Roto8

Im getting ready to buy an 04 RX-8 with only 1527 miles on it. I joined this forum to see what kind of issues people are having. I am a little worried with all the problems I am seeing with this car. I have never owned a car that seemed to have so many issues. The dealership has my down payment and I am supposed to pick the car up next week. Should I bother? Is there anything I should make sure the dealer checks out before I get it? Is it going to be more trouble than its worth? I am needless to say a bit worried. If anyone has any input please help. Thanks

cgrx

make sure ALL the recalls and reflashes have been done.
They are all here : http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html

wisconsinben

Just keep your fingers crossed. This car seems to be very "hit or miss." Some people on this forum report one problem after another. I, on the other hand, have an '04 with just over 30,000 miles on it now and have had NO problems. It's only been at the shop for check-ups, oil changes, and recall work. (knock on wood)

KYLiquid

you always hear about all people that are having problems, they make post after post about issues.....you very rarely hear/see posts by people just saying how everything is going good.

I dont see why so many people talk about this car having more 'issues' than they have heard of with other cars. Its a brand new car, a lot of cars have recalls and things break in the first few model years, till everything is worked out. Other than making sure you warm the car up before shutting it off (not really an issue any more, and more a cold weather issue than anything) and checking the oil ever few fill-ups, occasionaly topping it off......what else is there with this car that is making you worried.

Tigster

The squeaky wheel always makes the most noise, that is why you always will see the same people complaining all the time about the car. Just check the oil every 1500 miles or so and enjoy the car.

Oh for the record I have had it for over a year and have had no problems and I love the car.

Roto8

i don't know, just seems to be alot of problems on this forum. I guess I am just being carefull. I called the dealer this morning and faxed him over the recall info. He is going to have the car checked out for me, so I am sure it will be fine. I just don't want to have major engine problems. However it seems that only people in extreme heat are having these issues. I live in Albany, NY so I won't see 115 degrees. The cold weather on the other hand could pose a problem. Any suggestions for having it start on cold mornings. Should I get and engine block heater for the winter? I am still getting the car, and am very excited from all the positive stuff i have heard about the car. Can't WAIT! Just want to make sure I have all my checks and balances sorted out before I make the purchase. Thanks

Roto8

Here is a quick question. Does the car NEED premium fuel? Will it manage on regular. Damn gas prices!

Gambit

it doesn't NEED premium. Plenty of people use regular, personally, I use 89 all the time

Go48

Rule No. 1: Do NOT start the car and shut it off without warming it up--EVER. The RX-8 with the later PCM updates is not particularly prone to flooding, but it can happen if you tempt it. If you have to just move the car, let it run until it has warmed up before you shut it down or you may have to deal with a flooding condition. BTW, make yourself familiar with the de-flooding procedure in the owners manual just in case.

See if you can talk the dealer into installing the upgraded battery before you pick up the car. The OEM battery is not something you want to deal with in your area in the Winter time. If you have a garage and you will not be driving the car for days at a time, get a trickle charger that is also a maintenance charger and leave it plugged it to the battery. Schumacher makes one that has a pigtail you can leave attached to the battery to make it easier to connect the charger.

Also, If you plan on driving it in the snow, you most certainly should get snow tires all around. Your first drive in the snow without them will be a memorable event I understand.

7andan8

The first thing that pops in my head when I read that you joined this forum to find out about the car...its probably your first forum? The general nature of forums is to get out your problems, glitches and questions. I don't know of a forum page that is titled - "Give us all your stories about why you love your car!" I'm sure it would be a great page! Anyway, get the car! Enjoy it! Its a great ride...then post a positive story!

Hotsauce

I bought a remaining 04 this past March. Before I picked the car up, I had the dealer replace the battery according to the TSB and the install the latest reflash (M). I just had the thermal and lower arm recall done and the car was reflashed to (R). I've had no problems with the car since March. If you have the NAV system, contact North American Mazda to get the OS upgrade. Next the DVD from NavTec is outdated by 3 years. You can get the latest version from them for $199.