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Mazda RX-8

3616 messages,  Last post on Apr 22, 2009 at 5:06 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda RX-8, Coupe

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#3603 of 3616 Chat night by pf_flyer HOST Oct 21, 2008 (9:46 am)
Tuesday means Mazda chat night! Mazda ownership is not a requirement! Just bring yourself and your love of cars and the desire to discuss anything and everything automotive and you're good to go!   The chat opens at 8:45 pm ET and runs until 10 pm ET. I hope you're able to join us tonight to meet and greet with your fellow CarSpace members! See you there!
#3604 of 3616 Power steering lost by mugster06 Dec 09, 2008 (4:37 pm)
Ive been reading the messenges on the loss of power steering because mine just happened. Drove it home from work like i usually do, put it in the garage for the night. Next morning the lights on and no power to the steering. let it run, so i wouldnt flood it. took the train in that day came home thinking it would be fixed ( by elves) and nothing, light still on and no power. Now this is when it gets good. Brough it into Mazda, and they could figure out why it wasnt working. They talked to Mazda Canada, they sugested a new wire harness? anyway changed it and now the computer is giving it another problem or not. Still no power to the steering. Day 4 without the car. Now they are going to take out a power steerign unit out of another car, they know works and try that. ????? who built this car ? i would think in this day and age that its should be quite simple to figure out a simple problem like a motor that helps you steer. As you can tell i dont work on cars nor no much about it .   Can anyone let me know if this problem is becoming more popular ? and if anyone knows for sure how or if this can be fixed?
#3605 of 3616 traded in my rx8. Good memories. by secondcity Dec 11, 2008 (7:48 pm)
its been fun. I enjoyed the zoom. I just traded in my pearl white 2005 rx8 for a 2008 335i sedan with sport premium packages. I put on 32,050 fun miles over 4 years. I got a crappy trade in offer, but at least my Bavarian friends backed off their ridiculous price. No comparison when regarding the BMW's 300+pds torque and horsepower. The car is scary fast. However, the rx8 was still a blast. I never had a serious issue. The only money I put into it were the winter tires and the 9 or ten oil changes. i had the squeaky brake pads replaced for free after 7000 miles.  It handled like a true sports car. With the winter tires on, i never had an issue with snow. I liked checking the oil frequently, it made me feel like i was more involved with the car's upkeep. I never minded letting it warm up to avoid flooding and then revving it like i just stole it. The car was peppy and quick and i loved the look with the appearance package with side skirts and spoiler. The look of it reminded me of a mini viper . I wished Mazda added more torque and HP, but it didn't bother me too much when I was able to hug curves and corner better than 95% of the cars out there. THe car had its quirks, but it never bothered me. This was a great forum to keep me updated and I wish all of you a trouble free experience like I had. Ride on. Replies to this message: secondcity (Dec 11, 2008 7:54 pm)
#3606 of 3616 Re: traded in my rx8. Good memories. [secondcity] by secondcity Dec 11, 2008 (7:54 pm)
Replying to: secondcity (Dec 11, 2008 7:48 pm) Regarding my last post, i did have one issue that regarded the engine recall/failed vacuum test, but Mazda dealer handled it professionally, replaced the engine and the car ran just as great after i got it back 4 days later. Any issue I had, they took care of it and at least they stepped up and handled it properly. the extended warranty provided piece of mind. Again--nothing but good times with the car. As i said before, This forum was very helpful when i needed answers about anything related to the 8.
#3607 of 3616 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [tomnavy] by BabyGrl2U Jan 13, 2009 (3:42 pm)
Hey tomnavy, do you own an RX8? If so, what year? Can you give me any advice if I'm looking to buy a 2004 RX8? ~~~ Thanx! Replies to this message: darkpath (Jan 17, 2009 8:25 pm) BabyGrl2U (Jan 17, 2009 8:36 pm) tomb10 (Jan 22, 2009 7:11 am)
#3608 of 3616 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [BabyGrl2U] by darkpath Jan 17, 2009 (8:25 pm)
Replying to: BabyGrl2U (Jan 13, 2009 3:42 pm) Assuming it isn't under an extended warranty, the first thing I'd recommend is making sure that all TSBs and recall work has been done (especially the bigger battery, hotter spark plugs and stronger starter motor). When purchasing a used car, I generally assume that the fluids were not changed when they were supposed to, so I immediately have them all changed. This is particularly important with any car with a rotary, because the quality of the engine's oil makes or breaks it. Approximately 30-40% of the engine's cooling is done by the oil, so thermal breakdown is quite common and Mazda recommends what I regard as a completely unrealistic 7500 mile oil change interval. If you're sticking with the US-recommended 5W-20, then I strongly advise you to keep that to 3000 miles as I have done. I would also recommend that you have a compression test done on any RX-8 you're considering. A small number have had issues and you want to make sure you don't get a bad one. The two things you want to make sure of are: 1. always let the engine warm all the way up (yes, ALWAYS!) 2. be care to not let the engine overheat   If you live in an area that gets particularly hot in the Summer, consider installing an oil temp gauge and take whatever steps are needed to keep the oil temperature below 250F.   If you live in an area that gets particularly cold in Winter, be very careful to make sure the engine reaches full operating temperature. If in doubt, use the cold shut down procedure of holding the engine revs at 3000 for 10 seconds before shutting the engine down. This will make sure that the oil film inside the engine is not excessively diluted by fuel, causing a temporary reduction of compression and very hard starting. Replies to this message: BabyGrl2U (Jan 17, 2009 8:36 pm)
#3609 of 3616 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [darkpath] by BabyGrl2U Jan 17, 2009 (8:36 pm)
Replying to: darkpath (Jan 17, 2009 8:25 pm) Thanx! I'll keep all that in mind. I think my best bet might also be to take it to a reliable mechanic and have them do a compression test and just check the car out completely. Thanx so much for the advice.
#3610 of 3616 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [BabyGrl2U] by tomb10 Jan 22, 2009 (7:11 am)
Replying to: BabyGrl2U (Jan 13, 2009 3:42 pm) I would like to add a few comments to darkpath's reply.The 2004 rx8 is probably best with a manual transmission--there seem to be some problems with the 4-speed automatic in the early years. Also the rx8 needs to be monitored more closely than most other cars. The battery provided with the rx8 in 2004 was very weak. If you happen to flood the engine[which probably will happen sometime],then the battery life and starting capability will weaken.The stronger battery is a must.The starter is probably fine.I had a 1986 rx7 for 15 years--went thru many batterys starting a flooded engine but never had to replace the starter in 200,000 miles.Remember this 2004 engine has a warranty period of 7 years.So any major engine problems should be taken care of by Mazda.And yes make sure all the latest computer updates are taken care of. These should be provided free by mazda.
#3611 of 3616 Good deal? by threesixt Feb 07, 2009 (4:02 pm)
Looking at picking up a Blue 05 RX-8 GT 6MT with Nav, Appearance Package, and 19K miles from a private dealership. Have it listed for $14k on the internet. I started at $12K and got them down to $13.3...won't go any lower. KBB says retail value is $19K+ and PP value is as follows:   Excellent -$17,400 Good - $16,600 Fair - $15,550   Edmunds TMV says:   Dealer Retail - $17,300 Private Party - $15,900 Trade In - $14,344   Seems like a good deal to me. Thoughts?
#3612 of 3616 mechanic recommendations - Austin, Tx by glen13 Feb 18, 2009 (3:08 am)
Can anyone can recommend a mechanic in Austin? Some details appreciated. Trying to avoid dealers.

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