I'll be going for my first oil change this Thursday. I have ~4100 miles on so far. I'll definitly bring up several issues with the mechanic such as:
-it's almost impossible to read the oil level due to all the foam on the dipstick
-rust on rotors
-brakes squeak sometimes

Are there any other issues that you guys have been bringing up when visiting the dealership? Any advice for my first oil change? Thanks

 

Just a thought--rust on rotors and brake squeaks with disc brakes are both normal behavior. There are aftermarket rotors which have the parts of the rotor which are not meeting the pads painted, so they won't corrode, but the stock rotors will rust if they get wet.

 

Check your headlight lenses and make sure there is no film inside (if this is an 04)

 

Yeah I noticed the foam on the dipstick as well. Anyone have an idea what that's from?

 

Its from water condensation build up coupled with cold weather. I have it too and dont worry too much

 

I find that a good hour-long drive at highway speeds cooks off the crisco from the dipstick. Or is it "rotary smegma"?

Looks like something you'd find after a yeast infection, and smells like unburned hydrocarbon.

 

There's foam that forms with all emissions still on the car? That seems odd. The condensation should be taken care of by the PCV valve and there shouldn't be any foam formation. I know my 2nd gen rx7 had absolutely no foam until I did a full emissions removal along with the vacuum rack, which contained the PCV. Afterwards I got foam (water condensation) all the time, but I'm taking care of that with a catch-can and vac source.

It seems weird that the 8 would have foam build-up with full working emissions equipment.

 

Read the sticky!

 

Is there a PCV valve?

 

There are TSB's for foam on the dipstick and squealing brakes. The dealer should perform those for free.

Rust on rotors is normal. It will wear off with a few applications of the the brakes - until they get wet again.

Rust on hubs shouldn't be normal, but is on the RX-8. If your dealer likes you you might get them to paint the hubs and calipers for you, maybe even for free if they really like you. Otherwise it's fairly easy to do yourself. Check the DIY forum.