saywatenaou

Including the 'So, you just bought an RX-8' thread, I have to say that this forum has helped me out immensely. I am getting my 2004 RX-8 in about a week, and has some specific questions. I don't see a specific 'newbie forum' section, so if I am posting in the wrong place, then I apologize.

Anyway...Here's my story, I'll keep it brief, and then ask my questions. I, at least for the past 3 years, have been a DSM guy. That all started when 2 years ago I rebuild the engine in my 1997 eclipse by hand after an unfortunate 'timing belt in two pieces instead of one' incident. So, I know my way around a garage, and am fairly mechanically inclined. Well, both the master cylinder and the clutch cylinder on my eclipse went about two weeks ago, and I don't want to keep nursing a 1997 car along anymore. So, I start looking for cars, and come across an RX-8, 2004...with only 45K miles on it. So, I test drive a different RX-8 (because the one I am ultimately buying is 500 miles away)...and fall in love. I love how these cars drive, love the high rev, and the torque issue doesn't bother me at all. I didn't want to get a car without a turbo, so let's just say I'll get one *eventually*

So, after the diatribe, here are my questions: What would you do, replace, check, etc. as soon as you got the car? For example, my thought would be to immediately replace the plugs and wires, check compression, get an oil change...(which concerns me, because you guys can't even seem to decide on which oil to use.) What am I not thinking of? Interior, exterior, change air filter, maybe thinking about changing fuel filter?

On my DSM, if I would have known to check the timing belt when I bought it, then I never would have had to rebuild the engine. So, I am open to your suggestions.

Sorry about the lengthy post. I will say one last thing: The forum has already been a valuable resource, and the sound mechanical logic and thorough explanations I've read so far have led me to sign-up, and bookmark. I'll be around. Any help is certainly appreciated.

wazup_shorty

try and get the maintenance records, If its available to you to do a crompression test its always good to know, then oil change for sure, and mind yourself to check the oil every 1000km or so, they burn oil naturaly. everyone recommends mineral oil, I think mazda suggest 5W20 but its
all depends of the condition the car is driven in(Hot, colds, humid, dry), Keep reding, go have a look in the Serie I section and youll will have a lot of questions anwsered.

jasonrxeight

if you want to change plugs, coils, filters, all the fluids including transmission, and diff, its up to you. not a hard job really and you know they are good after you done them.
when I bought my Wrangler, I changed everything. it only took me two days to do all the work in the parking lot with very simple tools.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

This is probably the thread you referred to, but just in case... https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/#post3666147
Here is another that's always a good start https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

for your oil, read and decide for yourself. One persons experience is not always the answer...
THE key things to check, IMO: maintenance history, compression, plugs/ coils, MAF sensor, battery and even the cat.

Good luck and have a Merry Christmas!

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

Always keep in mind no two people will have the same experience with a vehicle. Regardless of what one person recommends. Some of us here see 22mpg on average with a general just easy going driving schedule. Some people like me see around 15mpg because well I have an issue with driving it like im always at the track.

Like others have said your maintenance history is important, but you dont need to change coils, plugs, and wires unless there is a problem. You also don't HAVE to change transmission or diff fluid unless its the right time to do so. If its not causing a problem, or past due why spend the money to change it now?

I would check the tires, and make sure you wont be needing new ones soon. I would change the oil for sure. I would seafoam the engine. Take it on a test drive. Feel for problems in the steering, and bearings. Check to see how much life is left on the brakes. I would pull the spark plugs and see if they look ok, before I tried to change them. Check the air filter, make sure everything inside works. All the lights inside and out. The radio. Look for anything that looks new. Anything that is shiney or looks recently worked on. If you inspect the rear suspension and a bushing looks new ask why. Check the motor mounts, and visually inspect the radiator fluid for rust and debris. Smell the radiator fluid as well. Make sure your defrosters are working. Look for evidence of water leaks in window seals.

Lastly I would goto a local club meet, or find someone in your regional forums that will let you test drive their car. Make sure they let you take a good look at how things are supposed to be. How the car sits, the ride height, how hard the suspension is. How the engine is supposed to feel. What the transmission feels like and the clutch catch points are like. That way when you test drive this car you know what to expect.