RUmble

Well it's been a while, but things have finally gotten straightened out in my professional life that I can finally think towards buying a new car next year. Without getting into too many details, I was looking to buy the rx8 last year, but with a potential move into NYC, I didn't go out and buy a new car for obvious reasons.

But with NYC out of the picture I'm set. (this will be a little long, so i apologize, there IS a question in here)

I've done more research on the rx8 than most average potential buyers. I've liked it ever since I saw it when it first showed at the NY Intl Car Show so many years back... and been IN LOVE with it ever since I test drove it for the first time 2 years ago and I've been roaming rx8club.com ever since. I've read all the horror stories, flooding mostly, and that never bothered me... until lately.

I started thinking that maybe I couldn't live with the rx8 as my only car. Nothing worse than trying to get to work in the morning on a cold day in the winter (I live in NJ) and not being able to start the car.

I started thinking maybe the 350Z would be better... more reliable. It has its faults, like a rough ride, and maybe not being as fun to drive as the rx8.. but it's reliable at least. I wouldn't ever have to worry about flooding.

So, getting to the point. Most car reviews that compare the 350Z/G35 coupe to the rx8 put the 8 ahead. Even consumer reports likes the 8. I don't read anything about flooding or engines not starting in any of the reviews i read. But it's talked about sooo much in the forums from owners. Why is that? Why is such an issue/talking-point from real owners not on any car review for this car? It's not even in the long-term testing reviews.

Is flooding still even a small/miniscule issue on the 2006? I assume it's not a big problem on the new 8s. I'll be in the market for the 2007 rx8 or 350Z. But the reliability is a deal-breaker for me. I know i'm on the rx8 forum, but i definitely need the honest opinions of rx8 owners. Thanks for the help!!

Nick79

If you 've read these forums, you should know that flooding is caused by shutting off the car before it's properly warmed up and the RX-8 warms up quickly. So I don't regard flooding a reliabilty issue just an owners mistake, and I haven't had any problems with my 2005. Good Luck on your future purchase and hopefully you will be a happy RX-8 owner.

RUmble

Oh yes, I've read a lot about the cause of the flooding. But one thing that I always disagreed with is I still regard the flooding a reliability issue IF in fact it's truly a risk when shutting off the car (or stalling) before the car is properly warmed up. It doesn't sound like a modern car should have this risk. I could definitely picture a lazy morning where I might stall before the car is warmed up. Probably wouldn't happen a lot once I get used to driving manual, but it could happen. I'm not a complete manual newbie, but i've never owned a manual car so my experience is limited.

Is flooding something you could predictably reproduce in a 2006 rx8? Or is this issue/non-issue still very much part of the car with no improvement through the years since the 2004 models?

mysql101

I have a 2004 with a build date of dec 2003. I've never had any major issues with it. I flooded once, but I caused it by not warming it up properly. On the up side, after the flooding I got a new batt, upgraded starter and new spark plugs.

Even though there are some horror stories on here, most people have fully functional RX-8's without issue. Mazda appears consistant in trying to do right by their consumers, however some dealerships have been known to be ****** about repairs.

SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

That shouldnt happen. flooding is usually caused by (applies for rx8s)starting your car and not let it warm up properly and shutting it off then starting again. warm up doesnt mean starting youc ar and letting it sit there. you have to drive it for it to reach higher temps.

RUmble

Would it be a true statement to say that having the new battery, upgraded starter, and new spark plugs (that all 2006-2007 rx8s have.. i hope?) would significantly reduce the flooding risk?

mysql101

It helps, the old batt was weak and the starter even more so. Also with the new recall flash injecting less fuel at startup, I think the issue will be quite rare

RUmble

Sorry... what shouldn't happen? Flooding it when I start the car, try to drive, stall it before the temp gauge goes to the middle, and trying to start again?

mysql101

Far as I can tell, the flooding issue only shows up on the next time you try to drive the car. I've never had a problem with immediately starting it up after it's stalled/shut down.

But if you wait a few hours and then try, after a cold shutdown, it might have flooded.

CERAMICSEAL

Flooding can happen immediately at shutdown but Mazda has, as you are already aware, reduced the chances of this greatly. I wouldn't worry about it, especially on an 07.

RUmble

Thanks. that's more assuring i guess. From now until I buy this thing, I'll try to keep in mind any scenarios i might find driving short distances without letting the engine warm up. HOpefully that doesn't happen too much.

NoTears316

Wheee.. flooding threads. Owner since Aug 2003, never flooded.

jaguargod

Lots of things about this car aren't reflected in the reviews. One of the early reviews (Consumer reports, possibly) said that the RX8 was going to have one of the best resale values.

RUmble

haha. i remember reading that one...

Razz1

Did you the 350 Z has more recalls than the RX8?

It's just that we have all the whiners on this forumn. Cry babies too!

Flooding is a non issue. It was fixed in less than 3 mnths with a flash.

Don't buy the 07. You'll make me jealous.