How is the RX-8

[Want2getspeed3]

I have been trying to decide on a new car to get. I am not a big guy when it comes to speed. I will probably get kicked off this forum for saying I dont want a stick car. I want a car that is stylish and has a little pep to its drive. I currently own a Hyundai Sonata. So compared to that most cars are going to be faster then what I have now.

Now to the point of this post. I was wondering how the RX8 is. I think they are nice looking cars. I am interested in it. Granted my name on here is for a speed3. I have since thought about it and realized I cannot drive stick all the time. Its just not for me.

But the RX8 is a beautiful car that I am thinking about. I dont want to buy it used cause I dont have the money for that. So what years are good for a used one? Any big problems with the rotary engine? Whats the biggest concern when going into buying one?

any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. I hope to join the mazda family.

 

[Shaz]

RX8 are beautiful cars and they are tuner happy. I don't own one but a friend does so I'm a little familiar with the car. From what I gather, lots of recalls and TSB (Technical Service Bulettins), and problems arising one after another. Plus, since it has the Rotary Engine, don't count on torque (unless its a modded one) and fuel economy. Go browse the RX8 forums and you'll see what I mean.

 

[altspace]

I love every minute of it.

 

[Shaz]

Yes, altspace's RX8 is the hotness. Josh, can you clarify these recalls/problems regarding the 8? I'm also thinking about getting one, that is, if Mazda has sorted out the problems with the car

 

[altspace]

Honestly there's so much info that I too learned about the car, you really should search here and other places. Just too much to write up.

As for my personal experience with the car, I've owned my used 2004 for over a year now with no issues other than a replacement of the HVAC controls which is covered under warranty. Basically the heater knob stopped functioning.

Other than that, I add a little oil every 2 weeks or so. That's depending on how much you drive. And of course the low MPG, but that was never a concern for me. I simply love the car!

Read this: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123695571

 

[evolv]

I just took home a 2008 Anniversary Edition. I love it and I have to make a Dr's appointment to wipe the grin off my face.

Personally I would highly recommend the manual transmission. You get a lot more acceleration and HP than you get in the auto, and unless you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic all the time, the stick in the 8 is easy. The stick is short, shifts are smooth and there is very little effort required on the clutch. When I am in the city I start in 1st (of course) shift to 3rd, then to 5th. At the red light / slow downs I down shift to 4th or 2nd, or don't bother and leave it in the gear I have it until I'm almost at a stop and then slide the transmission to neutral. I leave it there until the light hits green slide the clutch in and slip it into 1st and start rolling. easy peasy

As for used, there is a lot of advice on http://www.RX8club.com but from what I have read stay away from the 04's and 05's. That's not to say you can't find a minty one and that would be a good buy provided the previous owner did all the service bulletins and all had all the maintenance done at Mazda.

Good luck in your search and when the time comes enjoy your 8

 

[Old Rotor]

I have a '04 A/T that I bought in '03. It's a great car, I can't wait to drive it each and every time. It's been no trouble. Mazda extended the warranty on the 4's&5's to 5 years 60K miles power train. It's my seventh Rotary and I cant wait till the 16X comes out.

 

[altspace]

All I have to do is take one look at her and I know.

6:30 AM at the beach welcoming the sun and warmer days at last.

 

[MaDz]

god I love this car.. you guys are lucky :/

 

[altspace]

Thx, no luck here though. Just a lot of hard work.

 

[N0pstns]

i own a 2006 manual trans rx8 and i also love it to death. but be careful, the rx8 is not a car for everyone. they consume oil, are awful on gas, have very little low end grunt and are useless in the snow.

already seeing how u want an auto car i would recommend AGAINST the rx8. the auto trans sapps the fun out of a rotary car. ask anyone, and running it up into the high revs and shifting thru the gears is what makes it fun.

most ppl would not like the quirks of the rx8 so i pretty much never recommend it. if i were u, and i wanted an auto sports car, id get a 350z. the high torque will balance out the auto trans.

so far as tsb's and recalls, as each model year comes out there are more and more updates so issues get resolved. anyone in the market for an rx8 i tell them to wait for the 09. the changes are so enormous id be stupid to buy a late issue 2008 right now....

 

[Old Rotor]

The M/T is more fun to drive. I have had seven RX's and this one had to be A/T or no rotary. After two back surgeries, I'm glad Mazda made a A/T! I know it is lower in HP, but after getting up to speed it's saweet on the road and corners. Thank God we have choices in life.......

 

[Herblenny]

I Loved my 8... but recently i been having issues with my Lightning Yellow GT 2004...

When it was running, it was better than my modified FD.

 

[Riken]

I Loved my 8... but recently i been having issues with my Lightning Yellow GT 2004...

When it was running, it was better than my modified FD.

Whats wrong with your 8?