Hi, new here and doing my research on my next car. After 7 cars since 14, decided to get something nice I can use everyday and occasional drift events. Anyhow, after much research and test driving, I figured I could ask RX8 owners themselves on how they like the car.

One thing I remember seeing is that the car has a lot of problems for a new car. Could somebody explain all the issues that many people face with RX8's? I'm planning on purchasing a MY04', so is the ECU going to need to be "re-flashed?"

Anybody have tips on breaking in the car? I'm not stupid, but just want to be safe and ask what I should/shouldn't do.

One more question, ANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES!?!?!?! I had an FC, oh man.... just saying it is enough for me. Anyway, thanks a lot!

 

It actually has few problems for a new car. Remember the car isn't a new model with a rehashed chassis or motor, it's got more new in it than most new cars.

With that said, the problems you've been reading about are typically on the older RX-8's. They've made many tweaks to the car during it's production. As long as you buy a car made in Jan 2004 or newer, you shouldn't be seeing issues with flooding, A/C, defrost buttons that crack, and so on.

Mine was made in Dec and I've not had any issues at all.

 

Most of the issues revolved around cold start flooding, fuel consumption and effectiveness of the A/C. It is my perception that Mazda addressed most/all of these issues for existing owners and pipeline vehicles.

I bought my 8 on 6/30/04 and it had a build date of April '04. We have spent just under 2000 miles together and I have not experienced one single issue (reported on this forum or otherwise) with my car.

PLee, use the search feature of this forum to ferret out details on specific issues--it's probably the best due dilligence you can perform.

Good Luck

 

As Hamilton said, the 04s are realtively fine. If you your were to buy an '04 now, you shouldn't have any of the problems you've been reading about. Just don't be surprised about the MPGs and oil consumption....its a rotary engine and relatively lower MPGs and higher oil consumption are characteristics of a rotary powered vehicle. To this day I still don't get why I see alot of complaints about this. People should know better when purchasing a rotary powered sports cars.

If you wanna do drifting you may be better off with the cheaper GS model which has no DSC. Of course you can always shut off the DSC in the GT but you're gonna pay more for something that offers features that may not apply to you.

Personally, I'm waiting for the '05s

 

I've had mine since October 17th, have 12,000 miles on it, and haven't had any problems. (I'll knock on wood now)

 

Wow, thanks for the very quick replies.

I've also got a few basic questions on the RX8 engines. Other than the location of the I/E ports on the rotor housings, how is the motor similar to, let's say, a 13B off a 2nd gen? Are there leading and trailing injectors, spark plugs, and ignitor coils? How does this all come into play?

And just out of curiousity, is there any aftermarket test pipes(cat replacement) out? Thanks!

 

I have had NO electrical issues, nor have I heard any complaints about the electrical system.

 

Electrical issues are issues on MANY makes of cars. In the 80's several friends of mine with Japanese cars had problems as did I with German makes. I think that the Japanese automakers have come a long way since then. Time always has a way of bringing out the issues. Mazdas are usually on the recommended used car lists and for good reason. My RX8 is just over a year old now and the only REAL issue for me is the TIRES!

 

Compared to my last four german cars, tha last one was lemon lawed because it was in the shop 13 tiimes with 30 job orders and was out of service 60 days out of the 13 months I "owned" it, my RX-8 has been completely trouble free since I purchased it in Oct of 2003.

But you must be speaking from personal experience to make such a blanket statement like that!