I just bought my 2004 RX8 (with only 40k miles on it, clear driving history!), and the dealer did an inspection on it before I purchased it to make sure everything was running well, and I even took it to the performance shop I use to have them look at it and they gave it 100% pristine condition.

I have noticed though, that sometimes it has a little trouble starting. When the engine is warm and has been running a while, it starts up on the first turn-over. But if it's been sitting for 12+ hours, it struggles to turn on (but finally does after a few turns).

I've never owned a rotary engine, so I wasn't sure if this is just a characteristic of the car, or something I need to be worried about. Any insight out there?

 

did you get a compression test on the car? That is one thing that should have been done before purchase, and was most likely not part of the 'dealers checklist'.

In any event, you may also want to get some data about the starter as they were weak from the factory on early model RX8's. Search this site for threads about an 'upgraded starter'

 

Had the same issue with my 04, wouldn't even start when warm... Replaced the starter with an 07 starter and it changed dramatically! Shortly after now I'm replacing the coils and wires, and I expect that to make an even greater difference! Goodluck with it! (try a new starter).

 

Get a compression test first, make sure they hook up a battery jumper to it and that it is cranking at 250 rpm when they do it.

If compression checks out start going down the list of common issues.

 

there is a service bulletin where you replace the starter with a faster one, and a bigger battery, you can call Mazda corporate and ask if this and any recalls have been done.

compression test is the next step.

 

New starter and battery will run upwards of $600 compression test is $120...

 

You guys aren't reading what he wrote. He specifically said that when the engine is warm and has been running awhile, it starts right up. Its when its been sitting for awhile that its hard to start.

You took what we know about poor compression causing bad warm starts and went with it. Gotta pay attention!

Regardless, a new high power starter, coils, wires and plugs should all be changed before moving forward.