rammstein

I think the RX8 is dragging me in. I had never considered it because of rotary fear, but I drove one yesterday and I have been having naughty dreams about it.

Background on me- greatly interesting in Solo2, only been to a couple events but I am hooked. Also like driving on tracks, but its expensive. Currently I have a 1986 944 Turbo. I am in love with the car, but I need a usable back seat and warranty + reliability for my job as a realtor. I will post a link to my for sale site later on, as I need to sell it. Most cars I have driven felt all wrong after the Porsche. The RX8 felt familiar, with the center tunnel, good legroom in front, and stellar handling. It doesn't push me back into my seat like my car, but the sounds it makes are intoxicating. I've heard now that the s2000 has been moved to A-Stock the RX8 might be a contender in B-Stock.

So here are my questions for the veterans here (and I am actively using the search function to get as many as possible on my own).

1) They have 4 2004 models left in stock, and they are willing to discount these. But I am curious if the 2005s have been improved in some important ways?

2) I've been reading here about engine flooding problems- is there an ECU reprogram for 04s to help with this problem? I have no problem with always warming the car before shutting it and revving to 4000 to turn it off, but I still would like to get everything done right.

3) What recalls/TSBs should I request to have done to an '04 prior to purchase?

4) I've read about transmission issues. Are there updates to this part from 04-05? Are these issues due to abuse (drag racing with violent clutch drops)?

5) There is one 2004 with the touring package instead of grand touring. Any idea how much weight I would save by not having the power/heated seats? Any experience with the durability of the cloth seats?

6) Can the obnoxious warning beep at 8500 rpms be removed? God- I hated that on an otherwise perfect car.

Thanks in advance for your help- I am really looking forward to this car. Rotaries still scare me for reliability, but damn- what a nice drive!

grinn253

From what i've read, 2005s are the same but with all the TSB/recalls done...the exception however would be with the Shinka edition that has some upgraded suspension components (which may carry on to the 2006 year as standard)
The 'N' Flash?
Check out this site:http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html

Others can chime in if i'm wrong on some of these.
Laters!
Edgardo

RenoIV

1. Other than the usual first run glitches worked out via tsbs for the '04s the 05 has satellite radio as an option. no yellow, white and shinka (has different interior leather) versions added.
2. The M flash fixed this issue for many owners go to the tech garage some good info on it. N-flash is latest ... haven't had it done yet. M-flash made a big difference in my 8.
3. Go to Finishlineperformance[URL=http://www.finishlineperformance.com/URL] for info on tsbs .... check the vin of the car you are purchasing.
4. never had this issue
5. no idea about the weight ... doubt it is significant ... cloth in my FC is still fine ...never seen any issues on the site about the cloth having issues.
6. It can be done ... it is not very loud ... open windows drown mine out or even the stereo at moderate volume levels.

The 944 was a well balanced car .... I think you will enjoy the 8!

phee

I know another difference in the 2005 is the key fob, but you can get that for the 2004 model, too, from what I understand. I've never had a flooding or transmission problem.

You'll come to love the redline beep. Trust me. Usually my stereo is too loud to hear it, but when I do, it makes me smile.

With a user name of Rammstein, you need to get an 8. They rock, and so does this car. I've never had so much fun driving. Ever.

rammstein

Wow- fast responses! This forum seems pretty active- thanks guys. Keep em coming!

Also-

How does everyone feel about yellow? :D

tiggerlee

Yellow's cool. Just remember that '04 is the last year for yellow. Here's the "calling all yellows" thread. Got some nice pics in there, check'em out.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...8&page=2&pp=15

PPen131

i've never heard the redline beep in my car. either it doesn't work, or noise drowns it out.

tiggerlee

Actually it's not very loud IMO, it's easy to miss if there'a any outside noise (i.e. radio on,windows down etc.)

rammstein

Maybe it will be less noticeable once I drive it for awhile. Sounds like none of you are bothered by it.

Morgan

1. yes there are a lot left in stock and they will be highly discounted. As everyone else said..just get the bullitons done on it.

2. ask for the latest PCM flash (the N-flash) and that will take all your worries away. if they don't know what that is, or have it (which they should!) just ask for M for now.

3. go to the website the other 7 responses has said..lol

4. I race my car A LOT and have no tranny issues at all. I thought i was, but it turned out to be something else that was actually making the noise. Only a few are having tranny issues...I power shift/drop clutch/whole 9 yrds..no problms yet @ 21k. (knock on wood!)

5. I bought the base model 8 because it's the lightest and i hate leather in the summer in fla. my cloth seats look as nice as they did the day i bought them...take care of them, and they'll take care of you.

6.the only time i ever hear the beep is when i'm on the track. Other wise, i never hear it. i've heard of some people's not working, and i'm sure there is a way to get it disconnected..just ask the dealership.

I hope you make the *right* decision with the car. lol. It really is a great car..every car in the first few years of production have its problems, but mazda has come up with a lot to fix it.

BUT BEWARE OF THE FAULTY E-BRAKE!!!!!!*ie, if you park on a steep hill, put a tire chalk behind a wheel or something....* do a search, you'll find ALL the threads about the shitty e-brake.


edit: about the yellow, i almost bought one, but WAY too noticable by cops...i get in enough trouble the way it is w/o having to bring attention to myself! :p

rodrigo67

I also came from a 1986 944 , and I totally was in love with the way the car handled. I was able to leave cars that were much faster then the 944, far behind in the twisties. When I heard that the RX8 was a 50/50 wieght distribution I decided to take one for a test drive, but never expected it to be as good as the 944 in the handling dept. Ten minutes into the test drive I knew I wanted an 8.
I've had it for 8 months, and haven't had 1 single problem with it.

The only difference's with 04 and 05 are the key has been changed, and yellow was replaced with white.

A small group of people have experienced flooding issues but there is a procedure to correct this when it happens and it does work. However a few had to have thier car towed to the dealer to correct it.

All tbs's should have been taken care of at the dealer before you pick up the car.

I have only heard of one guy having issues with the tranny/clutch but by his previous posts he was getting on the car really really hard.

Weight difference is negligible. The cloth seats are very comfortable and hold up much better then they look. Mine still look new.

As far as throwing you back into your seat. This car doesn't give you that rushing feeling under heavy acceleration and leads to the misunderstanding that it's slow, but the car builds up it's power so smoothly and steady that it's deceiving how fast it gets up there. I'm not sure what mods were done to your 944, so it probably is faster then the 8, but once you get used to keeping the rpm's up in the 8's power band, I think you'll discover that it's faster then you realized...

Slvr8

I have (doesn't run) a 1984 944 and that was my favorite car. If you like the 944 you will love the RX8. It's quicker, smoother and the handling is close.

joseight

hi, welcome

tasteslikechicken

The RX-8 is not appropriate for a realtor. IMO.

valpac

iTrader: (2)

No major changes between 04 and 05.

Flooded my car ONCE. My fault a "driveway trip" without a warm-up. Got it restarted easily.
Had trouble with a delaer getting TSBs done PRIOR to purchase. Once I got the car, All requested TSBs performed once I showed them actually trouble. The dealer are not required to do TSB's unless a problem is demonstrated by the customer.

I kinda like the little beep. When/If I hear it at all. Dont know how to disable it.

Keep the oil topped off and change it regularly... No worries.

Morgan

why not? I'd LOVE to see a realtor in one...i'd rather see one in an rx8 than an older 944...