Just purchased 2004 for our son who is approaching his Senior year in high school. He is super excited about the car. We purchased "as is" and need some advice. #1)Engine coolant light comes on around 47-50mph and stays on until speed is reduced. Reduced speed, it goes off. No temperature gauge movement. Coolant mixture is full. #2)Very little power when taking off. Seems to get better once engine warms up good. - Looking for feedback on these and any other potential issues that may arise. Any suggestions ? We are really green right now. Please advise ...

 

Engine coolant light is most likely a faulty sensor.
Known issue. The sensor is located in the bottom of the coolant bottle.

If its a 2004 Automatic. They have no power.
That's a fact, honestly.

Things u will need to do if not already done:
Coils
Plugs
Catalytics a common problems

 

So that you know what you just got your son(and yourself) into.

You should all read the below links.............just the first couple of posts in each.

New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

Congratulations, you got an 8:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/

New Owner FAQ’s:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...&highlight=FAQ

FAQ’s:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/

Then click this link for everything you could ever want to know about the coolant bottle situation.
Note what this link does and have son note it. This is probably the best way to search the site.
We kind frown on those that don't make an attempt first.

Search rx8club via Google

 

You may want to get a compression test done, it would have been advisable to do before actually buying the car actually. A 2004 rx8 has a 4 speed automatic so will be slow regardless but it may have engine issues.

 

Read all the stickies and good luck.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to help us. We will be browsing this site ALOT!

 

Will do. Thanks so much for your help. Like said, just getting cranked up in this situation. Will surely be browsing these links and educating ourselves. Thx for your time and response.

 

Will deff have the test on compression. It was a "had to have car" for him and the price was VERY good. Compression test results bad, that means new motor right?

 

Thx

 

Yes you will need a new motor. Were you able to get the maintenance records from the person you bought it from? If not maybe call them and see what they have. If your car is under 100k miles then you should still be under the 8 yr / 100k mile engine warranty, but you need the oil change records for the car. Otherwise you will be paying out of pocket for the engine and that could turn the good deal into a ok or bad deal.

 

Congratulations to your son, how lucky he is. I know when I was in highschool I wanted a nice car, and despite the fact that my dad made enough money to buy me a nice one, he didn't. But to the important stuff: Read all those links but I'd like to summarize a couple of really important points, don't take the car over 3k until it's warmed up and when I say warmed up, start it up, when the temperature gauge gets to the middle normal operating position, still wait a few more minutes to take it above 3k. Constantly check the oil, these cars use it as a lubricant and a coolant, letting it get low is bad! Twice a week is probably sufficient, always before long drives, some people premix 2-stroke engine oil into their gas tank. if you decide to do it, do a high ratio of about 1:200, and don't use 2-stroke designed for marine uses.

 

Remote hasn't worked since I got the car. NBD I've just been using the key manually. My problem is my driver's side door is "unlocked" but it won't open from inside or outside! Pull the handle(s) & nothing happens. I've either gotta get out passenger side or perform a "Bo & Luke Duke" out the window. I'm 6'3" and this is getting old. Please help!

 

PM me and I can send you instructions. Your lock actuator in your door is busted. There is a spring in there that snaps (the lock actuator) (little enclosed black box) and you need to cut it open. Get ready for a pain in the *** job. I got ten stitches to prove it. I also brought it to three mechanics and they had no clue how to fix it so I had to take matters into my own hands as well as a knife.