Okay, I've been an RX8 owner for about 3 years now. Got my 2008 RX8 in 09 with 5000 miles on it. No problems.

I took it in to the dealership yesterday because the engine was idling really rough and so was the drive. Also, I saw many symptoms of a bad starter.

Today, I get the quote - the starter with labor is 675.00 and the coils, wires and crap is 1350. The tune-up is covered under warranty and the motor might need to go but that's under warranty as well. Total is about 2100.

Is it a good idea to get these repairs done? It is said that the whole coils, etc is to be done every 2400-3500 miles and it's gotten to 1300 dollars because I waited so long. Apparently that is affecting the starter and now my battery is going down the toilet too because I just bought it last year and the guy says it's testing 488 amps out of 650 I think. I JUST GOT IT MONTHS AGO.

Anyway, I don't think I'm going to trust after market ones. But is this regular maintenance for you guys? He says I don't drive it rough enough. I'm thinking maybe this car isn't for me.

Dad works at a Toyota dealership and he thinks his guys can do the job cheaper - but do I really want to trust non-RX8 workers? I'm so confused!

 

how in the F is a starter $675 to replace? unless the starter is $500+ lol

 

just about every battery is under a 2 year warranty so make sure you check on that. if you didn't buy the battery and/or don't have the receipt you're probably hosed there.

Buy the BHR Coils. You can install them yourself and they are better than OEM.

No idea on the starter but I guarantee someone here will know.

 

I'm looking at the quote - it's like 173.00 in labor alone and 446 for the part itself. I looked online and for the OEM, that's what it costs. Aftermarkets are cheaper and the dealership has them. But I'm a bit wary. I love my car.

The coils: 103 each (need 4), but labor 288.00.

 

I could literally install your starter in 5 mins. Autozone has an upgraded starter for our car (N3Z1 18 400 I think) for $125 + $35 core charge. I've never heard of anyone one here having problems with aftermarket starters.

You could get a full OEM ignition system for ~$400, or get the bulletproof BHR system for $500.

And yes, driving it hard up to Redline helps to clear the carbon out of the engine... Plus it's fun!

All in all $625 dollars in parts, all easy to install in your own garage.

 

Add a Zero to those numbers and it gets more accurate.

 

Yes, you're right, sorry.
I've no idea anything about installing crap on cars or anything. I see youre in SAn Antonio; I have my RX8 at North Park Mazda. I'm stuck in Laredo. I need my car NAO.

The coils and engine decarb are 1350 in total (the tune up or some crap is under warranty). I might authorize that. The starter, I can wait I think. But it's very weak. Dad offered to get his techies at the local dealership (Toyota) to install the starter. Dunno what price.

I also wonder if I should do a trade-in. I heard RX8 production has ceased.

 

You've already lost most if not all the money you're going to lose on trade in value; my R3 has dropped like 6k book since I bought it in february

Unless you own the car REALLY well, don't trade it, and if you do own it well you should keep it

 

LMAO, I was JUST at Legend Mazda looking up parts prices (keys, transmitters, etc.). Labor is $100+ over there!

I would personally hold off on the decarb. My car once had similar issues but it went away with new plugs and new wires. Worked like a charm after that and a good highway spanking.

Here's your coils. Buy four. Buy BWD/Intermotor Ignition Coil E1001 at Advance Auto Parts

Here's your starter. Buy one, trade in the old one for a rebate.
Duralast Import/Starter (19473) | AutoZone.com

Ask both how much for just the INSTALL, not parts.

P.S. The attached picture will help the Toyota techs re-wire everything correctly - if you choose them.

 

You have a target painted on your back.......$1350 FOR COILS AND PLUGS AND WIRES IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY

If they cant install the coils plugs and wires and starter in 2 hours they are slackin....

 

Buy BHR (Black Halo Racing) coils with the new wire and plugs ~$600 and get them installed at your dads Toyota garage. If I can do it, I know they can and you should get a good deal through your dad (like a case of beer).

Then after a couple of weeks decide if you need a new starter. The BHR coils have a "bigger bang" and will help the car start quicker so you might not even need the starter or battery.

 

So do you guys recommend manufactured parts? My Dad can get a starter for like 200 dollars, original but remanufactured. He said that they are guaranteeing the same warranty as the new one.

The dealership one is OEM and brand new, not remanufactured. That's why it's 449.00

Total, I'd pay 300 or so for the starter with installation at Toyota since they're charging 100 for labor.

 

Honestly, an '08 should NOT be needing a new starter.
Tell them to hold off on that part for a bit.
If anything, ask them to disconnect the main lead at the starter, clean the connections, and reconnect.

The battery and ignition parts are most likely the cause of the slow cranking.
Have them start with those first, and then, if you still have slow cranking speeds with a new battery and ignition parts, then replace the starter.

BC.

 

They are going to hold off for a bit - gonna bring home the car today from San Antonio. But according to the techs, the starter is still not doing well. The battery, can't be that. I just got a new one last December.

 

BHR coils are good, but if you are on a budget Oreilly's has OEM coils for $60 each with a lifetime warranty on them. They may have a different name on the box, but all the stampings on the coils are exactly the same as the Mazda part. $240 for coils for life isn't a bad deal! I have swapped mine out once already and got no hassle, so I would say go that route.

 

er...well i got it back and it drives better with the new coils but still rattles a bit...more like it sputters. definitely the starter. the engine mounts were changed.