cody6766

I'm seriously considering an rx8 for my next car. Edmunds reviews had me scared off a little, but after reading around here for a bit, I'm begining to see it's not all that bad.

the main thing that worries me is the numerous (seemingly anyway) engine replacements plaguing some of the cars. Was this a problem with earlier years fixed later on or is it just the luck of the draw for a few shitty engines? I saw the engine replacement poll and it seemed that the 04's were the most common candidates for this issue, but I could also assume that there are more 04 owners due to the cost of a used car, etc.

so, finally, is there a certain year range I should look at or are they all pretty much equals? Also, what's up with the warrenty on these cars? I didn't see much covered in the FAQ (I'll read it again though) and am curious how long and the like.

ken-x8

Hmmm... I think the FAQ needs an update. My first reaction was "Not another noob asking the same question" until I saw where he said he read the FAQ.

So I browsed the FAQ and the FAQ update. These two questions: what's the deal with the engine replacement, and is any one year better than another, are not addressed. And they're frequently asked. Perhaps the keepers of the FAQ could take a crack at adding answers?

Cody - the early engine failures were probably just a few shitty engines. A factor was also likely to be programming of the OMP. The big recall in 2006 reprogrammed the OMP. There are differences of opinion on this, but that's the sense I get after spending way too much time hanging out here.

Warranty on 2007 onward is 3 years, 36K bumper to bumper. Prior to that it was 4 years, 48K. Power train is 5 years, 60K. That comes with new models, and is retroactive for 2006 and earlier. Warranty starts when the car is first sold at retail, and automatically conveys with the car.

'04 was the first model year, and as such is likely to have more problems. Very mixed opinions on this - there are people here with lots of miles on '04s and no real problems. There were some chronic issues with sun visors and heater ***** breaking, but the parts have been redesigned. Personally, I prefer to avoid the first model year of anything.

Buying any used car is always a crap shoot. Follow the customary advice about dealing with reputable people (reputable used car dealers...yeah) and getting it looked at by a good mechanic. When you get a line on a particular car, seek advice here. Lots of excellent folks here who really know these cars and also really know the car business.

Ken

daisuke

I'd go with an 05 car with low mileage (i.e. under 15k), that way you still have a few years of powertrain warranty left on it and one year of bumper to bumper, and it'll be hard to exceed the mileage limitations. It's also old enough to have lost some of it's price tag just because of age.

where you are and what you want will also limit you as well, shopping in california proved difficult for me since no one was willing to cut deals. Between now and february is the best time to get cars because of the end of the fiscal year and dealerships trying to get rid of their inventory. If you look in mazda dealerships try to get a certified car, you'll pay more for it but they usually give you an 8 year powertrain warranty. however, mazda dealerships won't offer you the best deals in the world.