ar328

Hi all,

I am planning on getting a used RX8 (automatic) and want to get an unbiased opinion on the different models 04,05,06...If I get an '04 model now, will it be clear from all the recall issues? I am trying to optimize my selection in terms of performance, model year, mileage on the car, a budget of ~16k but at the same time make a safe selection and be free from existing mechanical/electrical issues (especially engine stalling problems). Based on the model year what's the safe mileage range I should be looking at? Is the engine flooding problem still a major issue?

Any expert comments will be kindly appreciated. I want to make sure I make the right choice not just based on looks but performance too.

Thank you in advance.

regards,
Arvind

ar328

Hi all,

I am planning on getting a used RX8 (automatic) and want to get an unbiased opinion on the different models 04,05,06...If I get an '04 model now, will it be clear from all the recall issues? I am trying to optimize my selection in terms of performance, model year, mileage on the car, a budget of ~16k but at the same time make a safe selection and be free from existing mechanical/electrical issues (especially engine stalling problems). Based on the model year what's the safe mileage range I should be looking at? Is the engine flooding problem still a major issue?

Any expert comments will be kindly appreciated. I want to make sure I make the right choice not just based on looks but performance too.

Thank you in advance.

regards,
Arvind

Mystykalbaby

I picked up my 04 GT 6spd MT and checked VIN w/ mazda for all recalls. i have had no problems with flooding or other plaged issues that most posters seem to have issues with. i'm new to the RX8 world so you may wanna speak with someone with more experience. i love my car inside out as long as you can show all major service has been done you should be good to go. But in my opinion i would always go with a manual transmission no matter what i buy. and in the RX-8 thats a must

good luck

thecow135

06 auto is 6 port. 04 auto is 4 port. about a 20 hp difference.
also, the 04's are most likely out of warranty so i would go with 05/06.

magikone69

i bought an 04 almost a year ago...what i recomend is search 1st of all b4 posting lol

2nd, thuroughly drive the car...a 5 min drive can tell you alot about a car, but 10-15 mins can tell you alot more...try to do various driving situaions including city and some hwy/higher speed driving.

mileage is important (as with any car) but let me share my experience, i found an rx8 with around 30k miles and drove it, i thought it was the best 8 ive test drove, then i test drove an 8 with 60k miles, and the car felt light years better than the one with 30k...acceleration felt smoother, idle was better, the car was mechanically better than the lower mileage one...not only that but the body, interior, and all was maintained better also.

drive more than one car.

take the car to redline a few times, since this is where u will be spending alot of your time when driving, tou want to make sure the car can rev with no problems.

take the vin and check it out at a mazda dealer, signs of a good owner is if it has several oil changes and maintainance done at the dealer...i guess if someone is willing to pay extra to have the dealer svc the car, they must love the car and dont want to chance letting a mom and pop shop work on it.

get under the car, look for leaks, torn under body pannels, missing parts, ( i seen a GT 8 which had the sway bars removed, why i dunno)

use your senses, sight, hearing, smell, touch, when driving the car, listen for awkward noises, smells, look for anything that doesnt seem normal.

by now flooding shouldnt be too much of a problem as long as the recalls are done and the car isnt beaten up. my car has never flooded except for when my coils went bad. (knock on wood)

for 16k you should be able to get a nice GT model with the appearance package maybe even with nav...imo thats the only model to get lol.

ltrx8

I'm in Canada and have a 04 siver Rx-8 w 60,000 klm
( about 40,000 miles) K&N intake,cat-less mid-pipe,Dark tint on rear windows, Yokahama 245 40R 18 on stock wheels GT 6-speed package with sunroof.No GPS , No salt used here in winter ,No rust period.If your interested it does have a Kicker 600 watt mono amp(certified to 725 clean)And BassWorx ported box (thick mdf) and 1000 watt Kicker L5 solobaric Square.Dual mode alarm with motion sensing /shock sensing or both .Adjustable.Wont mention brand for security reasons. Car has been well maintained(overmaintained) $21,500 US or same Canadian . I'll post some picks in a bit.If your interested .Its Manual (Get manual you will love it)

OSducky

lol, dont get an automatic thats the first and bestest advice i'll give you

Razz1

Get the 06 or later.

More power, one extra cooler.

The earlier AT models have engine failures.

Old Rotor

I have a '04 A/T that I bought new and have kept up on all the "TSB". I have no complaints it's been great.

Soapflake

I'd suggest a manual, but if a manual isn't an option I'd go with an 06. 04-05 have 4 spd auto transmissions, 06-present have 6 spd autos.

whitebeau

You do know the 3k rpm difference between the Auto and the 6spd? I believe the auto only goes up to 7k.

I agree with the rest - The later 05's+ got the revised starter, if you go 06 or later it'll definitely have the revised starter, latest PCM Flash, additional oil cooler if your bent on the auto. Not to mention if you get the NAV it has the 'non NAVTEQ' model, I have the older nav, it's very dated.

If you like a Manual, go the 6spd, you'll feel like a hero once you master the Heel-Toe downshift overpassing somebody in a late-brake entrance competition

Have fun shopping!

oh, 6spd is rated at about 238hp at the flywheel vs about 197hp to the auto.

Wiki Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-8

mmats69

I highly recommend a manual transmission. I have heard some horror stories from the earlier autos. then again, there are some who have had no issues with the auto whatsoever. just depends on which one you pick from the deck of cards.

smackpower

I'm thinking about buy a 07 or a 08 RX8 BECAUSE I've heard nothing good about those years. Check this out http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/mazda/mazda_rx8.htm

These are all the recalls on that year

Old Rotor

If you read in this forum there are far more manual transmission problems then the auto.

smackpower

What I mean't is I'm thinking about buying a 07 or 08 RX8 because I've heard bad stuff about the 04 and 05 on this website http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/mazda/mazda_rx8.htm

Are there anything wrong with the 07 and 08?

tiggerlee

For god's sake! All of them have remedies and not all '04 or '05's have those issues. What you are seeing is only a small portion of reported cases.

A lot of newer cars have recalls in some form or another.

There are literally thousands of owners of those years who have never had any of those issues if any at all.

You need to look beyond that link you posted and start doing some real research.

tiggerlee

And why is this in Media News???

xsnipersgox

true, but also far more manual car, the ratio is what matters.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I dont see any reason to get AT for RX-8. if its special like a GT-R type of AT yeah sure why not. but no its just a very *typical* AT box.

actually the only 2 reasons I can think of is because people are lazy to shift, thats why they prefer ATs. or they have a medical problem (leg problem?)

So get MT if you can ... if u really cant please try another car.

Transam kid 01

iTrader: (1)

dont

Deathwatch

May I add, check out the car history on carhistory.com becasue the information the dealer will give you is limited. Check out the vehicle including looking under the car as well because it might have damge you cannot see, like the cataylitic converter abd muffler $3000.00 +++ to repair. make sure all the compartments are intact too. Open everything, check the battery, make sure tires are up to specs. Check the oil, trans, and coolant because if its really dirty the car was poorly maintained like my spelling lol. Drive the heck out of it during your test drive and most of all have fun. "peace"

Old Rotor

It is medical for me or I would have bought a M/T. I'm glad Mazda made one or I would not be able to have my seventh Rotary. We all know what the M/T buys you but there are pros and cons to both.

PureWhiteRx8

are 05 manual good?

Razz1

Yes they are.

Soapflake

"Well, duh, might as, might as well ask why is a tree good? Why is the sunset good? Why are ***** good? Man, firecrackers, ya stick 'em in mailboxes, you drop 'em in toilets, shove 'em up bullfrogs asses."