectable using steering wheel control).
3. No more yellow but white is now available.

Can't think of any more but you do have a better chance of getting one with the bugs worked out with a 2005. Apparently there may be some 2004s on dealer's lots that have been there a while. Check the build date on the drivers door sticker.

If you want a 2004 you better hurry. I don't think that there are any available in Central Florida any more (other areas may be different).

Oh yeah, the best thing about a 2004 is the price, which I am sure that you already know.

 

The only differences I'm aware of are cosmetic. For 05 Yellow was dropped and white was added. Slight gauge cluster change. Retractable key fob thingy.

Keep in mind that there was a factory fire and the availability of 05s may be affected.

EDIT: SDB you beat me to post :D

 

You will get a lot better deal on a '04 than a '05 ... if they have a 04 you like jump on it !

 

2005 has a new dipstick design:D.

 

I bought my RX8 from Accurdi Mazda in Lake City Florida they had at least 3 04's but they were all loaded to the hilt. I had a good buying experence with them and would recomend them.

Manner

04 gt 6sp nav

 

i was wondering is it just a new dipstick or is it in a new location?

 

I think everyone has spoken to the fact that mechanically they are pretty much the same cars.

If price is a factor in your decision, then consider this. If you're planning to sell your car in 5 years, the 2004 model will have depreciated a lot more than your 2005 model. Even with dealer incentives (here in Canada they are offering a $2,000 cash back for a 2004 model), you end up losing money at the end. Depreciation between year 4 and 5 was calculated to be about 5k, in my case.

Depending on your situation (leasing or financing), you may be better off financially with a 2005 model.

The short of it is, if you are planning on keeping your car after buying it, then go for the 2004 model to save yourself some bucks. Otherwise go for the 2005 model. I picked up my 2k5 just a month ago ^^

C

 

just a new dipstick same location

 

Buy the dipstick :D ....no wait....buy an '04. Save yourself some money. The changes are not enough to justify paying a premium.

Good luck!!

- Irish

 

yea,
but if you get the 04 you save money and you get 12k free miles to keep you resale value up.

beers

 

Welcome KepplerGuy!!

Good to have you as a member......all the info you could ever want is at your fingertips, with the search feature!

S

 

Thanks for the welcome and all the information.
I am going to buy the car, no financing. With the miles I'll be putting on it, 166 miles a day to work and back, I don't think year model depreciation will be a factor...it'll be depreciated simply because of high mileage.
I am curious about the bugs being worked out in a new model car. Was 2004 the first year for the RX8 ? And whats all this I keep reading about M flash and others? Is this something that pertains to 04 models or does it affect the 05's also?

I was planning on going to the dealer in the morning but last minute work schedules put a stop to that.

 

These cars come with a radio? Why? Wouldn't that drown-out the rotary?

So anyway, there have been two official recalls. They came at the same time (Feb. '04). They were 1) Passenger side air bag wiring possible defect and 2) Manual transmission dynamic damper possible defect.

There have been a few free fixes associated with some TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins). Oil pan replacement to eliminate erroneous low oil level warning light activations. Breaking buttons in the center console have been getting fixed. Squeaky front brakes have been getting fixed with new brake pads. Interferences around the rear lights have been getting fixed. Umm. I can't remember any more offhand. All TSB's (two of which are the recalls) can be found here http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html .

Then, you referred to the "M" flash. We've been complaining a whole lot about engine flooding, poor mpg and the infamous lost 9 horsies. Mazda has been trying to make improvements in re-programming the engine controller (Powertrain Control Module, or, PCM). Twice. First, the cars came with the "K" flash, then came the "L" flash, then the "M" flash. The "M" flash came out around May '04 and is still up-to-date. A reflash is done for free at your Mazda service center. They simply hook-up a programmer to the car and re-flash the new program into it. All RX-8's should have the "M" flash by now, especially those being sold at a Mazda dealership. The TSB on this is http://www.finishlineperformance.com.../01-022-04.htm .

The first RX-8 in the continental USA was sold to 3Rotor (his forum name here) in Washington state on July 11th, 2003, https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/my-car-finally-here-6374/ . Although a bit early in the year, even that first one was a 2004 model. His was but one of many that came off of that first boatload. Mine came off the 2nd or 3rd boat. It docked in Jacksonville and I got mine 26 days after him. :D The second truckload at the dealership that got my money. Ah yes, the good old "pre-order" days. :D