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Picked up a 2004 RX8, what are the first main things to check?

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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 01:01 AM
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mohavie's Avatar
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Picked up a 2004 RX8, what are the first main things to check?

My nearest Mazda dealer had a 1 owner 2004 RX8 with 18900 miles on it. They had it listed for 18k but i talked them down to $16,500. I got all the service records for the car and it was brought it for all recalls and had regular oil changes. It is my first MT and I'm loving it, but I'm new at this car stuff and any information would be much appreciated.
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 02:34 AM
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Welcome.
This should get you started:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx8-faq-new-owners-116484/

Wealth of information is on this site, so search on topics you are inquiring about before posting (chances are, its been asked).
Get to know others in your region (regional forums towards the bottom of the main page).
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 08:39 AM
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Around 25k miles on the car i would change the coils and spark plugs and also use a can of bg44k fuel system cleaner at your next fill up. Thye coils and spark plugs should be changed around every 30k or some for peak performance. And the bg44k will help clean out the carbon build up.

Last edited by invasion08; Aug 29, 2008 at 10:16 AM.
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 11:21 AM
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mohavie, wecome!

spark plugs should be checked. Brown is okay, black is bad
check the air filter to make sure it's not too dirty and just follow routine maintenance.

enjoy!
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 05:17 PM
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I'd recommend 2 things: Because the Renisis engine is a sandwich of dissimilar metals, let it reach operating temperature for a few minutes BEFORE you romp and stomp on it. If you don't, you may be risking internal and external oil and coolant leaks that will require an engine replacement. I speak from experience, here.

Buy a case of Idemitsu Racing Rotary Fuel Lube (Premix) and use it every time you fill the tank with gasoline. You'll find lots of information about premixing on this website and about Idemitzu here:http://www.rotorsportsracing.com/per...g/idemitsu.htm.

I hope this helps.
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 07:09 PM
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New coilpack and spark plugs by 35k. Also change out the stock rear differential fluid ASAP. Power steering harness connector will come loose at some point, it's a simple fix.
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 10:48 PM
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Post recalls

Mine is an 04 and i have had a few. Check for misfires since that year is the year of engine replacements!
















\
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Old Aug 30, 2008 | 12:10 AM
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Thanks for all the advise, Ill check the spark plugs first thing.
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