HI All,

In Dec 04 I bought a new '04' RX8. So far I had it in for a recall for spark plug wires falling off, a program upgrade, and then the right Cat conv. My mpg still averages @ 13 - 15. My best ever was an all highway trip where I got 18 mpg and 236 miles before the gas idiot light came on.
A Mazda tech Rep said that's normal. I find it hard to believe when it's rated 18 -24mpg.
What kind of mileage do you get?

Thanks

THAT SOUNDS NORMAL...BUT BE SURE TO USE THE HIGH OCTANE FUEL AS THE VEHICLE REQUIRES IT ....TO BE 100%

Just took my first extended trip in my '04 RX8. I agree the mileage is not what it is advertised to be. My '87 Corvette w/186,000 miles on it gets better fuel mileage (19 in town, 23 on the hwy). I use only the high octane in both cars. I am the second owner of my Mazda, and don't know if my car was part of that recall and if it was, was the part ever replaced. Is there a way to find out?

My mpg is also around 13-15. I have a 2004 and it has already had 2 computer updates, 1 recall on the break pads, I have a ticking noise that the service dept tells me is normal????? When I stop at a red light my cars seems like it is going to cut off. Have you had any of these problems.
BWhite

i have heard every RX8 owner complain of this exact issue..but i have never heard of an explanation as to why...

Ok Patrick,
I'm starting to get a little concerned with the mention of all these recalls (break pads, computer stuff, plug wires). I'll ask again, is there a place (website or whatever) that can tell me if my car was involved in these recalls or if they had any of the recall work done on them. If I take it to the dealership, will they be able to tell me?[sm=smiley13.gif]

HI Everyone,

I've figured out the secret! I do not accelerate when the RPM is below 4000, by downshifting to get above 4000 I have gained 5MPG. Basically I drive between 4000 and 6500 and I now get 18 on average to 21 on the highway even with a little fun thrown in!

For bwhite0515 I have not had a cut off when stopped but sometimes there is a little irregular idle.

stilltryin...a dealership IS able to check by VIN to tell you exactly what has been done..i used to work at a dealership, and i search my old cars VIN, and it even tells simple stuff like when the car was delivered to the deaelrship!

Loup,
Thanks for the input. I was going to ask what the optimum cruising rpm was at various speeds. Example at 50mph, 60mph, 70, 80, etc. I know that these engines like higher rpm's but was still concerned about pushing too hard.

Thanks Patrick. I thought that might be the case. But that only works as long as the car is repaired at a dealership, am I correct[sm=smiley25.gif]

I to have had all the recalls done. The last one they did was a month ago for lack of power when starting. Just last week my check engine light came on. I took it in and they kept it for four days and told me I may need a new motor. Then all that was replaced were the cat. converters. Since then my gas mileage has increased a great deal. I got 22mpg highway. And I also only use 91 or above. It now runs better than it ever.

all of these problems seem to be with the '04s. has anyone had problems with an '05 yet? is it something that they corrected with the '05s?

The best place to find out if your vehicle has any open recalls or other programs is through you dealership. They can do a VIN specific search to determine what if any recall are open. you can also check the general make, model year for government required recalls by going to www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Below the vehicle and equipment section in the upper center is an underlined link titled Recalls search from Office of Defects Investigation. Follow the easy steps to input your make, model and year and see what comes up.