Am I the only one here that is lucky enough to have a perfect RX-8? I read all about the moaning and groaning about this and that, and I'm beginning to think I really lucked out.

This car runs like a rabbit on speed, my floor mats are fine, I notice no bad smells, the oil light hasn't come on, the center isn't too hot, my gas cap is secure, my mpg is fair, and everything else is 100% quality.

I wonder what percentage of buyers are actually having problems (it seems like a lot based on the posts).

Anyone else out there as happy with their car as I am with mine?

You also have to realize that whiners and complainers feel no qualms about bitching in several posts, so it might sem to be more than it is. This forum has over 4 thousand registered users and all of 45 have issues from my count. My car is running great and I have no complaints. But when I post this in someones rant thread, it tends to get lost in the tears of sorrow.

What I wish the ranters would remember si that this forum is not Mazda owned so their rants are to other owners pretty much,who either love the car or hate the car. And well, what kind of posts can you imagine coming from that? Especially offensive to me are the ones that are trying to rally me to their point of view, when I am not trying to bring them over to mine. It's like having Jehovah's witnesses online!

Agree with both of you. It IS like a religion for some of these people. I guess they get gratification in winning people over to their side. Why are the people that don't like the car, still post here??

I have no problems with the car other than the fact that I should be spending less with the car and more with the significant-other.



Magic8

I believe barely 3000 US-spec RX-8s have been sold. I'm not sure if that's including dealer stock that is unsold or not. Not every registered forum member is an RX-8 owner. Some people had to register twice. Some are WRX owners, some 350Z owners, and probably several other makes are represented - Porsche, BMW, VW/Audi, GM to name several. Some were / are just curious about the 8, some just wanted to post a remark one time. To say that 45 out of 4000 RX-8 owners have a problem based on this forum membership is lunacy. Not all owners are members of the forum. I'd say perhaps less than 50% of us are.

unhappy campers may be more vocal than happy ones.

but at the same time, happy campers may be in the 'ignorance is bliss' category. what I mean by that is that some that own the RX-8 likely have never driven a car to the point of inducing power oversteer. Some never will. Some will never take this car anywhere close to it's cornering capability. And most of those will never run through even 3 gears to redline like is required in a 1/4 mile run, much less 5 gears to redline. And as such they don't have a clue as to whether their respective cars are underpowered or not. The facts speak louder than subjective feelings and opinions whether perceived as 'whining' or stating 'butt dyno' opinions or are plain 'my car is great'. My car is fast. Especially compared to the 4WD Subaru wagon and the Toyota Matrix that ran next to me at the drag strip last week. But not compared to a 3rd gen RX-7, a 2nd gen TurboII RX-7, most of the Camaro/Firebirds out there, and not compared to a 350Z that was present. I did greatly beat an older gentleman's time in his STi that he has 5000 miles on, but - he thought he'd hit the 1/4 at 1/8 mile and let off the throttle and that was his first ever run and the only one I got to see the results(terminal speed 6x.MPH)

I try to keep in mind that I didn't buy the car to run 1/4 mile times on any local dragway. It handles very competently and is a much better car than any of my 1st gen RX-7s ever were. But I am not convinced 100% that is $30,000 worth of better.

I don't think I fall into the "ignorance is bliss" catagory. I've researched the hell out of my purchase and have owned sports cars all my life. I don't look at life through rose colored glasses. It just seems like my RX-8 experience is different from most of the posts I read. The car has exceeded my expectations (reasonably informed expectations) in every way.

I'm not an apologist for Mazda, I'm not easily pleased, but here is a case where I actually believe I got my money's worth (how often does that happen?).

Good points about the numbers. I suspect that there are many "lurkers" as well that may be happy with their cars.

Originally posted by rx8daniel
My car is fast. Especially compared to the 4WD Subaru wagon and the Toyota Matrix that ran next to me at the drag strip last week. But not compared to a 3rd gen RX-7, a 2nd gen TurboII RX-7, most of the Camaro/Firebirds out there, and not compared to a 350Z that was present.

I try to keep in mind that I didn't buy the car to run 1/4 mile times on any local dragway.

I can't believe anyone would take their 8 to a drag strip and subject it to that kind of torture. It so obviously is not meant to be drag raced through the quarter mile.

I also feel my car has no real problems to speak of. The mileage seems to be between 18 and 20 MPG. It is fast enough for the driving I do. It is fast enough to leave most other cars in a stop light race to the speed limit behind. It out corners any other car I have driven. The air conditioner gets cold enough for NH. No funny smells either. In short it is the best $31K that I could have spent on a car. I do wish for more power but that is about my only real complaint, and that is because I feel you can't have to much power.

too much power, in a word: "Viper". I've seen 'novice' type drivers unable to keep theirs on the track. I have autox'ed ar RX7 w/the BMW club in Dallas TX. I worked the 'corners' with a lady in the afternoon session. She has a Z3. She test drove an M roaster a month or two later. Got killed in it. Missed 4th on an up shift to 2nd, lost the tail, slid into a fire hydrant.
Too much power does exist and in the wrong hands and/or feet can be a very dangerous, even deadly thing.

That's one of the reasons I've enjoyed my Miata so much. In many situations, too much power would have gotten me in trouble. Instead, I just have had a blast with it's cornering ability. I can get the tail out, but it's not easy and it generally takes planning.

as for the best $31K, I am keeping that in mind too. I was just reading the Crossfire review in the most recent R&T mag - they compared it's 1/4 mile time chart to a 350Z Track model and Audi TT Roadster (not sure why not a coupe, since the Crossfire is not yet a conv.) - the 350Z is faster than these and apparently the RX-8 -BUT it also costs about $4000 more than an 8. So $/performance(grins) the 8 is pretty inexpensive.
there's just so many variables.
at a 'stop light race' - is the other 'competitor' trying to do his personal record 1/4 mile at the time? or worse unaware that he/she is racing? try a stop light race with a recent model of a Z28, a TransAm, a 350Z, a WRX (don't even dream of doing it with an STi) or a Mini 'S'. Don't think the 8 will beat any of those, given equal drivers and starts.

Excuse me for a second, but if an RX-8 is not meant for being able to be driven on a 1/4 mile 'race', what IS it meant for? Don't get me wrong, it's a great handling car and any day of the week I'd rather drive it on curvy, hilly roads and / or a race track more complicated than an oval. But car magazines do 1/4 mile testing on almost any car produced and sold in the world. Including SUVs and Bentley and if any may recall this, the Isuzu I-mark diesel (don't recall if it could do 60 in less than a 1/4 mile or not). It's just one facet of testing cars that's pretty standardized.

And, IMHO, running a car of this calibre in such an environment will not harm it. Most American cars can do it more than a few times and not bite the dust. I saw a Dodge Stratus, and a Ford Focus was in the pair in front of me.

I'm very happy with my car as of yet.

The issues that have been discussed on this board are often times "over dramatic".

I came from a 2000 Solara SLE V6. That car had a high level of refinement, so I'm basing my opinions with "quality car" experience.

First....the HP issue. I think my car is plenty fast. Its VERY fast actually. Thats where the issue ends with me, so long as no mechanical or software "problem" was the cause of the missing 9 HP. It doesnt appear that way to me.

I have noticed my console area a little warm......or warmer than ...lets say ...my Solara. But, the engine is literally right behind the dash. I say the dash and console area remains quite COOL considering the proximity to the engine. Not to mention rotaries emit more radiant heat. This has never been a problem or even an inconvienence. If you drive for any distance....with the AC off and vents open for fresh air.....it will cool off after a few minutes......big deal. Some members say they are "roasting" and burning up.......give it up, I'm not impressed.

I HAVE had the oil light come on once. I was down 1/2 quart. I do think it is a little sensitive to low quantity.....maybe even too much. However, I was down on oil. It was absoluely correct on this.....just more sensitive than any other car. But this isnt any other car now is it? If you keep oil topped off....no light.....no problem...RELAX.

Gas milage was 18.5 last time I checked.....I need to do it again soon.......because its been awhile. I'm not overly impressed with the figures, but I'm certain I can at least squeeze 21 or 22 from a highway trip. If I wanted a econo car....I would have purchased one.

I swear I'll explode if I see another post about a stupid ***damn Cigar Lighter.

This car is quite a machine......and its worth the money we all paid. Yes this 238 HP car is WORTH the money on the sticker. Now their servicing it for free....for 4 years. $500 dollars to boot.

Yes I'm happy.

Originally posted by Gyro
The issues that have been discussed on this board are often times "over dramatic".Indeed. Next thing you know, someone will start whining about how their return envelope is too small.

Oh, wait, they already did. :rolleyes:

haven't had one single problem with my car yet. no cel, oil light came on once on the homeleg of my trip yesterday and when i checked it was down a whole quart. first time i have added oil btw at @2000 miles now, so thats not a problem. air is great seats were great on our long trip. and what's this problem with the floor mat? someones dealer didn't install the hold down before delivery? i remember a couple people(elara?) metion that it was in their glove compartment, but come on people this is not a problem with the car it's a problem with your dealer, have them fix it. anu way mine seems to be just fine thank you. glad to see there are more of us :cool:

Originally posted by rx8daniel
Excuse me for a second, but if an RX-8 is not meant for being able to be driven on a 1/4 mile 'race', what IS it meant for?

But car magazines do 1/4 mile testing on almost any car produced and sold in the world. Including SUVs and Bentley and if any may recall this, the Isuzu I-mark diesel (don't recall if it could do 60 in less than a 1/4 mile or not). It's just one facet of testing cars that's pretty standardized.

And, IMHO, running a car of this calibre in such an environment will not harm it. Most American cars can do it more than a few times and not bite the dust.

That's just it... it's ONE facet of TESTING. Doesn't mean the car was designed to be a performer in this area.

Heck, even F1s have to drag race from a standing start at the beginning of the race. And they're fairly quick at it. But if you do that a couple of times in it, the clutch ain't gonna last long. And an actual top fuel dragster, which is designed to do standing start quarter miles, would blow the F1 car away. Doesn't mean the F1 car is inferior. Just means it wasn't designed for drag racing.

IMO, the 8 is meant for superb handling, cornering, breaking, and revving, with a smooth even power delivery... for carving through twists and turns in the road with some spirited, well controlled handling characteristics, and a high fun factor.

The 8s rotary is never gonna compare to a V6 or V8 in a Firebird, Camaro, Corvette or Mustang in a standing start, straight line "race". All I'm saying is it wasn't meant to. And I know my 8 isn't gonna die trying.

I guess I agrre you could have too much power, but I would still like more on tap. Wouldn't use it every day, but in the right situation it would be nice.

In refence to stop light racing - yes if the "competitor" is unaware you can win every time. I don't actually race much, but several times people have pulled up next to me and mentioned a race. One was a Mini S and the other a 3 series BMW. Without a dramitic launch on either part I was able to stay ahead until I hit about 10 over the speed limit - about all I will do if other cars are around. Yes I know there are many faster cars, and I doubt I would race them. I am planning to look into autocross next spring so i can race in a safe enviroment.

Originally posted by LesPaul
Am I the only one here that is lucky enough to have a perfect RX-8? I read all about the moaning and groaning about this and that, and I'm beginning to think I really lucked out.

This car runs like a rabbit on speed, my floor mats are fine, I notice no bad smells, the oil light hasn't come on, the center isn't too hot, my gas cap is secure, my mpg is fair, and everything else is 100% quality.

I wonder what percentage of buyers are actually having problems (it seems like a lot based on the posts).

Anyone else out there as happy with their car as I am with mine?

I'll keep this short. You are not the only one. :D

Said it before... drove it, loved it, bought it... still drive it, still love it.

Funny smell? It's a new car, all of it's smells are funny. There are no "normal" smells to which to compare yet. I got a funny smell the first time I used my seat heater on a chilly day; I get a funny smell in my whole house when the furnace heats up for the first time of the season, too.

Gas mileage? Mine sucked at first. It's getting better. I didn't buy a sports car for good gas mileage.

Sooty exhaust? um... HELLO??? it's exhaust. You know, the physical end result of combustion of carbon containing materials. Besides, if you wipe out the stainless exhaust tips you'll see that the inner surfaces are not polished. They look better blackened; be thankful for your soot.

Some people just don't know what to do if they're not complaining about something. It's like going around looking under rocks and then complaining that you can't see the sun shining. Oops, sorry, stepped to the side and ended up on the ol' soap box again. <steps down>

:p

I'm out of my break in period so I revved it up a little over the weekend. What a joy. Listening to that rotary sing, the whole car seemed to slightly vibrate to a specific pitch (sorry, the musician in me). It seemed more spirited than my previous twin-turbo 300 horse 4,000 pound Stealth.

I also killed the DSC and laid down some rubber. It was fun (but I wonder how many miles I burnt off the tires).

Seems there are some happy RX-8 campers out there.

I suppose I qualify as one of the complainers. My a/c is only adequate; my center console and glove box get too hot as do mine and the passenger's feet; my mpg is 16.5 to 17.0 after 2,000 miles; I think the sound system is marginal at best; and the power, although not bad, is NOT 238 horses.

I'm absolutely confident that if I had your RX8 and drove it under my conditions that it too would exhibit these same irritating tendencies. What pisses me off is when someone from Minnesota refutes my claim that the a/c is inadequate. Bring your car down here, drive it in the bright sunlight in mid day traffic in 100 plus temperatures and tell me that your a/c works great. It's only about 85 degrees here today and my a/c works perfectly. It works perfectly at night too......just not in conditions mentioned above. Also in places like New Hampshire I'd expect that the cabin heating would be barely noticeable. It's noticeable here in my car and in the RX8 I drove last week for comparison purposes. We all have the same thermal insulation and it's inadequate for Texas summers.

Also, when someone from Nebraska tells me that he's getting 21 mpg and is happy as a lark I say, come on down here and drive in an environment where hills are slightly taller than three feet. Zoom up and down two-lane hills, downshifting and accelerating around corners and see if you still get 21 mpg. Get caught in bad traffic and zip through it and we'll see how fast the gas goes. Drive with the a/c blasting full time and then compare.

Our sound systems are identical. If you're used to boom boxes playing stolen MP3's then it will sound fantastic to you. If you're not completely tone deaf you will realize that the mid-range is muddled, there is no separation of instruments and the bass is weak. It's not an arguable point.

Power is also subjective. It all depends on what your driving experiences are. This car will seem on the slow side to the 350Z crowd and a screamer to the Civic crowd. What is NOT subjective is that the 1/4 mile in about 15 seconds is fairly middle of the pack performance. A number achieved by many less expensive vehicles and not achieved by many more expensive vehicles.

I guess my point is that those of us who compalin have legitimate
issues with this car under the driving environments they must put up with. Your environment is probably completely different than ours and comparisons cannot be made. Combine this with a tendency for many who have spent serious dollars on a dream machine to defend their purchase until their dying day and you have people pissed at the whiners.

There are people lurking on this and other car sites who are looking to make an informed decision about a future major purchase. They deserve to hear all sides of the RX8 argument.

Just remember its the whiners that probably got you that $500 debit card and 4 year maintenance free contracts. The apologists only need sit back and reap the rewards. Remember too that most of us "whiners" are, for the most part, very impressed with their cars. From October to May this car will be one nearly perfect, super fun to drive automobile. I still turn around and give one last look each time I park it. When we are bashed for legitimate issues with the car we tend to get defensive and bash more than we originally intended.

Originally posted by Genom
You also have to realize that whiners and complainers feel no qualms about bitching in several posts, so it might sem to be more than it is. This forum has over 4 thousand registered users and all of 45 have issues from my count. My car is running great and I have no complaints. But when I post this in someones rant thread, it tends to get lost in the tears of sorrow.

What I wish the ranters would remember si that this forum is not Mazda owned so their rants are to other owners pretty much,who either love the car or hate the car. And well, what kind of posts can you imagine coming from that? Especially offensive to me are the ones that are trying to rally me to their point of view, when I am not trying to bring them over to mine. It's like having Jehovah's witnesses online!

It is by nature that people try to rally you to their point. However, some people know they can not and do not try. A quick example: I was on a charity board discussing an investment. I di d not think it was good and asked the guy to 'convince me'. He said 'all I have to do is convince 4 of the other, I do not care to attempt to convince you'. So all people who post something you do not like, just leave it be. You will never convince them, nor should you try.

As an aside, if people buy this car as a 'fun' car then it has plenty of power. I had a Mazda GLC with about 85 HP and I could drive the snot out of that car. It was VERY FUN to drive. Hit 6,000 RPMs all the time.

If you are buying as a 'racer' then it is under powered. It is fast, but would be a lot better with the 250 (or dare I say more).

I will continue to read the various posts and hope that I still have desire to purchase the 2005 model. I am looking for FUN again.

My 8 is great too. And it's particularly great now that the chip has flipped. Stronger pull. And a deeper, throaty-er sound. And mileage is up. I haven't had any of those other "problems". Okay, the oil light is a little sensitive, but that's probably a good thing.

I do think it's rediculous to compare this car to cars costing significantly more (yes, I think $3000 is significant). Those cars (the TT, 350Z, G35, etc) should do better on some measures. I would expect that. The 8 is a great car at 31K. And the aftermarket guys are going to give us plenty to play with.


RM

Count me as in love with my car as well. Just got back from a 900 mile trip through the mountains- had a brief issue with the oil light at 2000 miles, but discovered the car was down a quart. After giving it oil, no more light.

My husband and I took turns driving, and even let a friend take a 1/2 hour go with her on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Everyone is smitten.

And I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I'm getting 18-19mpg city and 25-26 highway, after my initial 2 tanks of 16mpg.

The only way I'll give this car up is if the Mazdaspeed version comes out in a few years. If the standard 8 is this much fun, imagine what that'll be like!

Please accept my membership into the 'totally satisfied & researched to death but still it impresses me' group you have started here.

Count one more happy owner. I bought this car for the rotary and the handling and I am not disappointed. This forum has been a great source of information but is also home to some who have exceptionally high expectations. The first year for a new model is likely to has room for improvements with any manufacturer. I'll be happy to watch this car mature and am excited to think of how my next one will have improved.

Another happy camper here.

Just got back from Pittsburgh (yeah Steelers!) which was my longest trip in the 8 yet -- about 550 miles round trip. No issues so far [knock wood]. Gas mileage on the trip was 23.5 on the way up, and I'll be filling up tomorrow to find out what I got on the return trip, but it's looking even better.

The oil light did come on for the first time while driving back today. It was only intermittent, though. I checked the oil right before I left and it had not gone down at all. Haven't checked since I got back, but I'll check it tomorrow.

I now have over 2200 miles on the car, and I noticed today that the tail pipes are much cleaner than they were. I wiped them off before I left and it doesn't look any different after the trip! Something must have changed in the way the car is running or the ECU, as I've never had clean tail pipes for that long.

Power on the Interstates was great. I have no fear merging in this baby. :)

Tomsterrx8:

I never said there are not valid complaints about the car. I just feel that people need to remember that this is not the place to tell everyone constantly about these issues. The place to put them is in Mazda's hands. We could sit her and argue about the AC all day as I am in 93+ weather with very high humidity and havent had a problem. Sound system is adequate for me. Sure it's not the best, but I wasnt expecting it I guess. Our cars are different in other words and your problems arent necesarily my problems.

And I think it was the people that first dyno'd the car that got me the free 500 bucks. People posting HERE all the time about how unhappy they are didnt. People who took the time to contact *Mazda* (such as I actually did when it first came up) got that 500 bucks. Once the issue came to light I knew in the end something would happen to satisfy me, and it did. The car is too big a deal for Mazda for them not too have. I dont think the few dozen people here posting about it contantly did anything in that respect. What I am saying is I just dont see the need for people to contantly post about this stuff since it has already been covered quite a bit. If you really have a beef with the AC and other stuff, you need to send certified letters to *Mazda* making sure they are aware of your complaints and make sure they fix it. On the other hand, posting here repeatedly how the AC sucks, and the sound sucks, etc. Will only get on peoples nerves after a while. Remember we are all drivers here, not major auto manufacturers.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Inform people on the forums. If you want to keep a log of your attempts to fix the AC, fine. But dont post how bad the AC sucks everytime someone else mentions a problem. If someone does a search for problems on the forum I am sure they will find the huge amount of posts relating to all the issues so far. Like this post. We ALL know in intimate detail every thing you posted about from other posts. WHY repeat it in a thread meant for people who ARE enjoying their cars as is and dont feel the need to complain? What was the point of it being posted yet again?

Of course this is all just my opinion and it's obvious a lot of people disagree with it, but I think if people just did things a little different we might be able to get more usefull information flowing, rather than constant flames.

My point is that the postings on this forum may give the impression that the car is seriously flawed. In reality, there are probably many more people satisfied and happy with their purchase.

I would not like to see this become a "whiners" vs. "apologists" issue. We, together, make up a small subset of the universe of people on this planet and we share a love of cars and a particular interest in this rotary car. While it is true that given our individual human natures some of us complain about everything they face in life and others may be more inclined to be happy and accepting, our opinions should be based on facts rather than our personal reactions or personality biases.

I'm also thinking that the internet is really affecting the car buying process. Years ago, we would never know about our common problems. Now, every little nit is exposed before the entire world (at least those who follow this forum). Have we had more problems that those that first purchased the Vette? Camaro? 240Z? MR2? Due to the impressions we now are exposed to on the net, we may never know.

Sign me up for the happy owners club ;)

And Genom: very, very well said. Funny how you see some people just going from one thread to another posting the same complaints over and over again.

Hey guys,

I know that you have bought your car and want to defend it. I would say that over 95% of you love the car. I like to read about that.

BUT, I also want to hear from the whiners and complainers. If I buy one of these cars (and it looks like it is the best deal for the money) I want to go in with eyes wide open. I did a lot of research on the Formula and KNEW that it would break down a lot, have rattles all over the place etc but I still wanted it for the power and fun (in addition, it was cheap). I do not regret my decison.

So for us 'lookers', we want to know the good with the bad. And as you owners keep telling us on the outside, the good is a lot more than the bad.

I'm all for hearing the bad with the good... and the good with the bad. THIS thread is the good. There are plenty of other threads all about the bad, and plenty that are a healthy mix, but THIS one was started to hear the good, as was "The Little Things" thread.

Keep the threads on topic... it's a good thing, LOL.

I love my rx8

Originally posted by TomsterRX8
I suppose I qualify as one of the complainers.

Well, you can post anywhere you like, but you and 350 Formula and others who are unhappy should stick to one of the "whiner" threads and leave us happy campers to revel in our ignorance!

If you think you own a bad car, well give it back and STFU! If you want a really bad car, go find a 1963-4 MGB. Now that was a BAD car.

My only real concern (not complaint) is the oil light after a few minutes of driving 85 mph. I don't think it is related to the oil moving back in the pan as the inertial movement of the oil would only be an issue on rapid accelleration; which does not cause the oil light. I tend to agree with an earlier comment that crankase pressure has something to do with it. I will take it to the dealer.

Other than that, no issues. I didn't buy it to be a straight line hot rod. Can't do that too well in Atlanta traffic anyway.

I am assuming you already checked your oil level right? I was about to hit 2000 miles when all of the sudden it came on. When I slowed down it turned off. I as close to home so stopped home, checked the oil and saw I still had 1/3 reserve left on the stick. After topping it off it went away. Oil level sensor seems to be very bitchy, but from everything I've read about rotaries it's better to be safe than sorry.

This is probably stupid, but did you make sure your dipstick was fully seated? One of the things done at the port, as I understand, was to replace the dipstick since the first batch had the wrong dipstick and it would not stay seated. I have about 1k on mine (delivered 8/27) and have driven at high speeds on I95, accelerated rapidly, etc., and have yet to encounter a problem.

Well, consider me a "lurker"....I dont post much, I like to visit and catch up on the new info....but I just cant stay quiet this time.

First.....it seems like some of these guys are applying for a job at Motortrend or Road and Track.....spec techs are nice and numbers are cool to hear about...but my god, realx already........I own a 99 Millenia S with a Miller Cycle Supercharged engine.....and my new 8 KILLS IT !!! I have an intake on the Milly and a Borla Stainless exhaust and the 8 KILLS IT !!

I bought the 8 for one purpose...to make it fast !!! They make so much aftermarket toys for a Rotary its scary. So what the original HP is down a little......I was planning to double it anyway.....after about 350hp lets talk about those missing 10 !!!!!

I think some of these guys would bitch if thier seat belt was too tight !! The compliments I have received on this car alone makes it worth EVERY penny.....for all of you thinking about buying one...do it.....for those of you with one that love it...enjoy it....for those of you who are unhappy, thanks for the info....but if you're that unhappy.....take it back....

The center console heats up a little...big deal (hello its mid-engine) no oil light trouble....radio is fine (if your that concerned with audio..stay home and wear headphones) A/C blows cold..(yes I am in Detroit , but it gets hot here and humid and we have traffic) ...gas mileage is as good as can be expected the way I drive...I bang the piss out of this car...its a sports car.

Well, I've gone over the 1,000 mile mark and have yet to experience any problems. The car continues to run as expected which is to say very well indeed. A check of the dipstick shows no need for oil. Mileage has varied from a high of almost 20mpg to 16.8 on the last tank...but with the car broken in, I drove it "like I stole it" hitting 9k in 1st, 2nd and ocassionally 3rd. as often as traffic (and the absence of the law) would permit.:D

Originally posted by rotarymotory
My 8 is great too. And it's particularly great now that the chip has flipped. Stronger pull. And a deeper, throaty-er sound. And mileage is up. I haven't had any of those other "problems". Okay, the oil light is a little sensitive, but that's probably a good thing.

I do think it's rediculous to compare this car to cars costing significantly more (yes, I think $3000 is significant). Those cars (the TT, 350Z, G35, etc) should do better on some measures. I would expect that. The 8 is a great car at 31K. And the aftermarket guys are going to give us plenty to play with.


RM

Just curious - how do you know your 'chip has flipped', being that an ECU remapping is purely speculation, and at what mileage do you think you experienced the flipping?

Originally posted by mikeb
I love my rx8

What he said!

Happy with no complaints or problems....

I have had no problems with my car. It may not be a speed demon, but I bought the car for the looks and style.

I also love my RX8.

I had the oil light issue. My dealer took care of this and other things that will be releaved later. This forum and the Mazda organization have been working like a team to ensure I will retain my High level of enjoyment. They both have been successful.