2004 Mazda RX8 from North America - Comments

I have also purchased a used 2004 RX8 with 47k miles, my sister drove it while I was gone (without my permission), and I went to start it the other morning, it was really close, and I could feel the burning vibration, but then it instantly went off as soon as I thought it was started... I assumed it was out of power because one of the lights was on. I got a new battery and it still wouldn't start (after much attempts to jump and charge). I saw in the manual the info about engine flooding (the older 2004 version) and tried that, I noticed a difference in the sound, but it still wouldn't start. Also, it's reasonably warm outside, where I live it never gets below freezing, but always very close... any suggestions?

Wow I was only shy of 1 week to purchase one of these, but now I will most certainly opt for a BMW or Mercedes instead... thanks for the heads up guys.

I bought my RX8 in May of last year (I love the way it looked). I haven't really had too many problems except the flooding engine. She only has 38000 miles and normally runs great.

But in Nov I pulled it out of the garage to wash it, didn't know I had to let her warm up before I shut her down, and flooded the engine. So the next morning I went to go to work and it didn't start. They fixed it a day later.

Then Saturday I washed it again (still didn't know it would flood if not warmed up) and Sunday it wouldn't start. Here it is Tuesday and they called me yesterday, said they got it to start, but found a compression problem, so the dealer is trying to get me a new engine. The only two problems I have had with the car and both my fault for not knowing. But now I know and I won't make that mistake again.

I love my car she runs great, and granted she eats oil like butter, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I have had so many problems with this that is not even funny. The flooding, yes everybody has had it, but not it doesn't want to start. I thought it was the battery, but I took it to get it charged and nothing, used jumper cables, nothing.

I just want to give the car back, but they don't want to take it. I don't want to get my credit messed up, so if anybody wants to do something about it, leave a message. We should do something about it, if you search around there are a lot of cars with the same problems all over, and changing the engine doesn't fix the problem.

Don't take me wrong, it's a nice car to look at, but it really sucks when you can't rely on it. I am calling the dealer and will tow it in again :(

I'm in the UK, and I've recently bought mine with 40k on the clock, it's a 2004 model.

So far I haven't had a single fault!! You guys must be doing something wrong!

Don't all complain about engine flooding!!! This is down to owner error.

You bought a UNIQUE ROTARY powered car, which means that you have UNIQUE ways of looking after it! Check the oil every other fill up, NEVER switch off whilst cold!!

The brakes squeak!! Yes this is down to them being high performance, so they will squeak a little. If they squeak a lot, try braking hard from a decent speed to defur the pads!

My car is a daily driver, and she's driven fairly hard. You can't just pootle around in a rex; give it some abuse, that's what it's designed for, take it to the beep on a regular basis to keep the engine healthy and she will last a lifetime!

This car is amazing the best sports car I have ever owned. The only problem is the engine flooding, but I get it fixed and get over it.

I LOVE MY RX8.

I read all of the previous comments. I'm surprised about the flooding and other problems some owners have had. Fortunately, the car lot that I bought mine from told me about that little quirk (that you have to warm it up before shutting it down).

I've had none of the above problems. (Except for the passenger side watery tail light. I'm going to spray some Rain-X in there and see what that does to clear up the water). I just had to have a new clutch put in, though. But there's no telling how the previous owner treated it (I bought it at around 40k miles).

I love my car. I'm a little more worried after reading all of these comments (!), but I've taken many to heart to try and keep my Mazda running the best that it wonderfully can.

I have to wonder if many of these different problems may be car-specific... It seems like some are lemons and some putt along just fine.

Anyway, I'm a happy owner - knock on wood!

By the way, Rain-X didn't fix the watery passenger side tail light assembly, but I drilled 3 small (1/4) holes about 6 inches apart at the bottom of the assembly. The water/condensation is gone.

If anyone would like to know, I had fixed the sun visors, also. (Yes both of them had broken!). I took off the holding clips from the hinge assemblies inside. Then I just super-glued the plastic back together. The clips made the hinges too tight and that's what breaks the plastic housing.

So, I've figure out two virtually free fixes. I hope the word gets out!

Hey all, I own a 2004 6 speed RX8, I think it's a beautiful car, I love to drive it, but have had about 11 different serious problems with it. Only half of which I've had any money to fix. I want to like Mazda (this is my 4th Mazda), but I don't think they are doing the right thing for the 2004 owners. If you have a serious issue with the cars many many faults (and yes I wish this car just worked right), go to bbb.org and file an official complaint against Mazda, they will very likely respond with a phone call shortly after. Most companies care about their better business bureau rating more than they care about a bunch of random people complaining in a variety of localized spots on the Internet.

Thanks.

Justice Frangipane.