Finally got my RX-8!
 

Just picked it up today. I've been a huge fan of the rotary engine for the better part of 8 years now, more or less since the first time I heard of them. I recently found myself in a position to purchase a second car. The RX-7 was my first love, but I needed a little more room for the kids and such, and my loan wouldn't cover cars older than 7 years, so I ended up with a 2004 RX-8 Automatic with 58,000. The engine was just replaced by the Mazda dealership, the previous owner brought it in because she killed it by turning it on and off again very quickly and flooding it. Apparently when it was in for the repair they determined that the engine needed a complete replacement under their 04-08 recall. So the engine has about 30 miles on it right now.

I can't believe how well it handles, that is certainly the most stand out feature. I love the feel and sound of the rotary engine, particularly the way it sounds.

I had a few questions about good practices for it, I have done quite a bit of research and came up with a few tips, such as letting it idle and warm up before driving it for at least a few minutes, and letting it idle after parking it before shutting it off. I have also been advised to "drive it hard", particularly to get the revs up because the engine is strained by long periods of low RPM operation. I read up on the whole 20W oil issue, and don't know where I stand on it. The engine was just replaced, I unfortunately don't have the manual for it. Which oil are they recommending after the engine replacement? Will using 20W oil still diminish the life of the engine as I've read. Also, it is a lower compression engine than most, so I assume it functions best on 89 octane fuel, or rather doesn't require high octane fuel, but again I am not positive. A lot of the information I have found online can be somewhat contradictory.

Anyways, I hope to be spending a good amount of time on the forums talking about the car and getting more educated. If any of my questions need to be relegated to the tech section, feel free to say so or and tell me to go read more.

Welcome. Hope u enjoy the car, a 6 speed would of been better though ;). As far as gas goes.. I always use 91 and it is recommended by Mazda, so I would stick to that.