dazedNconfused

Alrighty people im new here in the forum and to the rx scene and i need your help especially those of you with an 04 rx8. Im trying to get an 04 rx8 MT with 50k on it and i've done a lot of research and read all about the problems they've had and from what i understand( which is hard for me) if all the recalls were addressed and fixed in a timely matter and fixed the right way it should be fairly reliable right? that is if i maintain it the right way. and also from those of you that own or have owned an 04 model i was hoping you guys can post some numbers for the old man to see regarding how long you had your car with no problems and if you had problems what kind of problems you had. please dnt post mpgs i knw he would fart on my parade if he saw the number so please if anyone can help out i would really appreciate it.

P.S. Im buying the car but my old man thinks its a waist of money. i used to drive a civic nothing special but it was stolen a couple of weeks ago and i really dont want another civic for that same reason + i want somthig different.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

2 years zero problems . mines a 04

dazedNconfused

wow that was fast. i dont think anyone in a honda forum has ever responded that fast to any of my posts. thnx for your input . Anyone else?

Phi

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...t=high+mileage
this may help out.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

this place is pretty active

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Don't forget to mention that the core engine is covered to 100K miles

dazedNconfused

o yea and now that im here i read some where that you can call up mazda and give them the vin of the car and they can tell you if any recalls and such have been done to the car. is this the mazda cusomer service or is it another number?

colnago1331

iTrader: (1)

Get the VIN and call the dealer. The dealer should be able to tell you what has/hasn't been done recall-wise. You should really spend $125 and take the car to a dealer and have them do an inspection. It'll give you peace-of-mind at the very least.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

2004, 104,000 miles, third engine. If you really want to know where your engine is get a compression test done and post the results. If you don't want to hassle with that then make sure you premix the gas and change the oil on time, every time.

Also run a 30W or 40W oil.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Just make sure you don't drive it like an 'old man'!

This engine loves to build up carbon on the rotors, and needs to be 'driven' - when the car is fully warmed up (and it's safe to do so,) give it a couple of good wide-open-throttle screams to the redline.
This will heat up and blast the gunk out.
Most failures are related to driving like a granny......

dazedNconfused

yea i've read alot of posts about the premixing. and aight

dazedNconfused

yea thats one of the reasons i want the 8. everyone says that its a drivers car. and i like the idea of reving 9k and knowing that its actually helping the motor.

adamwzl

iTrader: (3)

Where on the East coast are you?

dazedNconfused

Albemarle NC

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Tell me you were joking right?

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

'04 owned 3.5 years (38K miles when i bought it, 53K on the odo right now). flooded once (even with the new starter and battery) when i was washing the car and being careless, condensation in one tail light, replaced the battery terminal b/c it had corroded and snapped, had the driver side visor break. the de-flood was taken care of by the dealer under warranty as was the condensation, the terminal wasn't that difficult to replace myself and probably could have been avoided with better maintenance inspection by me, and the visor is just a nuisance that i haven't fixed and happened after bumper-to-bumper so i couldn't have it done under warranty.

nothing major and i'd buy again in a heartbeat.

kster

OP, make sure the car you are looking at has all service records from date of purchase. If you do need a new engine, that 8 year/100K warranty will be helpful.

The Underdog

iTrader: (2)

I've had a couple coils fail on my 04. Seems common. All kinds of debate as to exactly why and how and blah blah. The good part is that you can run the car on 2 out of 4 coils if ur in a jam. Mazda has updated them and that's what i have and no probs so far. Also if it up and starts detonating over night all of a sudden without any explanation, you can probably fix it by cleaning your mass air sensor (with sensor safe cleaner of course). Happened to me. Try that before any of the big money fixes. One more thing... I drive less than 2 miles to work and my engine gets carboned up and doesn't wanna start so I have to seafoam the hell out of it. Avoid short trips. Make sure you got the most up to date ECU flash (free @ dealer). Ummm... There's an upgraded starter that you can get from mazda that might also be free (help me out here smart people). As long as you're handy with cars you'll pretty much be fine as long as you read up and get to know your car. Only real gripe I have with mine is that it's rustier that it ought to be for its age. I have a 12 year old Dodge Stratus that isn't rusty at all underneath.

Otherwise great car. You'll never break a timing belt. Smooth as butter engine. I dunno if the brakes are the best in the history of the world but they are the best I've ever encountered. Great fun to drive. Fundamentally different from anything your friends drive. It will make you smile... All the time.

CRO8TIA

European spec 04' 6mt 80k kilometers,original motor and coils. We have had it for 12 months and are the 2nd owners and have put 30k on it in that time.I drive it very spiritedly as in redline 20-25 times daily (great Hiways and few cops ) The only items to be replaced were the clutch bracket obviously, and the front right lower control arm,it split on the seam around the front bush.It starts within 1/2 second in hot or cold.We get 300-340 kilometers per 54 liters of gas.Just ordered new coils and leads from Jason at Montgomery Mazda NC.And yes we use premix.

8 Maniac

iTrader: (1)

Assuming it's a well kept car with necessary service and recalls done, you shouldn't have to worry too much. I'm close to 50k miles with no major issues and almost all the stuff I've run into has been under warranty. It will vary from car to car so it's never a definite thing.

azzuro

My 04 just ticked over 100,000kms (~62,000miles) and everything works great. I had to replace the brake switch so the Cruise Control would work properly. Other than that, no issues.

Low Fly'n 8

04 MT since new with 90,000 miles. It has been flawless except for motor replaced free at 65,000 miles. It ran perfect then, but would shut off occasionally at idle. Reman engine has been trouble free - runs smooth and strong, while averaging 20 mpg.

Tweek

I just bought an 04 with 58k miles, i dont know if the recalls were done yet, but runs great for now.

Civics are the most stolen car in america btw.

dazedNconfused

just from these reponses i've gotten and how fast i've gotten them i can already tell im going to like the 8. im still not sure my old man is convinced but im getting this car no matter what. thanx alot people.



honda ej6 rest in pieces

Cattywampus

We're just faster than them in general.