Hey guys im thinking about getting an rx8. i currently have a 350z i love it but im really like the way the rx8 looks and its has more opitions then my z. I know its a little slower than the z but im not to worried about the speed difference i know both cars handle good but im leaning more toward the mazda is there any thing i should know about them? Iam a tech but never worked on a rotary motor before but im always wanted one.

 

Make sure it has less than 100k miles on it. So you're still under engine warranty. Compression test it. There's a few stickies about the values and whatnot. Drive it like you stole it. Seems that ppl babying the 8 have more problems due to engine and exhaust not getting hot enough but I'm no expert. Just seems that way reading ppls posts. Warm it up thoroughly though. Oh and change coils plugs and wires every 30k or so.

 

it has 71k on it and i plan on driving it hard thats why i wanna get it the z was quick and handled good but it kaind of sucks reving out at 6500 rpms lol

 

I think you'll be ok...even with an '04. Even though it is an '04, all the issues everyone has had are out in the open now and all of the remedies are on here. It's a fairly easy car to work on yourself.

One word of caution I have for you is don't be shocked when your MPG drops off considerably from your Z. For both cars, it's probably pretty even for city but you will notice a considerable drop off in hwy mpg. If you would do mostly highway in the 8, you'd be lucky to get around 21 and I know the Z can get near 30.

 

You are wasting your money since some of our engine warranties on 04s are starting to run out in the next couple of months. Buy an 06 at least so you can have two years peace of mind if your engine drops compression. If you buy an 04 now you are looking at 3-6 months depending on when the original owner bought it and then you are on your own for a new motor.

Unless you plan on doing the rebuild yourself anyways then it would be ok. But its 2G to buy one rebuilt.

 

I would agree .. try to get the newest car with the lowest miles for the best price. I have seen a few 05s that were cheaper than higher mileaged 04s. Either way get it checked out =)

 

dude i love this car the z had a **** ton of more power but this thing drives great so smooth :-)

 

^ Buy it, you won't regret it.