Hello everyone, I'm new to the website and just had a few questions.

I'm am thinking about getting a 2005 Mazda Rx - 8. Were all the 2004's and 2005's engines recalled?

And I've been hearing alot of mix emotions about the Rx-8. Some people love it and have had 0 problems with it . . . . while other hate it and it seems to have a handful of problems .

Also I am not really familiar with rotary engines.

Also seems to be a huge debate as to what oil to use.

Just wondering how many miles everyone has on their car?

How long are rotary engines supposed to last for?


Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

Search the FAQ. You will find all of your answers there.

 

If you read around this forum a bit, you'll find all of the opinions you are talking about but you will still have to make up your own mind because you won't find consensus on any of your questions. The engines weren't recalled but Mazda did extend the warranty and you are correct, there are people that have had 0 problems so far and some that have had to have their engines swapped out under warranty and others still that have had that done more than once. Many say stay away from 04's and go with 05's if given the choice and I followed that same advice. Overall, we are happy with our 8 at 50k+ miles but we do have a chronic check engine light issue that keeps coming back with a system too lean code ever since we had a flooded engine and a hard time restarting it. Could just be a sensor. Also found that the car could use a new set of engine mounts because the originals were known to have an issue with the engine heat deteriorating them prematurely. But rather than recalling them, Mazda just put out a service bulletin so you still have to pay to get them replaced if you want it done. My opinion is that it's a great car for the money but you have to be willing to maintain it like a rotary powered car and not like you might a typical car. Read more around here and you'll see what I mean.

 

OP: try starting here:
New and potential owners start here

 

There was an emission recall from 2004 through mid-2006 models. The engines were tested and given a new ECU flash. Some were replaced. Owners got a tank of gas and/or a car wash, and a free rental car for the day. Mazda extended the engine warranty to 8 years, 100,000 miles.

2005 is a good year. The 2006 car issue of Consumer Reports gave the RX-8 a checkmark. That would have been based on surveys of 2005 owners.

Mileage ranges from "Why did you buy a car if you're not going to drive it?" to a couple of hundred thousand. There's a "Highest mileage" thread somewhere.

Any special car (most sports cars) is designed to evoke emotions, and will have lovers and haters. Absorb all you can from this site, and especially read the posts RIWWP linked. Test drive one. If it calls out to you, get one. If it doesn't, then don't. Do the same for any other cars on your list.

BTW - Zoomy (my '06) called out to me, has been a joy to own and drive, and has given no trouble. YMMV.

Ken

 

Welcome to the club!