maxx25

Can you use regular(87) gas on it?
Should I go with a used 04 or a new 05?
Do you think they worked out the bugs in 05?

quack_p

The manual says you can. A lot of different opinions here about whether you should. Search "octane."

I think the choice is between a new 04 and a new 05. The differences are depreciation, color, and key. The used 04 deals I've seen online are big ripoffs. You can easily get a new 04 for below invoice right now.

An 04 with M flash should be same as an 05 as far as bugs go.

WHealy

Remember you should be able to get an new 04 for invoice or below. So if you get used drop down several thousand dollars from that point more for more miles. I don't know why 05's woulnd't be going for invoice. Perhase the dealers are holding out on the White (new color) but that won't last. Also, do you know about the new limited production color coming soon? But again my guess is deals woudl try to prop up that one's price too.

The only real question is "Where do I sign?"

hotpot

You're buying the car today and you're asking these questions today?

RotorGeek

My car runs better on 89 octane.
Try and get an 04 and tell them to upgrade the ECU if it those not have the M-Flash

havyn

dude do you really think it's smart to go to the dealership with the mindset of 'buying one today'? that is how people get ripped off at dealerships...they go in wanting the car immediately and then get caught up in the hustle and are not informed enough to make good appropriate choices.

IMO you should spend some time researching this car before pursuing a purchase. it will *always* pay off to know what you are buying.

afeldman327

You can put below 93 octane in the car and it will probably run fine, but the long run may be a different story and you may sacrifice some engine performance.

Go with a new 04...you will probably get a killer deal and the only thing they changed for 05 is the addition of the pearl white color. Everything else remains unchanged, or at least that is what the dealer told me last time I went in for service.

Call around and check dealer inventory before you start shopping. If you already know the model/color you want, make sure you know of at least 3 dealers who have the 04 you want in stock. That is my best advice. Don't settle for a price above invoice! I got mine in July and got it at about $500 above invoice.

Hope this helps! have fun shopping and enjoy your buying experience.

srm858

I have been using both 93 and 87 octane gas and I can't tell any difference in performance or mileage.

The 05 is the same as the 04, if it is cheap enough, go for the 04

irish8

Maxx...

-87 is fine...however I only use Shell V-power 93 octane
-How about a new 04...take advantage of an almost certain below invoice deal
-There are no bugs to worry about in an 04

Now, shut up and go buy one!!! Good luck. Once you get it...post pic's.

- Irish

Nordic RX-8

I use Amoco 89 (silver) - If you run it hard 7,500-8,500 shift points, you might want to use the highest you can get.
If I was buying now, I would find 2 dealers in the same general area and wheel and deal! Do your research, know what you want and be willing to walk until you get the price you want. I have read on this site about current deals being several $1000's below the S-Plan prices on the 04 models, as the dealers are trying to move them off the lots to make room for the 05. I bought mine in Feb with the S-plan and still think I got a good deal!

irish8

Maxx....

What's the word? Did you buy one???

- Irish

ironmedic

i only use 92 octane and higher
when i go to dealerships, i tell them "i am interested in this car or that car, lets test drive!" and then i go home and do homework and make a deal the next day. that is how i landed my 96 Cobra. i brought the RX8 in for an oil change and walked away with a cobra LOL!

Deslock

I wouldn't buy one built before Jan '04. You can figure that out from the VIN (or if you have access to the car, the date is on the sticker inside the door).

Fanman

In most high performance cars today the ECU senses the use of lower octane gas and retards the timing. You won't get knocking/detonation but in most/all cases you are looking at a drop in hp. Unless you are getting a White RX8 or want the satellite radio look at an 04'. Make the dealer take the depreciation (get the car below invoice).