Hi guys I’m looking at buying a 2004, 2005 Mazda RX-8 and I would like to get your advice on the car. Anything I should know good or bad. It looks like all you guys are happy with the car but I will just like to know. Also what is this thing that your warranty was extended to a 5 year 60,000 miles? What is the problem with the engine? Also will the warranty carry over? Thank you.

 

oh you are sooo gonna get the "SEARCH" monkeys on you with that post!

I would seriously recommend searching, mainly because this very same thread is posted at least 3X a week.

Good luck and welcome to the cult!

 

ok thank you will do

 

Short answer (if you don't have time to read hundreds of pages on multiple threads like I don't.) I may not have a few of the facts exactly right, but this is basically it:

Some RX-8s have experienced problems with severe power loss and poor idling. Most of these cars tend to be driven in very hot & dry climates—many of them are automatics. Most RX-8s have not had the power loss/idling problems.

Since the car was first released, Mazda has been tinkering with ECU settings that control various engine functions: idle speed in different situations, the amount of oil that gets injected into the engine (rotary engines—by design—need a small amount of oil pumped into the engine to lube the rotors and seals), etc. Each new ECU "flash" reprograms the computer to follow the latest "improved" settings.

To solve the "severe power loss/idling" problems, Mazda is recalling ALL RX-8s. All cars will be given the latest ECU "flash" (which will inject more oil into the engine) and new plugs. Some will be given new catalytic converters (if the old one's been damaged). Cars experiencing "severe power loss" and/or idling problems will get an engine test to see if the engine's been damaged from carbon buildup—the result of not getting enough oil to seal the rotors. Damaged engines will be replaced with remanufactured ones. All cars are being given the warranty extension.