I have a 2004 rx8, and when I first bought it the engine flooded, took it to the Mazda dealer, and they said my car needed a new engine, thats when I told them it was still under waranty and then it no longer needed a new engine just to be fixed ok so 3 years later at 98000 miles the check engine light came on, loss of power, engine rattle and die at stop lights engine light was calling for a cylinder misfire so recommended to change coils, wires and sparks, well I took it somewhere else since they wanted to charge $1200 I did the rattle stop but not completely the loss of power was still there and die twice more within a month at a stop light I went to have the coils check they were firing just fine. Took it back to Mazda at 101000 miles no more warranty and they said I need a new engine.:/ I'm kind of skeptical after the first time, So i had the crank sensor replaced, rotors and pads well it fixed some of the rattling and runs a little better but the engine still rattles not too bad, and the light is still on any clues. My mechanic thinks it might be a vacuum leak under the exhaust but he is not sure!!

 

Well, assuming your ignition is replaced and is in good working condition, next suspicious would be your cat...

 

Take it to your local club meet.