The dealer here in SA, TX wants me to replace the spark plugs, coil set and wires all for over $700 dollars on my '04 with 42K on it. I was thinking I should just replace the plugs, given its a maintenance thing. I've never heard of anyone replacing all the components....

Any thoughts?

 

Yeah, at 42k it can't hurt. It's not absolutely needed if car is performing correctly, but if you do a search, you will find that the coils are one of the weak spots with this car(IMO), and plug wires are cheap.
Why not do it yourself? It's pretty easy and you'd save a ton of money.........well over half of that $700.00 and you should be able to do all three in less than an hour.

 

Buy Some Mazsport Ignition Wires from www.mazsport.net
Get the sparkplugs from www.autopartswarehouse.com
And get the coils from www.waynemazdafactoryparts.com

The mazsport ignition wires are a good upgrade to the oem ones and cost about the same. The spark plugs you can get for 85 dollars shipped. And Wayne Mazda has all parts 30% off

For a grand total of around 273 plus shipping

 

+1
Replace them all together
Order online
DIY

 

When you go to put the new spark plugs in add a little anti seize to the threads.

 

I would definitely change the coils if you are at 42K. I changed mine at 20 and it did make a difference. I change mine every 20. And as Mazurfer said, if you are comfortable doing it yourself, you will save big bucks. There are a few things that you need to know before you start the process. Are you interested in doing it yourself?

 

It will cost you about $250-280 and about 1-2 hours for even a beginner mechanic. It's a simple swap-out no brainier.

 

hey guys, thanks so much for the information! i'm glad i posted....

i live in an apartment where we can't do any auto work. i don't even have ramps!

how much do you guys think a mechanic (non-dealer) should charge on average to change out all three? Should I trust any mechanic, or should it be someone who works on RX-8s?

All your help is appreciated and more help even more so!!!

 

u dont need no ramps or jacks to change ur coils.

Just find place to park.

u need 6 or 12 inch extension bar, a 10 mm socket, a ratchet and maybe 30 minutes of your time. change them out 1 by one, is not hard at all.

for spark plugs, Well there are some people with *ultra long and thin arms* can actually reach it from the top, dont ask me how. but for this job u just need to jack the driver side up. spark plug socket(4got the size), use the same extension bar, ratchet, a bottle of anti-seize that could be found for like maybe 4 bucks, and a big card board box so u can lie down flat on the floor without killing your back.

Jack the driver side up. put it on jack stand(better be 3 tons), then just take them out 1 by one.

 

^ +1

everything can be done from above the car with a few basic tools. I am learning autowork on the go for the most part with the 8. Basically only knew oil changes, tire changes, spark and wire changes, replacing alternators, batteries, and starters. I was able to do this all in a matter of about 45min-1hr. pretty easy to do (and this was mainly because 1 of the plugs was seized, hence the suggestion for a little anti seize on the threads).

 

+1 ^ this is a good opportunity to practice your basic car skills. Get some inexpensive jack stands, or better yet find a buddy who has some tools and know-how and let them guide you as needed (my personal approach )

You can get the OEM coils, good plug wires, and new plugs for much less than $700

Or you can go for the BHR or Mazsport ignition which is even more better

 

yes, sounds like its time. do coils/plugs/wires at the same time. the effect is more noticeable.

 

thanks dudes! i'm motivated to do it myself now.....

 

Do it for sure. There is no better way to save money, feel a sense of accomplishment, and above all...................learn your car. Amazing how just doing the little things will tend to have you looking around the car and checking other things! Just take your time the first time, use the anti-sieze, and it won't apply in this case, but don't get frustrated..................take your time especially when it comes to taking apart connectors and stuff.

 

Pay close attention to nycgps comments, especially that extension. That's one part of the tool set you do not want to be without. It's the difference in a good and bad experience. Remove only one plug wire at the time and you may want to go online and get the diagram on the plugs/coils just in case you get them mixed up.