Hey people,

I've got a manual transmission 54 plate UK RX-8.
It's done 14,000 miles.
I bought it from a dealer, the same dealer it was bought from when it was new.
I've got 12 months warranty on it.

54 plate means it was made in the second half of 2004.
I've been doing my homework around this site, and I see a lot of people flaming 04's, but nobody really giving a reason.

Is there something I should know about?
Should I be checking some stuff with my dealer?

Thanks,
toby.

 

Flooding occurs when you shut off the engine without letting it warm up. The housings are too cold to vaporize the residual fuel, and this is made more common by cold weather. Just don't shut off your car too soon.

 

04's with really early build dates (in 2003) had problems, I've never had any problems with my August 2004 build.

 

Also Mazda has elected to replace the engines of a small percentage of 8's that were losing power—the vast majority of them were AT '04s driven in hot climates. (Frankly I'm surprised Mazda didn't just repair the engines, but kudos to them for goin' the extra mile and replacing them instead.)

 

TSB's rule.

 

nothing serious you need to look for, my engine was built in december of 03 and it still going strong. Just make sure all the flashes are up to date along with everything else.

 

Mine was built 5/2003 and now has 107,000 miles.
Most of the RX-8 on the road are 04's LINK
So a greater number of problems will happen do to the reduced production of 05-07.

 

Many here in So Cal. donot have any problems with 04's.

Several people Auto X and track the 04 cars.

 

sorry for the newb question, but how do i figure out the build date of my 8? i got an 04 too, not sure if it's the early builds or the later ones.

 

check the driver side door...

 

Door panel. My 04 has not had any issues.

 

You beat me to it Rems31

 

thanks guys.

 

just got mine last monday and i haven't really had time to get to know my 8 coz of work and when i get home, it's pretty dark already.

 

Read all the stickys, then search for other items of interest. This forum is better at getting information about your car than any dealership.

Mine has been trouble free BTW

 

04's are faster...lol.. Not one single problem with my sept. 03 build.. 36,000 and counting of getting it's *** kicked and oil added.. and pre-mix. No stupid cat to get all cloged either.. perfection.

 

My 04 w/ almost 49k is running as strong or stronger as the day i bought it. I did have to get the 3rd and 4th gear replaced due to wear(covered under warranty; had it back in a week). Other than that have had no issues at all, never flooded.

Dont let this site scare you. When i first started reading up on all these "supposed" problem 04's i was paranoid as hell and would panic at every little thing. It got to the point that my car wasnt as nearly enjoyable to drive due to my obsessing over things that "could" go wrong. But i soon learned otherwise and i truly believe that if you baby this car you are doing it a diservice. Drive it like you stole it! It will reward you. There is diff between spirited driving and wrecklessly beating the **** out of it. Just try and hit clean shifts as much as poss. Enjoy!

 

With the things they ironed out in the first production year of the car I'd say it is safe to say 03 builds would have more problems than 07 (if mileage and age were equal)

 

Thats me

New engine, and everything is fine. I love Texas, hot climate and all

 

i had to have a new engine in mine at 30k. blew a seal and washed out my engine with antifreeze. it was under warranty though so im happy.

 

Hahahahahaha - I like your style jonesy!
Quote of the week!

 

'04 with 44K and not one problem!

 

a mazda mechanic told me to drive the **** out of mine.

 

It's all rubbish