Docj78

I have narrowed down my car search to a 2003 Acura CL type-s six speed or the RX8.

I have read many threads on this board, consider myself to be a "relative" car enthusiast, and don't mind the little extra "maintenance" required by the 8--i.e. adding oil now and then, no cold start/shut downs, etc. Also without getting ahead of myself, Should I go with the 8, once the warranty is up, aftermarket performance mods will certainly begin.

However, as has been beaten here to death, I am SLIGHTLY leary of some of the horror stories on reliability issues. Of course 2005 was only the second production year, and I have not had time yet to read all of the service bulletins regarding problems, and more importantly fixes for each model year.

Could someone shed some light/post some links on what to look for in my purchase consideration of a 2005 Shinka. I'm really leaning towards the 8. All I need is that little "push" to jump into rotary bliss. I just want to be a prepared and educated buyer and owner. BTW this car currently has under 30k and will be a DAILY DRIVER. That is of course why the reliability issues scare me as they do.

CyberPitz

I've not heard of any true reliability horror stories specifically aimed at the Shinka. 2005 is up there enough where their first and second year problems were resolved, then later on the TSB's fixed most of the others. As long as the car was kept up well, you shouldn't have an issue.

At 30k miles, that sounds like a good 8 to get.

JRichter

Welcome to the club.

My 2005 has never failed to start, broken down or left me stranded at any time. This car can be daily driven just like any Honda/Acura or whatever. A test drive is usually all you need to push you over the edge. Good luck

Docj78

The car is a lease turn-in. Again, I have/had some doubts on the fact that it's an 05, but if there have not been any significant changes from the factory in newer model years that improved the "overall" reliability/known issues, than I suppose it does not matter.

If no significant changes in technology or reliability had been made, then it seems as though barring any other differences, an older car is a better value (again, assuming mileage, condition, etc. are all equal)

Is this a fair statement or evaluation to make?

CyberPitz

I'd say, yeah, sounds like a good statement to make.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

*push*

also, shinkas are 05+, so if its a shinka, its at least an 05.

i've been daily driving my 05 since last may. 16k miles in 11 months. no problems, its been fun.

also, the 2004-2006 rx8s have a warranty extension to 5 years/60k miles. most people dont know.

JRichter

There are several TSB's which stated the various problems/issues and what was fixed for certain models of the RX-8's that can be found here:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com....php?pageid=11

A lot of this stuff consisted of upgrading the battery, spark plugs, and small things like that. No major redesigns or upgrades were done to the car throughout the years except color changes, keys, minor options or anything like that. The automatic RX-8, I believe had some different stuff done to it but I'm assuming your considering a 6-speed 8 (which I recommend) since you spoke of a 6-speed CL.

The horror stories you speak of are just that - stories. I'm not going to explain why the car is just as reliable as anything else comparable if taken care of (or why the reliability issue with these cars seems to be blown way out of proportion) because it's been beat to death on this board a million times as you've probably seen since you said you've read through many threads already.

Falken

I heard that the only thing that might be a problem is the spark plugs. I personally know nothing about the specifics but it's something I would check on if I were you.

AJ's Shinka

It is fair that the overall car has not changed over the years but the computer (PCM) has been reflashed several times in order to fix the so-called reliability issues. So make sure it has the latest flash.

05shinka

I love mine... I have Zero complaints...

Razz1

I don't think the have Automatics in Shinka's, but if they do don't buy it.

You want an Auto with two oil coolers. One in each hole opening in the front bumper.

delhi

My sunroof rattles. Buy the Acura.

rddragoness

Shinka's in 05 and 06 came with both Tranny's Razz1, but I agree, don't by any AT 8, even if they have 2 oil coolers. I can't see the sensibility of having a car that will do what the 8 can do and not have a MT, unless its for medical reasons. Besides, there are more AT's that have engine problems because they are not driven as hard as an MT.

Docj78

Thank you everyone for the gracious welcome and responses to the board. It is VERY late here as I post this, but I must say that I have every intention of saying *YES* tomorrow(today), and buying my plane ticket to pick up my new SHINKA.

Of course it is the 6spd, and my only concern is whether to extend the warranty, or let it lapse and begin the mod frenzy. Time and satisfaction(reliability/daily drivability) will dictate whether this car gets:
1. Extended Warranty.
2. Mods, MOds, MOds!!!
3. Me getting BEAT TO HELL on a trade in for something more reliable/"practical"I hate that word, but IT IS A DAILY DRIVER).

AJ's Shinka

I've had my shinka over a year now without any problems engine wise. Small cosmetic issue that were covered by warranty, It's my daily driver and it's much better than any luxury vehicle I've ever drove. Mercedes and BMW are numb behind the wheel.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

the warranty extension is free from mazda.

benh

I have 05 GT, 69K miles (Yup)! Drive hard and have lots of fun with it. Like most people would say, if you take care of her, "she will return the favor!!!" - Cadillac commercial! If you love handling and not so much drag race, you will love the RX8.

If you are one of those like me who don't have major problems; the only one problem you will run into is GAS... 91 Oct now is close to $4.00!!! Keeping the car above 4000 RPM in all gear is fun but the gas gauge will go down quick.

New Yorker

Welcome to the Family of Shinka! I've had my '05 6-speed over two years now; it's as reliable as any car I've owned. Squeaky clutch pedal and sunroof (when open, over bumps); both fixed, no big deal, that's it.

Like much of what you read on the Internet, reports of RX-8 unreliability are GREATLY exaggerated. A disproportionate number of owners who find their way to this forum—or any car forum—are the ones having problems; like many people, they go online in search of answers and/or sympathy. Except for the tiny percentage of owners who are enthusiasts, owners without problems generally don't come here and don't even know this forum exists.

What's more, anyone online is welcome to post anything they want, regardless of whether or not it's true—or whether or not they even own the car. And it's very easy to stuff the online ballot box. Fear mongers can post endless "ENGINE FAILURE!" type posts over and over again, in numbers disproportionate to reality, so that the car appears to have serious issues to prospective buyers—like you—who come here for research.

So… I suggest you look at published long-term road tests in Car and Driver, edmunds.com, Road & Track and others. None indicate poor reliability, which is always rated average or higher. I believe R&T rated reliability "excellent" in their 40K+ long term test. Consumer Reports added the 8 to its list of Recommended Cars in their new Annual Auto Issue; any car on that list has to be average or higher in reliability.

Bottom line, based on all the road tests I've read, is that RX-8 reliability is about average compared to all other cars. Not great, not poor, but average.

jones75254

iTrader: (2)

Once you step into that car, start her up and tear out of that dealership as the new owner, a love affair will begin instantly and all the talk about gas mileage, maintenance, blah blah blah will fade away and you just wont care because she is YOURS YOURS YOURS!!!

Docj78

Where can I verify this warranty extension? Can it be found on the Mazda website? Not to seem offensive by not taking this statement at face value, but it seems to good to be true. If this is the case however, I will be calling to put my deposit down immediately upon reading/verifyng it from a good source!

Docj78

It's settled. I put my deposit down today, and will be flying to Orlando on Friday to drive my new Shinka Home!!!

Vehicle is a 2005 Shinka
22,200 miles, 1 previous owner leased turn in.
Sale price is $17,400. IS THIS A DECENT DEAL???? It's certainly under Kelley's private party and retail value--Trade in value was just over $16k...

My only quibble is that it does not have the oem spoiler, but I guess that opens up options for other additions beside oem.

I look forward to becoming an active member of this site, as I love reading and discussing various aspects to ownership of my vehicles.

chancejat

iTrader: (2)

thats a good deal....have fun with your shinx

CarAndDriver

Don't get a spoiler. Welcome. Read up on all the good info on here. Seems like a good deal.

Maelick21

Didn't all the Shinka's have the spoiler?

New Yorker

^ No, it was just an option, at least on the first one in '05.