Greetings Everyone,

It has been a VERY VERY long time since I made a post on this forum, but I decided to do so, due to the poor rep the 2004 or Series 1 RX8 has been getting lately...Forgive me if this turns out be a long post...

I have 2004 RX8 (6-speed manually) with roughly 130k miles on the odometer. Original engine. I average about 300 miles a week. Live in Arizona (hot climate).

It is unfortunate that the RX8 resale value has dropped like it did, because you can now see those who could not afford the car before are now able too. The bad news is that a lot of these individuals are coming from more traditional cars and not realizing the care the rotary cars need. I personally think it has been made worse due to the economy...

I consider myself VERY fortunate that my RX8 has not had MAJOR engine problems. I did have an oil leak and really just accepted since the oil drop or drops were the size of a dime. Overtime these drops grew to the size of a quarter. I took it to the local dealership in Arizona who then told me my seals were going bad and this could lead to an engine replacement. I took it to another dealership to get a second opinion, with the same diagnosis. I decide too accept the oil leak and keep a watchful eye on it. When my AC condenser died, I had it fixed at the shop that did my clutch. I mentioned the oil leak and it turned out to be a gasket. When they replaced the gasket, the leak went away. $10 fix (maybe band-aid) to replace a $2-3k repair. In any event, I no longer have the issue...This was about 45K miles ago...

My RX8 is a true joy to drive. I have always used Castrol 5w-20 Oil with a FRAM oil filter. I just started pre-mixing about 30k miles ago. I recently replaced my plugs and coils, because my gas mileage was starting to get pretty bad, hovering around 17.8 to 18.2 mpg. When I replaced the coils and plugs, I am simply amazed HOW MUCH this can dramatically improve the engine response. BTW, if you are having low engine response, I highly suggest replacing the plugs and Coils first, before going to more expensive areas.

My car has been paid off for almost 2 years now. Every now and again, I will get the itch to look at something new, but as others have stated, whenever I get into the car and drive it, I find myself saying "What could possible give me the same joy of driving?"...My car is not the fastest on the road, but the feel and response I get from driving is truly amazing...

In closing, the RX8 is not your typical car. It is not a car that you can GAS and go. It is not like a Honda or a Toyota, but truly a sports car. So many individuals are caught up on the look of the car (biased towards the Series 1 model) and remember the RX7 model, that when they get into the car and find out the lack of performance they get upset. When they find themselves spending $$$$ just trying to get more horsepower and find out there really is no more to get, then they REALLY get upset. Now throw in CELs, Engine Replacements (sometimes 2 or more) they finally just give up. Hell our spark plugs are the same type of plugs used in Ferrari models. Imaging having to replace 8 plugs averaging $20 a pop...

All the newcomers really need to research the car and try as best to understand WHAT you are getting into...

Enjoy the car as best as YOU can because I do...If it makes financial sense for you go for it. Bad mouthing the car will do no one any good. I understand that somethings can get out of your control, when it comes to repairs. If you are in a position where you have to decide car repairs or making living expenses, then a sports car is not for you, right now...

Everyone enjoy the holidays and be safe!

 

Nice detailed opinion on the Rx8.

130k with such minimum repairs is quite an achievement. And yes, premix is your friend.

 

These type of threads/ posts need to be up more often. A lot of new people are turned away from the very same new people who purchase this car because they just don't understand it! I've only owned an 8 for 7 months (5mo on the '05, and 2mo on the "07), and I can assure you that I will do all I can to keep this car for a long time.
It really doesn't ask for too much! Treat it as you would a valued pet: Feed it, clean it, take it for a run, keep it healthy. It's that simple.

 

 

I do red-line at least once per day, but typically no more than that. Traffic here in AZ is a bear and very difficult to find a place to open him up.

Here are the following repairs that I have done, since purchasing the car new:

1. New clutch
2. New clutch pedal
3. Replaced radiator and radiator coolant tank
4. AC Condensor
5. New Oil metering pump (under warranty)

Other than a Racing Beat exhaust and a drop in KN Filter, that is it! I do my own oil changes from day one, using Castrol 5w-20 and FRAM oil filters.
The only other thing I am considering right now is the improve starter. Now that it is cooler in AZ, it takes me almost 2 cranks to get the car to turn over, but this only happens about 50% of the time.

I keep a personal log of my maintenance and repairs so that I have reference point of things if they should pop up. I have always done this for ALL my cars!

I mentioned early about my itch to purchase a car. If it was brand new, I really like the Genesis Coupe simply for the warranty that Hyundai offers. But for the same amount of money, I can purchase a nice used Corvette (2004 or newer model). I really like the Corvette.
The only MAJOR concern I have for the Corvette is tires...When you cross that line with tires that grow beyond 255 section width and are fairly tall 19" or more, tires are VERY expensive.

I just wanted others to see that there is a good 2004 RX8. This car offers a balance that most other cars just can't do. If they offer the performance, they compromise the everyday drive ability and vice-versa...

 

I've got 102k on my '04 that I bought new. Engine replaced at 46k (replaced under warranty), leak in oil cooler hose (replaced under warranty around 30k). Other than that, only regular maintenance done and no major problems. Also had a compression check done just before 100k just to be safe and that all came back great.

But...just my luck I think my heater died yesterday and of course we've just had the coldest days this winter so far, so I guess the heater control repair is on the agenda tomorrow. I knew it was starting last winter already when I had no heat until I found the sweet spot. Now I can't get anything at all.

 

Just 36k on my '07 and no intention of trading it in anytime soon. Maybe in 10 years.

 

I have 62K on my '04 8. Other than regular maintenance, the only expense has been new tires. BTW, love my Nittos. I try to keep an open mind as to what kind of car it would take to make me want to make a change. Over the summer I test drove a Z06 with a friend, and even that didn't sway me. Not sure why, but this car just completely satisfies me.

 

Same here. I have no desire for a new car.

 

Why get rid of it so soon?

I expect that my estate will sell my 8.

Ken

 

Me too. After nearly 5 years, I still feel like I have a very special car.