WTF is wrong with my 2004 RX-8?
Thread Starter
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 21,958
Likes: 115
From: portland oregon
and another thing- everyone that has asked for a ride to check it out has never once said "your car is slow" during or after the ride. every single one has had a huge smile after.
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,840
Likes: 13
From: Indialantic, Florida
OMFG.........you better take that thing in right away.! 
For the sake of argument...and I am a 2005:
'05 still has
- the original coils. <--- Yep
- original cat <--- Yep
- original motor mounts <--- Yep
- original sunvisors <----- Nope I did have this one break
- original lid/latch on the console <--- Yep
- original tranny <--- Yep
- original clutch <--- Yep
- original engine <--- Yep
never stalled. <-------Never have either
never flooded. <------- Correct, never done it
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so. <---------mmmmmm, I check mine more
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance. <---- At 14k and figure when my Mazsprt ignition gets here, I'll change the plugs then.
have not waxed/polished in forever. <------- Oh no, I do this prettty often.
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. <----- No issues with mine
have the newer starter and battery <--- Original, but again I'm an 05
got 17mpg last tank in town. <----- about that
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip <------ ??????
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue. <---- Same here
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. <----- Nope, not yet.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update <----- me neither on the oil
wtf is wrong with my car? <---- It's possessed! __________________
For the sake of argument...and I am a 2005:
'05 still has
- the original coils. <--- Yep
- original cat <--- Yep
- original motor mounts <--- Yep
- original sunvisors <----- Nope I did have this one break
- original lid/latch on the console <--- Yep
- original tranny <--- Yep
- original clutch <--- Yep
- original engine <--- Yep
never stalled. <-------Never have either
never flooded. <------- Correct, never done it
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so. <---------mmmmmm, I check mine more
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance. <---- At 14k and figure when my Mazsprt ignition gets here, I'll change the plugs then.
have not waxed/polished in forever. <------- Oh no, I do this prettty often.
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. <----- No issues with mine
have the newer starter and battery <--- Original, but again I'm an 05
got 17mpg last tank in town. <----- about that
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip <------ ??????
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue. <---- Same here
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. <----- Nope, not yet.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update <----- me neither on the oil
wtf is wrong with my car? <---- It's possessed! __________________
Last edited by Mazurfer; Feb 19, 2008 at 05:01 PM.
Registered User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
well when I got rid of my RX8, I had the following fixed/problems:
-New Starter
-New Battery
-Updated brakes once
-Updated brakes two weeks later
-Bad grinding going into 4th gear
-perfectly reliable engine!
It is my opinion that if you know how to drive a rotary and understand it...you won't have issues with the engine....it's just that the transmission does not like you driving it the way you should.
-New Starter
-New Battery
-Updated brakes once
-Updated brakes two weeks later
-Bad grinding going into 4th gear
-perfectly reliable engine!
It is my opinion that if you know how to drive a rotary and understand it...you won't have issues with the engine....it's just that the transmission does not like you driving it the way you should.
hey charlie,
how many miles now..
at 82k miles i replaced the coils and fuel pump.. as to the rest of the stuff..
not so much.. your tail light got water in them???
i think the problem is you drive like a stig.. always right..
beers
how many miles now..
at 82k miles i replaced the coils and fuel pump.. as to the rest of the stuff..
not so much.. your tail light got water in them???
i think the problem is you drive like a stig.. always right..
beers
Mentalhealth is overrated
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,289
Likes: 2
From: Calgary
well when I got rid of my RX8, I had the following fixed/problems:
-New Starter
-New Battery
-Updated brakes once
-Updated brakes two weeks later
-Bad grinding going into 4th gear
-perfectly reliable engine!
It is my opinion that if you know how to drive a rotary and understand it...you won't have issues with the engine....it's just that the transmission does not like you driving it the way you should.
-New Starter
-New Battery
-Updated brakes once
-Updated brakes two weeks later
-Bad grinding going into 4th gear
-perfectly reliable engine!
It is my opinion that if you know how to drive a rotary and understand it...you won't have issues with the engine....it's just that the transmission does not like you driving it the way you should.
your opinion is wrong and plain arrogant.
I see you have had no problem with the engine so the people that have are idiots and don't know what they are doing. However you have had problems with your transmission but the issue there is that Mazda didn't engineer it right.
tool!
Registered User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
your opinion is wrong and plain arrogant.
I see you have had no problem with the engine so the people that have are idiots and don't know what they are doing. However you have had problems with your transmission but the issue there is that Mazda didn't engineer it right.
tool!
I see you have had no problem with the engine so the people that have are idiots and don't know what they are doing. However you have had problems with your transmission but the issue there is that Mazda didn't engineer it right.
tool!
What I meant by the people with 'problems with their motors', are the people that turn it on...move it 5 feet...and shut them off. Or people that romp on it when it's cold...or people that don't check the oil as needed.
Banned
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Green Side, yo!
I have a 04 and didn't have any major issues since I bought it ( 3 years ago). No flooding even before the chip flashed ( knocks on the wood). The only issue I had was occasional brake squeal which I fixed it by replacing OEM pads with ceramic pads. I check the oil every 1500 miles and keep up with regular oil change and so on. I guess I've been lucky so far. 
Bland
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Just because the above-mentioned actions may cause premature wear or failure does not mean all failures are due to those factors.
RainMan is Back
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,650
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
- the original coils. changed out
- original cat changed out
- original motor mounts ditto
- original sunvisors ditto
- original lid/latch on the console ditto
- original tranny ditto
- original clutch ditto
- original engine ditto
never stalled. ditto
never flooded. ditto
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so. I need to put a quart in between regular oil changes
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance. changed out
have not waxed/polished in forever. ditto
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. Grr.. I got screwed on this one. Started happening after the end of my warranty period. One dealer said it's not a TSB so it's on my dime to replace.
have the newer starter and battery ditto
got 17mpg last tank in town. I get less in short distance city traffic
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip I can get that on highway
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue. ditto
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. I had the "clicking" issue early on. TSB cleared it up.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update ditto
- original cat changed out
- original motor mounts ditto
- original sunvisors ditto
- original lid/latch on the console ditto
- original tranny ditto
- original clutch ditto
- original engine ditto
never stalled. ditto
never flooded. ditto
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so. I need to put a quart in between regular oil changes
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance. changed out
have not waxed/polished in forever. ditto
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. Grr.. I got screwed on this one. Started happening after the end of my warranty period. One dealer said it's not a TSB so it's on my dime to replace.
have the newer starter and battery ditto
got 17mpg last tank in town. I get less in short distance city traffic
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip I can get that on highway
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue. ditto
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. I had the "clicking" issue early on. TSB cleared it up.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update ditto
Banned
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Green Side, yo!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
i have a '03 build. I had both tail lights housings replaced, squeaking breaks replaced, 7 check engine light issues "repaired" when my car was under warranty. Now i have 85000 miles on it. The engine is dead. I should have bought a g35.
I don't buy Kool-Aid
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,823
Likes: 2
From: Vegas Baby!
'04 still has
- the original coils.
- original cat
- original motor mounts
- original sunvisors
- original lid/latch on the console
- original tranny
- original clutch
- original engine
never stalled.
never flooded.
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so.
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance.
have not waxed/polished in forever.
have had the tail lamps replaced for water.
have the newer starter and battery
got 17mpg last tank in town.
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue.
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update
wtf is wrong with my car?
- the original coils.
- original cat
- original motor mounts
- original sunvisors
- original lid/latch on the console
- original tranny
- original clutch
- original engine
never stalled.
never flooded.
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so.
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance.
have not waxed/polished in forever.
have had the tail lamps replaced for water.
have the newer starter and battery
got 17mpg last tank in town.
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue.
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update
wtf is wrong with my car?
I hope your 8 mine and many others keep running strong
Registered
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
'04 still has
- the original coils. getting Mazsport ignition setup
- original cat burned out original, on a hi-flo now
- original motor mounts
- original sunvisors broken
- original lid/latch on the console
- original tranny
- original clutch almost time for a new one
- original engine
never stalled.
never flooded. once and got it started (pump the pedal, turn key, and stay on her)
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so.
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance.
have not waxed/polished in forever. I have ... many times
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. on my 3rd ... giving up and buying a fish
have the newer starter and battery
got 17mpg last tank in town.
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue.
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. new pads; MS
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update had that before, AEM CAI installed and only just a little bit
wtf is wrong with my car?
- the original coils. getting Mazsport ignition setup
- original cat burned out original, on a hi-flo now
- original motor mounts
- original sunvisors broken
- original lid/latch on the console
- original tranny
- original clutch almost time for a new one
- original engine
never stalled.
never flooded. once and got it started (pump the pedal, turn key, and stay on her)
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so.
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance.
have not waxed/polished in forever. I have ... many times
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. on my 3rd ... giving up and buying a fish
have the newer starter and battery
got 17mpg last tank in town.
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue.
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. new pads; MS
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update had that before, AEM CAI installed and only just a little bit
wtf is wrong with my car?
Registered Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,295
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
'04 still has
- the original coils.
- original cat
- original motor mounts
- original sunvisors
- original lid/latch on the console
- original tranny
- original clutch
- original engine
never stalled.
never flooded.
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so.
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance.
have not waxed/polished in forever.
have had the tail lamps replaced for water.
have the newer starter and battery
got 17mpg last tank in town.
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue.
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update
wtf is wrong with my car?
- the original coils.
- original cat
- original motor mounts
- original sunvisors
- original lid/latch on the console
- original tranny
- original clutch
- original engine
never stalled.
never flooded.
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so.
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance.
have not waxed/polished in forever.
have had the tail lamps replaced for water.
have the newer starter and battery
got 17mpg last tank in town.
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue.
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads.
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update
wtf is wrong with my car?
Yet another noob
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Finally some people who arnt having major issues with their cars. I just bought my 8 on Saturday and have yet to take delivery. It is at the dealer getting the heater working(which I posted about in a different thread)
The carfax report says no issues. The vin says no recalls due, but Im still scared as hell now from all the negative crap Ive read. Car fax report is here: http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_Displa...FE173040110649
As you can see it was made in 9/2003 - Its a 04 GT Touring 6Speed Silver with only 32000 miles that I got for $15000 from an Infiniti Dealer. Am I in over my head or did I get a good one?
Slide Show of the car here:
http://austin-infiniti.ebizautos.com...BizAutos&pid=1
Like I said, Its at Mazda right now. What should I ask them to check?
The carfax report says no issues. The vin says no recalls due, but Im still scared as hell now from all the negative crap Ive read. Car fax report is here: http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_Displa...FE173040110649
As you can see it was made in 9/2003 - Its a 04 GT Touring 6Speed Silver with only 32000 miles that I got for $15000 from an Infiniti Dealer. Am I in over my head or did I get a good one?
Slide Show of the car here:
http://austin-infiniti.ebizautos.com...BizAutos&pid=1
Like I said, Its at Mazda right now. What should I ask them to check?
Registered
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA USA
I would make sure that both the leading and trailing plugs have been replaced somewhere in the recent past. The recall which replaced the plugs in this car only replaced the leading plugs, and if the trailing plugs are still original, they are overdue for replacement.
Coolant should be refreshed if it hasn't been done in its life.
Gear and differential oil should be done as well if it hasn't been.
The brake fluid is also due for replacement at 30K.
These are all on the maintenance schedule in the owners manual, but they do get forgotten by mechanics sometimes, and the gear oil change is important.
Other than maintenance items, if it hasn't been driven by a high school kid, all should be good and enjoy the car. I have 65K miles on mine, and it is going well.
Coolant should be refreshed if it hasn't been done in its life.
Gear and differential oil should be done as well if it hasn't been.
The brake fluid is also due for replacement at 30K.
These are all on the maintenance schedule in the owners manual, but they do get forgotten by mechanics sometimes, and the gear oil change is important.
Other than maintenance items, if it hasn't been driven by a high school kid, all should be good and enjoy the car. I have 65K miles on mine, and it is going well.
93.5 octane
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery, AL
- the original coils. replaced during 4206f recall
- original cat same as above
- original motor mounts same as above
- original sunvisors broke the day i bought it
- original lid/latch on the console same as above
- original tranny dead at 25k
- original clutch replaced at same time of tranny
- original engine AMAZINGLY the only item on my car not replaced
never stalled. twice right after i bought it
never flooded. once
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so. checked mine every fillup
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance. yup
have not waxed/polished in forever. twice a year and always kept covered
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. once and they needed it again when i sold the car
have the newer starter and battery got that when the car flooded
got 17mpg last tank in town. i averaged 20
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip at 71 mph i got 25
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue. neither did i
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. never could get it fixed
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update had that
wtf is wrong with my car? i was one of the unlucky ones
- original cat same as above
- original motor mounts same as above
- original sunvisors broke the day i bought it
- original lid/latch on the console same as above
- original tranny dead at 25k
- original clutch replaced at same time of tranny
- original engine AMAZINGLY the only item on my car not replaced
never stalled. twice right after i bought it
never flooded. once
havent checked the oil in a thousand miles or so. checked mine every fillup
plugs have been changed only during regular maintenance. yup
have not waxed/polished in forever. twice a year and always kept covered
have had the tail lamps replaced for water. once and they needed it again when i sold the car
have the newer starter and battery got that when the car flooded
got 17mpg last tank in town. i averaged 20
got 24.xx mpg last all highway trip at 71 mph i got 25
never had a steering issue or a auto headlight leveling issue. neither did i
never had that brake squealing issue, although i am having some wear indicator noise since i need new pads. never could get it fixed
never had oil in the airbox- still dont have that pcv type update had that
wtf is wrong with my car? i was one of the unlucky ones
