Opinions on Mazda Rx8?

Question

I need honest opinions. I love cars, but not very knowledgable about this one. I could Google it, but I want people who actually own this car, drove this car, have experience with this car to answer. How would you rate this cars performance 1 to 10, 10 being the highest. Handling? gas milage? now that I think of it, how bout you just let me know what ya think of it ;) . I think it's a sexy car and want to buy it I want to know though if it's worth it. I'm thinking of a 2006 or 2007, regular edition or the one I really like which is the Shinka special edition.

ha! what was I even thinking when I asked about gas mileage! fast and gas don't mix well haha. thanx that makes sense :)

Answer 1

sweet ride :)

Answer 2

Have one. 2006.
It was expensive to buy. It drinks fuel like an SUV in 4WD (premium I might add.. not the cheap stuff). Oil use is not too bad, but it depends on how I drive it (also affects fuel). Its not standard gas station oil either, I had to go to two places before I could find it (other than the dealer) and its not cheap.
It is high maintenance. And its a rotary. You cant start it and go. It will flood, or run like CRAP as it needs to warm up. Do this in the winter, or when the engine is stone cold, and it will flood. And you're done for a few hours, no go. You have to check the oil every 2nd gas fill (which can fly by pretty quick). Tires are very expensive. And the ones that fit it, only are rated to 45000km. If you live in a climate where it will snow, you need winter tires the second you see a flake (or zoom zoom into a ditch).
Not a very powerful car, there are better (350Z, Mustang are the ones in its class) and both would kill this car off the line. But its more than enough for most people, as long as you arent planning on racing it.

Now the good stuff!
It runs like a dream. Nice and smooth, so quiet on the highway. Lots of safety features, and some neat features as well (keyless ignition, headlight washers..). Decent stereo, no need to upgrade.. Corners on a dime, and looks damn good doing it. And you can carry 3 people with you (bonus!).

I love it, but I am a car person and the maintenance and care dont bother me. It can be a pain, and I urge you... read all you can, make an informed decision. You have to treat it right, or it will be junk.

Answer 3

No arguing the fact that the RX-8 is a really nice looking car and handles very well.

HOWEVER, One major factor to consider is that this car has a ROTARY engine (If you don't know what this is or what this means, then I STRONGLY suggest that you put in the time to research this).

The reason I say this is that a rotary engine is COMPLETELY different than a Standard Engine with pistons that move up and down.

Instead, the Rotary Engine has 3 triangular shaped gears that move in a circular pattern within a cylinder and this engine REQUIRES THE USE OF OIL AS A LUBRICANT FOR THE GEARS.

As a result, the RX-8 will burn oil faster than a standard engine....AND if you DON'T keep a constant eye on the oil, the engine WILL rust out and seize!

HOW do I know this?? I owned an RX-7 (same engine type) that was a weekend car (I have a company car).

As such, it was driven infrequently and the oil stayed down in the oil pan for too long ...AND over time, the engine and gears rusted and the RX-7 ended up being towed to a Salvage Yard.

NOW....Since you're in the market for a Sportscar, may I recommend a Nissan 350Z (which I own) or a Mazda Miata instead.

Answer 4

You want honest? How about an answer from a Mazda Dealership employee. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Is that honest enough for you? Yeah sure they have a great look, but looks don't keep you on the road. We have atleast 1 towed into our dealership every week. Or record is somewhere around 7 in a work week. And you know the funny thing is, its not the cars fault. People do not know how to drive these cars. We have 2 or 3 customers with these cars that have not had any problems, but they were trained on how to drive them properly. We've had the same car in 3 times in 2 weeks because it was flooded. Customer error. Right now they have a recall out that may involve replacing the motor or convertor, at the very least you get a pcm reprogram. Mazda does build a very good cars with the exception of the RX-8. And Mazda does stand behind their warranty to make the customer happy. If I were you I would get a Speed 6 or the new Speed 3.

Answer 5

Rate its performance on a scale of one to ten, I'd have to say for power and acceleration its only a 4 or 5, but handling its a 7 or 8. Its handling is nice, but the engine lacks the kick of its twin-turbo predecessor. As for gas mileage...if you're buying rotary I'd assume thats not too much of a concern. Personally I much prefer the FD or S2000 to the RX-8. Both can outcorner the 8, and a properly tuned 13B-REW can easily burn an RX-8. As for the suggestion that the 350Z is a superior car...only to someone who doesn't know how to care for a rotary engine. Yes, they're more maintinence intensive, but the sharp, high-rev power they bring, as well as the solid weight balance in both the RX-7 and RX-8 make them both superior performers.

Answer 6

RX-8 is a very capable car but personally I think you could get more for your money. The rotory engine drinks fuel and if a passing car hits those suicide passenger doors it won't be too nice. When it comes to looks it's down to the individual. As for a Mustang GT beating it. That's just comedy, it will probabely beat it by using twice the fuel and only until the first corner when the Mustang will fishtail. Japanese cars of this nature are undoubtadly the true sprts cars (they go round corners).

Answer 7

If you are going to have two cars - this is a great car... It is costly for repairs, gas it is not too bad on, but it drinks oil... If you REALLY want it - get this one as a lease. There is always a fair number of recalls on these rotary engines. In the end if you want it get it... but do be aware of the draw backs... sweet ride though.

Answer 8

you wont have any money left if you buy that car
the parts are to expensive and you will probably kill yourself in it but i guess if you want a fast car you may as well drive it fast and fast cars are never known for gas milage i test drove one and i don't like the size of it to small

Answer 9

Rotary engine-rear wheel drive-very sexy looking ,not really that fast,Mustang G.T. will eat a R-8.
Parts are cheaper on the stang, and I think it looks better. Good Luck anyways