I happened across a bone stock mint 2004 rx8 with 13k miles. It has been garage kept by original owner. Has an auto trans with paddle shifters. I was a mazda tech in the early 90s before these came out and never followed them. I leaned more toward nismo and dabbled in DSM for a bit. I know a lot of the rotary community was not thrilled with the rx8 when they came out. The owner wants 7k for the car and I know its worth it but also don't want to inherit future headaches because of something I am not aware of. There were not a ton of these in production so I hardly ever crossed paths with one. Would appreciate some advice if I should avoid taking this on or would the 04 be a reliable ride for a long time considering the mileage? Also, are there any particular issues to look for when I test drive it? Can they be easily modified with more air and free flow exhaust(stage 1)? I do not have access to a tuner where I am located. TIA

 

the 04 auto is the worst rx8 made but with any wankel car get a rotary specific compression test. this will be 7#s. a comp reading for each rotor face along with the cranking speed.

the 04/05 autos came with a 4 port motor and 4spd slushbox. 06+ the autos came with a 6 port engine and 6spd auto trans

 

That is great info on the OEM porting. If i was planning on squeezing all the hp out of it then I'd for sure consider that! This would be an upgraded grocery getter. Our kids are adults and gone. I feel bad for the wife driving the shitbox so figured she deserves better. I have heard it start and it sounds tight, even has new car smell 20 years later! I did some research and only things that show on 04 is shutter valve sticking issues but not a lot. I know the rotary is not a high mileage engine so that is why I'm considering this one at 13k. If there weren't any significant campaigns Mazda did for this year then I'd pull the trigger.

 

There were a ton of campaigns in the early years while Mazda figured things out, but the dealer should be able to catch you up on those. If it's for groceries I guess that's fine, but consider also that these engines need to be flogged, otherwise they die an early death.

 

I can get the vin and check. The owner has had it in for airbag already. I will gladly be responsible for spanking the wankel as necessary

 

I pulled the trigger for 6500. 13k miles on the clock. I have a driver's window regulator on the way. I know this was the worst model year made but figured I am ahead of curve because of mileage. I am asking everyone to send links for known upgrades to prevent the future damage that accumulates from mileage. Since I'm on Maui I prefer Amazon if possible or Ebay because of shipping. I can't find a dual resonator mid pipe , assuming they're illegal on Amazon/Ebay? I will make this happen so any links will be used! Also the air bag was recalled but the cover is cracked bad. Any suggestions for a reasonable remedy? TIA

 

bhr is good for a mid pipe. congrats. the port and trans thing is more important than it being an 04 is the point i was trying to make.

btw- POIDH