New owner. Had a couple questions.
 

Hi all, I'm new to the forum, as you can see, and I have a hand full of question I hope some of you might answer for me. I just picked up my used 05 rx-8 with 13k miles on it saturday and got the extended 7yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. My goal was that I wanted a car under warranty within the life of my loan. So I have 5.5 yrs/87,000miles left. My questions are:

1. I know there was recall I dont know how long ago but since I just bought this satuday, this car should be taken care of, right? Is there a tag on the car somewhere where I can verify it?

2. I noticed alot of talk around the net, and from people, that the rotary engines need to be rebuilt every 30-50k miles. I also heard thats why mazda dropped the warranty to 36mon/36k miles. 2 questions here: If my engine needs to be rebuilt would that be covered under warranty? also I was reading somewhere on the net that synthetic oil is what cuases the ?apex seal? to break down, and to use non-synthetic which my source claims you can get $100,000 miles out of it before a rebuild. Is that true?

3. Is it possible to install an aftermarket stereo? I notice that the stock radio and temp controls are integrated on the same panel. is there a place I can buy a kit to install one?

4. Mine doesnt have a sun roof. I was thinking about having one put in. Has anyone had any experience with an aftermarket mod of this nature?

5. What kind a of mods can I do w/o voiding my warranty. Im looking mainly for visuals cause for right now this car stock has plenty of power for me. What are some good sites?

you can probably take your car in to check if the recall was done and if not theyll do it for you.

you can install an aftermarket stereo. i know of one kit that will allow this, but there may be others.
http://corksport.com/store/category/...-interior.html

mods and warranty often depend on your own dealership, but you SHOULD be able to do anything, and it shouldnt void your warranty unless they can prove your mod is the cause of the problem. ive got a body kit, coilovers, brake rotors, high flow cat, and wheels to name a few things. my dealership is fine with all of the above.

1. http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/bulletins.html Your dealer should be able to give you a printout of any recalls that have been taken care of.

2. Over 50k miles here and same engine. Less than 1% have needed new engines. It also sounds like you are researching RX7s not RX8s.

3. Yes

4. I don't think that's a good idea.

5. I pull into my dealership with aftermarket exhaust, pulleys, intake, midpipe, bodykit, wheels, suspension, and I'm running a 70 shot of wet nitrous, and I still have my warranty. Here is a link to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act... http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../warranty.shtm It is your friend.

It's all been answered so welcome to the forum and congrats on the car!
My mods are in my signature.

Welcome and please use the Search function first.

Oh lord, why isn't there some sort of test you must take before you buy an RX-8?

Here's your answers:

1) Visit a dealer. They can tell you by doing a VIN search.

2) Flat bullshit. Nothing more, nothing less. Keep your car well maintained (i.e. oil supply up, changed every 5000 miles or less, cooling system well maintained) and it will run for 300,000 miles without an overhaul.

3) Look at it. What do you thinK?

4) Nope.

5) Stickers. Oh and a big fart cannon exhaust tip.

1. As has been said before, your dealer can tell you what recalls have been performed on your car.

2. The 20-30k mile-before-rebuild thing is a bit overblown. Some folks on here have had their engines replaced due to compression issues, but for the most part, if you maintain it well, it'll last a long time. There are members here with 90k+ miles and have had no problems. I believe most, if not all, engine replacements are covered under warranty, unless the dealer suspects and labels you as abusing the car...then you're screwed. There was a non-scientific poll on here at one point that that seemed to indicate an engine recall was warranted in about 10-12% of RX-8s.

Also, I believe Mazda reduced the warranty on ALL their cars, not just the RX-8. Mazda acknowledged the engine issues and did the right thing by actually extending the warranty on the RX-8 (even retroactively!) last year. Your car should be covered by this too.

3. Some folks have successfully installed an aftermarket stereo. It sounds like you have the Sport edition, so you don't have the Bose system...which is a plus for a swap out. Still, it's expensive and requires lots of custom work as the climate controls are sort of integrated into the head unit. Search for more info...there's a lot out there.

4. Mine came with a sunroof...so can't help ya there. :)

5. As for mods, you might consider checking with your local service department. You might be able to get a feel by talking to the service manager. I specifically called in (anonymously) to ask about coilovers and if they would affect my warranty. They said that it COULD affect the suspension coverage, but probably not anything else. Not that they could legally enforce it or anything, but it would be a big PITA to deal with if they gave you any crap. I'd test the waters...might give you an idea what to expect if you mod and need to have work done.

Welcome to the club, and I'll be the first to say that this thread is worthless without pics of your new 8!

Thanks alot for your responses everyone. Those answers helped alot. I appreciate everyone keeping it mature, with the exception of stewc625, and not getting fed up with these types of threads cause Im sure you see alot. As for stewc625, Im not bashing you, and I dont want to create enemies, its just your opening remark rubbed me the wrong way. I know you think Im noob, which I am, but Im here to learn more about the 8 and the hear others opinions who have more experience. Again thanks alot and you'll be seeing more of me in the future.

Did you buy your 8 from a Mazda dealer or else where? There should be a greater chance of already having the recall work done if it was a Mazda dealer, but you can get it checked as others have already said. Register the Vin at mazdausa.com and provide your mailing info in case there are any new recalls in the future - my gas cap was just recalled.

You'll have to check your extended warrantee to see what it covers, but you should be good until 50K miles or 4 years with the 05.

Can't comment on the stereo

I'd advise against the sunroof unless you are going to a far above average customization shop. I would be worried about leaks in a couple of years. Mine has a sunroof, but since it came with one I know that Mazda "cut the hole" so to speak where they wanted it.

The after market sunroof would probably void some of your bumper to bumper warranty - and probably the manufacture paint warranty if you have problems on your roof (not that I have, its just an example).

Enjoy the car, keep the oil checked, and when you see the total on the gas pump, remember you are getting off cheap when you consider how much fun the car is!