Problems with older models?
 

There has been much in the back and forth about the 2004 (and possibly 2005) RX-8s based on articles/reviews i read, can anyone explain why, or if this is even true?

Cheers!

search.
not true
mine's an 05, 67,000 miles and runs like a champ.

82K on engine #1

No problem here either, but I only have 33K miles on my '04 (bought in Nov. 2003)

yes and no
By the late 2004 model (built in early 2004) build most of the issues were fixed.
Most engine failures were early automatic trans versions or were in very hot climates.
The remaining issue fixed was the MSP16 recall for increased oil injection.
The biggest engine issue remaining is the weak coils which should be replaced on a regular basis
Some say that the oil pressure is too low up to 2008 model
The 2009+ models had a lot of changes to the engine, chassis and cooling
We still all have the clutch bracket issue

Aftermarket solutions exist

Mine has 130,000 km

Thanks for the detailed info DrakBrew (and others for the support)... i assume all of those rants are from people who dont understand the required maintenance of that car.

What should i be checking if i buy a used RX-8? (ex. signs of mistreated parts) because the 2004 models are far cheaper (obviously).

#1 get compression checked with a rotary specific tester
#2 Get maintenance records including recalls and TSBs
#3 Carfax or similar

Read all the great information in the stickies
Read the f@cking manual
Meet up with local owners

We've had people asking why the oil light is on after only xxxx miles...
totally unaware that they needed to take care of this
One seized motor
Such is the world of rotards

There are more 2004 & 2005 RX-8 on the road than 06-10 combined. Odds are there will be more owners of those models that have an issue. I really think there are not that many late model RX-8 on the road let alone that are also members here.

My 2004 has 147,000 on it. It did have the engine replaced at 110,000.

Assuming you ain't just trolling, please go read these.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ

Nuff said?


FYI guys...............instead of just saying "search" which wasn't really applicable in this case, I'm merely going to link those three threads in.
I cut and pasted them into a .txt file and am keeping it in one of RX8 directories!

How much did the replacement cost? What happened to the original engine?


@DarkBrew

I have read quite a bit about the RX-8s having to have oil changed very frequently (some say every day, some say every 5000miles), i also understand that the car should be given time to warm up and cool down, and that rotary engines like to be revved.

Can you tell me what you do on a regular day out?


@ mazurfer

THANK YOU! it is exactly what i needed. :)

If you make it through those three, you will become enlightened.
I'll let DB answer if he likes, but I think the answer will also be in those threads.
And I'm pretty sure I got a 99.9% idea what he does.

Since I was out of warranty I purchased a rebuilt from forum vendor Mazmart and had a shop that specializes in rotary's do the install. It cost me about $4,000 in total. With rebuilt's you have to send the old engine back for them to fix it up for someone else. Mine however became the subject of a popular thread back in the day.
I do my oil changes around 3,500 but so long as your within the specs listed in the owners manual you should be ok. 5,000 miles is an ok interval. I leave about 10 seconds after starting it up, but I take it easy till it's warm. As for any ' Cool Down ' I don't know what's your talking about. One shouldn't however shut off a COLD rotary engine. Such as moving cars around your driveway to wash them.
I have owned this car since 2/2004 and honestly It really isn't that much more work to own an RX-8

Thanks for your share, i really appreciate people taking the time to help me out!:)

The earliest time i will be buying a car (RX8) will be in 7 months, so i have a head start to research.

What happened to your first engine (why did you replace it?).

Also - how does this car impact the insurance? is it considered a 2 door or 4 door?

Its considered a 2 door sports car because it is a 2 door sports car. Insurance companies can charge you differently for even color. If its a red car insurance is usually higher. I am currently paying 1800 a year on mine. And thats with very good insurance.

EDIT: Actually 4 door hah suicide doors. duh

Geez, you must be younger. I pay under $40 a month with great full coverage. My wife is a licensed insurance agent and took care of me as far as what exact coverage I needed so I wouldnt be screwed after the fact of an accident with no special discounts. You must got a driving history:) or may need to switch to Farmers or something:SHOCKED:oh by the way I am not an old geezer if you were wondering LOL.

Oh and I am pretty positive it goes off of four doors and the small motor helps too. I dont believe the 2 door quote is true. Dont quote me but I can always ask my wife for clarification.
I believe the database even considers them two cylinder.

lmfao! I pay $2600 per year for 'weekend car' insurance with a $1500 deductable.......

*I only drove my 8 for 1500 miles so far this year to give you an idea how much I drive it as a secondary car**

I have 1 ticket from 2008 for 14 over btw....nothing else on my record. Sucks to be 21 sometimes..

oh my god

make these threads stop

Mine is definitely four-door on my insurance.

@BlueRenesis

Can you confirm that, and if it also applies to Canadian Insurance as well (if your wife can find out or knows already).

Thanks :)

My insurance is similar to a Civic (previous car) or Jetta (winter car)

I sure can. I will talk to her tonight and give you guys a follow up.

Dont know exactly what your complaining about

well, bluerenesis, there are a ZILLION and a half threads on the "problems" of rx-8s, so it's been covered and we don't need another thread about it.

oh, and also, there are a ZILLION and a half threads about rx-8's insurance cost.......................and guess what..............we don't need another one. :wallbash:

lately is seems the sub-10-post-members are making repetitive threads everywhere...it clogs the system and makes searching a bitch.

I just stumbled across my first problem with my '04 this past weekend. It has 95,000 miles on it. The engine still has good compression, but I am still trying to diagnose what is going on with it. I have a feeling it is something extremely small and petty.