Jimbollo

Im looking to buy an '04 RX8 and I wonder if anyone can tell me what to look for when looking for one. Besides the obvious like mileage, tires, oil leaks, I know all that. I also know about flooding possibilities, not an issue here. I want to know things like: look for oil at the hose to the air cleaner housing, or look for water leaks by the radiator section near the oil cooler, you know things specific to this car. I will appreciate anyone's help with knowledge of concerns to look for when choosing my RX8, Thank you.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

you wanna know things specific to the car? there are just so many things!! Read this thread https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
If you're SERIOUSLY interested in purchasing any type of vehicle, you will do the research to find out if it's the vehicle for you. Please, read through the FAQ's and familiarize yourself with the car AND the forum! We aren't ******** (for the most part). But, we answer these questions many times a day. Grab a drink, maybe some food and start reading

Welcome to the club!

RX8Soldier

terch1

iTrader: (2)

You used that key word RX8SOLDIER. ... Research!!! OP use the search button. You are not asking anything different than the half dozen others who have posted in the last week that they are also contemplating buying an 8.

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

And if you are having trouble finding stuff with searches, the advanced search is a lot better than just the normal search bar... Searching by title is usually the most helpful for me

Jimbollo

Thanks a lot guys. Your link to the "New and Potential Owners" helped me a lot Soldier. That's exactly what I wanted to know. I have had three Rx-7's in the past. I love the rotary engine. I am a mechanic, have been since 1993. I just recently wanted to get back into the rotary world and wanted to find out about any major concerns specific to the 8 before I jump back in. My first one was a 1979, then I had a 1983, and then a 1986. All were great cars. I will post some pics once I get my 8. Thanks again, Happy Holidays

Blacknightz

Hope the coming new year will be the start of your new realationship with a rx-8 !

Jimbollo

Alright guys, I did some homework, read the threads, and watched some you tube videos. I just picked up my '04 RX-8 today. It is a really tight car, it is very sensitive to the touch and well responsive. It still smells like a new car. However, I am very concerned because as soon as I drove off in it, I stalled and the car would not start. I thought for sure it was flooded. I waited thirty minutes and it started up. I drove it for ten or so miles on the freeway and I got off to put gas. Again it would not start. I waited thirty minutes again and it started. Im guessing that I need to changed out the plugs, wires, and coils right away. What are your guys thoughts on this? The car is perfect otherwise.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

tell us more about the car. Mileage, maintenance history, any modifications, etc. did you get a compression test before you purchased it?

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

How many miles are on it? And how cold is it where you are?.... Since you bought it used, if you don't know when the person before you changed out the plugs, coils, and wires it would definitely be a good idea to go ahead and change them out, regardless of whether they are the problem or not... It sounds like you car is having problems starting when the engine is warm. My advice... Do an advanced search. Search Titles Only, and type in "warm start".... Searching warm start in a titles search should pull up a lot of potentially helpful info.

Blacknightz

that was quick !
i was at least guessing u would get it in the new year...

Anyways, dont be disheartened, get a rotary specialist to check it out for u... Spend a bit more now and save much much more in the future...

Jimbollo

Well it is a 2004 with 99K miles on it. It is a manual trans. I did not do a compression test on it yet. It is all stock, very clean, one owner and non smoker. It still has the new car smell on it. There doesn't appear to be any modifications on the car. I removed the plugs to take a look at them and discovered brand new plugs on it. It also has three stickers from the dealer under the hood as having had three different campaigns taken care of back in 05. I do know that the dealer where I bought it took it to the Mazda dealer for an inspection and I was able to condatct the service advisor and spoke to him before I bought the car. He told me that the car was in good shape and that they didn't see anything of concern witht he car at that time. I still want to change the whole ingnition circuit anyway. As for it not wanting to start when it is already warm, it is getting better. I don't have to wait more than 10 minutes now. I think the car just needed to be driven everyday. I also noticed that Im able to kick start it when this hapens. The car has no leaks and im getting 20mpg's. I dont know what else to say except that Im really happy with my car. I love the sound and the feel of a rotary. Like I said before, I have had a couple of them before. Thanks very much guys.