RX-8Newb

Let me start by saying I dont already own an RX-8, but i got approved for financing yesterday for one. I plan on going out next week and looking for a used 04. I have a few questions about them thought, maybe you guys can help me out. Are the hid lights an option in 04? What wheel and tire sizes came in 04. And how well do 8's respond to modification. What are some things i should look for when searching the used ones, things to stay away from and what not. I already know i am not buying anything i know has been modified. One last thing, i am afraid i will buy one and a month later the factory warranty runs out and then the motor goes. Have there been many issues with the renesis? Thank you for the answers to my newb questions Oh yeah 1st post too lol

DarkBrew

First welcome to the forum.
Second. please put your location in your profile. Options vary from country to country.
Third, search!!
Shop carefully and you'll love the 8!

NoTears316

Less than 1% have needed new engines. I have had mine since Aug 2003 with no serious issues. Hopefully you are not looking for an AT... if so, you will end up with the 4 port version instead of the 6 port. Just go MT and you wont have to worry about that. The MT comes with 18" alloy wheels.

NoTears316

Here is a list of recalls and service bulletins...

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/bulletins.html

funspork

Try not to think about MPG............................................

RX-8Newb

I have owned about 10 cars in the last 8 years and none have been a slush box. I hate not having control over the vehicle like you get with a manual. And the addition 30 hp is good to. I gathered from searching that if it comes with 18's it will have xenon lights, and that i think 04, xenons, were standard (correct me if i am wrong). I assume they are 18-7.5" wheels. I am worried about the reliability because my last good car was a 2002 WRX and i bought it oversees in germany from a guy in TX, and when i got it and was driving it home it somehow lost 2 cylinders. Most likely from the MBC, made it go part throttle full boost and leaned it out. But whatever that is what i got for buying a car i had not seen yet ( i am in the AF and wanted one that bad). I hope i am not disappointed with the acceleration. I had my WRX before that had a few things done to id and ran a 13.4 @ 100MPH, and a dynoed 280whp talon tsi before too.

RX-8Newb

oh i drive a 95 golf right now that gets 30+mpg lol

NoTears316

You don't have to worry about losing cylinders on this!

636

stick with the golf........lmao. If you're into acceleration i think you'd be dissapointed to be honest. Doesnt have much torque , rotaries are known for lack of torque. But i dont mind , because its such a FUN car to drive. If you want MPG get a scooter , some can go up to 200 mpg.

NoTears316

Yeah, if gas mileage is an issue for you at all, forget about it. I'm around 15mpg right now.

RX-8Newb

no, not an issue. It just so happened that the golf was $1400 and it got good gas milage. Did not actually look for a car with good milage just cheap

CarAndDriver

Gti

Huskyfan23

^


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The RX-8 can be quick, if you are rev happy and keep it around the 9k redline. Rotaries can actually rev very high (much higher than 9k, although limited to 9.5k in the 8) so to take it up to redline frequently will not have a serious adverse effect on the engine.

Test drive one. Extremely fun to drive, perhaps the best handling for the money, and driving at 9000 rpms is a hoot as well. Granted, it's not for everyone, but judge for yourself.

Oh, and to answer your questions (if they weren't already answered):

1. HID lights are not only available on the RX-8, they are standard in the sport, touring and grand touring models. The only model that doesn't have HID is the base.

2. On all 2004+ models, Manual Transmission RX-8's all have stock 18" rims with 225/45/18 tire size (low profile). Automatics typically have 16" rims, but I believe the touring and Grand Touring have 18" available.

As for modding, easy to mod suspension, body kits, exhaust, etc. As for engine, a little more difficult than most vehicles due to engine placement.

As for the rest, hit the search button. Welcome to the forum.........hope you like the 8!!!

DanRedRx8

become good friends with oil..... it is your friend and the RX8 LOVES it!

funspork

I have yet to have that problem,,,,, One pint between oil changes doesn't seem bad at all.

I do pre-mix though, mostly to smooth out the engine.

RX-8Newb

Premix oil with fuel? I heard the wankle would do this automatically? And that was one reason the rx-7 used so much. No my golf is a celebrity edition with i think like a 90 hp motor and 5spd. What is a quick way to tell by looking if one is a sport or better model? the wheels?

Oh yeah i searched for this one too but did not find an answer, the car does not have an mp3 input does it?

funspork

Premix, https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=premix

Huskyfan23

There is not an MP3 input on the 04's. I'm not sure about the newer ones.

Differences between Sport and Touring: Touring has homelink,auto dimming mirrrors and a sunroof. Has all the sport features as well (HID lights, traction control, etc)

Differences between Touring and Grand Touring: Grand Touring (GT) has leather seats, 8 way power seats, heated seats, lumbar support, and Bose 9 speaker sound system. Has all of the sport and touring features as well.


So, to answer your question, if the car has a sunroof and self-dimming mirrors but doesn't have leather seats, it is a Touring. If it has leather, heated seats, etc, it is the Grand Touring. If it has traction control and HID's but no self dimming mirrors or leather, it is most likely a Sport.

brillo

see my FAQ post in the FAQ section

XRX8X

just buy and ride most do anyways your fun begins with you and the road!

XRX8X

just buy and ride most do anyways your fun begins with you and the road!

RX-8Newb

i wonder if it is hard to do track days in cars, or is like on bikes where you pay 200 dollars and lap all day. Next week is the BIG week, i go pick up my check on thursday and look for some in atlanta on friday.

04RX8man

The 8 only has problems if you don't take car of it mostly. My tranny is f#$%*d up but IDK y i only had it for 4000 miles. but they're great car. gas mileage is not good and torque isnot good but the fun of driving will make up for it. good luck searching for one.