Don't flame. I am probably buying my 8 tomorrow but I have to admit after reading some of these threads what with engines being completely replaced and all the other issues I am a little concerned. I don't have a MAzda dealer closer then 60-70 miles so if I start having alot of problems the inconvienance will be difficult. I was reading around on the S2000 site and whoa it seems noone has got good service from Honda. interior issues. Compared to the thread on here where everyone listed the little things they loved on the 8, the Honda owners seemed to be missing alot of things the 8 has and wish they had them. they are having troubles with some transmissions it seems. So I guess it comes down to with that many cars some will have problems and you hope yours isn't one of them. I haven't got the build date yet but the dealer said it was delivered to him in Dec. The more i think about it thats along time setting on a lot and it has 67 miles on it. Like I said, service is quite a trip, car probably has at least a sep-oct 03 build date and I am feeling a bit uneasy. Advise or just freaking go for it? The price is right, 24,739 for a Nordic Green 6MT, Sports package, spoiler, 6 cd, spare tire but maybe the price is too right?

 

I still think you should look around for an RX-8 built in 2004 instead of an older model made in 2003. If only for the peace of mind. Mazda has made many tweaks to the assembly line as it produced the cars, from minor things like how the machines applied greese to the back of the defront button, to transmission parts, and AC units.

Other than the key, and the new white color, the new 2005's should be the same as the later built 2004's.

You should be able to get a 2004 model for close to a grand under invoice, and one with under 10 miles on the odo.

JMHO.

About engines being replaced, out of the 30,000 or so RX-8's, I heard about 60 engines were replaced, many didn't need to be replaced, but mazda wanted the full engine to diagnose and see what happened. I don't have a url for these stats, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

You just never know about build dates.

I have a 3rd gen RX-7, and that is a vehicle that has a pretty bad reputation when it comes to reliability. Well, mine has been quite good, still on the original motor, and the build date was January of 1992 (one of the earliest build dates)!

 

Ya, I'm one of those who had an engine replaced...and if I had to do things over, I'd still buy the RX8!....there is no other car on the road that is like it. Things can happen on cars and when you read forums like any other outlet, you are going to see all the people that have had problems but maybe not hear from the vast majority that has not.

The service I got from my dealer was excellent. Just pull the pin and get the 8...You'll be happy you did.

 

Rotten if I may ask what was your build date and how are things now? No problems with the dealer not being careful around the exterior of the car etc. during the replacement work I hope and I assume the new engine is too early to tell but should be good to go...

 

I just got the car back today so I can't really comment on the reliablity. I expect it to be fine. I think I was just an isolated case.

The exterior in fine. no marks and they had the car completely detailed right down to cleaning in inside of my rims spotless....very nice.

The build dat is Feb. 2004.


Other than my engine problem the car has been perfect....A/C great...no brake screech..........its all good.

 

Of course I am up all night reading every thing I can get my hands on like I have for a month and go back and forth with worries and positives because I am suppose to close the deal tomorrow. Now the issue I am having is the car has 67 miles on it. Didn't see a car on any of the lots that didn't have more miles then desirable for a new car. I have read from numerous people that you should keep it under 4K rpms for the first 600 miles or so to allow the seals to seat correctly. I am pretty sure in the 67 miles this thing was redlined. Dealers are emptying there stock for the 05s, I received a great price well under invoice but damn if the seals advise is correct then right off the bat this engine is not getting off to a good start. Really depressing reading some of these issues. Dilemma is to take a great price and have no clue what the cars were put through during test drives or scratch the whole damn idea. I know some of you will say then the car is not meant for you, maybe your right. Never have I had so many concerns about a brand new car. Warranty is a factor but being so damn far from a Mazda service dept. is another. Flame away...

 

These cars are a commodity. You didn't detail whether you did a search of dealer inventory to see what else is out there, even if you would have to travel more of a ways to get the car.

I shopped the whole SF Bay Area and knew what I wanted. If you call up the internet manager at any dealership they will start dealing with you.

I wound up after 1/2 day of digging finding an 04 Sunlight Silver with everything I wanted (eg nav), and I negotiated a price that was $1200 under invoice. Oh and it was 2wks off the truck with 6mi on it when I took delivery

Andy.

 

I would just go for it as long as it has all the options you want and the price is right and you like the color.

 

My 8 has a build date of July '03!! No issues to report!!

- Irish

 

You're rightfully concerned about the RX-8. It's predecessor was known for mechanical problems, the engine has been redesigned and it's a first year model.

But when it's all said and done, what have been the problems? A/C (easily fixable), flooding (easily fixable with M flash), gas mileage (only a problem in early models AFAIK), and a recall on the driver's side airbag (am I missing anything?). I'm no car nut, but I imagine this is a pretty good track record for a brand new model. Look at the Z and what has been said about the S2000 in this thread.

In the end, you're getting a beautiful car which has a unique mix of style, practicality, and sport. Handles likes it's on rails, fun to drive, has enough pep to put a grin on your face and you can still take your family for a weekend trip or your buddies to lunch.

Someone else on this forum summed it up nicely, I think, when he (she?) said that any car you buy is an investment, but you'll never really know how good it is until you're down the road.

I could stand to be a little more educated about the longterm wear on the Renesis but in the end I think this car will be worth it. Who knows, perhaps if Mazda finds a problem with the Renesis they'll offer a reasonable service at the service center to modify the engine.

Cheers