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No other car, Mustang, Corvette------ have web sites listing so many problem like the rx8. I took good care of my car and it was as bad as anything you'll read hear.
Take care
John  

Alright, I've read comment after comment on this thread of mostly upset or irate RX8 owners and feel the need to share my 2 cents.  
It is a wonderful car.  I have taken it around tight mountain roads, on the beach, and through the desert.  It went on a 5500-mile road trip down Route 66 and up the PCH to Seattle.  I got it used with 36k miles, and put over 24k in the first year I had it.  True, I wish the mileage could be a little better, but I would still rather have the RX8 over a 350z anytime.  The engine got replaced 2k miles before I bought it and I haven't had a single problem with it yet.  Judging by this forum, maybe now would be a good time to knock on wood.  The warranty is out and I really want to do some mods, but I'd rather not mess with something that works perfectly as it is.  However, in the future I will be using 5W30 oil.  

I'm really glad you have had such good luck . I've always said how well thee RX8 handles . With just a little more power on the low end nothing could touch it in my opion . Mazda was close to perfection its just sad the way they handle all of us.I was the first RX8 on my block and not being nieve know there would be problems . But the amount of problems and the way mazda treated us ended my relationship with that company . Continue to enjoy youur RX8 and stop reading web sites like this . ZOOM ZOOM

Very envious
John  

OK, I searched to web to see if anyone had had similar problems, and here you all are!

We bought our red 2004 RX8 GT MT in Spring 2005.  It had been a demo car since Dec. 2003 and had 7500.  Got a REALLY sweet deal (1/3 off retail).  By now it has about 33K on it.  Dieseled ones.  Almost stalled once.  Check engine light came on.  Stopped by the dealer.  Next thing you know, they are putting in a new engine.

Now, the dealer originally talked me into a 100K extended warrantee (to cover me to 107,500 miles).  Sounds like I will be getting two more new engines before the warrantee runs out...

Does anyone have experience with extended warrantees and this problem?

(Love my zoom-zoom)  

In addition to these tips... my dealership service tech always reminds me not to shut off the engine immediately after driving. He says it needs to "idle down". I have an 05 with 37K and have only had a sensor replaced and recall work done...which incidentally was to reprogram the computer because of complaints with sluggishness and lack of power.  

My 2004 rx8 just died in the middle of the road that i just bought 2 months ago. I tried to call the AAA that my dealership persuaded me to buy and the line is busy. My car is making the same noises and not accelerating like everyone elses. I'm beyond pissed.. I'm a girl so I know nothing about cars! And it looks like i'm just screwed.  

you have to understand some people are cool some are not. But the fact is you own a car that the engine will wear out faster than the wiper blades. Mazda will not back you up, nor will your dealership. Cut your losses and learn. I'm sorry. John  

Bahrzy, I meant to say mazda or your dealership MAY OR MAY NOT  back you up . History tells us you are part of a large problem . Keep good records. More to come  

This is a followup on my posting last week.  Recall:  engine diesels once.  engine almost stalls at light, once.  engine light comes on, once.  Took it to dealer expecting to have them tell me the gas cap was not on right.  Next thing you know, they called in an expert who determined that the engine needed to be replaced.  Car has 33K miles on it.

So, Mazda replaced the engine under the drive train warrantee.  This left some odds and ends that were not part of the drive train (mounts, etc.) totalling $1500, which was not covered by the warrantee.  However, my 100K extended warrantee picked up that part.

Total cost: $5500.  My cost:  $25.  What was the $25 for?  A new gas cap.  I guess I was right with my original diagnosis...  But Mazda threw in a remanufactured engine.  Runs smooth as silk.  

I have a 2004 with 21000 miles. I have only changed the oil one time. With 5w30 Mobil 1 synthetic. Since then, I have only used 1 qt of oil with mixed driving.Hard to believe that one could go this long with a rotary and not use more oil, but it is true. I always run premium and I had problems with the winter time fouling/richness. I attribute this to a too small CCA battery. I have never gotten confirmation on this, but it seems to me that Mazda kept the dfront end weight down by reducing the battery size. This in turn will cause a not good enough spark which will in turn cause more fouling. That's prob why the dealership told you to not let the car sit for more than 5 days at a time. Anti-theft draws juice too. I am an electrician by trade and this is the only thing that makes sense. I always let it "warm up" and " idle down" when I drive it. When it blows up, I will just rebuild it myself. The whole engine has like 15 parts. Alot easier to build than a V-8.  

Should engines have to be replaced like tires . What tires can be inspected daily. Are MAZDA engines that are going to fail dangerous---
At night or day ?
On a freeway or road ?
Remote locations---Mountains , Deserts , and Tunnels !
On the way to a Hospital !
In the middle of a turn ! MAZDA NEEDS TO FIX THIS NOW !
Would you buy a RX8 for your Sister , Your child , A friend ? Last note; you should never let it sit for more than five days without Turning it on ? Adding Oil , Warming it up , Cooling it down and Leaving the Garage without your tools ?  

P.S. DON'T FORGET THE EXTENDED WARRENTY  

Well, actually, you are absolutely right: Don't forget the extended warrantee.

When purchasing a car during its first year of sales, like the Mazda RX-8 2004 model year, one can expect more trouble than when purchasing a car that has been on the market several years.  Add to that the fact that the rotary engine is exotic, and purchasing an extended warrantee, especially for the 2004 year, makes perfect sense.  

My 2004 RX8 was purchased new in July 04.  I had some problems with the "flooding" issue which WAS covered in my handbook but I failed to pay attention.  Mazda handled repair and tow, both times without even telling me the problem the 1st time!!

Because of the initial advertised horsepower errror, they gave me $500 and absolutely free maintenance and loaners for 48 mo and 50k miles.  Heater never seems to work decently in Minnesota, but they say all OK.  Totally crap on slick streets but that was to be expected with rear wheel drive and big tires.  That said I love the car and  am scared silly by the comments I have read here.  Guess I will pay a lot closer attention to my oil levels.  I now have 54,000 miles and just received an extension on the "major engine components" wtty to 80 months or 100k miles directly from Mazda.

As it was an early model, I was surprised that I never received anything from Mazda asking for my input.  Really minor things that could make it better, longer dipstick, move the seat heater controls, change the ash tray to handle radar cord better, better identification (ease of finding) trunk release.

Never got anything from Mazda about buying an extended wtty.  Just things from after market companies trying to suck me in.    GOOD LUCK!!  

I am not suggesting getting an after market extended warrantee.  But the one the mazda dealer offered is working out so far.  Of course, I will feel a little ripped off if everyone else starts getting these warrantees for free, but I hope Mazda does so anyway for everyone else's sake.