Just introducing myself and a quick request for advice. First I'd like to say thanks for all the great info on this site and it was a great help in making the decision to purchase my 2nd rotary last week. 2007 RX-8 GT silver. 36k miles and I love it. Chose this over a 350Z and glad I did.

Took the car in for oil change and have the dealer check it over. They also updated the PCM to current and checked the clutch under a TSB I believe (no change).

The service advisor indicated the left rear "strut" is leaking and advised replacing both left and right "struts" at $364 EACH. I'm not sure I understand his term "struts" however...is he referring to the shock absorber/MacPherson strut? This seems like a lot for an OEM part when new Bilstein HD are around $110.

Otherwise additionally recommended $244 gas treatment (passed), $308 new spark plugs (probably do this next week) and new inside filter $70.

Could someone advise on the "strut" issue? Thanks!

Forgot to add. Car does have DSC and Traction Control. Maybe this adds to the cost?

 

he must be referring to the shock itself, and maybe he is trying to get you to buy new springs + shocks. to be honest I don't know how much dealers would charge for those. if new bilstein shocks are $110 i would roll with those.

$308 for new spark plugs is ridiculous, buy a set from a vendor for ~80 and replace them yourself. the cabin filter you can get from autozone/kragen i believe as well.

good luck!

 

Even with labor that is a bit ridiculous for rear struts.

Spark plugs and coils.....replace them now since you likely have no idea how old they are. BHR has a nice set to replace the coils or you could go OEM (you might get lucky and have them last).

 

Thanks for the input! I'll check out BHR and Autozone.

 

Hello all. I am a new owner of a 2005. I did not do any research before buying. Drove a 2005 911. I chose the RX-8. Glad I did. Puts a smile on my face every time I get in. Now to the question. I want to buy a good set of tires, as the RX seems to slide a little to much going around the round abouts, though I may be going a little fast. I just want it to stick a little more on the roads here in the Rockies.

 

If you're in the rockies are you sliding because you are on snow?

If so you want a good set of snow tires. I recommend the Dunlop Wintersport M3's. Folks also like the Bridgestone Blizzaks.

If you are looking for a better summer tire I recommend the Dunlop Z1 Star Specs. Great bang for the buck and a very popular ST class autocross tire. They are summer only tires though so if you are driving in snow you MUST get snow tires as well.

 

Aries, The Rev is correct as it sounds like the dealership is suggesting you replace the shock. (aka strut)
This appears to be the replacement piece: http://onlinemazdaparts.com/partloca...layCatalogid=0

The gas treatments are a ripoff, pour a bottle of Lucas fuel injector cleaner in the tank and call it a day.
As for the spark plugs, WOW that's a high price. As mentioned, those can be purchased for approx $80 and it's a fairly straight forward install if you feel like doing it yourself. Check our Do It Yourself subforum for step by step instructions.

There are two options for the cabin filter, I'd recommend this one: http://finishlineperformance.com/sto...cat=273&page=1 This also is a VERY simple install, the filter is located in the glovebox and can be swapped out in minutes.

 

This is a great opportunity to upgrade your suspension! Also check out the Racingbeat setup. It's a great street setup. If you're going to do shocks you should probably do them all around. And if you're going to replace your shocks you might as well upgrade your springs while you're at it since you have to take it all out anyway.

www.racingbeat.com

 

^ +1 What he said!