So I'm driving a beautiful silver RX-8 home after getting the dealer to let me take it home for the night and at mile #142 the CEL goes on.

I did put some gas in it, but that was at mile #104 and had several shut-downs and restarts following.

I've checked the oil and it's full. The gas cap is tight. I have shut down and restarted the car several times since the CEL went on and it's staying on.

I have a disappointed feeling and am worried that this is going to sway my decision. Any thoughts?

 

it's nothing...don't let that sway your decision. the car may have a defective oxygen sensor which is no big deal and the dealer will replace it. You do however need to make sure the gas tank clicks a few times once you screw it back on. THis car is particularly sensitive to oxygen creeping into the gas tank and will alert you immediately. It's no big deal though. The 8 is the best value sports car on the market right now. enjoy!

 

Have 'em fix it, and then get another 24-hr test drive. So it that a common thing? I don't know that any dealers here in San Diego that'll let you take the car out for a day. Unless maybe if you let the saleman sleep over... NOT!

 

Well, for a short period of time I am stuck in Arkansas. I guess it's common, they were very much eager to do it.

They have an identical car on the lot. I'm gonna bug them to let me drive it a bit and then run the financing on it.

I did find a black one w/out a sunroof. I've never been a fan of the "roof". Still deciding which way to go on that one.

I am just a bit surprised the the CEL went off so soon in it's life. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

 

Have them fix it and take it out again. I took one home last friday night and didn't want to give it back in the morning. I didn't- I bought it! Have fun with it. It's a great car.

 

Funny how that works, I took a Silver home for a 3 day test drive over a weekend, I didn't want to give it back either, so much so that I bought it that night.

This tactic seems to work well, more Mazda dealerships should encourage the serious buyer to take one home for a day or two. I wonder what the percentace of sales that would generate.

 

Not a big deal. Have them diagnose and fix the issue then give that puppy a good home. It's more than likely an O2 sensor or something minor like that.

- Irish

 

its not a big deal at all, dont let that effect your decision of getting the car. it probably has a defective oxygen sensor or something similar. either way its no big deal, just have the dealer fix it.

 

CEL's are a pain in the A$$ and can be very trying... Sounds like you 8 needs to be FLASHED ...