Okay, I am going to be buying an RX-8 pretty soon. I'm gonna have around 12 grand to spend so I can't get a new one. I am concerned with the flooding issue. I have also noticed that there are a hell lot of 2004s on sale but not many '05s or 06's. This makes me feel that people are trying to get rid of these models for some reason.

I need advise on whether I should worry about buying an '04, and also if I do not buy from a Mazda dealership, can I take it in to any Mazda dealership to get the ignition system looked at, and possibly get parts replaced, ecu updated etc for free? Also if you guys have any other tips on what I should be checking for when buying used, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Having just bought my 05 rx8 a few months ago, I went through the exact same search as you. I too was skeptical of the 04's mainly because it's a first year model. I was always set on buying a 06 or later but I happened to find my 05 in near pristine condition with 25k miles on it so I couldn't pass it up. I believe if you take care of the engine with regular maintenance and general precautions, as well as keeping the rpm's higher at some point during your drives, flooding and carbon build up is pretty well avoided. No cold shut downs either. As far as the ecu reflash, mazda will do it for sure. I have yet to take mine in but they told me they would. I also plan on getting the BHR ignition when the time comes as I found out the stock is quite week especially in earlier models (correct me if I'm wrong) I'm not entirely sure though as to what exactly change from 04 to 05 if anything at all. Good luck with your search.

 

Nothing you get done at a mazda dealership will be cheap, let alone free. The ecu reflash *should* be free but as far as inspecting it and doing any type of tests I'm sure that will cost you.

 

The way the car was taken care of is way more important than the year or mileage. Try to buy a bone stock car from an enthusiast adult who kept really good records. The kind of person who waxed it twice a week, has posters of the car all over the garage, and wells up with tears as you pull it out on a test drive.

 

Any year you want - provided a good service history as the prime discriminator (which ensures early year flaws were corrected).

Are you sensing a theme here?

 

I used to wax my sunlight silver twice a week. It's now a filmy cream color.

 

You're supposed to remove the wax after you apply it.

 

^hahahaa

 

If I do buy from a Mazda dealer, will they have done all the fixes on the car for the recalls or do I have to check the CarFAQs?

 

^ They'll generally ensure all the pertinent TSB/MSP's have been/are done - if they're a reputable dealership.

You could always call Mazda North American Operations 800-222-5500 with your VIN to double-check.

 

You can get an 04 ... just get one with a fresh engine. Lower mileage 04's are the "time bombs" (below 50,000) if they have original eng.

 

WTF??? Most 04's have had all pertinest TSB/MSP's applied (to include add'l apex seal oil metering). If it's a low mileage '04 then the original engine hasn't gone too long without add'l lubrication, so low averse wear. And, '04's are still within the 8 yr engine core warranty anyway (provided also less than 100k miles). So.... no corncern with buying one.

Let's try to keep the illogic and mis-information to a minimum, shall we?