As an 8 time RX7 owner I must admit I miss the rotary. My G35 is almost sold and I'm considering a used RX-8. What does a potential owner need to look out for in terms of abuse, neglect, problematic issues, etc.? Any G35 owners (past or present) out there who can comment- pros or cons? Is a booster seat feasible in the back of the 8? Does the RX rattle after 15K miles? Something tells me I will regret selling the G35 but the RX just keeps pulling me in!

I've done a search and read all the G35 vs RX8 info, but can't find much on what to look for in a used RX8.

 

I've had my kids in the back with no issues - know the rear seats are sort of 'sunk' making the car seats not sit perfectly.

 

Many of the early owners here will probably disagree with me but my advice, if you get a used RX-8, is to look for one built late in 2004. Judging from the complaint threads, Mazda made many running changes that refined and improved the car as the 2004 model year progressed. I'd avoid an early car.

Having said that, I'd advise you to look at new '04s that are still on dealer lots. They want to get rid of these and are offering good deals. These are more likely to be the later builds and I think you'll end up with a better car than one somebody felt was only good enough to keep for a year.

 

The only thing that comes to mind is poorer than average gas mileage... like 15 or less. I get about 18 or 19 and I think that's about average.

Gee, the RX-8 is so new, I dunno. One thing for sure, they are all still in their warranty period. Any prob's found later could be fixed under warranty.

Yes, booster seats work in the back, they even have that new strapping system stuff back there. Do some searching for that topic, I know there are a few...

 

I owed 2 1st gen RX7's. Both were purchased used. I bought my RX8 new. The 8 is a far superior car than my 7's were. Even after they were "improved". My 8 has 7K miles and there aren't too many of them out there that have reached 15K yet. There have been 1 or 2 rattle issues listed on this forum, but I wouldn't attribute them to age. I believe there are special loops in the back for child seats. My son is 17 so I haven't had to look for them. No for the problems. Some of the cars get awful gas mileage. Mine is one of them. I get 13 mpg, some get worse, many get 18-20 mpg range or better. It is a crap shoot on what any piticular vehical will achieve. The dealer said that the mileage will improve when the car is in the 10K -15K mile range. The other issue I have is with the transmission. The syncros don't seem to mesh well. You have to take your time moving the gear selector. Again the dealer reports that this will improve with age.
These are my opinions, issues and believes. I'm sure the rest of the community has a different take.

 

Agreed with the comments above. When you're out shopping, check the VIN #'s. Earlier 8's will have poorer gas mileage, as apparently Al's does. I forget what #'s to look for, but if you do a search, you'll find it buried somewhere. Mazda seems to be taking care of the problems with its various recalls, so if I were you, as Benedick mentioned, I'd look into a new '04 8. OR wait one more year and catch all the enhanced engines that are coming out in '06!

 

FYI...I purchased a 2004 in October 2004 and it has a port sticker under the hood from 11/2003. So don't assume because it's still on the lot it is a later 2004 build. Also although from 2003, I have not expereinced the bad gas mileage or stalling that other owners initially received. I get an average of 19 MPG, with on and off high rpms on the highway. I believe while mine sat at the delaer for a while that all the updates were completed.

 

Same here, except for the sitting at the dealer part (8-6-03), and I know that the updates were completed.
:D

 

Don'ty believe them!

I have an earlier build date and no problems. 15k so far!

Check the for sale Rx 8's here and get a good deal.

Try to get one with all the goodies.

 

15k! Wow what a remarkable feast of engineering that is has lasted all those miles without a problem

 

KEEP YOUR G35 .............YOU WILL REGRET IT..........I am going to keep my 8 and get a G35 when the 2005 with 6spd comes out.........or buy the new 2006 Bmw 3 coming next summer...........

 

Well the G35 is gone regardless...I received a strong offer and cannot pass it up. Next car will be RX8, STi, GS400, or another G35....leaning heavily towards the 8 at this point.

 

I have watched this forum for a couple of years now and not sure why the early car get a bad rap.I have an early build date (took delivery 07/14/03) and have had no problems.I also get 20-21 MPG consistantly(probably 75% highway). 14.5k miles and no rattles. Maybee I just got lucky!

 

How exciting! :D Have you driven one yet? You can't really drive this car right until after 600mi breakin. I've had mine since Mar '04 and passed 10k mi. Love this car - no rattles or other stereotyped problems that seem to be getting a lot of air time With much respect for the G35; that's what I originally wanted but the price totaled up over $36k when all the goodies were factored in. They say things always work out for the best, and indeed for me they have with the 8.

I recommend you skim through this and get a good feel for the car

 

Booster seats fit fine. I have a creaking noise coming from the center console, but it may be because the dealer replaced most of my dashboard after a botched MP3 installation. They couldn't identify the source of the rattle, but they said if I brought the car back, they'd be able to fix it.

That's my only rattle so far; I'm at 8000 miles.

 

yes 2 1st gen rx7's BUT compared to the 3rd gen rx7 it's a different story
:D

 

No, not really. I owned a 3rd gen and can frankly say the RX-8 is as good or better in almost every way, except for styling (which is subjective) and pure speed.

 

10,000 miles, no rattles, runs smooth, shifts fast, bought it early about 1 1/2 years ago and have had not problems. Of course I have taken it in for the customary recalls found with first run cars. Never flooded!!! 18-21 mpg with agressive driving, mostly city.
So far I have roughly 8-10 coats of wax on it which has saved my paint from highway tumbleweeds, and that nasty antifreeze road spray the DOT is spreading on the highways in my area.
I may consider selling it in maybe..........naaaa, never mind.

 

well Cebat if you are talking about mag chloride then the first chance you have to get to a self wash place I would spray the undercarriage to get that junk off. They put that crap down in CO and it leaves a white almost looks like salt residue on the undercarriage. Best to get that stuff off as its not good for some of steering, hoses and stuff under the car.

 

Thanks Tayninh, will do..