Ok so my friend is selling his 2004 babied rx8 auto , 50 k original and bone stock its in good condition and i know he takes care of it ... im getting it for 13,500 not bad of a price however when i put it in drive it kind shakes and after i take off about over 1k rpm it stops ? what the heck could this be? and there is a rubbing sound by the front left tire area and his tires and brakes are new so im guessing wheel bearing ? i have heard allot about 04 autos being a sin to own? should i be worried please give me as much detail as possible i am new to the rotary world

thanks much -adam-

 

umm yeah be worried and read more on the 04 and the possible problems they have. BTW I bought my 05 with 50,000 MT for $14,000. check the motor mounts for the shaking and is it come and go shaking while sitting at a light cause thats normal.

 

i was thinking the motor mounts as well and when i push on the driver door panel some of it stops so idk

 

Wait, you're saying the car doesn't go past 1k RPM? Ask your friend if he changed the oil religiously and if he knows what a rotary engine is. If not then most likely there will be a buttload of recalls that need to be done.

 

My 2004 just had two motor mounts replaced.
It was covered by the warranty .... thank goodness!
Only 4 years old and motor mounts are gone?

 

Get a full mechanical check of any used car that you are thinking of buying. Good-condition cars should not 'shake', nor should their be 'rubbing sounds'.

Also, be aware that any five year old car is in the sweet-spot for component replacement - ignition systems, coolant hoses, vacuum lines, motor mounts, fuel pumps, etc., etc., etc. Make your offer assuming that you will have to spend some money in the near future.

Out of warranty, there are a lot of systems on the RX-8 that while they seem reliable, will potentially cost real $ to repair. Everything from drive-by-wire throttle, electric power steering, self-leveling headlights, to six airbags, is computer controlled and requires time and money to repair properly.

You are likely aware that the 4 port auto engines are different (not so much power, lower redline) from the 6 port MT engines. People chose both for various reasons, so I make no negative comment.



With all due respect, If you are young, very tight on cash, and making payments - a used RX-8 might not be the car for you.

 

no offense took , i am a salesperson making about 30 and i am 19 yrs old so im not bad off in shape i live with the fam i was thinking about geting a aftermarket warranty from paragon motors ... what ya think?

 

I'm not a big fan or aftermarket warranties; my experience is that more often than not, the salesman overpromotes to make a sale, and the customer is pissed later when something breaks.

Read the warranty carefully. Ask around at the Mazda dealer service what they think about that particular warranty company. Check them out online. Engines on these cars are actually pretty inexpensive to replace/rebuild; it's the electrical things like the Power steering rack, computer modules, hvac, for example that cost a lot to diagnose and replace. Read the fine print carefully and check the policy before you buy. For example, if you run out of coolant from a split heater hose and toast your engine, it probably isn't covered. Notice a theme here?

A lot of people opt to put $100 or $200 a month aside to cover future repairs. If nothing ever breaks, then after a couple of years you've got a down payment on a nice shiny new car.


Also, you should post your location in your profile. Most areas have active clubs and are quite helpful about helping new members.

good luck.

 

lol 'aftermarket warranties'

 

it is unusual however i have been reading that motor mounts in these rx8s are commonly being replaced...