What should I be most concerned about?
 

As a potential new RX-8 owner (quite possibly by tomorrow) what should I be the most concerned about?

A. Flooding the Renesis
B. Frequency of adding oil
C. Both

I've spent alot of time on this site over the weekend and it has really helped better-prepare me for RX-8 ownership. I'm just trying to get as "clued in" as I can before I make a decision. Thanks!

D: A, B and other parts of the car that will eventually require maintenance

You don't tell yourself what should be your 'main' concern...just put a little care into every facet of the car and it'll be fine

Flooding - don't turn off your engine cold. Simple as that...also depends on your climate.
Oil - varies between engines, depends on how hard you work your engine, depends on the brand of oil, etc. Just check your dipstick once every two weeks or so.

once you get into a routine of doing some of these things automatically, they are no longer a 'concern', you just do it because you're used to it :)

A. as raptor said, never turn off the engine if it is cold. the new flashes are "suppose" to fix the problem but it can still happen.

B. the oil does vary depending on how you drive. i average around one quart every thousand miles. some people burn more, some less. just depends.

oh yeah, if you ever get a milky substace on your dipstick, it's water in the oil. nothing to be concerned about. worried me to death when i saw it but other people have it as well so it's normal.

Don't concern your self too much about A and B. Just make them part of your daily routine. The RX8 is a special car and requires just a little extra care than most cars.

A. Don't switch of your engine cold.
B. Every so often open your hood and check the oil.

That’s it!

BTW I have done about 700 miles since I bought my car and engine oil level has not moved yet.

I spent a lot of time on this site before I made my decision to buy this car, I've had it for a month and a half and I adore every minute of driving it. Absolutely no regrets!

What you are describing is moisture (condensed water vapor) mixed with oil vapors condensed on the inside of the dip stick tube. It's not "water IN the oil". Big difference.

i just got my 8 (used 04 gt) two weeks ago. i've put about 350-400 miles on it, and haven't had to add oil yet. i make sure the engine is warm every time i move the car a short distance, and haven't had any trouble with the car. now that i'm an actual owner it seems like it's a lot easier than i thought it would be to take care of her. i bought about 5 quarts of 5w20 and stuck 'em in the back along with my jump box, fix-a-flat, and air compressor. just take normal precautions and you'll find it's easier that what you think it may be. my only problem now is trying to get that switchblade key.

The flooding thing isn't a problem as long as you never shut the engine off cold.

The oil frequency thing is totally overblown. Yeah, you have to check your oil level once in a while. Big deal. I've had old cars that went through oil much faster.

So, the answer is: A. The flooding is more of a concern, because if you screw that up, you could have a serious problem. If you forget to check the oil, there's still an idiot light on the dash for low oil quantity, so it's not a catastrophe.

Frankly, the bigger concern about oil is that it wants 5w20, which not all gas stations carry. So you need to remember to always have some with you.

ok, the real concerns:

All the extra attention you'll get at the parking lots, malls, gas stations (your second home), and at work. Also, the extra attention you'll get from cops who will pick you out of a crowd and decide that you were speeding going the same speed as everyone else.

The riced out civics and corrolla's that will roll up on you at the light and rev.

The wife that thinks you spend too much time with "your new girlfriend" (your car, for those with a wild imaginations).

The time you spend on this forum discussing what mods you will get next and how ugly the spoiler on Ike's evo is.

How you will have to explain not how a rotary works, but what it is, to all your friends and family, and that yes, it is a real engine, and no, there are no cylinders, and yes it really is a 1.3 liter.

People asking to drive your baby (again, your car)

Freaking out when it starts to drizzle and you scrabble outside to move your car into the garage (don't forget to let it warm up before shutdown).

Parking out at the farthest parking space 5 blocks away from the store, just so no one will park next to you. Also, constantly looking back at her while you walk to the store.

Watching people's reactions when you open your rear door.

Having young babes hoot and holler at you when your wife's in the car.

Finding out that the orginal tires will get you stuck in 1/4 inch of snow.

Finding out from your local dealer that no matter what you bring your car in for, it will take the entire day for them to fix it.

Spending several hours on the topic of which car wax is best (zaino).

Planning vacations around rx8 meets and spring/fall runs.

Finding good twisty alternate ways home, even when it adds 20 minutes to your drive.

and finding out that an entire tank of high octane gas will only get you about 260 miles...


Now, the small stuff:

Don't ever shut down the engine when it's cold (you see a pattern here when everyone's telling you this, right).

And check you oil every so often (mine takes a quart every 1500 miles or so).

Don't shut off the traction and stability control until you get used to how this car drives (so many posts here from accidents where people were asked if the dcs kicked in and the common reply was "I had it shut off").

If you are going to use the 8 in winter conditions, get winter tires.

Once you break it in, let it hit redline every once and a while, it's good for cleaning the carbon buildup out.

And most important, when a 350z pulls along side you...just smile, he needs the compliment...

^^ couldn't have said it any better!!

BTW rodrigo in case you are interested 159th now falls under 3rd ID <shudders>

Thx Rodrigo67...THAT pretty much addresses anything and everything....I appreciate it.

When you say don't turn off your engine cold, please define "cold". 32 degrees farenheit? snowing? I'm in SoCal, so just wondering how concerned I should be with this...

"cold" as is when the temperature needle has not reached near the middle. I usually wait for the temperature gauge to hit about 3 ticks before the middle. that is usually where it stops.

OK, thanks. :) Good to know.

Wow, someone who actually knows what my avatar is. So, you either are stationed on hunter or served there. I have known for awhile that the 159th was given to the 3rd. It's been awhile since I got out and that was the last unit I served with so still feel connected. Of course, back then we belong to 18th Airborne corp as a corp asset and where attached to the 24th mech, but spent more time with our sister unit, Aco. 159th, up at bragg. Lots of things have changed.

I can't tell you how much I miss Savannah. I traveled alot while in and it was the best place I ever lived. Hope to move back down there in another year or two. I visited a couple of years ago and things seems kinda dead. Hopefully it has picked up since, but nothing like hitting the beaches from april to oct. Up here in New england the waters still freezing in july, and no one here knows what a wet willies is. Planning on a trip this summer. Probably will take the 8.

Enjoy the car pika and the sun...