i just bought 05 rx8 from mazda dealership for 12.5k
with 33,000 mile on it n it in good condition n i also bought 3 year warranty for it
HI GUY IM NEW AT ROTARY ENGINE
n i heard alot bad thing about it n i need you guy to give me opinion on the car and give me advice how to take care of this car ?? so i need as much advice as possible

 

I am in the process of buying an 05 as well. The best thing you can do is search these boards and browse posts. Just about everything you want to know has been answered at least a few times.

It sounds like you got a really good deal. My 05 Shinka was $12k and has 51000 miles on it, though it also has several MazdaSpeed mods installed.


The first thing I will tell you is that most folks here agree on one thing: the recommended 5w20 oil is too thin. The consensus seems to be 10w30 or something along those lines depending on the climate where you live. The debate is still open regarding synthetics, though I would stick with old fashioned oil.

Beyond that, store some oil in the trunk make and sure you check your oil levels every few fill ups, topping it off as needed. The rotary engine's unique design requires it to burn a little oil during normal operation.

If you have any specific questions, don't be afraid to ask.

 

Another important consideration is that our rotary, given its relatively poor thermal efficiency, tends to flood more than piston engines. Try not to shut the engine down when cold. If you must shut down cold first hold it at 3K rpm for 10 seconds and quickly turn off the ignition as it spools down. This will help dissipate the excess fuel (this engine, as most, runs richer when cold). Related - also check to see that you have the latest stronger battery and starter combo. These were installed in the factory circa January 2005 and on. There's a TSB for replacement if you have an early build and are still under warranty.

One more item is that the rotary, again given its relatively poor thermal efficiency, tends to build up carbon quicker. Run it at high rev's often (enjoy the redline beep).

Other than a little oil usage and flooding/carbon buildup tendencies it's as relaible as any other vehicle.

Enjoy!

ps: I second the 5w-30 recommendation.

 

I'm new to the rotary too.
I know I'll be pre-mixing which I was not sure about at first.

I've not heard any real bad things about rotaries outside of them having their own needs versus boring..... I mean normal engines.

Once you learn how to take care of it I don't think you'll find them to be more trouble than any other car/sports car.
Mileage can be an issue to many but I find it to be average and in a few cases better than most sports cars.

I like my 8 so much that I really want to see rotary engines stick around.

I still use 5-20 but whatever you use, keep some oil in your car and check the levels often.

I have an '06 with about 24k and I've not had a problem so far.

I don't drive like Speed Racer or his older brother Rex but I will redline it from 2nd to 3rd two or three times a week.

Some will say it's not fast but it's fast enough for me without speed mods.
I like it.

Of all of the cars I've owned this and my old Supra are what I'd call true driver's cars and with that you'll need to care for it a little more than say a Civic DX but it's worth it to own a car that in the real world is rare.


I ramble......

 

Congratulations, welcome to the Club!!

 

The best mini-performance mod I've done to mine was to remove the variable fresh air duct (VFAD) and replace with a Racing Beat Ram cold air duct, retaining my stock intake (with a K&N flat filter).

Also changing my sparkplugs and all fluids ahead of schedule (20k miles in my case). A little TLC pays big dividends in this machine.

 

Congrats! And I thought I did well at $13.5 for an 05 with 43k miles on it. Can I ask what model you have? Is it stick or auto? What options does it have on it?

 

Congrats and welcome!

Read the stickies, especially in the tech section.

Add location to your profile.

Have fun!

 

thank alot guy you r much help im very new to this kinda stuff dont klnow much about car
i heard people say if u want the dealer to fix your car under the warranty u hav to use 5w-20 oil?

 

thank you, tell you the true i dont even know wat model i hav ahah im gonna pick up my car this sunday i cant wait

 

Pics or it didn't happen...

 

ohh not yet im gona take some pics when i get the car man i cant wait

 

Welcome to the club!

 

thank you i like this club already
u guy give me a very warm welcome lol

 

The dealer can't tell the difference between 5w-20 and any other grade of oil when it needs to be changed.

Besides, the Owner's Manual says 5w-20 is recommended [... to aid Mazda's fleet average mpg rating...], not required.

 

but i hav atomatic so do i still use 5w-20?

 

Transmission type is irrelevant in this context. Recommend a 30-weight.

 

r u sure? cause im scare like mazda recommend 5w 20 n they the one that make the rx8 so i think they know wat best for the car but i would like to hav u guy opinion too
can anybody here can convince me to use 30 n what benefit i gain from it?

 

I can tell you this - from what I've read here and a couple of other internet postings, Mazda recommends 5w-30 in the RX-8 in every other country the car is sold in except the united states. Not sure if it's related to emissions standards in the US vs. other places or what. But, I took mine in for an oil change last week and said nothing to the place that did it because it clearly states 5w-20 on the oil filler cap. But, when I picked the car up, they had put 5w-30 in it and I'm not upset about it in the least bit. You might be okay with 5w-20 in the winter, especially in NY state, but when it's really hot, 5w-30 makes sense to me. But, motor oil is a big debate on this forum. So, asking for opinions will only get you more confused so don't even bother. Just read what you can and make your own decision.

 

well this is make sense too
so i use 5w-20 in winter then use 5w-30 in the summer
thank alot man cause i dont want to ruin the beautiful car ahaa

 

5w-30 is a better plan year round for your area, imho.

The "5" in 5w-30 is the cold temperature threshold (5 degF). You need the "30" viscosity year round. A very small potential mpg hit moving from 20-weight to help ensure better engine protection.