Mazda RX-8, MSP, or any suggestions?

[Wagonbacker9]

high maintenance: add oil every couple tanks of gas, can't shut it off unless its fully warmed up without risking flooding, the old coil packs sucking... stuff like that.

obviously its not that big of a deal... but for some people its too much to think about. listening to you guys talk about the 8 is making me more and more angry that I'm in debt on the MSP. lol BAH!

 

[solidtrance]

P5 to RX-8....you are obviously a man of discerning taste.(2thumbs)

 

[fuztupnz]

I'm glad a lot of the mis-info is being cleared up here. I've driven a lot of cars, and before buying my 8 I test drove every car in my price range. I was looking for a car i could daily drive, take on trips, auto x, and hit an occasional track event. I was done with front wheel drive and wanted to move on.

I don't see the my 8 as needing a lot of maintenance, to me it's stuff that should be done to every car. Check and change the oil, new plugs, wires and coils occasionally, among other things. Letting the car warm up before turning it off is no big deal. I bounce around to multiple clients all day long and never have it interfere with my routine. The best general maintenance is running to redline to keep the engine clean, and it's my favorite. It always puts a smile of my face. Plus, all the looks, compliments and thumbs up I get make every day great.

In the end, it's your choice. What are you looking for? Do you want a quick economy car that has a lot of potential to be fast (I'm not knocking it, just going by car class/segment. My wife's next car will be a MS3 more than likely), or a 4 door sports car that will is very fast in twisties, but not a drag car? Overall, the MSP is a great car and will probably be cheaper (insurance especially) over the long haul. The 8 is also a great car that is very good at what it does, it just needs a little more attention than most people give their cars.

These two cars are hard to compare as their not in same category by any means. The only things they share is the mazda badge and 4 doors. Get some seat time in both. If you can drive a modded and stock example of each.

 

[HondaEat-R]

Mods first: Its definately louder. Shoots flames out of both pipes on even mildly hard upshifts. Stains the rear bumper with what seems to be raw gas.... Pulls a bit stronger. +15 at the wheels is about right I would guess. When I am done with everythign this winter I am most likely going to get a tune if I can find a place that can do it. I will know for sure after that. Regardless, I will hit up the next local dyno day just for kicks.

As far as the 6 goes, I didn't tell her it was a speed6. I just told her it was the only 6 with AWD. Since we are in Chicago and the P5 she was driving got hit while it was snowing, she was sold. Maybe that will work for you too.

My FC3S shot major fireballs with the single side exhaust conversion, stained it too, You need a stainless guard there to catch it. You just telling her it's a 6 is hilarious...really. My fiance' wants something quick, only like Si quick though I'd say. Let us / me know when you dyno it, I'm very interested to know the #'s.

 

[HondaEat-R]

high maintenance: add oil every couple tanks of gas, can't shut it off unless its fully warmed up without risking flooding, the old coil packs sucking... stuff like that.

obviously its not that big of a deal... but for some people its too much to think about. listening to you guys talk about the 8 is making me more and more angry that I'm in debt on the MSP. lol BAH!

These don't qualify as High Maintenance ? : Floods very easily.
Requires frequent checks and adding of oil, new
Premix when beating on it (optional)
Poor Mileage (20, tops)
Few qualified mechanics when needed

A significant amount of RX8 owners had catastrophic engine failure ~30k miles. Like I said, that motor is a marvel of engineering in some respects, but at least be honest and say that it requires more care than most.

 

[solidtrance]

My fiance' wants something quick, only like Si quick though I'd say. Let us / me know when you dyno it, I'm very interested to know the #'s.

I'm sure the Si would be fun too, but you might have to change your name. Then again, maybe not.

These don't qualify as High Maintenance ? : Floods very easily.
Requires frequent checks and adding of oil, new
Premix when beating on it (optional)
Poor Mileage (20, tops)
Few qualified mechanics when needed

A significant amount of RX8 owners had catastrophic engine failure ~30k miles. Like I said, that motor is a marvel of engineering in some respects, but at least be honest and say that it requires more care than most.

You make two good points here. An RX-8 requires more maintenance than the lazy drivers in this country typically put into a vehicle. This is compounded by the fact that very few people maintain their car properly anymore. It use to be commonplace to see a ten or fifteen year old car still on the road, and that was because the owner would take care of it properly. Now it seems that most people consider a ten year old car to be a relic. Most drivers wont change something on the car unless it is broken. I think the fact that most people have forgotten how to take car of a nice car (or they never learned in the first place) contributes heavily to the high engine failuree rate in the 04 and 05 model years.

Bottom line is that an RX-8 is not anything like a civic or altima. It needs to be cared for properly, but the reward for doing so is definately worth the trouble.

 

[altspace]

These don't qualify as High Maintenance ? : Floods very easily.
Requires frequent checks and adding of oil, new
Premix when beating on it (optional)
Poor Mileage (20, tops)
Few qualified mechanics when needed

Did you read my post?

The flooding was only with earlier models. I've never flooded my 8. As with any car you a better off warming up the engine on a cold start before you shut it off right away. Like I said, 2-3 weeks of a little added oil is all that is required. Premix is not needed. My highest MPG was 24 on a all highway run. It's not poor MPG if you understand how a rotary works. I know of plenty qualified mechanics in my area. I guess that is more of a demographic issue.

Besides, the RX-8 is defined as a sports car. Of course you are going to need to put a little more effort into keeping it running properly. That's what I enjoy about it. As stated, this is not a car for someone who does not know how to take care of it.

How can you not look at this car and just say, "Daaaayum!"

 

[HondaEat-R]

I'm sure the Si would be fun too, but you might have to change your name. Then again, maybe not.

You make two good points here. An RX-8 requires more maintenance than the lazy drivers in this country typically put into a vehicle. This is compounded by the fact that very few people maintain their car properly anymore. It use to be commonplace to see a ten or fifteen year old car still on the road, and that was because the owner would take care of it properly. Now it seems that most people consider a ten year old car to be a relic. Most drivers wont change something on the car unless it is broken. I think the fact that most people have forgotten how to take car of a nice car (or they never learned in the first place) contributes heavily to the high engine failuree rate in the 04 and 05 model years.

Bottom line is that an RX-8 is not anything like a civic or altima. It needs to be cared for properly, but the reward for doing so is definately worth the trouble.

Hahaha, I actually appreciate Hondas a great deal. This is just an old name I've used for the past 10 years on various Forums. Honda is the only car manufacturers that has multiple affordable cars, with motors that produce Naturally Aspirated 100hp per liter of displacement, and get great gas mileage with inexpensive parts as well. The Rotary motor goes above and beyond that Power : Displacement wise, but does it with some obvious sacrifices.

A lot of what I am saying is just that: If people don't know how to take care of these cars, how confident are you when buying a used one ? I'm hesitant to buy any used car due to fear of how it was treated. Take that and add the extra attention a Rotary needs, and you better hope that EVERY previous owner was a Enthusiast and knowledgeable & tenacious with proper maintenance. I can't say enough how much I like the Rotary motor, really. I'm just sticking to my guns in that, it needs more attention than most cars, even sports cars. I will say, the way they feel and sound at 8,000rpm is great, even amazing.

 

[HondaEat-R]

Did you read my post?

The flooding was only with earlier models. I've never flooded my 8. As with any car you a better off warming up the engine on a cold start before you shut it off right away. Like I said, 2-3 weeks of a little added oil is all that is required. Premix is not needed. My highest MPG was 24 on a all highway run. It's not poor MPG if you understand how a rotary works. I know of plenty qualified mechanics in my area. I guess that is more of a demographic issue.

Besides, the RX-8 is defined as a sports car. Of course you are going to need to put a little more effort into keeping it running properly. That's what I enjoy about it. As stated, this is not a car for someone who does not know how to take care of it.

How can you not look at this car and just say, "Daaaayum!"

I am quite aware that you should warm up any car before shutting it down, I'm not a newb. I like how you're justifying a best of 24mpg highway. A 400hp GTO will get that mileage on the highway. And again, I'm quite familiar with Rotary motors, as I am an ex-owner of two.... For me it's not a matter of knowing how to take care of it, it's the fact that it needs that extra attention. The other thing is, if you buy a used one, what are the chances that the previous owner took care of it properly ? You're preaching to the Choir, as I've owned Rotary.

PS: Your car is very very nice looking, very nice. Rims, suspension, color matched lugs, and painted skirts obviously help too

 

[altspace]

I agree with you totally, it does needs that little extra attention. It's cool bro. Most people do not understand why the rotary has such low MPG for it's engine size and output. 24MPG was my highest and if I granny shift around town it's decent. But then again...what's the fun in that when you have 9K RPM to work with.

I bought mine used, it's an '04. 2 owners before me. I must have looked at 4-5 other RX-8s before finding the right one. Again you simply need to know what to look for.

Thx for the compliments. Like I said, she gets a lot of attention from me...which in turn leads to rubberneckers. Lol!

 

[HondaEat-R]

I often find myself looking at RX8's on AutoTrader, but it just never happens. Your car does look nice man.

 

[altspace]

I never thought it would happen either. Quick story...

I've owned over 14 cars in my life. Many for only a couple years. I got bored with them I guess, but don't get me wrong as most were very nice cars. Acura, Honda, Mitsu, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan, etc. While owning those vehicles, I would go out test driving. In the past 3 years since I've owned my RX-8, I have not once thought about trading her in, nor gone for test drives in thinking of selling her. She puts a smile on my face everyday, and a grin from ear to ear when I get in that driver seat.

 

[HondaEat-R]

I totally understand. I've owned a ton of cars too (90% SR20DE or DET), and never owned a single car for more than 2 years.... I'm never satisfied with one certain vehicle, and as you'd assume, that gets pretty pricey after a while. Hopefully I can stop that trend, and find one I like. I test drove the 2009 GTI and the new Speed3 a few weeks ago, and man, while that Speed3 was quick, the GTI felt amazing: Solid, Smooth, Composed, Refined, and even quick for just 200hp.....but I don't think I can EVER buy a VW. The search continues.

 

[altspace]

Oh yea, I was skeptical on VW, but we found a '07 Jetta for our family sedan and love it! The new GTI is awesome! You took the words right out of my mouth. My only contention is the price, though I have to admit it is worth it when you put it all together.

 

[HondaEat-R]

It's a nice car, and the 2.0T is a better motor than the 1.8. I'll continue to consider it.