Sadly you are learning the hard way that rotaries are different. They require more TLC than other cars. Most Mazda dealers have no clue how to work on them either.

Air filter hasn't been replaced. Check you cabin air filter in the glove box and it will look the same.

Easy to do. Open glove box, on the left side is the arm holding it up, press it out of the detent. Then look for the white plastic at the top of the glove box area. Remove, knock out the crud and replace.

You attached the picture correctly.

That's... lovely! :lol: (sarcasm obviously).

Yeah, you'll def want to get your car looked after. I am NOT an electrician (I avoid it because I KNOW I'm no good at it, lol) so I won't comment on wiring stuff.. I would def have it looked at by somebody that knows what they're doing and has a good attention to detail.

You didn't mention it, but first thing I would do is verify the alternator is working properly. Sometimes we get lucky and it's the easy fix.

The coils on the 8 are garbage. They seem to last ~40k miles if that. If that car has the original coils they DEFINITELY need to be replaced. I would also have someone verify that you got the correct spark plugs from the mechanic.

Yup, the fact that you said when it does run it runs well proves that out ;) For any engine to run, you need 3 things - spark, fuel & ENOUGH compression to get the air/fuel mixture to go boom when the spark fires. You can have low compression, which isn't optimal, and means your car makes less power than it was designed to, but it still has enough compression to run, possibly for a lot of miles.

Personally, I think it's ethical to sell it as long as you disclose the issues up front to the buyer.

First and foremost how old are the plugs and coils. [/QUOTE]

Not sure if you saw the comment, but I did have the plugs replaced. They were replaced by the initial garage I took it too, but I had the Mazda dealer verify the plugs were quality. I'm going to assume they were telling me the truth because they would have had an opportunity to sell me new Mazda plugs if they told me they sucked lol.

I don't know anything about coils. Except for, like, on a stove. :) I guess that is something I'll need a mechanic to look at.

and btw - I had the air filter replaced pronto after seeing that picture. What a mess. I could strangle that guy. He knew I was a single mother and that I was spending the money I got from my recently totaled car. People can be such a-holes.

Hopefully the rodents didn't get past that filter and eat up a bunch of wiring. Based on
your descriptions of it running, it sounds like its mostly intact now. I would put money on
it that all you need is someone savvy about rx8s and wiring to go through the whole car
and make it sure its all working right plus any maintenance issues like coils, filters and
hoses. Dealers are not the folks to take it to. Another place to look at is Rotorsports up
here near Charlotte, NC in Kannapolis.

You can also try the rx8club.com which has a larger rx8 savvy audience.

Charlotte is only a few hours away from me - that is doable. You would recommend them?

http://www.rx7world.com/ Ernst is another one in Rock Hill. I have bought parts off of him over the years. Never had any issues with that.

Rock hill might be even closer! I just want to make sure if I am going to take it a few hours away, I pick the best for the situation, which is sounding like a thorough inspection of all wiring hoses etc. Unfortunately, I don't trust driving it there in case it dies on the way, so I'll have to pay to have it towed. But it will be worth it if it turns out I can get this thing working again without replacing the engine. You all have given me so much hope! I know there aren't any guarantees, but your input is very encouraging. You guys rock!

^Before driving it anywhere, check the specifics of any towing coverage your insurance might provide. If you don't have coverage, or you have some minimal coverage (e.g. 10 miles worth or something), often you can purchase extra coverage, and cancel it later. Or buy separate AAA coverage that does the same. Bottom line is make sure you have enough towing coverage to get from point A to B in case the car craps out on the way to the shop you're going to bring it to.

Like the others have said, you'll want the shop to systematically check out the car's electrical systems & wiring and fix whatever is broken. You'll probably want them to replace the old coils given their age.

Yes I am DEFINITELY not going to drive it. I've already looked into long distance towing since I had to get it down to my brother's, 3 hrs away. That time it worked out that my soon-to-be son-in-law rented a trailer and towed it down there with his truck, which was much cheaper than traditional towing. I'll figure something out. But this is all sounding like a good plan. I have so much more hope now. :)

And I am really hoping the coils are a big part of the problem, as they are not something that has been mentioned, much less replaced. I'm guessing replacing the coils would be considerably cheaper than a new engine. LOL

So I guess now - any and all input as to who to take it too. All suggestions welcome.

Call around. See who can work on it with your schedule and your budget.

Not burst your bubble, but be prepared for a rebuild. Auto's with more the 50k on them are on borrowed time. Most do not get the coils/plugs changed soon enough, leading to carbon build up. Which leads to clogged cat, and blown motor soon after that.

Once the motor is warmed up running it higher in the RPM band will help keep the carbon from building up. But carbon build up in automatic rotaries has been on going issue for a long time.

2004 RX8's had a few recalls on them to help with that. Find out if they have been done or apply to your model. I know the current one on the airbag inflator is one to get done sooner than later.