Mazda RX 8

Are you looking for a 2009 Mazda RX-8?

Q: Can anyone tell me the details to a Mazda Rx-8?
How much does a Mazda Rx-8 cost? Where can I find a cheap one? Are they good cars? They look extremely nice but is there more than just the looks?

A: buhrrito is correct. If you’re not willing to get your hands dirty, you should probably look at a different car. I own a 1987 RX-7 and insist on doing my own maintenance, repairs and upgrades (so far, an auto to manual transmission conversion, FD alternator, fuel pump and tires/wheels) because few shops know how to appropriately care for a rotary engine. Also, dealerships are equally ill-equipped as well as most being downright liars, cheaters and thieves. The best place to go for service is a rotary shop like the RX-7 Store in Columbus, Ohio. I’ve talked to the owner there and he’s straightforward and does a good job on every car that comes in.

If you want one still, be prepared to wait 10-15 minutes on EVERY cold start. Not doing this will make the engine crap out early. Also, rotaries use oil by design, so check it weekly and add as necessary. Last, to keep carbon buildup to a minimum, be sure to redline it at least once a week too. Rotaries love to be revved high (after being warmed up). I’d highly recommend perusing the articles on www.rx8club.com and its sister site www.rx7club.com. Once you’ve done your homework (read the Second Generation FAQ on the rx7 club, it’s the best article for a new owner), hop on craigslist and find a good deal.

And for that extra level of protection, I’d highly suggest asking an experienced rotary owner near you to go with you when you look at the car. We can spot an abused/neglected rotary and prevent you from being cheated. Plus, you’ll make some good, honest friends on the RX7/RX8 clubs too.
If you have any more questions, please send me a message and I’ll be more than happy to assist you. I’m always here to help out new owners.
-Travis

PS. Buhrrito, I gave you a thumbs-up for your answer, but I had to give lady CatGirl a more detailed answer, to better equip her for what she’ll be taking on.

Q: How is the Mazda RX-8 in the snow with snow tires?
I was looking into purchasing a 2004 Mazada RX-8 (automatic), it comes with new snow tires and yet I live in Buffalo, soo we get a lot of snow and I wanted to know how well they handle? Also, are there any common problems with this car?? Thanks!

A: I am a Canadian driver, and I have an 8.
Good tires are a must. They should have a symbol on the side of them, a snowflake or a mountain peak (or both) and the letters ‘M+S’. If they have this, they are mud and snow tires, approved for extreme conditions.
My car handles fine in snow and does well on ice, but a word of caution. Deep snow… turn off the dynamic stability control. The wheels will fight themselves and you get jerked around quite a bit. There is a decent amount of torque in that rear end, and if you are accelerating and the DSC is trying to control your wheels… you spin, dont move, or take off sideways. Hills… turn off the DSC and start off in 2nd.
Do not add weight to the trunk, you dont need it with the near perfect weight distribution.
Keep in mind, this car is lightweight, and although it has great brakes they wont help you too much if you lose control on ice. Keep your speed in mind on highways.

Common issues are flooding, it is prone to it if not started properly (must have a warm up period before shutting the engine off..), the AT has some stalling problems that have hopefully been resolved by now, fuel economy is not that great and premium fuel is recommended. 18MPG is about where you will sit at best. I highly recommend the MT instead, more fun and more horsepower. I assume you are aware of the rotary engine as well, which uses small amounts of oil to run. It must be checked on a regular basis. While some find this aggravating, I love it and consider it a great part of ownership.

There have been several recalls to date, make sure if you buy the 04 they have been updated. It is a great car and once you go rotary, you’ll never go back…

Summertime and the handling will make long winters worth it. Enjoy.

Q: What size Lug bolts are on a Mazda Rx-8?
I need to know what size bolts a Mazda Rx-8 have so i can know what kind of rims to buy please help me out thank you

A: The rims are 16×7.5 Base and 18×8 Touring and Up…5 Lugs.
So you can basically go anywhere from 7 – 8.5 in.
To go higher you can always get spacers.

Q: What oil does the owner’s manual of a 2004 Mazda RX-8 say to use?
I bought a used 2004 RX-8. I need to top up the oil, but cannot find my owner’s manual atm

A: 5w-20 regular.

Do NOT use synthetic or high mileage oil. That is not recommended for the car.

You can buy the owners manual from the Mazda dealer.

Q: Would a stock 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Gt keep up with a stock 2006 Infiniti g35?
Would the stock mazda Rx-8 keep up….. if not what would i have to put in my mazda to make it keep up?

A: In a straight line contest,,,no.

The RX8 was never built to be a “red light racer”. It was designed to be an exceptional road race track car. On the track it would so easily out-brake and out-corner the G35 that it would leave it in the dust.

But in a straight line the G35 would win. Not by a lot, but it would win nonetheless.

Mazda did a very good job at extracting all they could from the Renesis rotary engine. The usual mods (intake/exhaust/header) increase HP very little. You’d need to go forced-induction to get the gains required.

Q: Can’t decide between 2005+ Mustang or Mazda RX-8 – Please Help?
I am looking for a car for under $20k and I can’t decide between the 2005-2007 Mustang or the Mazda RX-8. I love the body style of the RX-8, but I really like the Mustang too. My wife can’t drive a manual so either way I would have to get it in automatic and the RX-8 has the manumatic so atleast I can pretend I have a manual. So can anyone help me with this? If you don’t think I should get either car then please just don’t respond. Thanks!

A: The Mustang would be the better choice….even though there is nothing wrong with an RX-8, the Rotary engine has been
perfected to the point that it is very dependable and no longer has the Apex Seal problems of the earlier versions….

Q: How much would it cost to change a Mazda RX-8 cloth seats to leather seats?
I’ve been having a hard time finding a mazda rx8 thats black on black and i found a black rx8 but it has cloth seats and im wondering how much it would be to change to leather

A: Oh. wow. ur talkin big. couple thousand. maybe $1,500. its that expensive cause you gotta change the whole seat, not just the outside.

i recomment u not doing it.

Q: Is the Mazda RX-8 a girly car? Would it be cool for a guy to drive?
Would the Mazda RX-8 be a cool car for a guy to drive?

About half of the guys at my school are hicks and drive pickup trucks, and I hate pickup trucks. Anyway, I really like the Mazda RX-8, but It seems like it could be a girly car. Do a lot of guys drive it? Would it be cool for a guy to drive?

I’m also looking at the Honda Element, is that cool? Thanks.

A: The Mazda RX-8 is a ni–cccc–eeee car.

Who cares what them skoal dipping, pickum up truck, rednecks think.

Q: I have a04 mazda rx-8, the problem is it only will run for abt 15 minuts so I checkd the plugs and oneiswet?
my 2004 rx-8 will start and run for a about 10-15 minutes before it bogs and the engine dies. I have checked all the plugs and the trailing spark plug in cylinder two always is covered in gasoline. so I am wondering why it is flooding out like it does.

A: Its a 5 yr old mazda! What u expect a Rolls Royce?

Q: My mazda RX-8 front tire has a screw in it. . Should I remove the screw or?
Mazda RX-8 2007, left front wheel has a screw in it.It has lost some air too. Are these 18 inch tires tubelss or what? Shall I remove the screw or would that let the rest of the air out?! What’s the best solution?

A: Take it to a tire repair center with the screw in place. If the screw has punctured the tire removing the screw will let the air out much faster.

Q: Has anyone imported a mazda RX 8 from japan to australia. How much did it cost and what companies did you use?
Hi, with the AUD so high im curious as to how much cheaper it is to import an rx8 from japan rather than get one from a dealer ship. Has anyone imported an rx8 from japan into Australia. If so, how much did it cost you in the end and what companies and contacts did you use to get it shipped over here. Thanks in advance.

A: I imported Nissan Silvia old model from http://www.batfa.com May be they can help you. Good luck.

Q: Should I buy a 2004 Mazda RX-8 w/ a brand new engine just replaced by Mazda?
A 2004 Mazda RX-8 that I’m looking at needed to have its engine replaced due to a manufacturer default by Mazda. The dealership claims that this replacement motor will be perfect. Does anyone know about Mazda’s replacement motors on RX-8’s? Is it worth buying?

A: It’s very doubtful the motor was replaced due to a manufacturers fault. The rotary engine design is very simple with only 3 moving parts to the basic motor. They either run or they don’t. The engine was highly likely good from the factory, but died because an un-knowledgeable owner killed it. It’s not a piston engine and cannot be treated as such.

If the fresh motor has warranty then I would say “go for it”…but only if you’re willing to learn about rotary engine care & feeding. If you’re going to drive it sedately like most of the other “sheeple” drivers out there then you’ll kill it, too.

Everything you could possibly need to know about this car can be learned at this RX8 owners forum:

http://www.rx8club,com

I’ve owned my 8 for 5 years and can definitely recommend them to someone looking for a good sports car if they’re willing to accept the quirks of the car and the rotary engine.

Q: What is the difference between a Mazda Rx-8 that comes with the grand touring package and one with a sports?
Im looking to buy one soon and i just cant tell the difference, please help!

A: sport is the lowest model grand touring is the highest model…. some differences… sport comes with standard lights gt comes with hid’s gt comes with heated front seats.. fog lights.. better sound system.. basically luxury items..horse power only differs in manual or automatic transmision not package level

Q: I bought a 2004 Mazda RX-8. How can I tell if a keyless remote will work on it?
No keyless remote came with the car. I purchased it from a used car dealership and the salesman only said that there was not one accompanying it when it was traded in. I’ve read that not all RX-8s are compatible with keyless remotes, so how can I tell if this one is? Thanks

A: Are you talking about the factory keyless entry and starting system?

If so, no, it won’t work on the 2004. The 2004 and 2005 came with keyless entry/alarm remotes, but the keyless start remotes came in with the 2006 models.

You could have an aftermarket remote start system installed, though.

Q: Is Mazda RX-8 considered as a luxury car in Australia?
I am thinking of buying a second hand RX-8. I was wondering if I have to pay the Luxury car tax for it in Australia .

A: Yes, it’s something like ‘any car over $58 000 is considered a luxury car’

And btw, good choice in car! I love them. I have a Saab convertible but Mazda R*-8’s are the shizz

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