Thinking of buying an RX-8, whatcha think?
07-02-2007, 01:06 PM
#1
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Thinking of buying an RX-8, whatcha think?
Hi, I'm thinking of purchasing an RX-8. I'm 20 and heading off to pharmD school in a year and wanted to have a new car to last me all throughout school. Originally I was looking at the Civic Si, Cobalt SS, and VW GTI until I started to realize I could get some very nice cars 350z, rx8, etc. for around the same prices used.
Anyway, I found a 2004 Black RX-8 6-speed with 25,000 miles for $17,000 and was wondering what you guys thought of it. I took a glance at it in person and it looked great but I haven't actually driven it yet.
Here's a link to it
So, I just want to know if you guys think it's a good deal and if there are any known issues with 2004 models and just anything else I should watch out for.
Also, I'll go ahead a search of bit but if some of you wouldn't mind telling me a few things I should know about maintenance on the 8 I'd appreciate it. For instance, I remember hearing something about problems starting the RX-8 in the cold and how you had to let it warm up/cool down etc. Is that still any issue?
I also plan on having this as my only car and will need to drive it in the winter as well, so how does the 8 handle the snow?
Anyway, I found a 2004 Black RX-8 6-speed with 25,000 miles for $17,000 and was wondering what you guys thought of it. I took a glance at it in person and it looked great but I haven't actually driven it yet.
Here's a link to it
So, I just want to know if you guys think it's a good deal and if there are any known issues with 2004 models and just anything else I should watch out for.
Also, I'll go ahead a search of bit but if some of you wouldn't mind telling me a few things I should know about maintenance on the 8 I'd appreciate it. For instance, I remember hearing something about problems starting the RX-8 in the cold and how you had to let it warm up/cool down etc. Is that still any issue?
I also plan on having this as my only car and will need to drive it in the winter as well, so how does the 8 handle the snow?
Last edited by Pishposh; 07-02-2007 at 01:09 PM. Reason: Another question
07-02-2007, 01:19 PM
#2
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Starting issues are from either not letting the vehicle temp reach the operating temp......which means that the temp needle should be between C and H. If its near C, might be prone to starting issues.
Also, other starting issues could be due to the battery and starter, i believe there is a TSB out there for upgraded battery and started for 04-05 models.
The car IMO is not for beginners in the snow.......it does fishtail a little bit and it does sit low to the ground, so if you get stuck in driving 4-6 inch of packed snow, might be a little tricky to manuever. However, be sure you have either winter or all season tires as you will slide as a hockey puck with summer tires (not made for snow or freezing temps).
But light snow 2-4, it is okay, obviously have to use common sense, never mash the throttle when your making a turn or from a stop sign, otherwise, your back end comes out.......
But depending on your area, if you get occassional snow fall like once or twice a year, then the RX-8 is fine in the snow. If you get consistent snow week after week in your area in the winter, they i would suggest getting a 2nd car.
Also, other starting issues could be due to the battery and starter, i believe there is a TSB out there for upgraded battery and started for 04-05 models.
The car IMO is not for beginners in the snow.......it does fishtail a little bit and it does sit low to the ground, so if you get stuck in driving 4-6 inch of packed snow, might be a little tricky to manuever. However, be sure you have either winter or all season tires as you will slide as a hockey puck with summer tires (not made for snow or freezing temps).
But light snow 2-4, it is okay, obviously have to use common sense, never mash the throttle when your making a turn or from a stop sign, otherwise, your back end comes out.......
But depending on your area, if you get occassional snow fall like once or twice a year, then the RX-8 is fine in the snow. If you get consistent snow week after week in your area in the winter, they i would suggest getting a 2nd car.
07-02-2007, 01:23 PM
#3
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Well, I live near Pittsburgh, PA and will be going to LECOM college in Erie, PA so I will see regular snow. I don't think it's too bad personally but the news and a lot of people around here seem to freak out whenever it snows.
As long as I'll be fine with some nice winter tires (I won't skimp on cheap ones) I'll still buy it. I do have a 99' grand prix that I could hang onto instead of trading it on the 8 but I'll have to think about whether I want to do that or not.
As long as I'll be fine with some nice winter tires (I won't skimp on cheap ones) I'll still buy it. I do have a 99' grand prix that I could hang onto instead of trading it on the 8 but I'll have to think about whether I want to do that or not.
07-02-2007, 01:30 PM
#5
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All of you questions could be answered by searching + reading the faqs.
My only advice (outside of what you'll read in the faqs) is to make good friends with a rotorhead and/or visit the forums regularly and learn as much as you can about these cars. If you treat this car like a Civic SI or a Cobalt SS, you'll be needing a whole new car before you ever hit the 60,000 mark.
Here are some basics to get you started:
- watch your oil levels like your fuel levels; the car burns both just the same
- if your water guage is ever pointing straight up, you're overheating
- if your water guage isn't just slightly to the left of center, keep driving or you'll flood
- your redline is sky-high for a reason; visit it frequently once she's warmed up.
And heads up: you're going to get flamed hard for asking questions that have already been answered 1000 times over in the FAQs. Research more before posting next time... unless, of course, you like agrivating most of the regulars.
My only advice (outside of what you'll read in the faqs) is to make good friends with a rotorhead and/or visit the forums regularly and learn as much as you can about these cars. If you treat this car like a Civic SI or a Cobalt SS, you'll be needing a whole new car before you ever hit the 60,000 mark.
Here are some basics to get you started:
- watch your oil levels like your fuel levels; the car burns both just the same
- if your water guage is ever pointing straight up, you're overheating
- if your water guage isn't just slightly to the left of center, keep driving or you'll flood
- your redline is sky-high for a reason; visit it frequently once she's warmed up.
And heads up: you're going to get flamed hard for asking questions that have already been answered 1000 times over in the FAQs. Research more before posting next time... unless, of course, you like agrivating most of the regulars.
07-02-2007, 02:47 PM
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If i had to do it again i wouldnt. There are no $hit 17 RX-8's in my local Mazda service center with various engine problems including mine. This Tucson heat is laying down the smack upon a rotary engine!
07-02-2007, 09:12 PM
#7
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Wow, that kinda turns me off a bit. It's like kind of thing that makes me worry so much about buying one.
I read through the faq though. It said keep your car up to date, let it warm up before shutting it down, and keep the oil topped off, and rev the car (won't be a problem.) If I do these simple procedures should I be ok?
As far as maintenance I'm definitely not a mechanic and don't know much about working on engines. I do understand how they work though and can maintain a car. I change all my own fluids, brakes, filters, etc. with my current car and my parents cars so keeping it in good condition in those regards won't be a problem.
I do expect this car to start up everyday just like every other car I've had whether it's a sports car or a camry as it will be my daily driver as I said.
I really want to get this car and keep a positive look on it but 17 of them at one dealership...at the same time. Seems a little much to me or were there 17 people in one area that didn't top off their oil lol?
I read through the faq though. It said keep your car up to date, let it warm up before shutting it down, and keep the oil topped off, and rev the car (won't be a problem.) If I do these simple procedures should I be ok?
As far as maintenance I'm definitely not a mechanic and don't know much about working on engines. I do understand how they work though and can maintain a car. I change all my own fluids, brakes, filters, etc. with my current car and my parents cars so keeping it in good condition in those regards won't be a problem.
I do expect this car to start up everyday just like every other car I've had whether it's a sports car or a camry as it will be my daily driver as I said.
I really want to get this car and keep a positive look on it but 17 of them at one dealership...at the same time. Seems a little much to me or were there 17 people in one area that didn't top off their oil lol?
07-02-2007, 09:16 PM
#8
The main thing about the Rx-8 is that the rotary engine is what the Rx-8 is all about. If you do not like lack of torque and hard to mod tradeoff for the 9k rpm and smoothness, then this car is not for you. Search the forums for the constant nagging issues that we have. If you cannot spend maybe a few hours every week to go the distance with this car, it is not for you.
07-02-2007, 09:20 PM
#10
Maybe they all traded them in for new ones. Why? Because they love the RX-8.
I'm on my second one. Haven't had any problems that the dealer did not take care of under warranty.
Just get one with low miles and do a carfax on it. Ask the dealer for a copy of the Warranty Service Record on the car your thinking about buying.
Buy the car.
07-02-2007, 09:49 PM
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gotta love all the people that come on this site to say how the "RX-8 breaks down all the time". Like any car, if you take care of it it will be just fine.
Pishposh, you gotta remember that this site, like most sites, we either have people who need to bitch about something or big fanbois that are obsessed with the vehicle. The truth is, you most likely won't have any issue with the 8, especially in a place like PA. AZ is literally 115 degrees right now, and with a high revving heat machine like the Renesis, that is not necessarily a good combination. I live in Connecticut, have had my 8 for a year, and have have absolutely no issues with the engine (except it did flood once).
For every 1 person on here that says they've had serious issues with their 8, there are 100 that have never had a problem. The people who have had problems tend to speak up more due to their negativity, which is why you get occassional negative comments.
I'd say buy it........it's a damn good car that should last you a VERY long time as long as you take care of it. The Renesis rotary engine has fewer moving parts than a conventional "piston" engine, which means it has the potential to last much longer than a conventional engine would. My dad's rotary lasted until 212,000 miles and there are members on this site who have already hit 100k miles on their 8's with no problems. Purchase it.....you won't regret it.
Pishposh, you gotta remember that this site, like most sites, we either have people who need to bitch about something or big fanbois that are obsessed with the vehicle. The truth is, you most likely won't have any issue with the 8, especially in a place like PA. AZ is literally 115 degrees right now, and with a high revving heat machine like the Renesis, that is not necessarily a good combination. I live in Connecticut, have had my 8 for a year, and have have absolutely no issues with the engine (except it did flood once).
For every 1 person on here that says they've had serious issues with their 8, there are 100 that have never had a problem. The people who have had problems tend to speak up more due to their negativity, which is why you get occassional negative comments.
I'd say buy it........it's a damn good car that should last you a VERY long time as long as you take care of it. The Renesis rotary engine has fewer moving parts than a conventional "piston" engine, which means it has the potential to last much longer than a conventional engine would. My dad's rotary lasted until 212,000 miles and there are members on this site who have already hit 100k miles on their 8's with no problems. Purchase it.....you won't regret it.
Last edited by Huskyfan23; 07-02-2007 at 09:55 PM.
07-02-2007, 09:53 PM
#13
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I won't let the story of 17 cars with engine problems at the same dealership scare you off. I work for a Dealer Network that has one of the few Mazda dealers in my area. I drove through the Mazda lot over the weekend, and there wasn't an RX-8 to be seen in the service department. These cars DO NOT like extremely hot and dry climates. Heat related problems will not be an issue for you in PA. I do not believe these cars to me much less reliable than a Chevy, and I would bet they would spend LESS time in the shop than a VW. VW's are FAMOUS for electrical and turbo related problems. As long as it's been properly mainted, and low milage, I wouldn't be scared of it. If you still feel a little uneasy, and you're not going to modify the car, then buy just buy a 100,000 mile extended warranty. You don't need to waste money on a bumper to bumper warranty, as the power and interior accesories are not a problem. Just get the basic powerrtrain coverage with a Loaner/Rental car clause you won't be stranded if the car goes down for a week. All reputable dealers will have these available. See if they will "throw it in" with the deal. If not, the dealer will generally have between 50-60% markup in the warranty. Whatever they price it at, offer them half and work up from there. Good luck, you won't be sorry, and chances are, with great maintenance, you won't have a problem. Even with the extended warranty, you'll still be a lot cheaper than an SS or GTI.
07-02-2007, 09:54 PM
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The main thing about the Rx-8 is that the rotary engine is what the Rx-8 is all about. If you do not like lack of torque and hard to mod tradeoff for the 9k rpm and smoothness, then this car is not for you. Search the forums for the constant nagging issues that we have. If you cannot spend maybe a few hours every week to go the distance with this car, it is not for you.
a few hours every week?? What are you spending a few hours a week on? The weekly maintainence on the 8 is literally checking the oil levels every couple of fillups initially to ensure your oil level isn't low. Nothing else is different from a conventional engine on a weekly basis, except in extremely cold climates where you need to let the engine warm up before shutting it off. Unless you live in Alaska or the antarctic, that's only one season a year. If I am wrong, please, enlighten me as to what you need a couple of hours a week to do. I'd love to hear it.
Last edited by Huskyfan23; 07-02-2007 at 09:57 PM.
07-03-2007, 07:29 PM
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Price is good, for cold weather get a battery with higher cold cranking than the standard battery and you will love it!
Get snow tires if you got snow - studded tires also very good!
some 4s had engine mount troubles - see if you can find original owner and talk to him/her - this one seems to be going for a little lower than it should - and most 8 owners will not let theirs go - ever!
Get snow tires if you got snow - studded tires also very good!
some 4s had engine mount troubles - see if you can find original owner and talk to him/her - this one seems to be going for a little lower than it should - and most 8 owners will not let theirs go - ever!
.
07-04-2007, 05:08 AM
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07-04-2007, 06:32 AM
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wow this thread helped me so much. i am actually going to test drive a few 8s today and ive had mixed reviews about this car. im leaning more towards buying this car now. thanks guys.
07-04-2007, 09:13 AM
#21
Insanely Yellow
Here's my "twin top 10 things to know about RX-8s" lists that I post for newbie owners or serious lookers. Buy the car, you'll love it - that's my opinion. It is unique and it handles like a dream. Yeah, the engine inhales gas, and burns oil by design and takes a little extra TLC, but what sports car doesn't? Use the time you spend with it to enjoy doing those tasks. For example, I check the oil every Saturday morning as part of a half hour to an hour spent puttering about the car - washing it, drying it, checking the tires, using compressed air to blow water out the cracks, checking oil and adding if necessary, etc. Good therapy. My guess (not fact) is that those that have big problems with their RX-8s haven't given them the proper maintenance.
Here's what I'd give you as a quick top 10 things to know:
1) Oil - it consumes oil by design - nothing wrong with that. Check your oil at every other fill up, or do like I do and spend an hour puttering around the garage every other weekend, and adjust the tire pressures, check the oil, give it a wash, etc. A little RX-8 love time.
2) While it says "premium recommended" you can safely burn '87 in most climates and areas. If you feel guilty, pop the extra cost.
3) Change the oil every 5000 miles at least, more frequently if you'd like to. Pay attention to the maintenance schedule in the book and do those items.
4) Beware, Mazda dealers charge through the nose for everything, and they will try to sell you extra crap during scheduled maintenance stops. Don't let them do it.
5) You can safely upsize the tires to 245/40-18s - they are fatter, fill the wheel wells more, and look **** hot.
6) The summer tires work like crap when the temp falls below 45F. All-season performance radials are an acceptable compromise. Snow tires are a must if you commute in snow.
7) Visit your redline often to keep you happy and keep the buzzer from getting lonely.
8) Keep your car shiny and sparkling clean for best crowd pleasing.
9) Watch out for idiots in Civics who will rev on you.
10) This car is NOT a straight-line speed car - don't get disappointed when you realize that LOTS of cars can beat you at the strip.
Enjoy - post pics when you can!
And search and read:
- The little things
and all the other stickies in all the other forums - DIY - Show & Shine, and more.
Here's a few other goodies - let's call them "unique features":
1) Drive by wire throttle with adaptive learning - the engine computer "reads" your driving habits and can flatten or steepen the throttle response curve to match. Drive hard for a few days and find "new" horsepower (it's always there, just visiting at different times). Baby it and it becomes a rental car ... weird.
2) The weird Bose adaptive radio in the GT will boost the volume automatically while you drive - you'l turn it down and minute later you say to yourself "I swear I just turned the radio down".
3) The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will flash a warning on the dash when any tire is about 4 to 5 lbs down on pressure from the factory setpoint which is 32 PSI. If you get a TPMS warning, stop, do a walk around to make sure you don't have a tire going down, once you're sure, head to a gas station and fill the tire.
4) Never but NEVER use the fix-a-flat kit. It ruins the tire and clogs the TPMS.
5) Feel free to experiment with driving with the DSC off, but understand that there is a stern little Japanese guy hiding the in the works with his finger on the "I think not!" button when it's enabled, and it WILL save your ***! It saved mine once today when I hit a patch of oily pavement in the rain.
6) Don't bother trying to understand or explain the abject ergonomic failure represented by the sunvisors. Just accept that every hot supermodel has a knarly wart somewhere ...
7) Did I mention that the summer tires that come stock on it suck? Oh, yeah, I did. Well it bears mentioning again. If you stick with summers, at least upgrade to a better tire. If you live in a climate where the temp visits sub-40 ranges then consider all-season high performance radials - visit TireRack.com for good reccos, but can heartily reccommend the Pirelli PZero-Nero M+S.
8) You can buy used snows on eBay if you want to go that way. But if you don't use Mazda wheels with TPMS sensors, the light will be on all the time.
9) You can't make love in an RX8. I tried. Doesn't work. Either that or my wife and I both need to lose 7" in height and 75 lbs each (Ok, I could stand to lose 40 lbs ...).
10) Find twisty roads and drive them. Smile.
Here's what I'd give you as a quick top 10 things to know:
1) Oil - it consumes oil by design - nothing wrong with that. Check your oil at every other fill up, or do like I do and spend an hour puttering around the garage every other weekend, and adjust the tire pressures, check the oil, give it a wash, etc. A little RX-8 love time.
2) While it says "premium recommended" you can safely burn '87 in most climates and areas. If you feel guilty, pop the extra cost.
3) Change the oil every 5000 miles at least, more frequently if you'd like to. Pay attention to the maintenance schedule in the book and do those items.
4) Beware, Mazda dealers charge through the nose for everything, and they will try to sell you extra crap during scheduled maintenance stops. Don't let them do it.
5) You can safely upsize the tires to 245/40-18s - they are fatter, fill the wheel wells more, and look **** hot.
6) The summer tires work like crap when the temp falls below 45F. All-season performance radials are an acceptable compromise. Snow tires are a must if you commute in snow.
7) Visit your redline often to keep you happy and keep the buzzer from getting lonely.
8) Keep your car shiny and sparkling clean for best crowd pleasing.
9) Watch out for idiots in Civics who will rev on you.
10) This car is NOT a straight-line speed car - don't get disappointed when you realize that LOTS of cars can beat you at the strip.
Enjoy - post pics when you can!
And search and read:
- The little things
and all the other stickies in all the other forums - DIY - Show & Shine, and more.
Here's a few other goodies - let's call them "unique features":
1) Drive by wire throttle with adaptive learning - the engine computer "reads" your driving habits and can flatten or steepen the throttle response curve to match. Drive hard for a few days and find "new" horsepower (it's always there, just visiting at different times). Baby it and it becomes a rental car ... weird.
2) The weird Bose adaptive radio in the GT will boost the volume automatically while you drive - you'l turn it down and minute later you say to yourself "I swear I just turned the radio down".
3) The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will flash a warning on the dash when any tire is about 4 to 5 lbs down on pressure from the factory setpoint which is 32 PSI. If you get a TPMS warning, stop, do a walk around to make sure you don't have a tire going down, once you're sure, head to a gas station and fill the tire.
4) Never but NEVER use the fix-a-flat kit. It ruins the tire and clogs the TPMS.
5) Feel free to experiment with driving with the DSC off, but understand that there is a stern little Japanese guy hiding the in the works with his finger on the "I think not!" button when it's enabled, and it WILL save your ***! It saved mine once today when I hit a patch of oily pavement in the rain.
6) Don't bother trying to understand or explain the abject ergonomic failure represented by the sunvisors. Just accept that every hot supermodel has a knarly wart somewhere ...
7) Did I mention that the summer tires that come stock on it suck? Oh, yeah, I did. Well it bears mentioning again. If you stick with summers, at least upgrade to a better tire. If you live in a climate where the temp visits sub-40 ranges then consider all-season high performance radials - visit TireRack.com for good reccos, but can heartily reccommend the Pirelli PZero-Nero M+S.
8) You can buy used snows on eBay if you want to go that way. But if you don't use Mazda wheels with TPMS sensors, the light will be on all the time.
9) You can't make love in an RX8. I tried. Doesn't work. Either that or my wife and I both need to lose 7" in height and 75 lbs each (Ok, I could stand to lose 40 lbs ...).
10) Find twisty roads and drive them. Smile.
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