jon0220

So the dealer I'm working with has two RX8's, an '09 and a '10. In the course of the last week we've been talking, there's been snow moves on lot coupled with some cold weather- nights in the teens, days in the 20's.

When I asked him how the '09 I'm looking at has been starting the reply was "That one is doing OK, but the 2010 won't start for sh*t". His reply towards this car being OK didn't inspire confidance, nor did his honesty regarding the other one...

I have read some posts here regarding weather affecting the starting of thhe car, but I also see many folks from Canada and other cold weather areas driving them daily, which I will be.

So, what is the deal with weather- does it affect the way the car starts?

I do a lot of out of state driving for music, and am often getting back to my car after midnight- sometimes in NYC and Boston, other times in the middle of nowhere in upstate NY or NH... need I be concerned that I'll have a problem in cooold weather??

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Cold weather affects starting but it shouldn't be a problem for you, cars are designed to operate in all types of weather..

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Cold weather affects the starting of all cars. I have started the car in up to -10F temps with out any problems. Block or oil heaters will help the car start easier and will get you to the operating temperature sooner.

There wasn't any changes between the 09 & the 10 cars.

jon0220

>Cold weather affects starting but it shouldn't be a problem for you, cars are designed to operate in all types of weather.. <

I don't understand what you mean... I realize that enviromental conditions do, to a degree, affect the car's mechanicals to some degree no matter what... but why do you say I'll have no problem?

I'm looking for real life experiences from folks who live in cold weather states... I don't want anything sugarcoated; I just need the facts to make a decision.

jon0220

>I have started the car in up to -10F temps with out any problems. Block or oil heaters will help the car start easier and will get you to the operating temperature sooner.<

No problems w/o the heaters?

Bigbacon

iTrader: (4)

I have yet to have a problem starting my 8 on cold mornings. Might be a tiny bit slower to start than say a spring or summer morning but it is barely a change.

chino0314

iTrader: (12)

Does cold weather affect yu getting out of bed????
Like stated above it affects the starting of all cars

jmc23200

Does cold water affect ***** size?

The dealer probably flooded the engine. Rotary engines should be fully warmed up prior to shutting them off, especially when it is cold out. The dealer probably started the car to show someone or to move it and turned it of after a minute. Or the OEM battery is **** and does not have a high CCA causing it not to start right up. All cold weather starting problems can be fixed by 1) Getting a HIGH CCA battery and 2) Letting the engine reach normal operating temperature prior to turning it off.

Just read the sticky's and you will be fine. It is a fun, fun, fun car. It's also fun.

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Well for what it's worth; I survived 19 winters in Buffalo, NY; do those count? As long as your battery and charging system are up to snuff, you have the proper fluids in their respective places (antifreeze, oil, dry gas, etc) and your "tune" (spark plugs and coils) are good, you shouldn't have a problem unless the car sits overnight in -50 degree temperatures. In that scenario you would probably want to leave the car running overnight, very common in certain parts of Alaska.

jon0220

> I survived 19 winters in Buffalo, NY; do those count?<

LOL, YUP!
my question is, what took you 19 yrs to decide to move to Cali??

but being from upstate, you know the weather I'm talking about, and I'm upstate in ny frequently...

I do understand the battery has a lot to do with it, the 2010 the dealer is having problems with should have come from factory w/ the improved battery- yet they still can't get her to run right

Solidtrance

iTrader: (2)

It's most likely flooded. See jmc23200's post.

CyberPitz

There is no reason the 2010's or any newer RX-8 would have a cold starting issue in teens - 20's degree weather. I have started mine many many many times in 20-30 degree weather without even a worry. Sure, it's a slight bit slower, but by maybe 1/2 a second. I'm saying they are doing it wrong.

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

It has probably been started (but not warmed-up), several times with the original spark plugs in it. A "good" road test would confirm/fix that problem. If you buy that car, have them change the plugs before you take delivery; it's part of the PDI.

jmc23200

Agreed Pitz. A dealer here in MA said they TRIED to flood the new RX8's and couldn't. If that dealer is complaining about the new RX8's not starting, go to another dealer.

jon0220

>It has probably been started (but not warmed-up), several times with the original spark plugs in it<

hmmm, that's an interesting thought... they foul easily in short on/off situations?

I know multiple folks here talk of the car being flooded, but the dealer knows I'm hypersensitive about that issue and I can't imagine he would tell me of starting problems due to flooding- although I'm shocked he admitted problems on a vehicle that I was not even considering buying- bad, bad salesmanship there, though I appreciate his honesty

What is PDI?

jon0220

> A dealer here in MA said they TRIED to flood the new RX8's and couldn't<

reallly? the closest dealer to me in Ct admitted to the cars floooding on lot due to short moves on lot multiple times
one of the reasons I have moved to another dealer

if a car has been flooded by the dealer, what shoulld I look for/get new?
plugs i imagine... but anything else?

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Not that easy but how many times has it been started and run for a minute or taken on a short drive?

Pre Delivery Inspection

Soaring Eagle

My guess is that the 09 car on the lot was started and stopped so many times that the plugs got fouled with carbon. I've had my 06 for three years in Rhode Island winters, have often moved the car and shut it right off, and it has never flooded. I would have the dealer replace the plugs.

jmc23200

^Or someone in the dealership left the lights on or the door open or something, weakening the battery. The plugs just need to be cleaned off. You can drive them clean.... i think lol.


If the car was flooded on the lot, it really just needs to be deflooded PROPERLY and driven and it will be ok. Spark Plugs would be the biggest thing. If they flood the engine, the spark plugs get wet. You can just pull them out and clean them and they will be fine.

I would ask for a list of TSB's(if applicable), maint records(if applicable) and make sure before you take it off the lot you and atleast one other person you trust inspects the car. There is nothing worse then buying a car and then driving off the lot to find a scratch or a ding somewhere.

MICHGoBlue

it affects mine, and I have new coils and plugs.

jon0220

>it affects mine, and I have new coils and plugs<

really? did you ever have a time where it couldn't get going? can you describe the difficulties you have had?

also, does your car have a hot battery, either as a newer model or a replacement?

thanks!

klanham08

For my 8, it takes a LITTLE longer for it to start, but once warmed up it runs fine.

jmc23200

MICHGoBlue, your issue obviously isn't the coils or plugs. What is the CCA of your battery? Are you still using the OEM battery? Do you still have the original starter? Have you had a compression test done recently? For me, the battery, starter, coils and plugs were fine. It took a few extra cranks to start it up in the cold. Then I got a new engine do to low compression.

Klanham08, that is fairly normal although I had low compression and got a new engine. Even with the new engine, it doesn't fire right up like my moms corolla. Usually takes 2 cranks to start and the worst so far with the engine has been about 4. By crank, I mean actually hearing the engine turn over, not turns of the key.

Jon0220, I am glad you are doing your research. Unlike most people who buy the 8 and find these minor things out later then do nothing but bitch about it. To be honest with you, this car is higher maintenance then a Honda or Toyota. You need to check the oil level every couple of weeks, change the spark plugs and coils every couple of seasons, and redline once a day to keep the carbon away. The cold starting problems can usually be resolved by replacing the spark plugs, coils, battery, or starter. Most cases of the car not starting are do to improper warm up of the engine. The engine MUST be warmed up fully before turning it off or you will have difficulty starting it back up. This isnt a big deal. It takes 5-10 minutes at idle. Most of the time, the salesmen don't know jack diddley about RX8's and flood them. Don't take a dealer lot mishap as what will happen.

jon0220

jmc23200

thank you very much for the input and advice.
yes, i am doing my research for sure, lol, as this is a whole new animal to me
i am not a "car guy" and am lucky if i can find the battery and the oil dipstick when i open a hood, so all of this is new to me

especially because i have mostly driven imports- hondas, toyotas, and nissans, and, well, you know what you get with those- excellent reliability, low mait., and fantastic resale.

i am looking to go sportier, and instantly fell in love with the 8 since i first drove one almost a month ago

i went online after my first test drive and found this forum, and have read and read and read since then

i am just trying to quantify all that owning one of these fun, fantastic cars involves

btw, i saw a show in your town once, at the somerville theater, right around xmas time, and your town sure is pretty!

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

I have intentionally started the car in 15f degree weather and turned it off 10 seconds later... never have flooded.