So I just bought a used 06', really good condition, only 18k on her. Just what I've been reading/hearing... I'd like an expert opinion...

1) I heard a tune up is a grand ( mainly for the spark plugs), is there any way I could buy the plugs online for cheaper and have mazda install them? If yes, what type of plug would I use for an 06'? If not, what's the best course of action so I don't have to blow that kinda money?

2) I've heard a lot of people say that the engine runs really hot since it's a rotary. I've heard it's better to use a 5w-30 oil instead of the 20. If that's true and will keep my engine life longer then what type of engine oil is the best for the 8?

3) I have an 06' and I've heard there were recalls done. It had a clean carfax report but how would I go about finding whether or not it had the recall done and the necessary parts replaced? could Should I contact the closest mazda dealer and have them check it out?

No problems thus far (knock on wood)... but any info that could shed some light on these problems so I have an idea of what I'm dealing with in case something happens would help greatly.

Thanks,
Joe

 

I heard you should do proper research. Ask the questions you posted out loud to yourself and then think about how you would answer these question if someone asked you the same questions.

 

Never fear, Jedi is here!

You heard wrong.

just about anything / everything can be purchased online for cheaper but WHY would you want to pay Mazda to change spark plugs?
you really should take advantage of this site's search feature.
you'd quickly learn that the ONLY recommended spark plug for our vehicle is the NGK.
you will need 2 'trailing' and 2 'leading' plugs.
they're about $20 each, give or take a few bucks.

back to the installation: you should use our search function to locate the "do it yourself" thread for step by step instructions on how to swap your spark plugs on your own.
you'll save a TON of money this way.



You heard correctly, our motor is a little fire breather so the engine does run a bit hotter then a standard piston motor.
5w-30 is a good choice and it's what I use.
Some people (based on where they live) use even thicker oil such as 10w-30, 20w50, etc

Our motor can handle just about any oil you throw at it but Castrol GTX is the most recommended oil.
Oh, and speaking of oil: Our car burns oil, it's normal. It's SUPPOSED to do this so keep an eye on the oil level every few fill-ups. Running out of oil in our car can lead to bigger problems down the road.

correct, head into a local dealership and have them run your VIN.
hell, just go next time you need an oil change and have them do it while you're there. This way you'll get to know your local service advisors, throw them a little business (with your $30 oil change) and they'll gladly run the VIN.

the ABSOLUTE best advice I can give you is to take advantage of this amazing forum. It is HANDS DOWN one of the best forums I have ever been a part of.
If you can think of an issue, question, or problem, it has most likely already been addressed here and there is plenty of information available at your finger tips if you simply take a few minutes to search for it.

Oh, and read your owner's manual cover to cover.
honestly, there's a ton of useful information there. If you don't have one, go to mazdausa.com and register under ownes (you'll need your VIN)
that will allow you to download a full pdf version of the manual and also check for outstanding recalls now that I think about it.



this has been my random act of kindness for the day.

 

I would post in here with my own responses, to poke fun at Jedi, but since I've already answered them all here (New and Potential Owners Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=202454), I don't think I will retype it

 

people actually read that great wall of text?

 

I have a hope for the ones that do.




You turned to the dark side long ago, and no hope remains.

(You should see my next newbie thread I am preparing. Gawd I hate that 20,000 character post limit with a passion.)

 

+1 on Jedi...this forum is hands down one of the best out there...been on the forum for about 3 months and i feel like i know my car so well that i'm confident on working on it instead of taking it to the dealership...although i'd still go there for the oil changes since they gave me a year's worth of oil changes for free from when i bought the car

 

when you get done with new and potential owners, check out $100 in my sig for a car that age. The other one is new and potential owners...

And, welcome.

 

Versus $50 to $65 each at dealers.

Sure - if you cover the labor. I've had my dealer use my own plugs twice, saving the part cost, during jobs where they already had the labor figured in. But not all dealers will let a customer supply the parts.

Ken

 

There is a good DIY for plugs here. It is incredibly easy if you pull the front left tire. I have a 4 cyl pickup I have to do this weekend that will take me 4 times a long if I am lucky.

 

Thanks everyone. You've all been a tremendous help. Much appreciated.