Looking to buy 2004 RX-8.... advice?

[Mazdafreak67]

Hi guys,
I currently have a 2006 Mazda 3S as my daily driver, and am looking to expand my Mazda stable with a 2004 RX-8 with the 6-Speed.
I've seen several of them listed on Autotrader with 'new' engines, which has me a bit concerned.
Obviously the car will no longer be under warranty and I'm not a rotary engine expert. So what are some of the things I should be looking out for when I take it for a test drive and inspect the vehicle?
What were the issues the original '04 engines were having that caused so many engines to be replaced?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DMRH]

Its common for many 03 & 04 models to have new engines. A large percentage of buyers where 1st time rotary owners & as a result didn't understand its characteristics.

Thrashing the life from them when stone cold is a great way to over-expand the aluminium rotor housings that in term get crushed when the cast-iron side plates catch up in temp. The resulting "crush" then means the engine leaks water, drinks water & becomes hard to start due to water ingress.

By 05 & 06 the percentage of 1st timers made this problem a far lesser percentage. Also, many failed coils where mis-diagnosed as failed engines. A new set of IGN coils would have fixed it but Dealer mechanics are usually "Hopless" at the best of times. So many perfectly good engines where also changed for this reason. The failed coils issue was very promenant on the 03+04 models

REgards

 

[Mazdafreak67]

Thanks for the feedback, DRMH.

That's very good information.
Do you know what kinds of things I should be looking for when I check out the cars?
Engine sounds?
Suspension sounds?
Acceleration characteristics?
Leaks around any windows or doors?
Brake wear?
Unusual tire wear?
Steering feel?
Etc...

Again, thank you in advance!

 

[DMRH]

G'day from DMRH

Again with the 03+04 models.

The coolant level sensor often fails. Says your low on coolant when you are not.

Climate control unit sometimes fails. Replace complete module if you notice it. Check heating & AC features often

Ask how long the owner warmed the engine before driving off. The longer the warm up period, the better the engine should be. Beware of an owner that says "What do you mean warm it up"

Old fashioned 19th-century measurement USA compression gauge should give you around 90-100 PSI in each rotor on a compression test. (Trailing plug hole only)

Coils often fail. Is it popping & crackling at idle..? Coils are cheap & easy to replace yourself if required. I did mine in 30 minutes flat once.

Signs of water leakage on the engine between the rotor housings & side plates.

Its near midnight & the brain isn't ticking along well right now. More later perhaps....

REgards

 

[Sea Ray]

Make sure the car has had all service updates performed to it by a dealer. I have an '04 and original engine runs great, all the small items have been done b my dealer, who is excellent with rotaries.

These cars have had the engine warrenties extended to 100,000 miles, check to see if it applies to the car you are looking at.

Love mine

 

[solidtrance]

Lot of good adivce here already! I'll only add that just because the car has a "new engine" doesn't void the engine warentee. It was extended to 8yrs and 100,000 mi, and there are plenty of people running their 3rd or even 4th engine, all covered by warentee. I know thats not too reashuring. On a positive note, if you do your homework and get one that was well takencare of you should be fine. As already stated, many of the engine failures were due to operator error.

Oh, BTW the car is definately worth the small amount of extra attention to detail required. Makes you apriciate your car more anyway IMHO.