common problem and oil usage

[gada.hiren]

Hi Friends

need your help. i am planning to buy a RX8, so from which year i should start my search i have read in few websites that from 2005 there were less engine failure. and also after how many kms i should change the oil and what oil i should use. one of my friend advised me to use mobil 1.

please help me out

[Herblenny]

where are you from?

guessing not in USA as you are using KM?

By your question you are more interested in reliability.. so I say check your country's Mazda warranty and make sure the car in interest will give you some time for just in case situation.

Here I believe 8 year, 100K miles. So, Most 04 models will loose its warranty next year sometime.

[djmtsu]

Originally Posted by gada.hiren

Hi Friends

need your help. i am planning to buy a RX8, so from which year i should start my search i have read in few websites that from 2005 there were less engine failure. and also after how many kms i should change the oil and what oil i should use. one of my friend advised me to use mobil 1.

please help me out

I would actually start with a 2006-2007. Most issues were resolved by then, and they are most likely to have the most up to date TSB's and recalls.

I am not going to convert, but I change my oil every 3000 miles, checking it every 800 miles to see if it needs a top off.

I use standard Castrol 20w50. Of course, it gets very hot in the summers where I am. Just DO NOT use the factory recommended oil. It is too thin, and can cause bearing damage.

My 2004 has nearly 200,000 miles, 160,000 on the current engine.

[Mo04rx8]

What should I use on my 04 RX-8 if I only have 58k on it?

[djmtsu]

Originally Posted by Mo04rx8

What should I use on my 04 RX-8 if I only have 58k on it?

Your engine is still under Mazda warranty, so use exactly what they tell you to. If you don't they will find a way to void it if it pops.

Sucks, but that is the reality.

[chaz255]

i am picking up my rx8 in a week from Houston the previous owner used 20w-50 for the last 80k, I live in nw arkansas, for the summer that would work fine -- what would you guys recommend for winter. thanks

[willnordacgreen1211]

i use 5w-30 for the past 35k miles. not one single hiccup..... yet.

[djmtsu]

Originally Posted by chaz255

i am picking up my rx8 in a week from Houston the previous owner used 20w-50 for the last 80k, I live in nw arkansas, for the summer that would work fine -- what would you guys recommend for winter. thanks

I used 20w50 in the summer, and 10w40 in the winter.

Who are you getting the RX-8 from?

[MazdaMike]

I work for my local Mazda dealer and I can say I never put 5w20 in when I do an oil change, always 5w30. You shouldnt have a problem if your using thicker oil. I would recommend Castrol conventional oil.