With production coming to an end, will be able to get replacement items (like the catalytic converter, interior trim pieces, etc.) for the foreseeable future? (And no, I don't mean like in the year 3000.)

 

shouldn't be any different then getting parts for any other car that's out of production.
I'm sure it'll be easy.
Hell, I can still get parts for my 1972 Mercedes.

Might just take a few days for stuff that is rather odd and not a common use item.

 

There is some period (7 years?) beyond production for which car makers continue to supply parts. Don't know if it's a tradition or a requirement. Third party parts makers usually stay around longer - especially since people are more willing to pay Rock Auto prices rather than dealer prices when maintaining an old car. It takes a long time for stuff to dry up. I've had no problem getting parts for 20 year old cars, although those weren't as scarce as the RX-8.

When dealers no longer have parts we turn to salvage yards. Eventually JC Whitney will sell reproduction parts that almost fit.

Ken

 

I hope it won't be those hard to find parts when we try to look for parts for the rx8.

 

well, once they stop production of the car, they will still make parts for it for maybe another 2-3 years. after that everything will stop and all we can get is whatever left in the warehouse.

Like my FC, it stopped production like 20 years ago. I can still get some parts. but most parts are NLA like some interior trim parts. speaking of CAT, I can still get a brand new Stock CAT and brand new Pre-Cat. I checked and they only have 2 Stock cat and 1 Pre-cat left. but what's the point of getting a stock (pre) cat when I can get an aftermarket cat for 1/8 of the cost + comes with 5 years warranty

 

There is a law that requires auto makers to supply parts for the full warranty period. But, as one would expect, as we get further and further away from the date of the last particular year/model rolling off the line, parts will be less and less plentiful and take longer to get.

 

Mazda's policy is 10 Years..or more depending on demand, IF there is demand they will continue to make...up to 20 years, gee there are some Mazda parts still made today that are brand new and actually still used on your RX-8 and are close to 40 years old.

The only PART Mazda stops making are Complete Engines, Gearboxes and Body Shells, once the line production of the particular 'model' stops.

Having said that, although the Series 2 finished in the US this year, has finished in Europe it will still be sold in Japan until 2013...Then we will see..

Mazda has never stopped making rotaries..