RX8Club.com - { FS } 2004 RX-8 Sport

UPDATE: SOLD on October 23, 2014

2004 Mazda RX-8 Sport with original OE NAV and Xenon headlights in the 2004 only Lightning Yellow color. 76,000 miles. Excellent track car. $6500.

More info:

Recently replaced plugs, coils and wires, all coolant hoses and expansion tank (for a coolant level sensor issue), and front brake rotors. Compression test done last month, at low end of acceptable range, but not unusual for the age/mileage on the engine (it's the original engine). Occasionally sets a CEL for low cat efficiency (it liberated itself last October, but still managed to pass emissions test). I have a friend who recently removed the cat from his RX-8 as he lives where emissions tests are not required. If you need one I can get it.

Some rust starting to appear around the rear wheel arches (typical). Oil changed regularly (or rather a bit more than regularly as I tracked the car). I have several oil filters that will go with the car (purchased in bulk from Mazda Motorsports).

Mazda indicated there was regular service done thru 2008, then none until I bought the car in May 2011. All the brake rotors were rusted pretty bad and were replaced immediately after I purchased the car. There are some horizontal scratches on the roof and hood -- looks like stuff was stored on the car while it sat for a few years. I would suspect that whatever incident the previous owner had must have spooked them into storing it until they sold it to a third party dealer. One of the previous owners (I'm at least the third) must have whacked a curb pretty hard with the front left corner. After I acquired the car, I replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends, upper control arm (left side), both front bearings, and front calipers. The wheels that came with the car showed evidence of minor curb scrapes (except for the front left, which must have been replaced after the incident). Left front fender also appears to have been replaced, it's a fraction of a shade darker than the rest of the car. Most people only notice it if I mention it. I replaced numerous plastic bits on the nose (grill insert, under tray, wheel well liners). There is some spidering of the paint on the front bumper cover. The wheels that came with the car were sold off as I acquired a pristine set of OE wheels from a racing friend which are on the car now.

Interior is very clean. Drivers seat track has some adjustment issues, but will still lock into place with minor fiddling. Everything works (including A/C). Factory NAV system works, but has never been updated. It's a PITA to use and my phone is always up to date, so I didn't bother to update it either. It's a DVD based system.

I replaced the transmission in early 2012 with a new unit from S2 RX-8 (2009-2011). The S2 unit is much more reliable/stout, but reverse in in a different place then indicated on the shift knob. Only 3rd gear is a different ratio from the original trans (does 100 mph in 3rd instead of 85 mph -- great for most tracks). Had the clutch replaced at the same time. Again one of the previous owners must have been hard on the 2nd gear synchro or this may be the weak part in the S1 trans as a local autocrosser is having 2nd gear syncro issues and that car spends most of the time in a trailer.

I successfully tracked down the electric steering rack issue (re: electric steering disabled), was a stupid connector close to the battery that I replaced with an electrical splice. Also replaced the universal joint at the bottom of the steering column (re: lumpy steering). Haven't had any issues since then. Also has an Optima Red Top non-spillable battery.

The original shocks/springs/swaybars are back on the car and it rides and handles pretty good for a 10 year old car (rubber "donut" bushings are new -- this is where most suspension clunking comes from). I plan on selling the aftermarket shocks/springs/swaybars/coils separately (click on links in my signature to get to the individual parts posts).

In addition to the "free flowing cat", I installed a Racing Beat "clone" exhaust (looks like a Racing Beat exhaust, but it's a cheap knockoff). Sound level is not too bad. Getting a functional cat would bring the sound level back down a bit.

This car has electronic stability control that can be partially or completely disabled with a button on the dash. However, the system is "magical" in bad weather. With winter tires you can drive this car year round (I did).