So I've owned a 2004 Red RX-8 for the last year and I loved that car, but sadly two weeks ago I was unfortunate enough to be in an accident. The damage didn't look too bad, but the frame ended up being bent and there was likely some damage to the rear suspension and differential . Anyway, the car was declared a total loss. So what did I do?

Went out and got another!

It's an '09 with 37,000 miles on it. I bought from a non-mazda dealership and they couldn't give me records, but everything looks good to me. Checked the carfax and I'm pretty sure that it was a 2 year lease on one owner; so I'm hoping that means a high probability that routine maintenance was performed.

Coming from a car that had nearly 90,000 miles, the clutch and transmission on this one feel amazing! Engine seems to be in good condition and well maintained. It is a sport model, so I lost a few things I had previously (Bose, sunroof, and DSC) but worth it in my opinion since its an S2 with 50,000 fewer miles.

Anyway, I'll continue to read the forums and search for things as they come to mind, but does anybody have any advice for somebody that just switched from S1 to S2?

Currently I plan on doing a Seafoam treatment and I'll be premixing as soon as I can get some Idemitsu. I also plan on having having my local Mazda dealership give it a thorough inspection.

 

R3 body kit, wheels, lower height. Thats a nice color.

 

Welcome back. Looks good.

 

Welcome back! Looks sweet. Don't waste your time seafoaming, just change the oil regularly and premix.

 

Nice~

 

Saweet! Give us all your thoughts on the two cars. Was your first one stock?

 

Very nice. Check with your local Mazda service dept. They can give you the service history/warranty history performed by Mazda on the car. Just give them the VIN#.

 

Nice choice.

 

Beautiful car. I too am curious to hear your impressions regarding the differences in your two RX-8's.

 

what a fantastic color choice

 

Thanks guys! I like the new color too. It's more of a very dark grey than it is black, which I hadn't realized until I saw it in person.



Yes, the first one was completely stock. I had planned on eventually doing BHR coils and Sohn adapter, but never got around to either. So it was completely stock; as is my new one still.

As far as differences between the two go; they're very much the same in most respects (not too surprising). And the differences that I can tell are mostly due to my new 8 being so much newer. I owned the '04 from 77,000 miles to 87,000 miles, and the '09 came with 37,000 miles. So things like engine start, transmission, and clutch are all much much better as you would expect. The new placement of reverse gear keeps throwing me though; I've almost put it into 6th multiple times expecting to go backwards!

There are some subtle differences that I, for the most part, do like better about the new S2. The quality of the stock materials in the interior seems to be a bit better to me; the cloth on the seats, *****, and arm rests, ect... (plus I can connect my iPod now without having to go completely aftermarket)

The only thing I've noticed that doesn't seem to be related to age is the slight differences between the suspensions. The '09 still retains the rigid feel of my previous one around turns but seems to absorb road bumps a little bit better, which I kind of like.

But really it feels just like being back in my old '04; which is the whole reason I bought another one!


On another note, I've been searching but I can't seem to locate a clear answer. I know the OMP changed between S1 and S2, but is the procedure for installing Sohn different between models?

Additionally, I'm getting confused about the extended warranty program. I thought it only covered 04-08 models, but I've been reading conflicting things. Anyone know for certain?

 

oh yeah. I also noticed that the cooling fan that used to come on for 5 min. or so after vigorous driving hasn't had to engage at all yet on the '09. Given, its been about 55-65 degrees F. here daily, but after a good drive my '04 cooling fan would have come on for at least a few min. under the same conditions.

 

At 37,000 miles, you might be due for coils, wires, plugs. See if you can get a maintenance history on it.

 

Has anybody premixed with Lucas High Temp. 2-stroke semi-synthetic racing oil?

I ask because, while I do plan on ordering some Idemitsu, I was at a convenience store and they had a 16oz bottle for $4 so I bought it on a whim. Should be safe from my searching, but any specific thoughts?

 

I'm on #3

 

Anyone else notice this? Its been a week and I still have yet to have the cooling fan remain on even with some serious driving in 70 degree weather. No big deal if it's normal, just trying to make sure the previous owner/no-nothing Ford dealership didn't mess something up.

 

Sorry, didn't see that.

In the really hot weather, you will hear the fan turn on after you shut off the car.
I did all summer, but since the late fall, it hasn't needed to turn on after I've turned off the car the last several weeks.

Perfectly normal.

BC.

 

Here's my take on your statement above.

I test-drove several models before buying one. One was them was a Sport like yours (same color, but it was a 2010). My impression was exactly like yours: the car seemed to absorb bumps better. However, the overall suspension did not feel - to me - as rigid as you mentioned. In fact, it felt significantly "softer" compared to the other RX-8s I drove.

I think this is because of the redesigned suspension geometry after 2009 - which probably gives more of a "forgiving" feel to the ride.

The R3 on the other hand - like the 40th AE I own - has a rather unforgiving feel on bumpy roads. Actually, both models came from factory with Bilstein shocks and different sway bars (I believe), so that's probably why! But I do love the stiffness that comes with it.

The color of your car is awesome. It does have a cool visual effect under direct sunlight.

 

Thanks, I thought so. I had read Mazda updated some components of the cooling system, so I was thinking it was probably just better at dissipating heat; which I guess is true. Thanks for confirming.

 

Indeed. I had to confirm that info with several people as well! At first I thought there was something wrong with the car since the fan kept running during very hot days. Now I know that's actually a good thing, lol.