2004 Mazda RX8 from North America - Comments

Folks, when it comes to starting issues, the Rotary is to blame. However, you are all spending too much money in fixing these cars.

If you have a starting issue it is probably because of a short run time in your previous run with the car. If you use this car to run out and get some milk then shut the car off for hours you will have a starting issue as with previous generation rotary engines. Let the car reach optimal temps for a time before shutting it down. Your next start will be flawless. The older it gets the worse it will be. Previous RX-7 I owned I would carry a sparkplug socket, and would invariably have to remove a plug turn over the ignition with one plug out to blow out unburned fuel if I made the mistake of a short run, then let it sit.

If you treat this car with some respect and understand that it is a little stubborn sometimes, you will be rewarded with a beatiful driver of a car. But remember to take the minivan to the corner store, and the RX-8 for the long winding drive, and all will be fine.

A very well resuming review of the RX8 ownership. This isn't a car to drive in the city while expecting nice mpg or to "just get in and go" without checking the oil level first. This thing is meant to be driven (occasionally at 8000 rpm) around twisty lanes and as such is a brilliant car. However I do not agree with the title ("a compromise: should be 280 hp and two seater"). It is brilliant PRECISELY because it is a compromise: a pure sports car for four persons to have a blast in. As such (and for the price) I cannot think of something more involving. Happy motoring!

I agree this is truly a beautiful car. As for a two seater and more horse power if that's what you want wait on the next rx7 model to come out, rumors state you will see it in 2007. The starting issue is caused usually in colder climates on the rx8. Taking the plug out on the rx7 is way extreme even dumb when all you have to do is pull the easy to reach inj. fuse out turn the car over to burn off the gas and put the fuse back in. This problem usually did not present itself until the engine seals were starting to wear over 100,000 miles on the rx7. If your 04 rx8 is having this problem there is a recall on the computers "I believe only on the manual transmissions getting only 10 mpg" there computers are re tuned for better gas mileage and will also help with this problem. Other ways to stop this is if it is cold out and your just backing it up no time for warm up rev the rpm up to about 7000 rpm and shut off the key this will burn off the gas and prevent flooding as the Mazda dealer should have told you when the car was purchased. I own a 88 rx7 for 15 years now and have restored it myself installing a brand new engine and many modifications also I own a 89 turbo will be buying a 95 twin turbo and my parents bought a 04 rx8. I list this for credibility and wonder what kind of expirence the people knocking these cars have. Again this is a beautiful car with so much to offer and in my mind is the most perfect comfortable 4 door made today. Do not get scarred off by posts if you are thinking of buying a rx8 let yourself decide, But make sure if it is a 04 model make sure it has all recalls done before purchase and always on any vehicle check your oil when ever you have time at the gas station.