04rx8paddle

Hey guys. Test drove an 04 RX8 today. I really liked it, its an 04 with 14k and all options. Its an automatic though, which I dont really mind becuase the paddle shifters are awsome. The car is flawless, inside and out. It rode pretty rough though, but thats to be expected with the low profile tires and low stance anyway. Is the car worth it? Was 04 the first production year, if so what are the problems I should be looking for? And would there still be a factory warranty in effect? Thanks guys.

04blue-8

What other cars are you also considering?

04rx8paddle

Well, as of now I have a 2003 Nissan Maxima with 100k on it. Time to get something newer. I was looking at RSX-S, Celica, and new Eclipse. But, nothing compares to the RX8 in my eyes, its so sexy.

04rx8paddle

Im definetley going to miss the power of the VQ, I love this car, but the miles are too high so, im looking for something better.

04blue-8

Yeah it's a sexy car. Much more so than those other cars. But really I would urge you to test drive the 6speed before purchasing an 8. I just got finished trading in a automatic for an 6speed. It's a LOT more fun to drive now. That doesn't mean the auto isn't a great car, but your gonna get bad gas mileage with either model. Then there's the extra horsepower also.

You need to know that this car requires a lot that the others don't. If you start the motor and stop it before it warms up you run the risk of flooding the engine. Also, you have to check the oil level as the rotary uses oil for lubrication and needs to be checked ever couple of fillups. Other than that I can't think of any reason not to give an 8 a purchase. It's a great car.

Winfree

The 8 can really grow on you - and the milage won't mean that much if the engine and plugs get updated in the recall - It should not ride rough however - it should have a very easy glide and almost no vibration.

The only negative is that you will get hiper possesive, become a cleaning freak, and worry when small events occur - other than that its probably the most fun car you could drive!

04rx8paddle

Yeah I wasnt sure about the ride there wasnt any vibartion just kinda rough....maybe it just needs a balancing or alignment? I think im going to head back tommorow and take a longer, faster test drive, there was absolutley no gas in this thing! And I know the 6 speed is alot faster and about the bad gas mileage, but hey im willing to deal for that sexy sheet metal. Does this engine use conventional oil or does it require a special type? What about other normal maitnence, is it more expensive then a normal gas engine?

Grizzly8

Read this thread and everything will be revealed



https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum-37/10-things-new-rx-8-owners-should-know-day-1-a-35405/

Michael

04blue-8

The only thing that you really need to worry about is the mileage and oil consumption. The maintanence hasn't been any more than any other car but you have to pay attention to this car. Also, it's actually healthy to drive this car hard regularly. Or should I say build up the RPM's (around 6K rpms) regularly (every other day). It can get clogged up with carbon if you baby it. Automatics seem to have this problem more often. Rotaries are a little different I guess. If your fine with that then Enjoy! I love this car, and I don't think I would rather drive any other car in this price range.

04rx8paddle

Im fine with beating on it every other day , Thanks for the help guys, I will be testing out early afternoon tommorow. Ill get back to you guys, hopefully im a new owner!

CarAndDriver

I'd never buy an AT RX.

rddragoness

I have a new 06. My first 8, but not my last by any means...

I hope you test drive a 6 spd...find one and drive it first. You'll definitely see the difference. I did that, and once I drove the 6, there was no comparison, even if you have to pay a higher price.

I drove, a Eclipse Spider, and a GT, a BMW Z3 and Z4., first. For the price, and options, You just cant beat it.

As far as the ride, there is something definitely off. Mine is smooth as hell, and I've never heard of anyone complaining about the ride.

04blue-8

As someone who has had both, I can't see any reason to buy the AT either. It's not a bad car, but if feels kind of like your driving an incomplete version of the car. Not very sporty and is not the full experience.

rotten42

MT only!!!

CarAndDriver

If my only choice was an AT 8, I would choose a completely different vehicle along the lines of a V6 powered vehicle.

ozzy

I also test drove a '04 rx-8 yesterday; it's won of the best cars I've ever had the joy of driving. Of course I tried the manual-why would u ask such a thing? This car was more comfortable than I thought it would be (current daily driver is '96 Impala) and I must say, it was fun to drive. I may be an owner tomorrow still debating... got mouths to feed and billz 2 pay and it'll require a few more bucks out of pocket. I heard mazda did well with this one and since I had to give up my Gixxer, I'm looking for a speed fix.