RX-8 recall

[prusik]

Hey guys,
I'm buying a 2004 RX-8, and I read about the recall back in 2005 for the engine or something like that.
And I found mixed signal from the reviews I have been reading; some complained about the engines give up on them, while other 8 fanatics never say anything about the bad engines.

Anyone knows anything about the recall or have had problem with the engine, and would it effect my 2004? I checked Carfax and it has nothing to say about the recall. How do I figure if the engine is good?

The car was manufactured in august 2003. Right now it has 34k, and in almost mint condition on the interior and exterior; the engine however I have no clue.

 

[dmention7]

Looks like there is a recall on 04 and 05 models for potential melting of components near the exhaust: http://www.internetautoguide.com/10-12-2004-50-1103/2004-mazda-rx-8-recalls.html But it just says "if certain passenger cars are parked and the engine is operated at high rpms for an excessive length of time...."

I personally wouldn't give that a second thought with regards to whether or not to buy the car. If you do pull the trigger, though, I would be prepared to spend some face time with a dealer and/or mazda corporate to verify whether the vehicle has been inspected/serviced, and if not, to get it done. In the meantime, don't sit in a parking lot and bounce off the rev limiter for 15 minutes, trying to pop a little fireball or something


Also, welcome aboard! One other thought on the RX-8 is that the maintenance requirements are somewhat different than a piston engine, so make sure to familiarize yourself with any differences. A 2004 with only 34k miles sounds like a great find.

 

[DrWebster]

IIRC in the past few years Mazda changed its recommended oil weight for the RX-8 down to 5W20, and that's when all the engine problems began (5W20 is too thin, but they wanted to advertise better fuel economy numbers). I don't recall what the original oil weight was, but if you find a good conventional (not synthetic) oil in that weight and keep up with regular maintenance, you'll probably be just fine.

 

[dmention7]

That's a good point too. If you're planning to work the engine hard (like it's meant to be), going from 5w-20 to 5w-30 is typically a safe bet. But the rotary guys can give you better advice than most of us.

 

[prusik]

Thanks guys. I will probably have some phone calls to make tomorrow.

 

[prusik]

Haha, I didn't really read the recall note. Why would anyone parked the car and rev up for an "excessive" amount of time? lol

They were trying to sell me MileEdge coverage thing, $1200 for 48 months, cover pretty much everything. I declined it at first, but now I'm wondering if I should bother buying it or not?

 

[dmention7]

It depends. In the long run, averaged across many cars, extended warranties are almost pure profit--this is why they sell them. If you are mechanically handy and/or could afford to have standard repairs done without much trouble, then pass on the warranty. If a $1000 repair would leave you in a tough financial spot, then it may be safer to finance the warranty for some peace of mind.

 

[mndsm]

I've only bought one extended warranty in my life, and that was on the wife's cooper S. I refuse to work on that car anymore, and it's saved my ass. I wouldn't on any car I own though.

 

[prusik]

Kind of off topic, but is it a good idea to keep my old 95 Camry as a winter beater instead of trading it in for 600$?
I planned to put a few bag of sands in the trunk and winter tires, but would that be enough for Minnesota's winter? I mean, we do get a lot of snows here.

 

[mndsm]

Keep the Camry. No sense in getting salt and crap all over a good car when you already have a built in beater. Makes it a helluva lot easier to work on too, if the underside isn't all rusted.

 

[dmention7]

I would keep the camry as a winter car. But if you're looking to get rid of it, I would probably give you more than $600 for it, as I'm in the market for a winter car myself.

Just sayin