Just curious as to how well has the RX8 held up to the relative rigors of autocrossing? What about track driving? The dealer where I work still has an unloved yellow 2004 RX8 in the back corner... a but more optioned than I want it (has the bose, Xenons, leather, etc)... that I could probably get a good deal on so I'm curious what tends to go wrong on these cars. Thinking 15-30 events per year (we run January to October 'round these parts ) but I dont want the car falling apart from it. Obviously a second set of tires/wheels and regular schedule maintenance but are there any specific flaws or parts that wear out unusually fast? Also is traction control defeatable completely?

 

Nothing to report so far..

 

Someone in an 05 blew up their tranny... (I don't recall if it was at an event or not) but that's the only thing I've heard. Mine hasn't had any issues.

--KC

 

No problems here

 

They are a blast to drive. The only problem Clyde and I have had is stripping studs out from frequent wheel changes. That problem is solved now :D

DSC is defeatable completely.

Clyde drove all last season in the car, and we've done .. a ton of events this year.

John V

 

around orlando where I live I find that the normal city streets beat up the car far more than autox events. the car has held up well so far (7k miles) still no rattles or shakes, feels solid as day 1. If your gonna have a set of autox tires thats really the only thing that is gonna take a lot of beating maby some brakes but not too bad.


I would say that if your buying a 2004 that is still new on the lot, get them to include a full tune up (oil change, plugs, fuel system cleaning, coolant flush..the works) cause all that stuff has just been sitting in there. Also check the tires for flat spots, and if they are bad try to get them to replace the tires as well. Has this car been driven much? how many miles on it? cause it could very well be close to 2 years old now if it was a late 03 build.

Also make sure thay it has the latest flash and all TSB's done before you take delivery.

 

I had r-compounds and the Racing Beat front bar and had to replace my front end-links once after about 5 events. The new end-links (OEM) have held up for about 6 events and one track day, so we'll see if the first time was a fluke or not.

And the rear plastic bumper piece started to pull away after I killed some cones hardcore.