Hey all! Just traded in my black 2004 Mazda 3s 66k miles with black leather for a Velocity Red 2004 Mazda RX-8 32k miles, red/black leather fully loaded including xenon and DVD nav.

I'm pretty excited, I love the way this car handles, looks, & sounds.

However, some new owner concerns, in order of importance to me:

- I read the faq, my car will eat oil. What kind of oil do I need to use (non synthetic? 5W-30 or what?) at my next gas fillup.

- I ran a Carfax check, only one owner on a lease. No concerns noted. However, how can I be assured that the owner or dealer performed all Recalls and Firmware updates to the car? What should I ask for or verify if I take it in for service?

- Is there a custom sunshield/sunblocker for the front windshield? Living in southern Florida. I'd like something that could scroll/unwind and have a custom fit, if possible.

- The previous owner hooked up a little Dension iPod plug. Doesn't seem to work... I hit "CD" twice and it went to EX mode, but out of several attempts, it only worked once and then it failed when I used the dash controls to try to change a song.

- I saw things like aftermarket grills and side strakes. Any experience with these (installing, finish durability?)

http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/p...ategory=bumper

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...spagenameZWD1V

I'll post some pix soon!

 

mazda sells a rx8 sunscreen for $30 or so.

definitely get the windows tinted if they're not already done.

you can call your local mazda dealer, ask for service, and read them your VIN. they'll tell you if theres anything outstanding to be done on your car.

 

My black leather seats get hot in the Michigan summer sun. The Mazda RX8 sunscreen fits perfectly and works great. I recommend it.

 

oil - manual says 5w 20. this site has billions of threads about synth v. dino and weight choices. read up, then decide for yourself.

I bought a $5 sunshield visor - 2 pieces that twist up and get tossed into the pocket on the back of the seat quite nicely. works great. no custom shade like you describe that I know of.

mysql answered the warranty Q.

Strakes - get the ones from the UK. stainless & gorgeous & great durability - and maybe cheaper (not sure what the exchange rate is at currently). use the advanced search and search for thread TITLES with "strakes" and you'll find all the options. (rx8-accessories.com for the stainless)

check out rotary13b1.com for front & rear accents. much cheaper than mazda stores.


congrats on the 8!

 

Oh wow, thanks for that link, I'll be making a few purchases there tonight I think.

 

No problem. I recommend putting a small piece of 3m double sided tape on the bottom corner of the rear accent. Mine's a little loose there - and still will wiggle a bit when I wash the 8. But it's been ~ 1year since I put it on and I haven't lost it, so it's not a big deal.