volcano

I purchased an 04 black 6spd with ~50k from a co-worker. He was being transferred to CA(from NC), so he needed to sell it quickly. We checked the Kelley Blue Book value, and he gave me $1k off. I'm not sure exactly what trim level it is-- but it has navigation, leather, some cosmetic accents, but no spoiler. I'd driven RX8s before, and was planning on getting one for some time, and when this opportunity came around I grabbed at it.

Onto the matter at hand, my co-worker told me it had no serious issues, and it had been relatively problem free. He also said he had all the service history, and he had the oil changed every 3k miles. I wish now I had actually taken the time to look, instead of believing him. He bought the car from CarMax at ~20k miles. Today, I decided to take a look at the service history, and was quite surprised:

36k -- airbag light on, replaced rear door wiring harness
36k -- driver's seat belt wouldn't release-- replaced seat belt
38k -- replaced air filter and spark plugs
38k -- check engine light -- replaced switch on intake at "shudder valve"
48k -- replaced entire navigation system(including LCD)
50k -- car "hard to start"-- replaced intake manifold(had to pull the engine), battery, and PCM was flashed

Is this normal for the RX8? I've never owned a brand new car before, or even one with this low of miles, so I have no measuring stick other than friends that have new cars(and none have had this many issues). It just seems surprising that all this has failed BEFORE 50,000 miles. Also, it's out of warranty now!

While I've only had the car since December, it's been mostly problem free so far. The rotors are a bit warped, and it can sometimes be hard to start(maybe 15% of the time). I really enjoy it though, and it fits me very well. FWIW, it's barely consumed any oil.

After reading a bit on this forum(which I find is generally a mistake with ANY car, you end up thinking your car will fall apart at any moment given the problems other people report), I'm starting to wonder if my engine may be abnormally low on power! My friend's stock 2002 VW GTI 1.8T simply walked away from me(and never stopped pulling) starting at 75mph-- surprising given he has much less HP(180hp). I know the RX8 isn't a "straight line" car-- but shouldn't 230hp do a bit more?

So my questions are:

1) For that time span, is that a normal or acceptable amount of failures for a newer car?
2) When do the spark plugs need to be changed again(they were changed at 38k)?
3) I've read about engines having low compression-- would this cause an overall drop in power with no other obvious symptoms?
4) Subjective, but should I sell the car and run like hell? I really do like the car, but I'm not too keen on keeping a car that is going to break every few thousand miles, especially now that it's out of warranty.

Thanks for any help and/or opinions!

DarkBrew

Sounds like that car has not been driven hard enough and has been clogged up with carbon deposits.
Have the compression checked. If it's okay then take it out and drive it like you stole it. It will pick up power.
Don't get overly concerned about all the parts replaced. The service monkeys randomly replaced parts until the problem goes away or the customer gives up.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

this car is not for you. go get yourself a Civic.

volcano

What a helpful and absolutely ******* useless post.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

This is pretty much the way it is.

1) Q:For that time span, is that a normal or acceptable amount of failures for a newer car?
A: See DarkBrew's answer

2) Q:When do the spark plugs need to be changed again(they were changed at 38k)?
A: I would say at about every 20K miles to be on the safe side.

3) Q: I've read about engines having low compression-- would this cause an overall drop in power with no other obvious symptoms?
A: Yes and usually a ruff running engine. I would think a drop in power w/o any other symptons is most likely a plugged cat. Eventually you will get a CEL.

4) Q: Subjective, but should I sell the car and run like hell? I really do like the car, but I'm not too keen on keeping a car that is going to break every few thousand miles, especially now that it's out of warranty.
A: It's hard to tell. They did extend the drivetrain warrenty on most of the RX8s. And you are only half way through you emissions warrenty.

Startl_Respons

Run it to redline a few times every time you take the car out. Make sure it's a sustained redline for at least maybe around 10 or 15 seconds each time. Also, MAKE SURE your car is warmed up BEFORE you redline. No one on this forum ever reminds people to make sure their damn car is warmed up before. That's kind of important info, don't you think so? Maybe that's why I got the best running high mileage RX8 in the world, while these people keep screwing up their damn car (and other cars). Thanks.

Startl_Respons

Just curious, why are you called Volcano?

VOODOO8

Dark Brew gave you the best guidance. Drop a couple of hundred on a documented compression test with a dealer who has test equipment to handle this procedure on an RX-8. Make sure you get three documented readings per rotor for both rotors as well as the cranking RPMs measurements were taken at. Engine should be at operating temp. Compare results to the chart.

One other item, before the compression test tell the dealer you've chosen that you experiencing hard starting issues. The dealer should recommend a starter and battery upgrade (which I didn't see in your original post). Since your under the updated 60K mile limit for warranty, this update should be discussed as covered maintenance. If the dealer doesn't respond to your complaint with any mention of this upgrade, go find another dealer that does.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

You already answered ur own question

not to mention if u really read and searched, u should have the answers by now.

and I offered my advise. take it or leave it

want me to repeat them ?

volcano

Thanks for the help, everyone!

Startl_Respons

Even nycgps?

laythor

nyc's still bitter about his ticket

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

DIE !

Socket7

It's the sort of info that falls under the "well duh" category. You should warm up ANY car before giving it hell. As a gearhead type person, warming the engine up is really an autonomic response and I don't think about it; the same way you don't think about tying your shoes when you put them on.

Nobody on this forum ever reminds people they don't have to be so snarky either, but I don't complain


Volcano, It sounds to be within the range of average repairs for an 8, and I second the notion it probably hasn't been run as hard as it should have been, as evidenced by the manifold replacement. Over filling the oil on the 04's could also lead to the manifold getting replaced as the crank case vents straight into the intake. (look behind your air filter and you'll probably find a puddle of oil. you can get a catch can for it.)

Get it compression tested, and if it's good, you just need to burn the carbon out of it. Should be a good time.