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Possible new buyer!!! With a few Questions?

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Old 12-18-2011, 01:38 PM
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Rebelman909
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Possible new buyer!!! With a few Questions?

So let me give you some background i use to own a 370Z, it was stolen and Burned....so that is what i am coming from.

Before I bought my Z I looked into the rx8 along with other cars....i didnt buy the rx8 because i thought it had little horse power and very little torque.
Now i have test driven the car I dont mind the power or torque i love how it feels and i love the 4 seats.

Now that i am getting more serious about buying an rx8 i have other issues
*has the flooding issue been fixed on any model and if not how serious is it i dont want to buy the car and then have it flood and io am assed out
*i have read that the lights can get meesed up if water gets in. is this a big problem and once agian is it fixed on some models
*If there are any other issues that i have mettioned can you notify me pls

Now i really like the look, handling and that it is not a popular car so i really want this car pls if you can just help me i would really apperciate it
Old 12-18-2011, 01:43 PM
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get 2009+ if you can.
search is must.
Old 12-18-2011, 01:46 PM
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How are the 06's
Old 12-18-2011, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Rebelman909
How are the 06's
if you get series 1, try to avoid 04-05, 06-08 are better choices since you have some engine warranty left in case it needs a new engine.
all RX8's have 8 year /100k mile engine core warranty starting from first purchase.
Old 12-18-2011, 02:30 PM
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Flooding has been addressed on later models. However, I have an '04 and have yet to flood it. It's easy to keep from flooding.

Condensation in the taillights is a common problem also in earlier models. The taillight gasket is faulty. Easy fix, and multiple ways to do it (don't drill) - again I have an '04 and haven't had a problem after I fixed them.

Honestly, if you can, buy a S2. If you can't afford it then S1s aren't bad either. Just stick to a 6-speed standard and get a compression check before buying and you'll be happy. Also, use this form as a precious resource. Has all the info/help you could dream of and more.
Old 12-18-2011, 02:50 PM
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First off I'm on my second RX8. Love a lot of things about the car but the resale value is horrible. I currently have an 09 R3 with 20K. I thought by keeping the mileage low I could get at least $20,000 on a local sale...boy was I wrong. Luckily, a friend of my who works for a Subaru dealership talked his boss into giving me $20,000 on a trade....waiting on the arrival of my 2012 WRX LTD . If you don't plan on keeping it for sometime I'd say look elsewhere. This is not the car for everyone....my opinion.
Old 12-18-2011, 02:53 PM
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sjs gave the best advice. you shouldn't be just looking for a s2. If you can find a 8 with good compression that is in good condition that the owner didn't neglect, than you will be fine. just look for one that the owner actually took good care of. If they can provide maintenance records and everything checks out, then your probably good.
Old 12-18-2011, 03:48 PM
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It doesn't matter what year it is, just make sure it has a good compression and it has been taken cared off properly. Usually, 04's have the most issues than the rest, but it does not mean that the car is a bad choice to get. It may have a reman engine and it has been taken cared off properly is still a good choice, however, the engine warranty is probably over when its an 04.

Anyway, i think the best choice is to get an s2 or some later models. Good luck whichever you decide to choose.
Old 12-18-2011, 05:40 PM
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What is an s2? Sry new to mazda?
Old 12-18-2011, 06:11 PM
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series 2 rx8, as in 2009-2011 (or 2012 spirit r if your a baller and want to import from japan and convert it to lhd)

i owned a S2 2009 and totalled it due to a retarded corolla driver in the rain, picked up a S1 40th anniversary and i love it to death, way more than i loved the S2.

The S2 has its benefits as its newer and it has a slightly different engine than the S1 but makes all the same power and everything, its basically just for increased reliability when people dont put oil in their car. The car has a different gear ratio and increases its UMPH in low rpm's, obvious headlight/taillight/fender/bumpers etc etc.
Downsides to S2's are the serious lack of aftermarket. The S2's were released when the economy hit a dive and not alot of people bought rx8's and aftermarket companies know this and there are very limited options for everything aftermarket. The one thing i like with the S2's over the S1's is that they have a nicer steering wheel, that and the gauge cluster.

If you go with a S2 go with a R3 trim! 19inch lightweight rims, recaro seats, r3 bodykit, bilstein suspension, etc etc.

S1's are ridiculous with aftermarket though. Personally i like the 2008 40th anniversary the best as it comes with sexy red leather interior and 40th anny rims and a awesome color gray paint. The best part about a 40th anny is that it was the testbed for the 2009 R3 and came with all the same suspension parts the R3 has.

Some other notable trims people love are Shinkas but im not in love with their tan interiors. Nordic green rx8's are pretty rare too and they are pretty nice aswell though they arent a trim, just a rare color to be seen.

Apparently S1 rx8's have a poor suspension setup but i cant say for sure if this is true, just that i know in S2's they claimed to fix this. I cant attest for either because ive owned a S2 and a S1 but it has the good suspension setup.

From what i was told the S2's dont have the 8yr 100k warranty on the engine, thats why they improved the engine and eliminated that warranty, only the S1's have that. From what i was told if there is a problem with your engine, the dealer pulls the engine, ships it to japan and you get a new one.

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EDIT: Forgot to mention that rx8's are the biggest loopholes for car insurance. Insurance companies track engine size by liters and since each rotor is .65liters its considered a 1.3L car with 4 seats and 4 doors. equatable with a Toyota Yaris. according to them its a family car

fun fact, the rx8 got the same time as the 350z on topgear.

Personally... i dont like the R3, its great if you dont want to touch it, its a great oem car. but i wouldnt pay that much more for a rx8 with 19x8+50 rims and recaro seats. just buy a sport without sunroof, coilovers, 18x9.5 or 10's and a pair of buckets and you have a rx8 better than a r3, i bought my sport used for 18k(sticker for 21.5k) and there was a r3 on the lot for about 26-28 i think, granted i got a good deal on mine but rims coilovers and bucket seats is about 4-5k, its up to you. Im buying a 93-95 rx7 soon so that will be my track performer, so it wasnt worth it to me.

Last edited by EricB; 12-18-2011 at 06:31 PM.
Old 12-18-2011, 06:14 PM
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https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
Old 12-18-2011, 06:56 PM
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You when I had my 370 I loved it so much it was so beaty and good looking, but I was paying 550 a month and 220 insurance(the cheapest company ever) so now I am ready to get an amazing handling car that has 4 seats and just have fun I am planing on getting soon and I think this car iis for me......all it needs is a little extra tlc...thank you guys for being so helpful can't wait to join the family
Old 12-18-2011, 06:58 PM
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From what i was told the S2's dont have the 8yr 100k warranty on the engine, thats why they improved the engine and eliminated that warranty, only the S1's have that.
I have been told that they do have the 8yr/100k warranty on them.
Old 12-18-2011, 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by EricB
series 2 rx8, as in 2009-2011 (or 2012 spirit r if your a baller and want to import from japan and convert it to lhd)

i owned a S2 2009 and totalled it due to a retarded corolla driver in the rain, picked up a S1 40th anniversary and i love it to death, way more than i loved the S2.

The S2 has its benefits as its newer and it has a slightly different engine than the S1 but makes all the same power and everything, its basically just for increased reliability when people dont put oil in their car. The car has a different gear ratio and increases its UMPH in low rpm's, obvious headlight/taillight/fender/bumpers etc etc.
Downsides to S2's are the serious lack of aftermarket. The S2's were released when the economy hit a dive and not alot of people bought rx8's and aftermarket companies know this and there are very limited options for everything aftermarket. The one thing i like with the S2's over the S1's is that they have a nicer steering wheel, that and the gauge cluster.

If you go with a S2 go with a R3 trim! 19inch lightweight rims, recaro seats, r3 bodykit, bilstein suspension, etc etc.

S1's are ridiculous with aftermarket though. Personally i like the 2008 40th anniversary the best as it comes with sexy red leather interior and 40th anny rims and a awesome color gray paint. The best part about a 40th anny is that it was the testbed for the 2009 R3 and came with all the same suspension parts the R3 has.

Some other notable trims people love are Shinkas but im not in love with their tan interiors. Nordic green rx8's are pretty rare too and they are pretty nice aswell though they arent a trim, just a rare color to be seen.

Apparently S1 rx8's have a poor suspension setup but i cant say for sure if this is true, just that i know in S2's they claimed to fix this. I cant attest for either because ive owned a S2 and a S1 but it has the good suspension setup.

From what i was told the S2's dont have the 8yr 100k warranty on the engine, thats why they improved the engine and eliminated that warranty, only the S1's have that. From what i was told if there is a problem with your engine, the dealer pulls the engine, ships it to japan and you get a new one.







EDIT: Forgot to mention that rx8's are the biggest loopholes for car insurance. Insurance companies track engine size by liters and since each rotor is .65liters its considered a 1.3L car with 4 seats and 4 doors. equatable with a Toyota Yaris. according to them its a family car

fun fact, the rx8 got the same time as the 350z on topgear.

Personally... i dont like the R3, its great if you dont want to touch it, its a great oem car. but i wouldnt pay that much more for a rx8 with 19x8+50 rims and recaro seats. just buy a sport without sunroof, coilovers, 18x9.5 or 10's and a pair of buckets and you have a rx8 better than a r3, i bought my sport used for 18k(sticker for 21.5k) and there was a r3 on the lot for about 26-28 i think, granted i got a good deal on mine but rims coilovers and bucket seats is about 4-5k, its up to you. Im buying a 93-95 rx7 soon so that will be my track performer, so it wasnt worth it to me.
This for me was pretty insightful. I plan on picking one up and have been having the internal struggle of picking up an S2 or an S1. Alas i might just get a 40th or a WWP S1 and call it a day.
Old 12-18-2011, 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by xexok
I have been told that they do have the 8yr/100k warranty on them.
maybe i heard wrong
Old 12-18-2011, 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Rkesh88
This for me was pretty insightful. I plan on picking one up and have been having the internal struggle of picking up an S2 or an S1. Alas i might just get a 40th or a WWP S1 and call it a day.
Thanks one thing with the 40th is if you want to buy exterior mods, nobody is going to have used parts in our color. the price of exclusivity. only 1000 made too which is pretty neat.
Old 12-18-2011, 09:45 PM
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^ wrong, if they dont come stock and either of you want the front mud guards i have them in the
40th grey. lol just thought id throw it out there.
Old 12-19-2011, 01:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Rkesh88
This for me was pretty insightful. I plan on picking one up and have been having the internal struggle of picking up an S2 or an S1. Alas i might just get a 40th or a WWP S1 and call it a day.
According to the warranty book that came in my '09, the rotor core has a 8yr/100K warranty. I believe the rest of the drivetrain drops at 5yr/60K. I would have to look to double check the last part.
Old 12-19-2011, 02:33 AM
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Originally Posted by bryan4140
^ wrong, if they dont come stock and either of you want the front mud guards i have them in the
40th grey. lol just thought id throw it out there.
Old 12-19-2011, 07:54 AM
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Old 12-19-2011, 11:29 AM
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dont know what i said that was wrong? if your referring to exterior modifications, i was implying the trade between users, and as you know there were only 1000 made in metropolitan gray mica, and only a handful amount of users are on rx8club, so therefor the trade for aftermarket pieces is limited. ie mazdaspeed, rmagic, spoilers etc etc.
Old 12-19-2011, 02:39 PM
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I was just messin around when you said no one has any parts in that color, because i have a few apperance pieces in that color that i dont need. i wasn't being seriouse when i said you were wrong.
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Old 12-19-2011, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by bryan4140
I was just messin around when you said no one has any parts in that color, because i have a few apperance pieces in that color that i dont need. i wasn't being seriouse when i said you were wrong.
So...what parts do you have?

Beside the spoiler, my 40th AE didn't come with any of the appearance pieces.

I might be interested in what you have
Old 12-19-2011, 03:31 PM
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OP- if you can afford it, try to get a newer car for the obvious reasons that many people suggested above.

However, a Series 1 well maintained should be just as fine.
Old 12-19-2011, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by pistonhater
So...what parts do you have?

Beside the spoiler, my 40th AE didn't come with any of the appearance pieces.

I might be interested in what you have
Sorry OP no thread hijacking intended.

I have the front mud guard pieces that ill sell for pretty cheap, and i have the aero flares that i was going to paint Ti grey, but for the right price i would be willing to part with . PM me if interested so we don't muddy up this thread.


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