I'm interested in getting a 2004 Mazda RX-8. I've found one for about 10,000. Automatic with 95,000 miles and in good shape. Nothing bad on the Carfax report.

However, my questions surface from the reputation the RX-8 has. I've read many, many reviews on this model, and very few had anything good to say. This is a beautiful car, but if it causes as many problems as other poeple are having, is it worth it?

I know most of the issue root from the infamous Rotary engine, and was looking for a little bit more insight on how this is different and how it can cause problems. The car is also a 2004, and a few people i've talked to say it isnt' worth buying an RX-8 that was built before 2006.

I'd just like some general input on weather or not its worth buying or if this could end up costing me more than I can handle.

Any input or advice would be much appriciated.

 

2004 auto with 95k miles for $10k... keep looking. Or, bring price down to $7500. Do you know if the engine has been replace udner warranty?
Nothing wrong with rotary engines (especially RENESIS). Only problems you hear are from people who don't maintain their cars.

If you want a car that will take care of itself, keep on walking. Search "Honda Civic"

edit: read this- New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

 

I wouldn't pay more than 7G after TTL for that car. just fyi.

 

I got an 05 with 36000 manual for 10,950. Granted, it's in the mid west, so I'm pretty sure that makes it a bit cheaper.


Personally, I'd never get an 04, and I would definitely never get an auto. It is an amazing car, but you can't really just jump into it without reading.

 

Here's a piece of advice...Do NOT get an automatic...One of the major issues with the rx8 is flooding the engine...Usually the fault of the owner due to not letting the engine warm up to full operating temp (before shutting off), and not reving the engine to clean it...It is recommended that you rev the engine a little before it's time to switch to the next gear, and give it a nice couple of revs before you shut off the engine...If you have an automatic, it is programmed to switch gears for you...This car never should have come as an automatic.

 

It is recommended that you rev the engine a little before it's time to switch to the next gear.

Really thats a new one by me. Where are you getting this information?

 

Let me clarify...I do not mean rev as in shoot it up to 6000rmp...I mean let it go slightly beyond the 3000rmp mark...Around 3300-3500...The automatics are programmed to switch just before hitting 3000...Don't take my word if you don't want to...Research it yourself.

 

Can't I rev it using the Manual mode on the automatic?

 

Soldier,

I just got my 04 AT yesterday. The engine was replaced under warranty 30K miles ago in 2008. I can't do anything about how it was taken care of before me but I plan on doing my part from now on. Warranty is expired now.

My question about what you just posted is this. Do you believe the original engines on the 04 that failed were due to neglect or are the Replacement engines any better?

I am just wondering if I am any better off with the replacement engine than I would be if I had an original engine. Will lostinthesauce be any better off if the engine on the car he is looking at has been replaced?

Thanks for your opinion on this... I can't seem to find anything on this board that indicates the replacements solved the issues.

 

An 04 with auto and 95k? I think that is an absolute worst case scenario right there. And the guy charging 10 grand for it should be horsewhipped.

 

Ok so your telling me someone who has had an rx8 for years now how to drive my car. Dude you better step off. First off what your saying makes no sense. If your driving along your probably already exceeding 3000 or 3500 rpm. So what are you talking about. Furthermore I tend to get my rpms upto like 5000 rpm before I shift gears, 9000 rpms when I really feel like getting into it. You sir fail for having no clue. Now you go do some f-ing research!

 

please, enlighten us.

You can check the number of your engine to see if you were replace with either a new one, or else a re-manufactured engine (though it's probably a reman)
It's hard to say if it was the build or neglect that killed the engine. All of the engines are slightly different (built by hand), so there are reports of people who have driven many miles without maintenance, yet have not suffered any problems. At the same time, there are people who have taken all precautions to maintain the engine, and yet they still fail.
Just make sure that you do what you can to maintain them. Keep all service records and learn to gauge the engines response to you so that you can be warned of any issues.
Hope this helped

 

Hmm interesting. Do you happen to he getting your research from a company that sells gasoline? And autos aren't program to shift at a specific point. It is based on how quickly you are driving. So if you are flooring it the car will not shift at 3000 like you are indicating. It will shift closer to redline. And also there is the manual shift mode. That also doesn't shift at three thousand. It shifts wherever you want it or if you haven't shifted yet it does so for you at redline. And why would you want to heat up your engine by revving it several times before shut off?

 

Sorry I'm on my phone and it won't let me change it. But that's supposed to quote ita not terch.

 

That's the perfect storm of fail.

2 months later: "RX8 sucxxorzz! Worst car evar! I just got the car and now I gotta buy an engine!"

 

I wouldn't buy an 04 automatic with 95k miles.

Engine warrenty is only 8 years or 100k miles.