Reliability Issues?
 

I am looking to buy a used rx8 in a few months. I recently read in consumer reports that '04s and '05s are very unreliable and to stay away. Is this true? Ive been looking, and the '04s and 05's are the only years i can afford. I also read the post about the manufacturers warranty being extended to 8 years/100k miles for only the rotary block. Are the parts that the warranty covers the problem parts that give the rx8 a bad reputation for reliability? Or would i still have something to worry about. Would this warranty cover an '04 that i buy from a private seller? I absolutely love this car my only doubt is that after a year something major is going to break and i will be screwed. Do i have anything to fear?

Fear itself.....

'04's are covered if under 100k.
04's and '05 can be trouble free if they have all of their updates [battery -starter and flahes].
Most people will say get an '06 or later because they came from the factory with most major updates.

The engine core is what's covered. The block as you call it.

Will the car give you major issues???
No one can say really.

If money is tight you might want to look at something else.
These car require up keep so never try to cut back on oil changes and such because you will only pay for it in the end.

Read up on it here and then go from there.
You'll find people with 04's and 05's that never had trouble and you'll find people with major problems.

Aside from bringing the car into a dealer, is there a way to verify which flash is installed?

Also, what was the problem with the stock battery, just not enough CCA to spin the low spinning starter when flooded? My car has a 565 CCA in now and I'm replacing it with a 630 CCA yellow top.

my engine blew 3 times in the last thousand miles; the '04 RX8 attracts deers and rabbits; the warranty has been extended to china; you have to upgrade the battery and starter to a flux capacitor for it to start. I am selling my '04 RX8, interested?

Look on the inside of the engine hood, there should be a sticker that says which flash you got and date it was performed on(it is possible that the dealer was lazy and did not install a sticker, however).

Low CCA is the flaw of the original battery.

Outside of going to the dealer.... I don't know.

Flooding was the main reason for the new starter and battery.
Plus I believe there was a flash to help deal with flooding as well.

Buying a used sports car is never a risk-free move. Just a matter of passion vs sensibility. Hidef gave you a very good rundown.

The warranty automatically transfers with ownership. The engine is the part that evokes fear, and that's covered for 8 years, 100k. There's a sticky giving the details.

When you have a candidate, in addition to doing a Carfax and having a trusted mechanic look it over, call a Mazda dealer with the VIN and ask for the service history...particularly what recalls and TSBs have been done. They don't always put the stickers in for the recalls/programs.

Did CR really say the '04s and '05s are very unreliable? I've got their 2006 auto issue, where they rate the '06's reliability as "improved to average," and the car gets a "Recommended" check. Reliability rating for the engine in '05 is a white circle (average) and for '06 is red (best). It's also not on the "Used cars to avoid" list.

Glad you're quoting CR. There are a LOT of "Is it reliable?" posts, usually citing un-named sources.

Ken

Will Mazda or a dealership mail out a printed documentation of the service history for a small fee?

idk but just go to the dealer and tell them to check it up.

Also, I have an 04, it's perfectly fine. Remember, Sports cars aren't usually reliable in general... Just saying.

Shit blows up every 200 miles, brah. Don't buy it. I got my RX8 two days ago and it blew a gasket already and needs headlight fluid.

Geeze...I bet you forgot to lube the muffler bearing. Your own fault. You can't neglect maintenance on these cars.

Ken

Thanks Hidef and Ken

I have money to do all the regular maintenance but not 1,000+ repairs. I plan on doing all regular maintenance. Ive read the rx8 FAQ stickies on how to maintain it and keep it up do date.

I know there is always a chance of a major breakdown with any car, but if I carfax it, have my mechanic look at it, call a dealer to make sure it has all its updates, and do all scheduled maintenance do you think it is safe to say that it will have a fairly long life without any major repairs?

I plan on driving aggressively occasionally because i heard it is good for the rx8 and because its so damn fun.

I read it in the cars edition of CR. It was listed in unreliable cars to stay away from.

tl:dr
If i toughouly check, update, and maintain the car it is a safe bet that nothing major will break not covered by the factory warranty?

Thanks all for your input.

do you think i could pick one up from a dealership or would i have to get Doc on the phone for that?

I have an 04 and I've never had any problem with it. Just keep up with basic maintenance and you should be fine.

I have an '05 purchased new in '06. 19K miles (I know, not very many). No issues, as reliable as any car I've owned.

i have an 04 going on 90k owned it since 15k solid as a rock (knock on wood) only flooded once but that was my fault sorta ... just keep up with maintainence and you should be ok

I don't remeber reading that from CR.

I believe he it is hearsay.

2005 with 26k. Crapped out. Get rebuild put in tomorrow. The rotary has issues. Moreso than other engines. But when it runs, its special.

anyone can provide a number/website where you can find the service history or do i have to call my local dealer to find out? Thanks

search possibly keeps from having to put on the flame suit!

what came first, the search tool or the post threads?

ahh.....

I don't know.

My car never got that sticker, even tho they updated my ECU like 4-5 times.

you need special software to read ECU level.

open an account first.

Yepper thay don't use stickers anymore