Sponge Bob

Hi all:
I will appreciate your advice on buying an RX-8. I am a former owner of an '89 RX-7 convertible (I LOVED that car...). Dealers in my area have great deals on remaining 2004 RX-8's. I am considering a 6 spd w/touring option.

I read through the threadsregarding technical issues and would like some advice and clarification. I loved my '89 and have been lusting after the 8 since it was announced, but I have some nagging concerns about the reported technical issues. I need a car I can commute in daily (70 mi. round trip 80% freeway) with out drama and trauma.

I have the following questions:
1. How serious are the problems noted on this site (esp. flooding, gas mileage, brakes, and tranny issues)? The one that worries me the most is the manual tranny failures - is this a real concern or an "operator issue"?
My interpretation is that the flooding and mileage issues are somewhat linked and largely solved through flash updates and driving style. The sqealing brakes seem to be solved (but will a 2004 have an old bad batch of pads)?

2. Have there been any major changes from 2004 to 2005 models that would justify that I should spend $3000-$4000 more on a 2005?

3. How well are 8's holding up in the long term? (I know they've only been out for < 2years, But I'd appreciate hearing about the general quality, duability, and any mileage-dependant issues from folks with "high mileage" 8's).

Thanks in advance for any and all input. With any luck, I will be joining your ranks soon as an official 8 owner.

Cheers!
Bob

PS: I'm very impressed with the quality of this site and the posts - very knowledgable and intelligent.

pimpindarx8

Well ive had my 8 for a yr now and i havent had any problems what so ever as far as flooding and brakes or tran but gas mpg is horrible lol. i drive probably a bit more than you daily on the highway bout 85% i have no problems i love the 8 the best part of my day is driving to work and back.

Sponge Bob

How much warranty work have you have done (example: flash upgrade, etc.)?

Bob

robertdot

1. Not very. The only problem I've "really" had that has been on a TSB is the heat in the cup holder. I haven't had it fixed, so it's not really that big of an issue. All of the warranty work SHOULD be done at the dealer before you get it if you buy a 2004 model now. I've gotten the flashes just for the sake of getting them, and I got the airbag recall taken care of JIK (hey, my FRIENDS ride there, after all .

2. No, unless you REALLY REALLY like the new key.

3. I've had mine a year and put a (low) 14,000 miles and I've had ZERO problems. Not a flood, not a bad tranny, nothing. And that is with a (direct) 2,500 mile trip across the US.

You should have fewer problems than the FCs had, at any rate.

pimpindarx8

i know that ive gotten a couple things done but ive only been to the dealer maybe 5 times in the yr ive had it

Jackallll

My car has almost 5k miles with no real issues.

In terms of reliability, I really don't think you'd be better served by buying a 2005 over a 2004. It is a reliable car....if the car has the updated flash that should take care of most of the flood, cold start problems. Of course, you should always warm the car up before shutting it down. That's just one of the quirks that you have to put up with.

Mileage is very bad if you drive in the city. I've never seen a car with such a disparity in mileage between highway and city. I've averaged anywhere between 170 miles and 240 miles on a tank. Some people seem to get consistently better mileage than others too...it's a mystery to me. I would not call this a reliability issue...clearly Mazda should fess up and change the MPG city/highway on the sticker. Since you're driving 80% highway then your mileage *should* hover around 20mpg.

If you get an early build 2004 then you'll probably need to replace the front pads for squeaking under the TSB (I had that done last week). If you buy at a dealer just have them do it before you take the car. easy.

If you can still find a 2004 on the dealer's lot then you should be able to get into it for thousands under invoice. it may be difficult to find one optioned out the way you like it. I suggest looking for a gently used, low mileage 2004...these can be had for 21-22k. Of course, if you can get into a 2005 only for 2-3k more than a 2004 then i'd seriously getting it for resale purposes (i have no idea what current 2005 incentives are).

Sponge Bob

Well, I made the jump today and got a new 2004 6 spd w/Touring and Appearance for $6000+ under MSRP. It's an early build, so I got the TSB issues wrote up on a due bill.

Thanks again,
Bob

truemagellen

I did but I have an '04 picked one up from rx8garage.net and got it cut for free at the dealer and programmed it for free too

pbuck1

I've had may 8 for 6 mths now and had 0 problems with it . For the epa I get about 260 milles to a tank of gas . As long as you do the brake-in listed by Racing Beat you'll be fine !