I just bought a 2004 RX-8 automatic (sorry to all you MT lovers, I live in Pittsburgh and the hills are too much) with 25,000 miles and I have a lot of questions that either: 1) nobody can answer b/c they (including me) no next to nothing about the car or 2) I get a bunch of different answers, not knowing who to listen to.

I'm 22 years old and know next to nothing about cars in general, but I just got a full-time job and had to buy the car I've loved for years. So here goes...

1. My car has the sun/moonroof, xenon lights, spoiler, homelink, Bose system, 19 inch wheels. But, it has no leather and no power or heated seats. The internet ad for the dealer says it's a Grand Touring, but I'm not sure. I got such a good price on the car, I didn't really care. How can I tell which trim level it is?

2. I can't figure out how to use the 6-disc cd-changer. I followed the manual but nothing works. In fact, I'm not even sure if it has the 6-disc changer. (see #1 above)

3. I bought the car from a dealer that I'm beginning to think has taken advantage of me (who woulda knew). One example is that the internet advertisement specifically states that there is a remote lock/keyless entry for the car. I didn't get one when I bought it and I've been calling my dealer every day for the past 3 days. No response. What should I do? If he refuses to get me one, where is the best place to order one?

4. The brakes squeal extremely loud when I slow down and stop at low speeds, such as at a stop sign. Since right now I'm driving a lot in stop-and-go traffic, it is so damn annoying. The weird part is that the brakes are nearly brand new. The mechanic says it's a problem that I just have to deal with. I think he's lazy and doesn't want to do work knowing he won't get any compensation.

5. The headlights are beautiful, but the rectangle of light that they make on the road is not straight at the top. It's almost like the two lights aren't aligned. It looks like this:
_______________________
___________________/

Understand? Any ideas?

6. I've heard so many different opinions on adding engine oil: What type to use (synthetic or regular), how often to check it, how much to put in, etc. I need to clear up this confusion.

7. What exactly is the issue with quick turn-offs and start-ups? Why does the car not start? I've had no problem with this yet, but it's summer. I hear in the winter I have to idle for 6 minutes (!) and rev the engine for a minute before I turn the car off. I've also heard other ideas. What in the name of shitty weather should I do? Also, when it's cold, do I let the car warm-up?

8. Does anyone else have a problem with the middle console's sliding top thing? If I stop quickly or am driving down a steep hill, the thing slams shut. It's very annoying.

9. Let's say I pull out of my parking spot in reverse, stop, then put it into D to go forward. There is a noticeable delay from R to D and a slight bump. Is this normal?

10. One of the big reasons I love the car is the manual paddle shifters. However, I'm not really ready to try them out. What do you think the best way to learn would be?

11. Lastly, what are some little things I can do to baby the car and/or keep in top shape? I've never had a nice car and really want to take care of this one. Any tips would help.

I know it's a long list but I'm a new and very unexperienced owner. Luckily, my girlfriend's dad is a mechanic. He can do some things but admittedly knows very little about Mazdas, the rotary engine especially.


Thanks in advance for any help.
-Devo

 

1. Sounds like touring. (Looking at an '06 brochure, which I think is the same as '04. If not, someone will pipe in.) 19" wheels don't come with any trim level, so that's an aftermarket thing. Check the tire sizes to make sure they match the rolling radius of the factory 18" wheels and tires.

2. I think the CD changer was an option, so if yours won't load six it's not.

3. Have your county consumer protection office, or state Attorney General's office, make him provide what was advertised. Another key, and getting it programmed, is a $300 to $400 item from a dealer. I'm not a lawyer, but I think failure to deliver something of that value is felony fraud.

4. That's a known defect, and there is a TSB on it. Check the TSB/Recall thread (there's a sticky somewhere) for the bulletin. At 25K I doubt if a dealer would do that for free, but the TSB describes the official fix. Check the DIY forum for do-it-yourself fixes.

5. Perfectly normal. (Surprise!)

6. Are you in North America? Then 5w20 API Service SL. Rest of the world? 5w30. Check the oil every two or three fillups - like you would with any car. Useful to know that the space between the full and low marks on the dipstick is almost two quarts. But don't let it get more than a quart down. A lot of us top off when it's half a quart down. Change oil and filter every 3000 miles. It takes about 4 quarts for a change. See the DIY on oil changes.

7. Just don't turn it off until it reaches normal operating temperature. When the temp gage reaches its usual spot (just left of center - you've have seen it by now) it's OK to shut down. Mine is warm enough after a couple of miles, even in the winter.

8. They all do that. There's a DIY for a simple fix.

9. Never learned to drive an automatic, so I don't know what the deal is with that.

10. Just use them. Wait until you're not in heavy traffic for the first try.

11. Run it hard - engine loves to rev. Keep the oil changed. Keep it washed and waxed.

Get an owner's manual and read it. You can download a pdf version by signing up in the owner's section at mazdausa.com.

Read the FAQ here. That probably covers everything I've answered, most likely more accurately. Read all the stickys. Browse the DIY section for the basic maintenance stuff.

Call MNAO customer service. Give them your VIN, and ask if all recalls have been done.

Learn to search the forum. Everything here has been answered and discussed at length. Prepare for an onslaught. You're probably about to meet Mugatu.

Ken

 

Dam Kens good lol He got you coverd.

About #9 and that delay, Its norm.

Keep on eye on your oil Rotarys like to burn oil and rev her to about 6K everyday or everyother day. Dont baby her. Carb build up is bad for the 8.

BTY Is your car still under warrenty?

 

Wow, thanks a lot Ken. Lol you answered every question.

About the warranty: There's about 2 months left on the factory warranty, but I bought a 3-year comprehensive warranty from a third-party.