If you were going to buy a 2004 RX8 today, what things would you look for in order to select the most "bug-free" car possible? What range of build dates, serial numbers, PCM firmware version, etc. would you make sure the car had before you took it home? Which would you avoid, or at least insist that the dealer fix before you took delivery? Everybody knows that the factory makes running changes throughout the model year and incorporates bug fixes as they become available, so it's logical to assume that later is better - please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thank you for sharing your collected wisdom! Your responses will make a great summary and resource for anyone looking to buy one of the remaining new (or used) RX8s.

:D

 

i would stay away from anything built before Nov 2003, but to be safe, I'd likely stay away from anything built before Jan 2004. Earlier models need airbag recalls, had issues with the center console getting hot, defrost button cracking, etc. Mostly minor things that can be fixed, but takes up time. The only major thing you should worry about is getting one of the RX-8's that get 9-13 mpg regardless of how you drive it. There is no fix for that currently.

Aside from the key, and the white paint job, the later 2004's should be exactly the same as the new 2005s.

 

Cars with a build date of March 12, 2004 or later or a VIN ending in 35537 or higher have the correct PCM programming installed at the factory. Cars built before that date or with an lower VIN need the PCM reflashed by the dealer. Good luck with your search! Fewer choices but better deals out there right now.

 

I just bought my '05 about a month ago with a build date of 07/04. I hung out in RX-8 club for about 6-8 months checking out the service bulletins to see what what happening. If you average out the build dates in the service bulletins it will help you stay clear of what cars and build dates to stay clear of. If you do decide on one make sure you inform your dealer of the service bulletins pertaining to that particular build date and vin numbers. This may help in your decision.-good luck.

 

I thought this thread was about the lack of smashed insects on the nose of the -8 (I am amazed that it seems to collect fewer than any other car ...

 

NoW that is a good one StewC625 !


Thanks for the great laugh......

 

Well done!

The typical first posters of "My Daddy says the Rx-8 sucks, do you think I should buy one?" should learn from your example.

What color/options did you end up with?

 

Brilliant Black Clearcoat w/ gold accents(all Mazda emlems are gold as well as center emblems on the rims). Grand Touring Pkg. Still looking at mods,haven't been able to make a decision on them yet. Any suggestions?

 

IMO any build date is fine, providing it is current on all TSB's. I have a July '03 build date and it has been perfect. No issues what so ever!!

Good luck.

- Irish

 

July '03 must have been a good month because I have had zero problems thus far on mine (knock on wood). Granted this board has made me paranoid about a lot of things (you should see how gentle I am with my climate control buttons!). Either way, just make sure it is up to date with the MSP04 program per the latest TSB.

 

1. Suspension Upgrade-best performance bang for the buck.

2. Catback exhaust- no performance gains, but a great "sensory" mod. I seldom drive with the radio on anymore, just like listening to the car. :D

All-in-all about $1200 in parts (ex. Racing Beat stuff) plus install cost if you don't DIY.

That should get you started

Oh, almost forget....Start up kit of Zanio to keep it looking great (not a mod per se, but well worth the effort)

 

ahem! don't forget clear corners, the first mod you will ever do...but you are looking at gold emblems and what not so you may be an exception...I would suggest maybe getting clear corners/sidemarkers and gold tinting them, yes GOLD tinting

and if you really want to go all out have Dmenac7 make you gold side strakes (althought I'm not personally a fan of side strakes it would still look cool)

 

Any build date is going to be fine as long as the dealer does all the TSBs. Mine's a June 03 build date, I have 26k miles on it, and no major problems. And all the annoying ones have been fixed by the TSBs.

 

Gold tinting clear corners? I didn't know that was possible. but will it last?

 

Thanks, guys, for the extremely helpful summary!

Is there a quick/easy/surefire way to tell whether a given car is one of those with the crappy gas mileage (short of driving it until you consume a full tank of gas)? Since there's apparently no fix for whatever is causing this, it seems avoiding these particular cars should be a top priority...

 

one of the reason i got my '04 is because of the build date: June '04 :D

basically as close to being an '05 without actually being one :D

 

Several people have responded that "any build date is fine as long as the MSP04 is followed, up-to-date." I concur. But a cooperative (or even pro-active) dealership is a great aid in ensuring that you get all the updates that Mazda puts out. Judging from remarks on this board, that experience is highly variable. Guess I've been lucky, dealing with World Car (San Antonio), Jeff Haas (Houston), and Planet (Gulfport, MS). No one's given me any hassle about providing the warranty services to which I'm entitled. Good Luck!!

 

Gas mileage seems to be a hit or miss. As I said before, I've got one of the first 8s, and my gas mileage is just fine. I've gotten as low as 14, but that was only by beating the hell out of the car. I usually get just over 20 mpg city/highway combined.