I'm looking at a 04 RX8 with 62000 mile one owner always garaged kept here are a few details about the car. What should I look for? $11500.00

6spd - Winning Blue, 62,000 miles, Excellent Condition
GT Package, A/C: Front, Cruise Control, Navigation System, Power Locks, Power Steering, Remote Keyless Entry, Bucket Seats, Leather Interior, Power Seats, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Alarm, Anti-Lock Brakes, Fog Lights, CD Changer, Premium Sound, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Tinted Glass, Alloy Wheels, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation
Custom 3" Magna Flow exhaust
1.5" Eibach Sport Springs & extra set of Tien S. Tech 3" drop springs
Nology Wires
Red Top Optima Battery
Bosch Platinum Plugs
Greddy Turbo Timer
XM Radio
HP 1.5' Lip silver rims
Unorthodox Racing Pulley's
Brembo Drilled & Slotted Rotor's w/Hawk Ceramic Front & Rear Brake Pads
JDM Clear Corners (and stock orange ones)
K&N Cold Air Intake

 

I have notice quite a few RX8 04 years have new engines with not a lot of miles. Was this a bad year and should I stay away form them? Is there anything to look for or check if I'm thinking about buying one? How about any other years that may have problems?
Thanks

 

It is really based on owner and opinion now. '04s certainly had more than their fair share of problems which caused the poor reputation in the first place, but they have all had fixes and remedies since then. If the previous owner(s) kept up with everything and got the reflashes, etc..., then no reason to steer away from an '04. The problem will always be determining if all of that stuff got taken care of or not.

If it has a rebuilt engine, then it was likely taken care of. Alot of people just got for 05+ or 06+ to avoid the worry.

 

I went with an '06 for that very reason.

 

04's had problems because the OMP was not injecting enough oil and caused detremental damage so alot of engine went out early....premix helps this with the 04-08's and now for the 09's the 3rd oil injector is installed directed at the center of the APEX seal...(personally I'd still premix).......

 

car isnt to bad of a deal, i got mine for 1k$ less with 50k miles but slightly less mods

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I do not see any sort of turbo mentioned in this description. So why is there a need for a Turbo Timer? Also if it was turboed then brought back to N/A I would stay away from that car and look for another. He has put a lot of money in that car and if its someone not on this forum I would'nt trust their turbo build. Look else where.

 

i have an 04 with 94k on it now and (KNOWCK ON WOOD) no trouble original motor etc but it has been religiously maintained so i guess it depends

 

What is the premix? and the mods this one has are they good or just for looks? Any positive or negatives to any of the mods? I'm trying to learn all I can so if I sound dumb I'm trying to learn.
Thanks

 

The only cosmetic mod's he has done from this description are wheels, clear corners, and the lowering springs go in both cosmetic/suspension mods. But what I really want to know is why does this person have a turbo timer installed with no mention of a turbo..

 

I will be calling him and finding out about the turbo timer what is that anyhow? He told me he bought it with only 1 mile on it I'll post what I find out.

 

Turbo timer is a electronic device that will keep the engine running and give the turbo time to cool down and then turn off the engine when the timer runs down. It's a safety percausion used to prevent premature wear/failure if driven hard then the car turned off right away.

 

You can always give MazdaUSA a call for official reflash/recall history. Otherwise it will have to be plugged into a computer that can tell. I'm sure you could get it done for free at your dealership

 

^calling the dealership with the VIN is a good Idea to see what history of service is. I didn't even see the Turbo timer....that is definately very odd. If the seller DID haveit turbo and just got a good motor good chance they blew the old one with the turbo...but it a VERY VERY good idea to call the seller and see

As to the OP premix is using a type of 2-stroke oil(many different types being used on these boards) and mixing it with your gas when you fill up...Alot of different ratios can be used....I use about 8oz to 12gal fillup...

your best bet is to type in "premix" in the search function and read about it since it's been discussed to deal lots of times

 

Pass....

 

Get an 06 for an extra couple of grand. Or wait a little while. They'll drop more. Trust me you don't want engine problems. Mazda, esp in this economy will do whatever they can to not give you a new one.