any differences between model years

[Wangan_X]

Are there any model year differences for the RX8 or is it just color availability?

Is there a preferred year to buy?

[I8U]

'04's had their fair share of issues overall...new car lot's of bugs to work out. '05-'08, haven't heard as much as the bugs as the '04s. '09, haven't heard a lot yet. All the year models are practically the same except the 09 has a different transmission.

Preferred year? Eh, not really...if you're buying used I'd suggest 06-08 because there should be plenty of warranty left on the vehicle and low mileage. As for price, 04's can be found dirt cheap.

[Whizbang]

the new R3 is quite different from previous models such as the 4.77 final drive and the A-mazing seats.

[Herblenny]

Since I did some research when I bought mine, I'll share..

First of all, Color Yellow only came in 1st year of all rotaries. Some consider to be the most desirable color because Mazda only produce it for first generation and at limited volume. Also, most none rotary enthusiasts hates that color.. Personally its a choice vs rarity (but no one really knows how many yellow were produced... But most yellows I've seen are non-GT).

04 models you want to avoid non grand touring. ONLY GT version came with dual oil coolers.. which later models all came with dual coolers. GT version is heavier but not much heaver due to leather goods and power seats. Compare to cloth seats (which I have) its about 10lbs heavier per side (guestimation by me lifting, and not by weighing). Besides that the engine is exactly the same except automatic.

[Nexcis]

I was going to say that Winning Blue was only offered in 04 - 06... but yea...

[Whizbang]

the FC was never offered in yellow.

[bose]

I must be an exception, my '04 (build date aug '03) has dual oil coolers and mine is the sport. No sunroof, no nav, no leather.

[Nexcis]

Hmm, my friend's Winning Blue 04 base also had dual oil coolers.

Here's a pretty decent site for comparing features, specs, etc. of the same car but different model... and you could do the same for years but a bit more combersume....

http://www.carsdirect.com/mazda/rx8/specs

[Nutsid]

My biggest complaint is that the electric power driver's seat sits too high or my liking. I want it dropped that extra inch or so of the non-power adjustable seats.

If I had to pick a preference, I'd pick up an '09 just due to outward appearances, and the R3 package. I'd love the R3 package.