Knowing RX8 Before Buying...

[stutzedward]

I am planning to buy a RX8 automatic. What are the things that I should take note of? I heard that the rotary engine needs rebuilding every 100K. How much is the rebuilding cost? Is it that unreliable?

I am getting the car for my wife, there will not be any mods, maybe rims, plugs, KNN filter and exhaust. That's the most I'll plan. She'll be using the car to fetch kids to and from school and will always stuck in jam. Will it unreliable like breaking down?

Where are any good mechs in Klang Valley? Any advise are much appreciated. Thank you first.

 

[yeehau86]

Take a read:

Important info for new RX-8 owners

 

[stutzedward]

Good info, thanks bro. What about engine reliability that needs rebuilding every 100k n how much it'll cost?

 

[- D i a b l o -]

a basic rebuild will cost RM5-6k northwards..a full rebuild would go up to RM 12k .. depending on your maintanence.. you wont be needing a rebuild at 100k..probably somewhere around 150-200k only.

 

[stutzedward]

Thanks bro... I guess it's not too bad. Normal inline engines will need rebuilding/overhauling around 200K, so I guess it's acceptable. What are other issues with the car? My wife plans to use this car as a daily cow cart. Do you think it can withstand KL's traffic for hours daily? What other problems is with this car other than the engine compression issue?

I personally drives and Airtrek Turbo. Before I bought this car, I've heard countless comments and remarks about high maintenance, famous gearbox reliability issue, fuel guzzler and pain in the ass maintenance cost. After I use it almost 4 years now, I do not feel that. Fuel guzzler, I have no complaints because these kinda car are expected.

So that is why even I heard a lot about the RE motor reliability issue, I personally thinks that if one maintains it well, it'll last. Now the problem is finding a good one, any reckon? It has to be auto as my wife drives it.

 

[- D i a b l o -]

It can withstand daily use but I can vouch that it is not meant for such usage.. Even to someone who earns..the fuel economy can be quite a sting. On a full urban usage I get around 300km for a tank of RM140 on ron 97..but i have a lead foot

There are abundance of earlier model 4AT's around and at absolute bargain too..my office boss is selling his as well. The thing you should look for is the normal service and what kind of engine oil/fuel does it gets.

 

[stutzedward]

bro, can it run on Ron95? My wife's car currently runs around 8-9km/L. I think if the FC is around 8km/L (like I read most places), it should be fine for me. My own car runs around 5.5-6km/L too.

Is your office's boss car OKAY? Is it serously up for sale? Can you pass me more info as I am interested in it. Thanks!

 

[K2 stanley]

Ron95 is ok for using it but u need ECU tuning the fuel. If u drive the 8 for daily use remember to throw the middle cat to the bck or remove the cat completely bcoz it cause the cup holder there damn hot.
For the engine if u know how to take care it, it shouldn't give u any problem. There are a lots of 8 user is running more than 100k without rebuild engine but also hve some case 10k then bye bye.
Not sure about new rx8 but for the 2003-2005 version u need to check the coolant tank problem. Remember add ATF n oil cooler for the 8.

 

[stutzedward]

Thanks bro. I gather that I can use Ron 95.

Sure, I'll decat it and do some minor mod like intake and plugs. I'll keep it stock for my wife and I do not doubt the reliability. Thanks for all the comments n let's hope I can find one soon.

 

[K2 stanley]

If use 95 remember tune the air fuel ratio, intake use drop in enough bcoz if u use open pod u will suffer in daily use especially use it in rotary engine.
Enjoy to b a rotary owner. :) The unique sound that no others engine can do.
Remember if u get it u must treat her like a 2nd wife.

 

[stutzedward]

Hi bro, I just paid deposit for the car. Tested it, not very powerful (as expected) but my wife loves it. It's her car anyway. I'll update more when I collect it next week. Thanks for the info. If I dun retune it, can it be driven with 95?

 

[- D i a b l o -]

Dont worry it can accept 95..modern rotary engine has improved and can detect knock pretty quickly..hence the bad performance on bad fuel in general.

The problem that usually surface for earlier models like mine are imminent flooding,radiator float issue and also electric steering rack issue which is pretty common but solvable. My advice will be against what most people which is to recommend and say this wont work that wont work..but rather try and be objective and know what you will be getting by reading around and seeing other examples.

Decat or not decat the cup holder will be hot and thats normal for the side console to be heated up too..a long term solution is to insulate the console with soundproof which has heat-deadening properties.I recommend doing that for the electric steering rack too as the reason why it deteriorate is due to the heat.

And lastly..welcome to the RX8 : )

 

[K2 stanley]

yah oh forget about flooding issue. Hehehe Thanks diablo for remind this.

 

[stutzedward]

Thanks brothers! My loan is approved and now awaiting the new license plate to be registered (with my preferred number).

Well, I know about how people said that how unrealiable the car is. Before I bought my Airtrek Turbo 4 years ago, when I asked I was being told how fragile the automatic gearbox is (as if will breakdown anytime due to high powered engine) and how superbly high the maintenance is. Honestly after using it for 4 years now, the car is darn realiable. Maintenance and aging is unavoidable for sure.

It drinks like 5.5km/L when I nail it and when I drive as per usual, I am seeing 6.5-7km/L. Ok for me.

Additionally, I owned the mighty AE111 (SEG) 1996 before. People said how reliable it is but I bought a 4 year old car last time and used it for 3 years, I spent countless amount of money to just repair the leaks, bearing problem, brake problem etc etc. Neverending until I bought a new car to replace it.

So.... I only believe what I experienced, not what people said. :) Hence now, I am got the RX8! Thanks for the welcome.

 

[- D i a b l o -]

Great job bro! Use good engine oil..or premixed (2T + oil) oil straight away..i usually go old school by adding abit of 2T once every 2 or 3 tanks..it smell payau for sure but it pays off in the long run.

The easiest suitable mod that will improve handling that i did was the Stiff Ring / Rigid Collar..get one for the car straight away..will cost you a couple of hundred bucks..around 3 kot

 

[adamckc]

i heard the 8 has lots of ignition coil and steering system problem..

 

[stutzedward]

I am planning to install a turbo timer in my 8-auto. This is to resolve the flooding issue as I don't need my wife to wait for the car to warm up if she plans to get back in the house after cranking up in the morning. My car has stock satnav, dvd, bose system. I know it's kinda complicated and how it's wired up. Is there a problem / conflict to install a turbo timer?

 

[Zeroonetwo]

I am planning to install a turbo timer in my 8-auto. This is to resolve the flooding issue as I don't need my wife to wait for the car to warm up if she plans to get back in the house after cranking up in the morning. My car has stock satnav, dvd, bose system. I know it's kinda complicated and how it's wired up. Is there a problem / conflict to install a turbo timer?

Nope .. There is no issue to install a turbo timer .. u need gauges as well to monitoring the temp .

 

[stutzedward]

thanks bro... are those guages really necessary if the car is not driven hard/race?

 

[Zeroonetwo]

Yes, is necessary although i didnt instal hahaha.... by the way , whr u from

 

[allanlewis46]

Yo bro stutz,
Saw ur post man. Congrats on ur new ride ... er or wifey's ride. But u sure hantam every weekend rite. Mr. Wankel kicked in yo!!! :bootyshake:

 

[stutzedward]

Yes, is necessary although i didnt instal hahaha.... by the way , whr u from

From KL. :) Can join the TT oooo

---------- Post added at 06:28 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 06:24 PM ----------

Yo bro stutz,
Saw ur post man. Congrats on ur new ride ... er or wifey's ride. But u sure hantam every weekend rite. Mr. Wankel kicked in yo!!! :bootyshake:

Thanks man ... thanks. Hehehe.. well, I did try to nail it hard and hey, it's not that bad at all. 1 thing for sure it's light years better than my Airtrek turbo.. the handling! Superb!

 

[stutzedward]

I have questions regarding the AV system in RX8. Hope some members can help answer:

1) Is there a language option to change the Japanese language to English on the Satnav display?
2) Can it play our normal DVD movies? I've really never tried yet.
3) I noticed the radio has been modified to play local mhz but still displaying 7x.xx to 8x.xx mhz. I see 988 @ 80.8 mhz.
4) Any user manual of the AV system that I can find on the web?
5) What is the meaning of the control buttons and scroll button in Japanese on the center console? Anyone has the translation for those words?
6) I see there are 3 smaller guages. Fuel - OK, Water Temp - OK. Another one which is engine oil with L and H. Is it the level of the engine oil? No need to check the dip stick and monitor via the dashboard?

Thank you first!

 

[jasonlel]

Hi guys, is there a 2003 Mazda rx-8 6 speed auto? I can't seem to find this info on the internet.

Thanks a bunch.

Sent from my MI 3W using Tapatalk

 

[stupidcar]

Hi guys, is there a 2003 Mazda rx-8 6 speed auto? I can't seem to find this info on the internet.

Thanks a bunch.

Sent from my MI 3W using Tapatalk

U didn't 'find' enough.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-8