My Son just purchased a 2008 RX-8 in Austin with 9200 miles on it from Roger Beasley Mazda.

After his purchase I saw that the older models have problems with the motors having to be replaced earlier than they should.

Does the 2008 have the same problem?

It still has about two weeks left on the original warranty, what things should we have checked out before the warranty expires?

I kinda wish I would have gotten the extended warranty now.....

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

The older models had oil injection issues that were fixed with pcm flashes from the dealer. The '08 your son purchased will be fine since it was not driven with the same issues. Plus, the engine warranty for 04-08 rx8's are 8yrs/100k miles.

 

Recommended reading for the both of you.

 

Thanks HockeyRX-8 and NErx8 for the info, its very much appreciated

 

If your son is not fully aware of what he bought here are some search clues:
Premix
Oil (and oil viscosity)
Coils \ spark plugs
Catalytic converter
Engine compression \ carbon buildup

That's pretty much a good starting point to acquire some knowledge about our vehicles
Oh and i'm sorry to say but if you see him driving it like he stole it you will not be able to punish him lol

 

I also have an 08 RX-8.

I recommend having the regular maintenance done at a dealer you trust to ensure proper documentation of maintenance. Also, sign up at mymazda.com and document everything you do(they also have coupons for service there). As mentioned above, engine is covered for 8yrs/100K miles but you generally have to have good documentation of service.

Other than that, read the FAQ's on here. Redline it once per week. Ensure proper warm-ups. be prepared to replace coils and plugs every 30,000 miles or sooner. Remember, this is a hand built high performance engine, it is NOT a honda. it will take more care and nuturing than a civic. It will not get "good" gas milage, figure around 18 mpg with mixed driving.

Enjoy!

 

Remember to redline the car daily to burn off excess carbon buildup in the rotor housing.

 

I have a 2008 RX8 too and bought it at 59000. one month in i had a small fire on the ignition wire's. Had to pay for that and not under warranty. Lucky i opened the hood in time to see the fire.
Recently got an oil change from dealer and i put new spark plugs in myself. Then drove around 12hrs in 3 days because i took a long trip to the capital city Ottawa.
i topped 180km/hr on the way back and around 170km/hr when going there.
felt really good and FAST!
i like this car a lot!

 

Read this thread too https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

It has a whole lot of info that both of you should know

 

Opinions vary on this one, at least as far as stated without provisions or explanations.

This may also be useful as a tip summary:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/my-sneaky-plan-extend-engine-life-series-i-190372/

 

Thanks for all the input. You guys are awesome!!

 

the 3 basics are

1: keep the oil filled and change it regularly
2: avoid shutting the motor off when cold
3: if anyone says the RX8's break down all the time, ask them how many they've owned. When they respond "zero" laugh and walk away


Outside of making sure the oil is full there isnt any more maintenance for the 8 then any other sports car.

 

Thanks for all the info guys unfortunately the RX8 was totalled a couple weeks ago. Son is fine but car is no more

Unlicensed unisured driver ran a red light!

 

oh no! Was it sunlight silver?

 

as others have said...


for the most part the "issues" were mostly early years, most of the "issues" were cleaned up for '08's so you should be good. maybe a compression test before the factory warranty is up, but read up on the extended warranty on the core of the engine...mazda extended it to 8yr/100k so you won't be covered for most things, but if the core engine goes or you have bad compression...you'll be covered well beyond the 2-week window you're referring to (on the engine)...

 

^ umm, just read your post, i missed it. that sucks. glad he's ok.

 

It was a 2008 Gray 40th Anniversary edition that he bought with only 9200 miles on it. he only put 500 miles on it before the crash...

 

So is he getting another RX8 with the insurance money?

 

First, I'm glad your son is okay as that is most important. Having said that, It's really sad to lose a 40th so young. Love the metro gray and the interior color.

 

Glad he is OK. Easier to replace the car.

One thing I have read here over and over it that this car will save you as its last act. One guy got run into an bridge pier at 80 MPH, he broke a finger, I talked to a guy here who was buying is second in 2 months, first on was hit by a red light runner, thrown into oncoming traffic, hit several other cars. He and his buddy were among the least injured, and got out the help everyone else. There are other stories as well.

 

Couldnt find another with such low mileage so he went with an 2010 Mazda Speed 3 five door.

 

Nice, glad he is ok and back in a car.

 

wow that was a short run, glad he is ok.

 

5 star rated for safety!!!

Car is totaled, driver had minor injuries. A very safe car to drive