Considering purchasing A Mazda RX8.?

Question

I heard many thing about this car, some good, some bad.
all feedback is welcome. negative or postive.

Answer 1

I'll give you the same answer I just gave for someone the other day...

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 2

The RX8 is a very, very fun car to drive. Nothing else in the price point besides a honda S2000 handles as good as the RX8.
The 350Z , Mustang or WRX STi will be more powerful, but they aren't as agile.
The competitors are all mostly 2-seaters also.

The upkeep isn't to bad. The oil DOES NOT burn as fast as people say. Just buy your oil from walmart. There is not a special oil for it.

The gas milege does suck. But if its a big issue don't buy a sports car at all.

There is also an engine recall going on right now. Check out RotaryNews.com for more info.

Answer 3

Silver 04'. Love my baby. When I can drive her. I just had her (Delores) towed to a dealership in Easton, PA for the second time in the last month. There is a recall on the PCM now, it causes the engine to flood due to some flaw. I've had the service done 7 times now, de-choke, change spark plugs, change starter. 7 times.

Despite all this and what the others had to say about gas mileage and maintenance, I wouldn't have bought another sports car in it's class.

I suggest you test drive it, both manual and auto. You'll want the stick. Then ask questions. If you own the car after the manufacturer's warranty expires, purchase your own. It's expensive to fix. But damn fun to drive and it really is a ... magnet.

Answer 4

personally, i'm not a fan of the rx8 because it has weak low end torque. but it is reasonably price for what it is, and it does have a lot of potential with some tuning.