I was just looking at my newest consumer reports magazine and they were rating used car reliability and for some reason the 2005 RX-8 scored MUCH higher than the 2004 RX-8. They listed the 2004 as being problematic with the engine and ignition and a couple other areas.
I am looking to pick up an RX-8 within the next week or so and was wondering if someone could shed some more light on this issue for me. I searched the forums and couldn't find any related threads so hopefully someone has some help for me.
Thanks!

 

Mazda addressed the issues with ECU flashes and TSBs. Probably best to buy late 2004 or a 2005.

 

IMO, most of the first evaluations were due to early production problems that were corrected with later "flash" computer corrections. My 06/03 build "04 RX-8", with current updates, has had virtually no problems.

Zoom, Zoom!

 

I wonder if they take the ability of the dealers into the number. Some of the small/new dealers had never even seen a rotary engine.

 

The only difference between the two years is adding the snowflake (whitewater) pearl paint color and the switchblade style key. Other than that the cars are made of the same material.

Shinka has a couple additions for appearance and a little bit of suspension upgrade.

 

isn't this a really old thread?

 

Under a year old...

 

By late 05 most of the teething bugs had been worked out. This means nothing you will see in specs but numerous redesigns to small items that were causing problems. Some of them the dealers will correct others they will not. Go late 05 if you can.

 

Yup, just typical first-year teething problems—happens all the time. Many people won't buy a car the first year it comes out.

FYI, there's no secret as to how Consumer Reports does their reliability ratings. Every year they mail out surveys to their subscribers—tens of thousands of people—who then rate their car in each category (Ignition, Body, Brakes, Electrical, Engine, etc.). CR then just tallies up the results.