Prospective RX8 buyer needs help
 

Hi all.
I am new and had few questions and hope to get some insight. I am very close to purchasing an RX8; while speaking with my salesman over the phone yesterday, I told him I had concerns about the AC issue and inquired how often people came in with flood issues. He says... The AC issue only affected a range of VIN numbers and non of those have been sold in the Dallas metro to his knowledge (or atleast from his dealership). About flooding; he said since selling the RX8, have not had anyone bring a flooded car who didnt follow the warm up. He added that they recieved very few floods regardless and they usually occur in cold weather months due to people stalling on start up or just forgetting rules. I realize the second question I asked him will be impossible to verify, but hoping some folks out there may have opinions to either response. He also assured my that what ever rx I got, he would run vin checks and let me speak with the mech to get peace of mind. This was Townnorth Mazda. They have been very helpful so far.

thanks in advance for your asst!
Scott

Foxtrot,
I live in the Vegas area, air here is a must. I have the 8 since April and the air has been on constantly since June. I have had no problems with the air, and the unit is plenty strong to handle the Vegas heat.

As for flooding, I have had no problems. On her first drive, my wife stalled the car cold and still had no problem on a restart.

If air and flooding are your only concerns, then I wouldn't be too worried. The only thing that bothers me is that the car needs to be filled every 4-5 days, small tank for a car with milage well under 20mpg. Other than that, this is one excellent machine.

I have been in the trasportation industry for 32 years and ANY newly designed vehicle has some problems the first year or two. I knew this when the RX8 was released, so was going to wait, but after driving one I had to buy it then (Dec. 31st). Yes I have had a few problems, but they are now resolved, and I am still VERY Happy with the my 8. As time goes on Mazda will eliminate these problems and a new one on the lot today is better than one a month ago.

The M flash has curred my, and all others it seems, starting and running issues. I think people that buy the 8 and then complain about gas milage are also the ones that would complain if they were given $250K sports car. The 8 is a fun good looking sports car, never ment to be a gas milage winner. (I do get ~18 in town and ~22 at 80+ mph). I now have 8000 miles and all is great. (Gas milage does improve as the engine breaks in.)

If you like the fun. Want to be a little different and like explaining how the rotary works. Forget all these posted issues, many you won't have, and BUY IT!

There were some problems with the early production runs, but I think they were resolved. My car was manufactured in Feb 04 and my AC is strong, I haven't flooded (though I haven't driven in the cold yet), and I haven't experienced any power loss.

Foxtrot,
You're all good!! I live the Big "D". I bought my 8 in June and the thing is solid. No issues to report. My A/C is always running and have never had a flooding issue. TownNorth is a good dealership, I take mine there for its servicing. Buy it!! You won't regret the decision.

Very big thanks to you all for the info. Now I just need to sell my SUV and take the plunge! The hard part will be deciding what color to get... oh decisions decisions.....