Buying an RX8
 

Hi all, I'm new in here. I am looking at buying an RX8 04 in the next couple of weeks. Are there any know issues or potential problems that I should be looking out for? Can anyone help me?

First off...welcome to the board!

I'll be the first to forwarn you that the search nazi's are gonna be knockin on yur door soon...Better hide under the bed.

Reguardless I don't consider myself part of the Gestapo...

Just a heads up.

as long as you get the flashed and recalls done, you should have a problem with an 04.

Yep, the best thing you can do instead of asking such a broad question is the wonderful and completely useful search button! :cwm27:

You can save a lot of time by going through the forums and reading the "stickies" at the top of each forum. There's a wealth of general information there. After that ask specific questions and people will be glad to help. :)

Well, most will anyway... :rolleyes:

I can help: I advise you to read in the Tech Garage / Issues & Problems sub-forum. Don't worry about new posts or current discussions - read back through the old ones. The 2004s have been around quite a while so they've been discussed backwards and forwards from every angle multiple times. You don't even need to search, just bring up the forum and start reading threads with interesting subject lines.

You should also read all the STICKY threads at the top of each sub-forum.

Doing those two things will likely answer most questions you might have. Some people do that reading before they join as a member or make their first post, but that's just some people.

.....and welcome to the forum. :)

I'm no expert , but from what I have read , stick to 05 or 06. Few problem with the 04. That was the first year .

I initially thought the same thing, "avoid the first model year to avoid start-up bugs." However, I bought a 2004 and really can't complain. If you buy a used 2004 the previous owner should have gotten the applicable Technical Service Bulletins applied. If you buy a used 2004 or early 2005 model you should see if the vehicle has already gotten the upgraded starter motor and new spark plugs to address the "Hard Start" issue.

However, keep in mind, those TSBs are not all bad. My 2004 demonstrated brake squeal so Mazda replaced my brake pads at 10,000 miles. So, when will I need to pay my own money for replacement brake pads? Later than otherwise.

Sometime in the 50,000 mile warrenty I may get the upgraded starter motor and hotter plugs. Hmmm, that means replacing the original components with a brand new ones free of charge. Since I plan to keep the car for many years and well more than 100,000 miles it would be a bonus to have certain parts replaced after 20,000, 30,000 or 40,000 miles.

So scandalous. mwahahah!

:yelrotflm

good thinkin though!

I prefer to think of it as getting everything that's coming to me. ;)Thanks - I do my best. :lol:

I would get an 05, a lot of the TSB's are already taken care of and the 04's are 2 going on 3 years old already. The new 05's are also going for dirt cheap, about the same as a used 05 and barely more than a used 04.

I paid 22,000 out the door for my new 05 right around 1 month ago. Had 23 miles on it, sport package, appearance package, rotary accent package, 6spd manual.