2004 Rx8 - Has this engine been replaced?
 

Looking at a 2004 Rx8, 6 speed with under 40K miles, real nice, except the fear that the engine is a ticking timebomb, based on what I have read about the 2004 models. I pulled the VIN number and called the local dealership. One advisor informed me that based on the Mazda USA site, accessable to dealer service departments, the engine was replaced by another dealer (at 12K mileage). Checked with that dealer, advisor informs me no record exist that the engine was replaced. Check with another dealer out of state to review the VIN warranty work records on the Mazda site, they tell me they see no records of the engine being replaced, and even cautioned me about buying a 2004 that had its original engine, due to the failure rate of the apex seals. They did pull up other records of warranty work, such as warranty work on heater control, PCM flash, and other minor stuff.
Car's current owner (2nd owner) has no knowledge if the engine was replaced by the 1st owner. I would like to know if there are any other sources I can use to determin if this engine has been replaced. Are there any labels or marking on the engine or car indicating an engine replacement has been done. Dealer could pull a compression check to indicate condition of current engine, but is that any guarantee of the engine's future reliability? Bottom line, if the engine is replaced, I will strongly consider buying..........if it has not............I will look further............

E-mail MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com , give them your vin and simply ask, how many engines and at what mileage. simple.

Also see when the warranty expires...

Why E-mail? If you call them they will tell you over the phone....just need the VIN.

Mazda North American Operations
(800) 222-5500

Thanks everyone for the advice with calling the 1-800 Mazda number, very helpfull. Seems the car is now out of warranty (July 22, 2011) has no open recalls (everything done?) but has not had the engine replaced.

Something interesting though, the original owner put only 12K miles on the car before it was sold to the 2nd owner in Dec 2008. During that time, 1st owner all the recall work was done, which included a cat converter change and PCM flash, done in Oct 2006, but put very little mileage on the car. Other work included a ball joint/lower arm replacement. Looks like the car has not had any dealer service by the 2nd owner, with tells me it needs plugs, coil packs, and a starter upgrade.

Getting a compression check done on the vehicle is difficult. Current owner has no tags or insurance on the vehicle, and is parked in his garage, so cant be driven to the local dealership for testing. I did drive it around the neighborhood (reluctantly) and it seemed to run good, tacked to 8 grand, no problem. Current owner is out of town for 2 months as well.

I would do a compression check with a basic gage and get a rough view of how the apex seals are on each rotor (saw a youtube video on this), but I have learned in the past, touch someone elses car and then you are open for liability when something goes wrong, (ex-I do compression check, engine then has problems, I am blamed for problems) I am gonna have to think on this one for a while..........to buy........or not to buy.........that is the question..............

hmm I would test this car more. Check hot starts. Drive it longer than 10 minutes. Or walk away. Whats the asking price?

Seller wants 10K, I am looking to offer 9K, but have not decided yet. I would like to do a cold and hot compression test, and drive more. Lack of tags and insurance on vehicle by owner is restricting my test drives.

Tell the owner to have the car legal to drive or you won't buy it. Ask for a compression test and test drive the car, as others already said. Good luck.