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Mazda RX-8

3618 messages,  Last post on Mar 13, 2012 at 5:42 PM

You are in the Mazda RX-8 Forum.

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

Messages Page 362 of 363

#3607 of 3618 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [tomnavy] by BabyGrl2U

Jan 13, 2009 (4:42 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!

#3608 of 3618 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [BabyGrl2U] by darkpath

Jan 17, 2009 (9:25 pm)

Replying to: BabyGrl2U (Jan 13, 2009 4:42 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.

#3609 of 3618 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [darkpath] by BabyGrl2U

Jan 17, 2009 (9:36 pm)

Replying to: darkpath (Jan 17, 2009 9:25 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 3618 Re: rx8 v 350z mpg [BabyGrl2U] by tomb10

Jan 22, 2009 (8:11 am)

Replying to: BabyGrl2U (Jan 13, 2009 4:42 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 3618 Good deal? by threesixt

Feb 07, 2009 (5:02 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 3618 mechanic recommendations - Austin, Tx by glen13

Feb 18, 2009 (4:08 am)

Can anyone can recommend a mechanic in Austin?
Some details appreciated. Trying to avoid dealers.

#3613 of 3618 RX-8 Gets No Respect by ccd1

Apr 21, 2009 (2:20 pm)

Did anyone notice the review of the Infiniti G37 Sport 6M? At the end of the review, the so called alternatives to the Infiniti were listed. Edmunds listed the 370Z which should not have been given since it lacks a back seat and omitted the RX-8. What's up with that???

#3614 of 3618 Re: RX-8 Gets No Respect [ccd1] by plekto

Apr 21, 2009 (3:33 pm)

Replying to: ccd1 (Apr 21, 2009 2:20 pm)
The RX8 is not a muscle car. It sort of if you squeeze your eyes a bit looks like the others, but it's really a 4 door sport sedan that should be compared to an A4 or IS350 or similar.
 
You wouldn't call an typical extended cab pickup a 2 door vehicle just because the rear doors open backwards would you? No, it's got 4 doors. The RX8 is just using sucide type rear doors as an optical illusion to look like a coupe. A nice trick, if I do say so, but it's not a real coupe.
 
And it's not the same as a G37. It's actually about spec of spec equal on the track to a base Cayman/Boxster. But nobody compares the two...

#3615 of 3618 I see your point, but... by ccd1

Apr 21, 2009 (5:21 pm)

The RX-8 sits on a desert island, so different from everything else on the market that it gets forgotten. I totally agree that the RX-8 is not a muscle car, but neither is the 370Z. Maybe the Edmunds should have left both off the list of alternatives

#3616 of 3618 Another thought by ccd1

Apr 22, 2009 (6:06 am)

I also agree that the RX-8 is probably most closely matched to the base Cayman or perhaps can be thought of as a Lotus Elise that you could actually live with on a daily commute. Both cars cost FAR more than the RX-8, even in top of the line R3 trim. I'm thinking about the car for myself, but cannot bring myself to purchase it new since first year depreciation is in the $7-8k range. But a year old RX-8 with low miles would be tempting.

Messages Page 362 of 363

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