I'm considering purchasing an RX-8. I can't afford a 2006, so I'm looking at mostly 2004s, and possibly 2005s. Were there any significant changes that were made to the 2005s that I wouldn't be able to get upgraded on the 2004s through the factory warranty?

 

Significant? None.

 

Depends on wether you want a black or clear washer fluid reservoir. I'm pretty sure that was the only difference.

 

different key fob. would have to buy one yourself if you want the 05' one.

 

Later 05 s have more reliability improvment

 

Switchblade key on the '05 not on the '04. That's about it. One is a year newer and resale value is higher on the '05

 

04s are faster in the quarter mile by 0.03 seconds.


...

 

I have one of the first US 2004s (July 2003) and would recommend the car to anyone.

The 2005/2006 models have some reliabillity improvements but the 2004 can be updated at no cost if the problem occurs under warranty. See the list of service bulletins at http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html.

I would recommend against an RX-8 that wasn't under warranty unless you have reason to believe that all the applicable service bulletins were applied.

There are some minor visible differences like key fob, washer reservoir, possible paint colors, etc. The biggest single thing is that there were no 2004 Shinkas.

 

The 05 has numerous improvements and fixes over the 04 which enhance the over all experience. The 04 had many teething issues.

 

Don't forget the 04 had 250 hp whereas the 05 only had 238 .

Stands back and waits for flames ..........

 

For some reason, maybe better assembly at the factory(?), the '05's have higher reliability ratings almost across the board in Consumer Reports reviews. It's probably worth the extra $2K to $4K premium over an '04 to go with the '05. I did; lower mileage (9K miles), longer warranty period, better reliability according to CR. Not a bad deal...but who could sneeze at a great deal on an '04?

 

...? Like what? Whatever issues the 04 had, like flooding, the 05s had, only until the late 05s came with the new plugs/starter. And like others have said, if the car still has warranty, the necessary recalls will be done free of charge, assuming they live near a competent dealer. My early 04 RX-8 drives just as well as an 07.

If you had a hypothetical choice between an 04 and 05, exact same options, miles and no bad history, save some dough and go with the 04. Then go mod shopping.

 

Consumer Reports rates reliability as trips to the dealership. My belief is the above ratings comes from the fact that the 2004s needed to go to the dealership for the Service Bulletin to be applied where the 2005s already had the fix applied as part of the production line.

A 2004 may mean a few extra warranty trips to the dealer, but once done, the cars are comparable.

 

As of 3/05 all cars had the started battery upgrade. I also know for a fact that the AC condenser screen was not installed on 04 and was on my 05. This item, as far as I know, will not be retro fitted to 04's by Mazda. Their are other improvements in the 05 that escape me now that were not and will not be incorporated into the 04.

This is nothing against the RX-8, all manufacturer have teeth problems with their cars. Consumer Reports did a article on it and every single manufacture had far more issues with 1st and 2nd year cars then sequential years. It is normal vehicle improvements and many of these evolutionary improvements are not retro fitted to existing vehicles. Major ones are because they are safety issue or really glaring problems. Many are quitely switch with out you even knowing but contributed to a better vehicle.

Given the choice a 05 is better then a 04 and a 06 is probably better then a 05. This is simple vehicle evolution. 06 was the 3rd year of production and by statistical data most bugs will have been worked out by then.

 

I'm having the same dilemma and decided to look for a used '05. Not easy to find one with my specifications.

 

Thel 2005 AC condensor screen was added later in the 2005 model year. It was announced in the service bulletin http://www.finishlineperformance.com.../pdf/06-02.pdf and is retrofitable to both earlier 2005s and 2004s but it will NOT be done under warranty.

My dealer would do it for $175 parts & labor. Doing the Racing Beat three screen set myself seemed a better deal.

 

Sorry poor wording on my behalf, the fact that Mazda would charge for it was my intent.

 

Can you list specifics? The other posts on this thread don't seem to agree with this statement.


Eric

 

i have a 2005.... they have outrageous amounts of recalls.... and i just got my car back last night from the dealership and getting fixed... and my check engine light came on again this morning!!! Make sure when purchasing ur car you inform whomever that all your stuff needs to be checked!



Jissele

 

Most of the things that went wrong with my '04 was nothing major. Just the ***** for the AC popped off, and the middle console button popped off, too. That, and the problem with my right tail light having about an inch of water in it. Other than that, *knocks on wood* nothing else has happened. Maybe I got lucky?

 

As I said before, I recalled the screen but can not readily recall other but do remember reading about others at one time. A good example was the recent engine recall, all 04, 05, and some 06 models could be effected by it and my car twice exhibit the issue related to oil starvation at higher RPMs in warm weather. As it turns out the tests showed my car was with in normal specs yet it might have suffered some additional ware that will shorten the engines life in the long run. The later 06 models do not have this issue because it was resolved before they were built. Look at the TBSs on the RX-8, these are mostly issues with earlier cars that the dealer may or may not resolve hassle or money free. When I bought my car I specifically looked for a late model 05 because of the issues mentioned.

You don't have to believe me but you should believe owner surveys complied by CS that show first and second, to a lesser extent, suffer high rates of problems then 3rd model year and on. You may get a good 04 with out any issues but statistically speaking you have a higher chance of problems with an 04 then an 05.

 

I have yet to hear a solid argument that '05s are any better than '04s. As prev. stated, with all TSBs and recalls performed, the '04 is no different (aside from key fob, Sirius, clear windsheild washer tank, & a/c screen).

Mine is an early '04 and runs like a champ. knock, knock, no problems whatsoever...knock knock.

 

If money is your issue, then "Beggers cant be choosers" as they say.

The 03 models are cheaper still although here down under it appears the KM on the car plays a significant bearing whether its an 03, 04 or 05.

REgards

 

There is only ONE recall for the 2005 model year and it was the engine check and reflash. There are only FOUR recalls for the 2004 model year. Yes, there are technical service bulletins covering service related issues, but EVERY car on the market has TSBs - some have dozens of them.

 

how much is the clear windshield washer bottle? might help the candian folks out who experience lots of salt and snow and need to refill all the time... stupid headlight washers clear out an entire jug of washer in no time