Highest Mileage 2004 on original original engine?
08-30-2011, 03:10 AM
#326
Yes sir, that is a RECORD 
I might face the same problem soon, I could only hope I see pass 175,000 miles.
Great to hear of a really high mile RX8. Sad but inevitable that they will all wear out at some point. If money were no option, I would go with a new engine from a reputable builder, but I faced your situation just a few months ago and money certainly is an option for me. My RX8 is a 2004 and the original engine made it to 145,000 miles (233,000 kilometers) before it developed an internal coolant leak.
A popular vendor here wanted about $4500 for a new short block that he insisted be intalled by an approved professional garage or he wouldn't even warrantee his new short block. I just didn't have that kind of money. I went with a much less used used engine from a wrecked car (66,000 miles on a 2006 engine). I got a complete engine (intake to oil pan with all the sensors and wiring still in place) for $2000 US dollars... with a 6 month warrantee no questions asked! I did the switch out myself in my own garage. My new..er engine has almost 10,000 miles on it now and feels smooth and strong. if I get the same mileage out of the newer engine as the old it will last me for several more years and cost a fraction of a new one.
Best of luck. Hope you are back to 9,000 rpm soon.
A popular vendor here wanted about $4500 for a new short block that he insisted be intalled by an approved professional garage or he wouldn't even warrantee his new short block. I just didn't have that kind of money. I went with a much less used used engine from a wrecked car (66,000 miles on a 2006 engine). I got a complete engine (intake to oil pan with all the sensors and wiring still in place) for $2000 US dollars... with a 6 month warrantee no questions asked! I did the switch out myself in my own garage. My new..er engine has almost 10,000 miles on it now and feels smooth and strong. if I get the same mileage out of the newer engine as the old it will last me for several more years and cost a fraction of a new one.
Best of luck. Hope you are back to 9,000 rpm soon.
01-26-2012, 06:34 PM
#327
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I'm @ 115K. '04 & have only had a 1 weird problem, which was interminten, on highway @ about 6K rpm's engine gets load and engine light comes on, so I back off from heavy petal & light goes off and noise stops. The oil was way over due and that seemed to be the prob. [fix].
09-04-2013, 10:04 PM
#332
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2004 motor using oil and cutting off and want start
Hi I am a lady that bought a 2004 used mazda rx 8 a few years ago. I need help bad! I think my motor is going out and I called Mazda and they said the warranty went out last year. I thought there was a recall and I could get a new motor up to 100,00 miles. She said no it was a warranty. So, I am screwed. I paid almost $16,000 for it and only has about 75,000 miles on it now. Can I not sue Mazda or something. I could not even get ot to the shop Yesterday to get an estimate on it where someone hit it. It will prob be about $3,000 in damages. So, I am wondering if I should just take the insurance check and sell the car for parts for $1,000 or so and just buy me a cheap car. It is using oil like crazy. One day I put a whole gallon in it. Smells makes a rattling noise when I give it gas. Seems like it gets way too hot but the temp gauge is half way. It stalls out at stoplights then won't start have to let it sit or jump it back off. I am furious. Anyone have any suggestions? I am single and on disability and have no one to help. Not sure if I posted this right if not I am sorry.
09-04-2013, 10:07 PM
#333
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Hi I am a lady that bought a 2004 used mazda rx 8 a few years ago. I need help bad! I think my motor is going out and I called Mazda and they said the warranty went out last year. I thought there was a recall and I could get a new motor up to 100,00 miles. She said no it was a warranty. So, I am screwed. I paid almost $16,000 for it and only has about 75,000 miles on it now. Can I not sue Mazda or something. I could not even get ot to the shop Yesterday to get an estimate on it where someone hit it. It will prob be about $3,000 in damages. So, I am wondering if I should just take the insurance check and sell the car for parts for $1,000 or so and just buy me a cheap car. It is using oil like crazy. One day I put a whole gallon in it. Smells makes a rattling noise when I give it gas. Seems like it gets way too hot but the temp gauge is half way. It stalls out at stoplights then won't start have to let it sit or jump it back off. I am furious. Anyone have any suggestions? I am single and on disability and have no one to help. Not sure if I posted this right if not I am sorry.
Your rx8 is 9 years old, unfortunately you are not covered by that warranty
09-06-2013, 09:23 AM
#335
09-13-2013, 02:55 AM
#337
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I have posted in the thread about the 100,000 mile club but will chime in here as well. I have an 04 with 178,000 on original engine. I would post a pic but not sure how to do it on iPad running iOS 5. If someone can help I can post pic. Thanks. Happy revving.
09-13-2013, 10:54 AM
#338
09-22-2013, 09:49 PM
#339
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My 04 went to 117K until replaced. Now it has 7k and it had a major over heat at 2k from a radiator busting on the road. Ran it for a mile. Just inspected last week and absolutely no problems with my engine. Am I lucky or what? My car still runs like a champ and felt no different.
My other 04 has 37K miles. Nothing cool about it. Has a lot to do with being wrecked in 09 from previous owner.
My other 04 has 37K miles. Nothing cool about it. Has a lot to do with being wrecked in 09 from previous owner.
10-03-2013, 10:38 PM
#340
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140k no "engine" problems but very expensive exhaust and engine support systems like coils, internal valves, sensors, etc...
Compression is excellent but several different sticky valve issue in intake manifold that rob engine of power.
Had car completely stripped down and new quarters, bumpers, hood and complete repaint. New exhaust system from engine to chrome tails cost thousands.
Love car but very expensive to maintain.
Compression is excellent but several different sticky valve issue in intake manifold that rob engine of power.
Had car completely stripped down and new quarters, bumpers, hood and complete repaint. New exhaust system from engine to chrome tails cost thousands.
Love car but very expensive to maintain.
10-04-2013, 10:55 AM
#341
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140k no "engine" problems but very expensive exhaust and engine support systems like coils, internal valves, sensors, etc...
Compression is excellent but several different sticky valve issue in intake manifold that rob engine of power.
Had car completely stripped down and new quarters, bumpers, hood and complete repaint. New exhaust system from engine to chrome tails cost thousands.
Love car but very expensive to maintain.
Compression is excellent but several different sticky valve issue in intake manifold that rob engine of power.
Had car completely stripped down and new quarters, bumpers, hood and complete repaint. New exhaust system from engine to chrome tails cost thousands.
Love car but very expensive to maintain.
Just sayin'. Feel free to buy all kinds of go fast goodies and bling, but it isn't the cars fault.
10-15-2013, 04:06 PM
#342
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I purchased my first rx8 last week a 05, it had 87557 miles and was almost perfect, looked brand new. When I took it to Mazda for a oil change, I was told it had a factory reman engine installed last month at 87570. Apparently it was imediately sold at auction to another dealer who was unaware it had a new engine. I am currently breaking it in, and absolutely love the car, I understand the huge loyalty despitethe large amount of complaints about the engine. Had I read all the doom and gloom, I would have not bought it.since I have Iran's am a instant fan, ill keep researching it, and keep my fingers crossed.
Isn't there any good stories about reliability out there?
Isn't there any good stories about reliability out there?
10-15-2013, 04:14 PM
#344
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I purchased my first rx8 last week a 05, it had 87557 miles and was almost perfect, looked brand new. When I took it to Mazda for a oil change, I was told it had a factory reman engine installed last month at 87570. Apparently it was imediately sold at auction to another dealer who was unaware it had a new engine. I am currently breaking it in, and absolutely love the car, I understand the huge loyalty despitethe large amount of complaints about the engine. Had I read all the doom and gloom, I would have not bought it.since I have Iran's am a instant fan, ill keep researching it, and keep my fingers crossed.
Isn't there any good stories about reliability out there?
Isn't there any good stories about reliability out there?
100,000 mile club (my thread) https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...e-club-158709/
200,000 mile club (Elf's thread) https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...e-club-210536/
Yes there are good reliable RX8s. I have one. Mine is at about 192,000 miles. My orignial engine was changed out at 146,000 miles because of an internal coolant leak, but the car is almost 10 years old now with almost 200,000 miles on it, everything else is bone stock, and it is still a blast to drive.
Last edited by musclecarconvrt; 10-15-2013 at 04:18 PM.
10-15-2013, 05:28 PM
#345
Not so much, because people tell stories of their car's problems. "So I've had my car 9 years now and, besides routine maintenance, I had to replace the antenna cable, the rear license plate bulb and and oh yeah, the glove box door was squeaking over bumps".
Not much of a story, is it?
Not much of a story, is it?
10-15-2013, 06:15 PM
#346
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For any other 29,000 mile car, the story is indeed approximately the same. Mileage counts for quite a bit New Yorker 
3,000 miles a year is quite low. By comparison, I averaged 21,000 miles a year in mine, and while I did have the engine replaced under warranty at 96k, there was no out of pocket cost and I was without the car for 4 days total. It only stranded me once, when the clutch burst at 89k. I only had a few other failures that weren't considered maintenance, and none of them were expensive or critical. I spent less in repairs on my RX-8 over 113,000 miles (~$3,000) than I did on my Corolla over 62,000 (~$5,500+) or my 99 Miata over 14,000 (~$6,500)
3,000 miles a year is quite low. By comparison, I averaged 21,000 miles a year in mine, and while I did have the engine replaced under warranty at 96k, there was no out of pocket cost and I was without the car for 4 days total. It only stranded me once, when the clutch burst at 89k. I only had a few other failures that weren't considered maintenance, and none of them were expensive or critical. I spent less in repairs on my RX-8 over 113,000 miles (~$3,000) than I did on my Corolla over 62,000 (~$5,500+) or my 99 Miata over 14,000 (~$6,500)
10-15-2013, 07:21 PM
#348
10-16-2013, 05:41 AM
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Would have never bought it had I known. But, since I own one, and a new engine in it, ill try to enjoy it. The car is the best handling car I've ever driven, I've owned trans ams, corvettes, and Honda's, Toyotas, and this beats them hands down!
Now, I've just got to find the " good things about rx 8" forum!
Are most rx 8 owners recreational drivers when driving them? Its starting to seem that the loyalty of this car is from people who have them as a toy, not a daily driver. How eles could anyone be so loyal to put. 2 or 3 engines in a car and still keep it?
This 05 is my primary car, I guess its a good thing I still have my boring junker Taurus with 240k on the original engine!
Last edited by RIWWP; 10-16-2013 at 08:26 AM.
10-16-2013, 08:26 AM
#350
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It is split somewhere in the middle I think, between daily drivers and weekend only.
Keep in mind that while the engine does indeed have flaws, most engine failures can be blamed on the owner's lack of maintenance or the dealer's misdiagnosis.
Keep in mind that while the engine does indeed have flaws, most engine failures can be blamed on the owner's lack of maintenance or the dealer's misdiagnosis.