I just bought an '04 Rx8, Its amazing, runs xcellent, fast and smoothly, best car I've had so far. I know that the engine is different from any other car, so I'd like to know how to take care of my RX, is it recommended to take it anywhere for an oil change? I heard once you start the car wait 10 seconds and drive away and before turning it off rev the engine and then turn off, is it true? also, the red seatbelt light stays on and doesnt turn off...any advice, tips on how to take car of my RX?...thanxx

 

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the car! Please add location to your profile.

Read the manual, read the stickies at the top of the sub-forums.

Did you fasten your seatbelt?

 

Oil changes: Do your self or take to a Mazda dealer or a well qualified high-performance shop. Don't take to Jiffy Lube! Oil quality is critical - weight is less so - Mazda recco's 5W-20 for fuel efficiency, but you can safely use 5w-30, 10W-40 or even 20W-50 if you're going to be somewhere really hot. But use a quality brand of oil - Jiffy Lube's standard oil has recycled product in it. Be sure to change it at least every 5000 miles.

Starting: Yeah, doesn't hurt to let it run a few seconds - I don't have any issues backing it out of the garage while the idle is way up in cold start mode (3000 or so RPM), but usually wait until the revs fall to at least 1500 before I start to drive. Take it easy until you see positive movement of the temp needle, and don't do any WOT runs until at full operating temp.

Shut down: If the engine is at operating temp, then no rev up is needed. If the engine has been running less than a minute or two from a cold start, then the rev doesn't hurt. Still not critical.

Fuel: Runs fine on 87 octane, runs fine on 93 - let your conscience be your guide.

Revs/Redline: You'll see a few folks on here saying that you must redline it at least 3 times daily to make sure carbon doesn't build up - OK, cute, but I say you must redline it as often as possible because it's so damn fun. 3 redlines a day? Try 20 or more for me!! HA!

Washing/Waxing: Keep it shiny or else we will throw you out of the secret society of RX8 owners.

Oil consumption: It will consume anywhere from a quart every 1000 miles to a half quart every 3000 miles. Oil consumption is by design and is normal. Keep your oil level at least halfway between the add and full lines (or on full all the time). My '04 burns a quart every 3000. I check the oil every Saturday morning along with a routine that includes washing it, airing the tires, vaccuming the interior, dusting the engine compartment, etc. And when the oil gets half way to the add line, I add a half-quart. Does the trick.

Gas Mileage: Sucks - normal urban mileage for this car is anywhere from 12 to 15 mpg, and highway from 15 to 22 mpg. Deal with it. Normal.

Seatbelt light - sounds like one of the seatbelt attachment points up front is broken. Take it to a Mazda dealer - I think safety gear like that is under warranty for 4 years/50,000 miles.

Anything else you want to know? Search the board!

Stew

 

Hell no , 2 replys and everyone is being nice.

Welcome and I guest you can unbuckle your seat belt.

 

grats & welcome.





^We've added meds to Stew's morning vodka.

 

Welcome, Enjoy the car. I love mine.

 

congrats and welcome

 

So THATS where my happy pills went off to...you thievin bastage...

I hope you understand that there is only so much eForum meds available to go around...I need my noob flame suppressants...

 

Thanks for the info, Stew...

 

u might also want to read the TSB for issues on these cars.. check out www.finishlineperformance.com

 

welcome to the forum...

Enjoy your car...