16th Jun 2010, 17:54
I have a 2004 RX8 with 29000 miles. So far it has had the engine replaced, numerous electronic componets replaced, and has been at the dealer for transmission problems constantly. Now it is not shifting correctly and overheats. It has not worked right for longer than 2 weeks, including the first 2 weeks when I bought it.
3rd Aug 2010, 16:12
I have a 2004 Mazda RX8. I fell in love with this car when I first laid my eyes on it. And I thought it's built from Mazda and they make good cars, so why not? I previously had a 1991 Mazda Miata and that car ran like a gem. No problems, nothing.
I bought my 04 in 05, so it was a year old, drove the car for about a year, ran great and after that year, I can honestly say I HATE this car. I have had the same problems like all others; flooding, tail lights replaced, visors replaced, engine replaced @ 60,000 miles, and the list goes on... and the car CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING. Can't forget that day. Actual flames were coming from my exhaust burning my bumper, and luckily a lady driving behind me told me my car was on fire, because my gas tank was REALLY close to that fire... Paid out of pocket for the problem. Found out later there was a recall, but Mazda denies that was the problem. No money for a lawyer, because all my money was invested to fix this piece of crap so it can crap out on me again.
And for all of those who think it's the "drivers problem" because they don't maintain it or because they don't let it warm up for 5, 20 minutes before taking off... I did that every time from the day I bought that car, regardless if I'm late for work or whatnot, and I loved this car so I kept it well maintained.
And what if others don't warm it up? So are you saying because they don't warm up the car, the tail light is flooded with water? Or the visor keeps on breaking? You don't have to be a car genius to figure out those don't go together. And if Mazda can't even be able to build a decent VISOR that doesn't break after 1 1/2 years old, well what do you think the ENGINE is going to run like? So do everyone a favor and THINK before you post something or READ what the problems are before you make accusations.
To all future RX-8 buyers, I would highly recommend thinking about buying another car. I wish no one will have to go through the problems and money I had to go through, and if you still are going to buy this car after all the problems you have read... well, it is your decision and money, but I would like to say I'm sorry in advance.
4th Aug 2010, 16:58
I am looking at getting an RX8 for weekend abuse, and I'm just curious at most of these posts from the US. I'm in the UK, and the min octane rating for our fuel is 95 RON, and 99 is easy to get. My question is does the US get poor quality high sulphur fuel compared to the UK? I know the RON rating is the fuel's ability guard against engine knock. If so, is this poorer quality fuel the reason for a lot of problems in the US with dead engines?
Regards, S Garrett.
12th May 2010, 00:40
Okay, so I was in love with my RX8. Bought it used at 33,000 miles, a 2004, until after 3 weeks of owning it, it started over heating and automatically shutting itself off, and idling way too high. So after calling the dealership to have the car towed, they come back and tell me the engine needs to be replaced.
So the warranty covers the engine, and it's replaced as well as the left rear tail light issue, heated seats not working continuously, just intermittently, and then the brakes start to squeal, so we replace those and the rotors. All this work had been done within 6 weeks of purchase!
So finally a year of having this vehicle goes by, and now more problems are developing such as the condensation in lights, electrical trip problems, catalytic converter replaced and the 6 disc CD changer replaced 3 times! Not to mention after having a brand new 09 engine put into the car, I experienced overheating, constant hung engine light, tire pressure light hung, and then while I'm leaving out of town, the whole front bottom plastic comes off the vehicle for no reason!
OK so now everything is replaced, and now the problem with the A/C turning hot constantly keeps occurring!
Well I do love this car, it's flashy and I'm a 23 yr old female model who barely drives this thing at all. I'm not rough on it either; it is simply an everyday vehicle for me, I also know how to drive it, and some people do not trust me, I know this, but I can assure you I do this is definitely a Mazda problem. In fact Mazda is going to be hearing from me, because by the grace of god, I am here today. Here's a story to keep you safe, and keep you from wasting your time and money on an RX8.
I was driving in the rain and I was barely pushing 50mph when I hydroplaned and lost complete control, because this car is extremely dangerous in adverse weather; rain, snow, heat or aka everyday climate!!! I spun out 3 times and then flipped 4 times and landed sideways in a ditch, and tell me why none of these so called fancy airbags deployed??? I then blacked out, woke up and the car was filling with water and smoking, so I knew I had to get out, so I kicked out the sun roof and made my way out of this death trap!!! This is not the 1st weather issue; as I stated before, it overheated, hydroplaned, and I towed it four times in the winter; on less than 2 inches of snow the car got stuck!!! As well as once slid off the road in less than a inch of snow, like a dusting, with me only doing 20mph. This car is very dangerous; please reconsider the purchase!!! Trust me, I know it's flashy, hot and unique, but that doesn't mean it's safe or reliable, or worth your life or others!!!
I know how you RX8 lovers feel; in fact I almost died in one, and I admit to looking into another one, because there is no other car that turns heads like this one! But after lots of shop, warranty, dealer info, fixes and recalls, I've decided to purchase a Cadillac CTS.
So best wishes and god bless, and please DO NOT PURCHASE A MAZDA RX8!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!! You will not get anything but looks off this car! Trust me, I have full coverage insurance and they only wanna give me 10,000 back on this vehicle, because of the market issues and recalls, when really I'm giving them a 2004 Mazda RX8 with a brand new 2009 engine brand new NOT REBUILT!! Valued at around 7000, and a new converter at 2400, and it has only 50,000 miles on it, SO BASICALLY I'M GIVING THEM A 2009 Mazda engine with 15,000 miles on it, replaced Nov 2009, for 10,000, which is ridiculous!!! DO NOT BUY THIS POORLY MADE VEHICLE PLEASE!!! IT IS A DEATH TRAP!!!
Xoxo
The lucky to be alive model.