2004 vs 2006 RX8 GT
 

Hi folks,

I currently have a 2006 RX8 GT that has a lease expiry coming up in 2 months. In 4 years, 60k miles the only thing that I ever replaced on that car was 2 sets of tires, a headlamp (xenon bulb), the oil and the tranny/diff fluid. I'm even still riding on the original brakes! It's been a super reliable cars and never let me down.

So my RX8 experience has been very positive. As a result, I'd like to buy another RX8 but I'm looking for a used one. My question is, what would be the disadvantages of getting a 2004 RX8 GT, compared to a 2006 model? Are there any differences in the engine and tranny or are they pretty much all the same engines? I'm currently looking at a 2004 RX8 GT with a brand new engine from the dealer. Anything I should be concerned about?

Thanks in advance!

Diff from the 04 to the 06

2005: AC condenser screen added; New starter and battery; Master cylinder changed, ECU updated to 32 bit version; Lightning Yellow dropped; Whitewater Pearl added; Black Cherry Shinka edition added with wider shaft Tokico dampers, Sand and Alcantra interior, and foam filled crossmembers; New key; Washer tank changed to clear plastic

2006: Intake manifold PCV design changed; Interior receives minor bezel brightwork changes; Leather specification changed; Galaxy Gray and Phantom Blue added; Black Cherry dropped for Shinka; Copper Red added for Shinka; Titanium Gray and Nordic Green dropped; Advanced Keyless entry added to Grand Touring model; AT changed to 6 speed transmission and 6 port motor

I would take a long hard look at the buyout on the current one. You have a gem, that was maintained. Buy it, or at least make an offer. Anything else is likely to have surprises that cost money.

I bought myself an '04 Grand Touring and couldn't be happier - Nordic Green Mica was only offered on 04s and 05s, IIRC, and it looks great with the black-and-tan interior.

Though the later years added that really cool Phantom Blue. Your choice.

If you get an 04, though, make sure it's had the recalls performed on it. The taillight leaking issue was one. I wish I could recall (ha) the others more specifically.

EDIT: Found some. Probably more if you poke around the board a bit. http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/mazda/mazda_rx8.htm

The engine on the '04 will be out of warranty (most likely) next year where as the '09 could go till '16.... and thats just a small part of moving to a series II. Move up not back.

There was no recall for a tail light... gee the misinformation people spread.

No wonder we have a nightmare in the White house.


I vote for experience.........

+ 1

Thanks guys for all your responses and recommendations. I have a few limitations that I should have mentioned in my initial post:

1. I would love to buy-out my lease on my 06 RX8 GT; however, it's a Canadian car and I've recently moved to the US. The buyout is $19,000 which is way too much for a 2006 model in my opinion. And I would have to export it to the US. Not really worth it.

2. I might be moving overseas in 2012 so that means I will more than likely only need a car for 12 months; otherwise, I would just go out and buy a brand new 2011 RX8 GT, but selling it after only a year I know I'll end up loosing my shirt and my left nut with depreciation, taxes, etc.

Essentially I'm looking for the best bang for my buck for 12 months, keeping in mind that I would love to stay with a rotary powered vehicle. Ideally I'm willing to spend approx $6000 for 1 year on a car (total cost of ownership once the car is re-sold after 12 months).

Any advice always appreciated!

Thanks again,
-SJ

will they re-lease it for a year?

^+1. I'm actually shocked by the price they've apparently given you to buy back the car. Most lease companies would kill for the person who leased the car to purchase it. You have a ton of buying power there, so I'd stay that route. I have an '04 and have rebuilt the tranny, although that was my own fault. Other than that, the car's been very reliable with no real issues to discuss. I've just had to keep up on the regular maintenance stuff, such as plugs, coils, wires, brakes, and things of the such.