25th May 2008, 22:35

After owning an RX-7, I quickly came to the conclusion that the rotary engine is incredible... for use as a BOAT ANCHOR!!

20th Jun 2008, 16:40

I have just recently purchased an 04 RX8 6 speed manual... when I first test drove it I had the same feeling I get when I drive my 95 RX7 or my 88 RX7, but neither one can be compared.

I had the dealer check the vehicle after I purchased it, out of my pocket. Nothing in the vehicle has been changed from its original parts; all serial numbers still matched. This was a 1 owner vehicle.

The dealership where I purchased the vehicle actually gave me a copy of the work that has been done to the vehicle from the original owner, and it seems like he maintained the vehicle very well. I have had it for about 3 months now, following all the vehicle requirement according to the manual, and the car still runs great @50,000 miles. But I also have the other 2 RX7 that I drive. So each vehicle only goes out every three days or so. My 88 now has over 170,000 on it, and my 95 has 105,000. Wish I could get a 80/81/or82 RX7; I'll rebuild that, and I definitely can't wait for RX9 to come out in 2012...

Rotary is the way to go... Maintain it, drive it well, and drive it hard, and you love it.

As far as those who has had problems with theirs; sorry to hear that. But considering there have over 50,000 of these cars sold in 03 and 04, and only a handful of you are complaining, maybe it is something you are doing and not the car itself. You know what they say; treat your car as you would like your car to treat you...

Anyways, to those who has any problem, good luck, hope you can resolve it, and to those who enjoy yours and have had a great experience, keep revving. These car are mean to be revved up!!!!

Rotary Engine Lover Forever........

26th Jun 2008, 16:59

Yes, RX-8 owners aren't doing what they should with these cars... TRADING them!!

7th Jul 2008, 23:55

I recently bought a used 2004 "RX-great". Treat this car like a woman. Give it a lot of TLC and it will treat you the same. Keep in mind, this car is a SPORTS CAR... not a Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, or a Toyota Camry. If you ask any sports car owner, with experience, they'll tell you its nothing like a sedan.

A better way to put it... a RX-8 vs a typical car is equivalent to a super model vs an every day girl. If you want to keep that model, you need to take good care of her. On the other hand, the every day girl doesn't need as much attention because shes "LOW MAINTENANCE" compared to the model.

I've had my 95 Maxima for over a 9yrs. I beat the living hell out of that car, and it stayed strong. The RX-8 WILL NOT do the same because, #1 it's a rotary engine, #2 it's a sports car, and #3 it's a SPORTS CAR!!!

As far as the flooding of the engine... Imagine waking up in the morning and jumping out of bed and jogging for at least 30 minutes with out brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, or taking a shower. These are all things normal people do to "WARM UP" for the day. All the RX"great" needs is five minutes of idle. That one small problem leads too many others.

Drive safe.

4th Aug 2008, 09:25

My son bought a Mazda RX8 2004 manual and has nothing but problems with it.

First the whole centre console radio, air con controls, and display above it stopped working all together. After many electrical engineers pulled it apart and connect up their diagnostics equipment, and still no luck, we finally found one broken connection inside the radio that stopped everything.

Next the engine check light comes off and on, then the power steering was intermittent, and now it's finally stopped working.

The answer I get from the dealer is it will cost you a lot, as each item will need to be replaced one at a time to find which one is the problem.

My son just drives it as it is no power steering at all, n/s tailamp full of water.

These new cars will never last to be collectibles, but would make great boat anchors. Give me an older car; this new technology is not long term tested.

8th Sep 2008, 07:35

I have a 2003 RX8 - It was the third one in Australia other than demos at dealerships. The weather here is between 45 and 120 fahrenheit. With 85,0000 kilometres (52,000 miles) on the clock, it is on its third set of tyres, second battery, second radiator, second fluid tank & sensor, second set of engine mounts, second steering control module, second main steering rack and power steering sensor/sender. It has also had the brake discs machined. Total cost would be $6,500 - except I got Mazda Australia to foot most of the bills. It uses about 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres (don't ask me what that is in MPG. By the way, the default condition for the fluid sensor is NO INDICATION. If you unplug it altogether, there is no light on the dash.

But I still love my 8! - Mark, Melbourne Australia.

10th Sep 2008, 13:25

45 days ago I purchased a 2004 RX8. I did know of the flooding problem so I purchased an extended warranty. Have had a blast! Warm her up before hitting the road, let her idle before shutting her off and checking the oil every other fill up. Oh yeah, I use 91 octane minimum. Went to Key West on vacation right after Fay went through came home, parked her. Got up the next morning and she wouldn't start. Had her towed to the Mazda dealer and guess what? I get a brand new 2007 crate engine. Yes this car is a sports car. Yes you need to maintain her properly. Last I looked the Vette is a sports car. So is the Porsche Boxter. Never heard of an engine failure like I have heard and now experienced with the 2004 RX8. The dealer has told me that there is corrective material in the new engine. I will keep her for two years and trade it in on a Boxster. Hopefully it will make it till then.