Needs a new starter?
 

Hey guys, so my RX-8 (which I will post pictures today or tomorrow) has been kinda still sucky at starting, even with new spark plugs.

I just got the coils in today, we'll see how it goes - but I feel like my starter is going, plus it is not always consistent with how quick it turns over, sometimes it does it relatively quick (when it's colder) and sometimes it takes a bit when it's warmer. Which I hear is a problem with these engines anyways.

Do you guys think I need a starter? I will put in the coils today and see how it turns over, hopefully it solves my problem.

If I do need a starter though, is there a specific brand / type I should get and/or stay away from? I have found some "new" starters on ebay for ~$150 yet I find new starters on other sites for ~$350+

Sounds like it's either starter or (not to scare you) low compression.
The 'New' ebay starters I'm sure are remaned. A truly new (quality) starter cannot be had for under 300 (from my previous starter issues and research). If you do shell out the money get the upgraded one with higher output.
That being said, starters get overworked on this car so it may not be worth it to spend the extra money on a truly new one that will last as long as a 100 remaned one.

Click

Also, why not wait to install your coils to see how it helps. By the sounds of it, you should start reading stickies, or just google how ignition systems work.

So I cleaned the MAF and threw in new coils. First off, as how it normally happens with a newly cleaned MAF? (also the ECU reset I think because we disconnected the battery) the idles were normal, then would drop to 500 then shoot back up - though I am not to worried about it.

The ride was a lot smoother I felt, though a problem of it starting is still there, aka I think I need a new starter and really am scared to drop even more money onto this car already, blah.

If you buy the reman starters that are 150.00, do not expect a significant improvement (unless your current starter is almost out the door). Like many people say replacing that is just trying to mask other issues your vehicle may have. buying the 300-400$ faster spinning starter would be a good investment. That starter really kicks a**.

The reason I say that you should initially get the more expensive one is for this reason:

You are going to go piece by piece replacing equipment until you get the start you want. The problem is if you get the 150.00 one, and you dont get the results you want, you will say "meh this is ok, but i really want the faster one, let me go buy the 400.00 one", which in turn is costing you more money, when your starter may not even be your main problem.

Not too sure what you were trying to say in that second sentence, but the 8 will act a little funky after you disconnect the battery because it does reset the ECU. It just needs to learn the trims again then it will be good. As far as the starting issue, what year is it? The 2004s and 2005s came with a smaller/weaker starter and has been known to cause starting issues. I had this problem when I got my 2005 and took some advice from fellow members and bought a starter from a 2006 - 2008 model off Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. Its basically a internet database of junkyards around the US and they have some good parts. I think I paid like $60 after the core charge. It worked wonders for my 8. Just hit up that website and call around and see what people have.

I am going to try to take it into Mazda today for a full inspection, including compression test. Something is leaking in the front driver side now near the fog light - the radiator seems fine, so I have little idea what it could be.