Hello, I'm a newbie but I've been reading the forum for a while to do some research on the RX8.

I'm located in New York City.
I'm thinking of buying an automatic 2004 RX8 for $7000-8000.
Mileage is ~85,000.

However, what troubles me most is the warranty. I'm buying it from an auction and I won't be able to get the service records from previous owners. I don't want to be stuck replacing the rotary later on out of my pocket. I've already called up MazdaUSA today and they advised that dealerships can reject coverage of the rotary if there is lack of service records. I really like the RX8 and I'm trying to think of the best way to buy one for that price without the engine headaches if I end up needing a replacement. MazdaUSA also advised that I can call them up to check the VIN of the vehicle I intend on buying to check whether the service records are satisfactory.

Even under the 100k warranty, it's useless if there are no service records correct? Is there any other way to get warranty coverage without the service records?

Thanks for reading my long post. Any ideas or comments are helpful.

 

not all dealerships will ask for records... But, those are far and few in between!!!
FYI the '04 rx8 automatic transmissions are the ones with MOST of the problems that you've read about. I would recommend that you look for another 8 (newer with less mileage). They aren't impossible to find for under $10k

 

I would not buy an 04 auto at an auction............ those seem to be one of the models most prone to having problems, and yes they will probably reject your can for an engine replacement if you come in at 85k miles and 0 service records.

Keep looking you can probably find another auto for around 10k.

 

RX8Soldier, you said that I should look for a newer one with less mileage. Do you mean that a 2005 with, let's say,~60000 miles would be better off?

Wouldn't I still have trouble with warranty since I don't have service records from a previous owner?

Thanks for the responses.

 

Shiftgear just ask them for whatever records they have.

I was under the impression that if you bought a used car and needed the engine replaced you didnt need records for before you owned the car. Its pretty ridiculous of them to pin someone elses mistake on you when you had no control over it. Try calling mnao and asking this question to a rep there.

 

I would not get an auto older than '06. The older Autos have the lower power 4 port engine and 4 spd trans. The '06 and newer have the high power and 5 speed trans. Much better drivetrain.

If you need an auto skip anything older than '06.

 

I'd pass. Especially it being an auto. ewww.

 

@xexok
That's how I feel too. I'm not sure if that's the case. My old car was out of warranty already so I never dealt with warranties but having to go to dealerships is always a hassle.
This is what I'm not sure about.

Do dealers expect a full service history record from the first owner or since I became the owner? I understand that if the first owner voided the warranty on the vehicle, I'm out of luck but how extensive do my records have to be if I'm the second owner?

I will call Mazda again to ask. The first time I called, the rep was under the impression that the vehicle I'm buying off an auction may be a salvage vehicle and was warning me against it. I'm buying a clear title.

I have no problem with the 04 having less power than the 06 model. I'm just worried about reliability.

 

Its not only that it has less power but it has 2 less gears. The auto rx8 is already slower than a manual but the 4 gear auto is super slow compared to a manual. Heres a good example you can go by.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNjOG5fRSd0



As far as reliability if I were you I would want something with at least 40k miles left before the 100k mark, you never know whats going to happen. That also raises your price though.

 

The defense rests!

 

The 04 and 05 autos have the worse reliability of all the rx-8s made. If reliability is your biggest concern buy an 06 or later car. It would also be a better car 6 speed vs 4 speed gearbox for the auto. If you are buying a sports car don't you want it to not be super slow?

Anyway if you are buying any used car you should aim to buy one with a full service history so you know it has been taken care off. My car for example didn't come with any service records but the previous owner went to the local Mazda dealer oil changes and regular maitnence every 3-4k miles. So I have proof that it had regular oil changes before I owned the car.