1fine8

I bought my RX-8 back in July of 2003 that had the buyback or $500.00 cash hush money if you would keep the car. With the problems I had with the car and coming to the realization the car was rushed to market without all the bugs worked out, I had Mazda buy my car back. The small amount of money was not enough for me to be their R & D tester, documentating all the problems and then having to take it back and forth for repairs.

My wife really liked the car and I wonder since Mazda has had a year to correct all the problems that have shown up, if the 2005's will be a better car without the problems of the 2004's?

I have learned an important lesson from Mazda. Do NOT buy the first of anything or else you will be the gunenia pig for their testing and problem solving.

Razpewton

wow....I haven't had any problems at all. I love this car...and I' buy another if I had it to do all over again. IN A HEARTBEAT.

mysql101

mazda has made tweaks to the production line during the 2004 year. So those made in 2003 are different than those made in 2004. The 2005 model line is just an extension of the 2004, they aren't making changes to the car itself other than a new color and a new key.

TODreamer

Buying the first of a new line of cars has always been a caveat. As much as I love the RX8, If I could afford it back then I still wouldn't have bought an '03..... would've definitely waited at least a year.

Deslock

When I decided to get the 8, I waited and made sure I got one manufactured in Jan 2004 or later. You can get this from the VIN (the date is also on the label on the door). Mine was built Feb 2004... no problems here.

Given that the 05s are almost out, you're in a good position to buy a late-production 04. Or if you can wait, go for an 05 since it'll be worth a bit more if you ever sell it.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Mine was built September '03, and I have had zero problems, except the occasional 2nd gear and 4th gear grind. (I'm getting the MS stainless steel clutch line to help that out, plus I think I will go with Redline in the box to keep it quiet ) So, I took the $500 and kept my car, and I love it.

Rxdriftingaction

don't know.. don't know... but i love the 05 key.. still don't know . continue don't know. and don't know don't know.. and .....=P

Equis

I have an 03, the only problems I have had are the A/C isnt cold enough, my rear defroset button broekn within a week, and sometimes the car doesn't start right away. Certainly makes me feel like a test piggie for Mazda, I should of waited and got a late 04.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Maybe your plugs are fouled. When you got your M flash, did they take out your plugs and clean or replace them? My dealer put in new ones that he said were hotter. No problems starting my 8 at all.

canaryrx8

iTrader: (3)

so off of one buyer's bad experience all Mazda's are doomed? my car has been flawless, my last vehcile, a 97 s10, was plagued with problems, that thing was a rolling disaster and the s10's of that generation came out about 4-5 years previous so don't believe the first year hype, all cars are different.

Smoker

You expect problems and gitches with EVERY single First Year model cars. The RX-8 is no exceptions. Although I agree that the 2nd version (2005) would most likely have a lots less problematic parts with all the data they gathered from the 2004 models.

nosubstitutec4s

oh comeon canary. its a chevy. you probably got the best of the best from them.

Mr. Ed's rx-8

just look at DSM's...in later years there was the crankwalk issue...man i hated that!

msrecant

Sounds like you got a "lemon". The "hush money", as you call it, was because the car lacked the claimed horsepower, not because the car was unreliable. As far as I know the HP issue is not being addressed with the 2005 model. In fact, of the three big issues (low HP, gas mileage and flooding) all are still issues more or less. So I am not sure why you feel any more comfortable with a 2005. You may still get another "lemon", the HP still isn't there, the gas mileage still isn't great and Mazda still recommends avoiding short trips.

I have had mine since July 2003 and it has been flawless except for the 6 or 7 issues that everyone has had. It has taken a while but Mazda has done a great job of addressing those problems by TSBs. Yes, there has been some inconvenience owning a version 1.0 car, but I expected it and it has been surprisingly few issues.

Personally I thinks its a great car but I believe that is true whether you are talking about a new 2005 or a well maintained 2003 pre-order like mine.

bgparsons3

Sounds like there are a few people on this forum who should stick with a nice mature technology like the 1999 Cavalier .... now there's an automobile that won't give you a lot of surprises.

Give me a break guys, Mazda is no different from any other manufacturer on earth in this regard. New stuff has more surprises than older stuff. If you don't want to take the risk, wait and see how the early adpoters do. I'll take a year's pleasure in driving my 8 over sitting around and playing it safe any day.

MEGAREDS

Second that. I took the risk with my eyes open, and had a great year. I don't think too many of us were sorry with the decision to pull the trigger.

1fine8

Does anybody know how many pre September 2003 RX-8's were bought back by Mazda? I also wonder how many people tried to get Mazda to buy back their car and Mazda refused for one reason or another.
Is there any one in this forum who bought a buyback car? Did Mazda disclose to them the car was a buy back or was the title stamped it was a repurchase car? Also how much of a savings did the buyer receive?
I bought my car in July and it was the middle of December before Mazda finalized the buy back process and I turned the car in.

Xyntax

About that "this car doesn't start right away" issue, what's wrong with an RX-8 doing that? Do they just have bad spark plugs or bad starters? I'm just asking coz of all cars I have driven, my RX-8 has got to be the quickest to start. I even get used to it that I get annoyed with "piston" cars don't start that quick.

stanfordcole

I have had no issues with mine and everytime I see it and/or drive it I remember why I bought it. Bought mine November 2003, i'm not sure about the date it was made though.

phee

Cavaliers.......eeewwww. *shudders*

I have to give props to Subaru. We bought a Legacy the first year they came out ('90), and that sucker is still running with the original engine, clutch, etc. with over 250,000 miles on it. We gave it to a friend's daughter, so we see it now and again. First year cars can often be just fine. I think in Mazda's case, going back to the rotary and making a car comparable to other sports cars in its class was bound to have a few glitches.