2004 vs. 2005...What's the big stink all about?
 

I would like to know... I see many 2004s for a lot cheaper then 05s, whats the big difference? Why is the 05 so much better?

Thanks.

First thing that comes to mind is the 2004 was the first production year.

Take care,

Brian

There were numerous changes under the hood for the 2005 model. Aside from the year difference which will effect price, the 2004 year was the first production year and has been prone to suffer some of the more frequent issues reported with the car.

A 2004 model year with TSB's performed and a reliable compression check will work as a great RX8.

statistically peaking, 04s die alot more than other years, but then again, 04s were the most sold, and the 1st year production, and the oldest of the group.......

Washer bottle changed, flip key introduced, different color turn signal indicators, and different head light indicator color. 05's seem to have less problems.

First year productions are usually the worst batch. I have a 2001 Toyota Highlander that is suffering many issues that newer editions don't.

The changes between 04 and 05 are minor. The reason why you'll see more problems with 04 vs 05 is because 04's have more miles on them, and there were a lot more 04's produced than any other year. The actual changes between the two are minor. Drivetrain is the same from 04 to 08.

Actually, I take that back. The biggest offenders for problems are the automatics, and they got a 6 speed auto later on, so that might have an impact, but 05's didn't get this.

Yeah BUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTT they only made Lightning Yellow in 04 so that's y 04's are the best.....

They don't have "more" problems, its just more people have them and got to put more miles on them before gas prices shot up.

Think of it this way,
100 people bought 2004 rx8 and 10 people had a problem...
50 people bought a 2005 and 5 people had a problem...
25 people bought a 2006 and 2.5 people had a problem...
zomg the 2004 is sux cuz it has 10 problems!!

04's pwn all other years. 04's have more power and are built better. there is no mad cow in the 04 leather.

recalls are only to get back the high quality, high cost items and replaced with cheaper ones they used in later years. :)

05 had reliability changes from 04. Such as screens to save the AC condenser, better battery and starter to prevent flooding ect....

The 05 also had newer engine flashes simply because it was produced later then the 04. This could play a roll in seeing less engine failures then in the 04. The engine recall with the first flash that addressed the engine failure issue came out in the first half of 06. So do the math and you can see that the 04s were running at least a year longer with possible insufficient oiling of the seals.

Their were more 04s but based on the Skippy data we do have the 04s appear to have a higher percentage of engine failures then other years.

Look at the TSBs and you will see what improvements went into the 05's from the factory. A 04 may or may not have had these done, granted you can always get them done if you're still under warranty but I prefer to have them done at the factory rather then from the dealer by some ham handed mechanic.

There are many great running 04 out there but if it was my money I'd get the 05 and as late in the model year as possible.