I just bought a 2004 rx-8 3 days ago. This is my first rotary engine and i'm not sure
what i need to do.
It has 70,000 miles and has no problems that i can see so far.

I know how to do basic maint....plugs, wires, oil changes...but thats about it.

So, what should i do first? I'm sure about the previous owner or what they've
done, or haven't done.

A little help would be appreciated.

 

welcome to the club, read all the stickies its good knowlege

 

If you call (or visit) your nearest Mazda dealer and give them the VIN they can give you whatever maintenance history was done at any Mazda dealer. Make sure the latest flashes were done. 4206f was the next to last one, and MSP16 is the latest. Both are freebies, even if out of warranty.

I'd suggest changing engine oil and filter, just so you have a starting point. If you get that done at a good dealer and tell them you just bought the car, they should do a courtesy "Full Circle Inspection." Obviously looking for work, but it doesn't hurt for a tech to look it over.

Congrats on the car. You're going to enjoy it.

Ken

 

There's also a great DIY on here for changing the ignition coils and it is not too complicated. If you could manage that, along with the stuff you already mentioned, you should be in really great shape. Be aware that your engine also has an 8 year/100k warranty so even though the car is running great now, make sure to pay for a compression check as you get close to 100k so you can get a new engine under warranty if need be.

 

^^^

Or you can run the VIN through Mazda North American Operations at (800) 222-5500. They will be able to tell you all of the TSBs that have been performed and also if there ever was an engine replacement for your car.

The main issue would be the latest flash - MSP16. Which increases the OMP injection rate, lowers the cooling fan operating temps, and much more.

With 70k miles, this would be my biggest concern.

 

Welcome. Add some pics. And a little searching seems to be in order.

 

Thanks...guess a little reading is in order.

I'll post some pics as soon as the snow melts....