ACHILLES

Im sorry for being redundant, but I can't seem to find what build date or later is the good date? Was it Jan of 03?

Grabitquick

Not so much by build date per se, but by VIN, you should be able to tell if it tips into the "good" zone. Look at the last 5 digits of the VIN. If they are "30000" or above, then it is supposed to be good. Others on here may have a different take, but that seems to be the magic VIN by popular consensus.

valpac

iTrader: (2)

VIN's above 35537 do not require the M-flash and none of the other service bulletins.

if its older than that, wait for the 05

dwill9578

mine is 24050, is it a piece of sh**? I'm dumb I should have looked at the VIN's before buying! Got the m-flash seems to runnig awesome.

mysql101

you'll know if you got a bad one if you're mileage is under 15 mpg even when driving highway.

generally speaking, anything built in 2004 should be good. you can find the build date on the driver's side door jam.

edit: mine was made in december 2003, and has a vin 27,900, but it had no mileage issues. It did get an M flash though. It was getting 18 mph before M flash.

dwill9578

it's got a build date of late november 03, my first tank i got almost 21mpg.

Urchin

Mine has a build date of 5/23/03 (daughter's birthday) with vin of 01058. Except for the somewhat weak airconditioning, the car has been great. Just got the M flash. Before was getting 18-20 mpg in mixed commuting (some freeway some very short trips from/to work) and 22-24 on the highway. First tank after the flash was 19.25. mpg. There may be some early cars with problems, but definitely not all.

xxMax Powerxx

Valpac, are you sure about later VINs not requiring the Flashing and updates? Mine (40654), built in June 04, doesn't pass the M Flash brake pump test.

RX22

Okay, dumb question: Where do I find the build date?

dwill9578

in drivers side door

RX22

That's what I thought, I looked there and saw 05/04. Is that it? Others seem to have an exact date.

dwill9578

yup thats it, yeah i thought it would have a more exact date as well. Yours is really new, I just got mine and the build date is 11/03 I think.

valpac

iTrader: (2)

Per my previous post, as I read it VIN's above 35537 do not require the M-flash and none of the other service bulletins. Dont know why the brake test doesnt work.

A complete list of SB's
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html

valpac

iTrader: (2)

NO RX-8 is a p.o.s! And I would not say you were dumb for not looking at the VIN's. I did because as been said before, I am a "beligerant, **** retentive, know-it-all."

Enjoy your ride.

RX22

I actually saw mine come in on the truck. I bought it before they could get it onto their lot. It was the exact car I wanted, I guess someone up there was being nice to me. :D

dwill9578

i got the car I wanted,but i think i wish it had a later build date