I just got into an '08 RX-8 Manual GT this year for the first time. I didn't like the look back in the day they seemed to be a reverse wedge, but recently they grew on me with some push from my nephew.
Now that I am here, it seems everyone is gone. Every issue I look for and search for are posts from 2008-2012. There are some updates around 2016 but seems most of the questions after that don't get many responses.

Searching for a SOHN adapter. It seems the person making them are rather absent. I can find them all over Ebay from $25 to $150. Whats difference in cost? I have no idea, the $150 ones look like someone bought the $25 one and is marking it up. Is the $25 as good as it gets? Am I putting my cars life in the hands of cheap Chinese made? Are they all made in China now anyways? Even the ones from rotaryaviation ($155) appear to be the Chinese ones repackaged with a premium price added.

I just learned today my car has AKE Advanced Keyless Entry. I only got a single key with it, no FOB, no credit card FOB. I learned I am missing the ignition **** base, and the turn **** and that I have the ability to do keyless start, but I have been searching all day for Advanced Keyless Entry and the info is old if I can find any.
I am trying to find out about the credit card FOB and they appear to be loooong gone and no longer available.
It appears a previous owner changed the door handle with a non-Advanced Keyless Entry handle as there is no button on the handle. I suspect the wiring is still in the door I guess i need to find a replacement handle.
SOoooo much to learn when you buy a used car from someone who gives you no information. I keep learning and use this forum as much as possible, I sure wish I was here in the heyday.

So it seems not only have many of the people who worked on RX-8s have moved on, parts are all gone as well, its 2am the lights are on the bar is closed and I am getting the bartender pointing to the door.

 

It's kind of a ghost town, but some of us are still here.

RE your SOHN adapter. Rotary aviation makes them and you can buy directly from them. LINK

I'm not sure about the AKE system on a S1... I thought the credit card fob system was unique to the S2. But don't quote me on that. A dealership should be able to point you in the right direction for missing parts though. I've replaced the knub on my ignition switch once, and it was maybe a $30 part, not expensive.

They key fob's should still be around at the dealerships, you're looking at a few hundred for those.

From a quality-of-life thing, I'd recommend getting that system fixed. I don't touch my keys ever.. and rely solely on the buttons on the car to open anything.

For troubleshooting I highly recommend grabbing a factory workshop manual for your car. On eBay you can find them.. prices vary. Here is one for just under $200 that is brand new. I'd personally grab this one and keep it even if you sell the car in the future. If you ever rebuy another car you'll at least have the manual still. eBay - Work Shop Manual - 2008.

 

It's a 14 year old low volume low survivability car... What were you expecting? I would guess that while the people might be gone, a ton of info for all kinds of problems are recorded here. There's even a new owners thread (summarized at rx8help.com) that would be a good start for a new owner.

 

Also RotaryAviation are still the original source for Sohn adapter kits, there are several types that are well explained on their site..

 

Considering the uniqueness of 8s and the amount of car you get for the money I thought they would have a more enduring following, but true they are more fragile and insanely lower production numbers. Seeing how many are being parted out I cant imagine there are that many left. True there is a ton of useful info.

 

i dont think they are fragile but do require upkeep and the eventual rebuild. for the price they are a bargain if not beat to **** however the gas and oil consumption is another thing that scares people off. you can find the answer to 99.9% of any question asked about the rx8 here but yeah this forum is basically dead

 

I think public opinion is slowly changing to a more favorable view. They are not as fragile as some have thought. But yes… they are not a super popular car.

 

ive seen a positive shift on utoob regarding the red headed stepchild of the wankel world

 

Yeah, that's what I'm referring to as well. Lots of favorable videos and reviews over the last few years.

 

maybe in another decade they will be worth more as cars than scrap lol. its been a rough go but nice to see things turning around

 

Xrac, FWIW, I've just returned here with a 'new' '07 after a 13 year hiatus. It may be a bit lonely these days, but the archives are worth their weight in gold. With the exception of the MazdaSpeed components, I've found everything needed to replicate the stellar experience of my former '05.

 

Man I feel old....
My '06 GT still brap brapping along. OG Renesis.

 

Reddit bro

 

These were always niche cars, and when they got cheap a lot of them got trashed by morons. Searching the archives and FAQs will yield a lot of good info, and there are still some pretty knowledgeable folks hanging around. For those in the know, these are pretty special cars.