30th Sep 2010, 13:26

Hi I have had my 04 RX8 high power since new. I love this car, but it is a real thorn in my side.

Some of my problems; new CD player, problem rattling sunroof, new tail lights, new injectors, new cat, reconditioned box, 3 clutches, new exhaust sensors, new coils, new battery x2, new engine x2, and I look after my car. Does anyone know if Mazda has offered assistance with regards to motor parts? We should create a petition and approach Mazda.

19th Oct 2010, 11:31

I have a 04 RX-8 with about 66K on it, not a single problem since the day I bought it. It is quite simple, warm it up, change your oil every 3K miles, redline it at least one time when you drive it. It is a rotary engine so you have to know how to drive it. If your looking for MPG, get a Corolla or something, this is a sports car. As far as problems, the majority of them come from the automatic RX8, so if you're going to buy a sports car like an RX8, its better to get it in 6MT.

I am a proud owner of a 04 Mazda RX8.

24th Oct 2010, 18:07

I just bought the 2004 RX8 6 speed 3 days ago. I did not do my homework before purchasing this vehicle. I simply saw the car, drove it, and I ABSOLUTELY HAD to have it. I traded in a Nissan 350Z to get it. I've been driving it all weekend, no problems whatsoever. But reading these comments from everyone is totally freaking me out. I vow to check/add the oil like a madwoman, I will warm it up and cool it down, I'll TRY to redline it every day, I'll put 93 Octane in it, I'll pray to the Mazda Gods every night... and I guess I'll hope for the best. But just in case, I think first thing Monday morning, I'm going to check into an extended warranty!!! I sure hope this car is good to me, because I LOVE THIS CAR.

7th Nov 2010, 07:28

A lot of people complain about the RX8, simply because they do not know how to drive a rotary engine.

All these upset people treat this car as if it's a piston engine where you can start up, and turn off; no, you cannot do that. The manual tells you exactly what you need to do to keep this car running for a long time.

I say drive it like you stole it. The rotary engine forgives you when you take it to about 9K, because that helps to burn out the carbon in the engine. NEVER use anything below 91 Octane; it says it on the fuel door.

It does not take much to warm up the rotary; turn it on in your drive way, get your things ready for work or school, and by the time you know it, it is ready to go.

Change your oil as required; not that hard, have a quart of oil in your trunk (5W-20) just in case you're below the middle on oil when you fill up.

Keep up with the scheduled maintenance.

I would recommend buying aftermarket tires, because the stock ones are a bit twitchy in precipitation, but that's just me.

Overall, this car is amazing as long as you know how to take care of it. It is good practice and much to get used to, but in the end, it will serve you until those rotors stop spinning :D.

Proud owner of a 2004 Mazda RX-8.

29th Dec 2010, 09:34

I own a 2004 RX8, and there is white milky stuff on the dip stick, and it won't start. I've had it about two years. Some times the heater works, and some times my radio will just go off. Anyone have any ideas what is going on with my car? HELP.

4th Jan 2011, 08:06

To the guy who said 'people do not know how to run a rotary engine' - that is the problem!!

When potential buyers are looking for an RX-8, we do not know how well the previous owners has maintained the engine, and they probably have not taken care of the engine like you have. It could have a low mileage with full dealer history with every receipt from new - that doesn't matter with these cars.

I have been looking for an RX-8 around 2004 for around £4000, within 100 miles of where I live there is around 15-20 in my budget (in the auto trader), and currently there are six for sale with mechanical problems.

I am staying away.

30th Jan 2011, 21:33

I own an 04 RX8. I bought it March of 07 with only 32k miles. Since then I am on my 4th engine. For me it's been about every 20k miles they have been replaced.

I only had the car 2 weeks, and in was at the dealership for 2 months, not knowing what was wrong with it. Well I should have gotten rid of it right then and there. Here I am one month shy of owning it 4 years, and yet 4 engines later and a ton of warranty work, and $12,000.00 in repairs outside of the warranty, I still love the car. I went out and bought another car, and couldn't bring myself to trade it in. I love it that much, and am planning on buying another as soon as I pay off my other car I bought, hopefully in the next 6 months.

29th Mar 2011, 12:42

I am sitting without my 2004 RX-8 again as it is now back in the shop for the 12th or 13th time. Towing at my expense all but the first time.

It just had a new engine put in last year and ran worse than ever after. After only 5800 miles on the new engine it's down again and they want to charge me over $2000 to repair it. I have had every single problem with this car that has been listed in most emails on this site.

I loved the look of this car but regret ever buying it. I am having it towed to a friend whom will try and repair it for less than half what the dealership wants to charge. The point is I should not have to put a dime out. I wrote to the company today and I am checking on the Lemon Law.

Any info that someone has out there to get this started, I would greatly appreciate it.

Angry in Texas!

29th Mar 2011, 12:57

Just wait Evan you will eat those words! With the 2004 many problems from the start. Two recalls.

I do love the way this car handles and everything about it when I have it and it's running, but the dealership has had it more than I have. I have paid almost $800 in towing since owning my RX-8. Not whining, I can take care of myself, but single and only one car this has been an ongoing problem for too long. 5800 on a new engine. Should it be down and out again?

2004 Mazda RX-8 is a lemon...