I bought my 03' RX-8 about six months ago, GT version 20K miles, since I've had it I've had to bring it to the dealer for extended periods three times. I had the heater replaced, the starter+battery and now the vacuum "milky dipstick" hose mod. I love my car and it's been a dream of mine for over 10 years to get one so I'm reluctant to classify the car as a lemon, however, I want some advice on if the rx8 is worth it as a reliable car. I've had no big problems other than those listed but I am not a mechanic and I dont want to worry about constant repairs. I saw a post that said Mazda wanted to replace any engines which failed the vacuum test. Does the "milky dipstick" qualify?

 

Hey Seth. I have an '04 ( I believe that was the first official US production year although the car was actually assembled in 03 - mine is a 6/03 production date) Two of the three items you mentioned I also have had done. The heater replacement is a new one to me, but the other two have been well known recall replacements.

The milky oil dipstick is a cold weather phenomeon that some have had dealt with by the dealer, and others like me have just lived with because the concensus seems to be that it is not really a big deal. I see it each winter and have had no problems.

Was the battery and starter replacement as the result of a flooding problem? That's when I had mine done, and it has been great.

This is a great car. Those of us that have an early production model need to be sure that the factory upgrades are done, but, IMHO, after that it's all zoom, zoom!!!

 

you might also want to pick a different section of the forum to ask these questions.

 

Ya know, I just picked this thread off the New Posts category, so I didn't even notice where it was originally posted. I admit, it is probably in an unusual place, but give the guy a break. It's his virgin post! I didn't get all of this posting stuff my first time either. We all learn with experience. He'll probably catch on fast and be one our best members.

Zoom, Zoom!

 

Seth there some things in your post that you should better explain. Three extended dealer visits for minor things? How long did it take them to change a battery & starter? There are two ways the dealer can take care of customers that feel the milky dipstick is a problem. One is placing a tube inside the dipstick to hide the gunk from the owner. The other is a new vent system to prevent it from forming, which one did they do?
On one hand you say you had no big problems and on the other hand you sometimes think it’s a lemon? Was there something wrong with your battery & starter or did the dealer offer to change it while you were there? If your battery & starter never failed that doesn’t count as a problem. The dipstick thing has no effect on performance, its just a feel good thing for the owner. So far the only real issue a very rare heater problem, nothing here indicates a problem car.
By the way I have a 04 built 5/2003 with 90,700 miles that runs great even after four winters of the milky dipstick and my original starter still fires it up every day. If you maintain this car well and drive it hard every so often you should do as well I am doing.