For the past month, I've been debating whether to get an RX-8 or a 350z. I was just about ready to go out and get an RX-8 when I started to read about all the problems people have been having with the new car: fuel economy, check engine lights, a/c cycling, oil light, excess heat generation, etc.

My guess is that these problems are less common than one might think after reading all the posts on this forum (although the fuel economy issue seems to affect everyone to varying degrees). But it does make me worry about buying the RX-8 so soon. After reading all this, if I went out and got an RX-8 and one or more of these problems came up, I would forever kick myself.

The good thing about the 350z (outside of the RX-8 vs. 350z debate) is that it has been through one model year already. I went on some of the 350z forums, and they had their share of first model year problems, too: paint chipping, clutch problems, tire cupping, crappy Bose stereo, etc. It seems like a lot of these issues have been resolved with the 2004 model.

So my question is, how long will it take for Mazda to work out the kinks in the RX-8? Will they make engineering adjustments in mid-year production stream? Do you think some of the problems have already been worked out? I don't know if I can wait yet another year to get one of these cars, but if I want an RX-8, it seems like my patience may be rewarded with a less problematic car.

I think you already know what the answer is..

There's always a price to pay for getting a first year model.. If you are unwilling to deal with all of the glitches that of a first year model, then simply wait and get a 2nd year model or whenever all the glitches are resolved. If you can't wait, then get your 350Z.. I'm sure you'll be happy with either, they are both excellent cars. But I have a feeling you like the RX-8 more...

Anyway, it all depends on whether or not you want a car *now*.

Really nothing to discuss. Nobody could tell you how long it will take for Mazda to work out the kinks... Any answer you will get doesn't have any validity to it anyway, so why bother asking?

Take the 8. It's a great car, especially in light of being the first year. The only REAL concern is with MPG and I and many others are getting a consistent 20+. Only 4k, so far, and haven't even tried disabling DSC/TCS or reflashing the ECU (waiting for the MPG to stop increasing).

Other "problems" are really minor when compared to the really superior handling (read the most fun to drive) and bullet proof reliability and ease of maintenance of the Renesis. Things like lack of seat/mirror memory and cup holder locations are readily forgotten when you crank up towards 9k+ on the dial! (Talking about "Zoom Zoom", you bet!)

Come to think of it, I think we'd all prefer you to pick the 350. Our 8's would become that much more valuable especially when you others decide on trading your Zs in on the '05 8s.

Your basic question is, How may 8 owners are really happy with how their cars DRIVE as oppose to the competition? Mazda seems to have made all the right choices when the hard preformance/quality/reliability/cost/feature/refinements/etc., questions were asked, evidenced by a product that does not feel at all compromised. And you have to give them credit for being so forthcoming on what issues have been uncovered. They really have made the 8 their corporate identity/marketing focus and it shows.

So, go ahead and buy the Nissan... PLEASE?!

To add to the original question:

What is the likelyhood of Mazda comming out with a modifyed ECU program for the U.S. RX-8 to deal with the reported poor milage a number of owners are experiencing?

Or for the cycling A/C?

Or to offset the EPA issue that caused them to reduce stated HP?

I have never purchased a 1st year car, nor a Mazda car and hence do not know if there is any "after the fact" tweaking that mightcome from Mazda.

In short, what kind of fixes might Mazda make to the existing cars produiced in to date?

Thanks,

Claude H.

I have 1500 miles on my 8 and have had absolutely NO problems. Even mileage has been within the 18 - 24 mpg advertised... and this is before any fuel map/ECU optimizations. :)

I haven't seen a single check engine light, had to replace a single drop of oil, or heard any unusual squeaks. I think Mazda has done an outstanding job on the RX-8.

I also have drivin about 2200 miles, and only problem I had was a click in the drivers window when opening and closing, which has disappeared the last few days.

I like to avoid sweeping generalizations, as sartre said, when you label someone you negate them.

But, it seems to me that with a few exceptions, the 8 owners are pretty cool people.

The Z owners seem to come off as creeps (again there have been some exceptions to this.)

Without mentioning names, the wrx has one real good former owner here, and one grade A creep.

Now, I ask you, do you want to be in the company of class, or crass?

Also, and more important, it usually takes more then one year to work out the kinks in any car. So far, the 8 has been realativly trouble free

I would not count on a mazda sactioned mod chip.

Drive a Z, drive a 8, see what you like better.

8 is a little cheaper then the z loaded, so you could use the diff on a extended warrenty.


And squidward, two questions:

1-is that a picture of you?

2-Why the heack are you so cranky?

3700 miles here and no problems.

The car is brilliant. Factor in it's not only new - it's also unique and you'll see that Mazda has done a very good job.

The price of the Z has just been dropped locally because the 8 has eaten a lot of its sales. It'll probably be a common trend. This could make the Z a bargain 2 seat grunt car ,,, if that sort of car appeals to you,

2300 miles (thought i had closer to 3k before, kinda dissapointed to be honest...i need to get out and drive)
and not a single problem
________
ZOLOFT SETTLEMENT (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/zoloft/)

5k here added oil for first time today

Easiest decision ever...

If you NEED a backseat, buy the Rx-8

Well I knew it. I knew I should have waited a while to buy this damned car, and you'd think I'd know being a manager at a car dealership and seeing the complete lack of quality that they put into their products. They get in such a damned hurry to put things on the street that they begin scrambling to fix things the day the car is released. Every day I drive this car something else developes. Don't get me wrong I love my 8 but for christ's sake they need to really slow down and do a little more real world testing on vehicles BEFORE the public takes delivery. How could anyone that was driving a pre-production version of this car not notice a problem like an oil light that almost every owner has had. Then introduce a new oil pan right away to correct the problem. Anyways...

Problems so far to date.

1. Intermittent oil light

2. annoying ass rattle in the center of the dash that I don't even want to try to have the dealership fix for fear of creating more problems

3. RH window does not roll all the way down

4. Driver's side doors rattle over small road imperfections due to poor factory adjustment.

5. Pass door power locks inop

6. fake metal finish on shift knob wearing off in less than 4000 miles (2000) of them were all hwy from KC to ATL

7. Now yesterday the damned rear end started whining louder than the radio when I decellerate by lifting off the throttle. Another local 8 owner that was at a car show with me today is having the same problem.

I was not bothered one bit by the HP issue
I was truly impressed for the first month I owned this car this car, but it is truly proving just to be a another cost cutting POS from Ford Motor Co. (the WAL-MART of the car industry) I guess I learned my lesson.

I'm done venting just wanted to see if anyone else has had these problems.

7900 miles and no problems........ so it might just be you;)

based on consumer records that eclispe isn't exactly a high quality machine either.............

As I read about some of these engine related issues, such as engine light and mileage, it makes me wonder how aggressive some RX-8 drivers are. I don't "baby" my RX-8, but I don't drive 100 mph either.

Any opinions about whether some of these issues might be related to how the car is driven? An owner in another thread indicated his engine light came on after he exceeded 100 mph.

I realize some problems are unrelated to driving style (e.g. fit and finish issues), but most cars have these issues. I had many annoying problems with past Mercedes and BMW's I have owned.

Curiously, my other car, an American made Yukon Denali has been virtually trouble-free for over 12,000 miles.

4100+ Miles.. No problems.

Originally posted by newport8
...about all the problems people have been having with the new car: fuel economy, check engine lights, a/c cycling, oil light, excess heat generation, etc.... I haven't had any of these problems yet...I'm still waiting.

I thought I might have found a problem with mine: shifting into 2nd after hard accel up to 9k rpm in 1st. I tried a few times today and couldn't get the problem to happen again. I'm starting to think that maybe it was just an adrenelyn rush that caused my right arm to malfunction the first two times.

Sorry, this car has no problems. Not yet anyway. I'll keep trying...

2275 miles - no problems

You know, a lot of people prefer buying slightly used cars. All the little annoying problems have already been taken care of by the first owner. This goes for absolutely any car. Too bad you got more than your share, albeit petty for all but possibly the rear end noise.

More than 5k miles. No problems at all. :D

I only have 1253 miles but so far so good. I am still enjoying calculating my MPG. It improves a little w/ every fill up.

Over 4500+ miles and have experienced none of your issues except I once saw the low oil light while going high speed on incline (plan to get the new oil pan).

5800 miles,20 m.p.g and the only issue is rear package tray rattels on rougher roads,is that the cars fault or the shity roads?hmmm.:)

3000 miles. No problems.

2300+ miles and no problems...
________
MEXICO HOTELS (http://mexicohoteles.org)

Originally posted by XUrotaryrocket
7900 miles and no problems........ so it might just be you;)

based on consumer records that eclispe isn't exactly a high quality machine either.............
u can really say that agian i had a 2001 eclipse gt had it for two years with 50+ problems at teh dealer over 3 months. Never i repeat myself i will never buy another mitsu product.EVER if u want to know teh probelms i will gladly show the service records.

No probs love it will never ever go back to piston.

660 miles and I have the intermittent oil light on a long trip at 80+ MPH on flat terrain. I agree that this was a dumb problem to miss.

I also have the A/C turning interrittently warm, even when on full blast cold.

Aside from those two, I'm luv'n it.

My MPG is about 18 right now. Nver dipped below 15.

3700 with a rattle in the back somewhere on really rough roads.

2400 milles, no problems.

3300 miles no problems -- one small and very intermitent rattle in the sunroof or dome light that I will get checked out (will also request the oil pan replacement).

Don't get me wrong, nothing is stopping me from taking delivery of my 8 when it arrives.

However, I would be unhappy if my drivng style, spirited but not overly agressive, yielded low MPG results.

anywhere between 18 & 22 MPG, mixed suburbam/HWY with some city (NYC) mixed in would be OK by me.

Claude H.

Originally posted by SHOWOFF
[..] 7 points
[..]


haven't noticed any of those problems but I bought my car off the lot in September, so it's maybe a tad newer than yours.

1700 miles, 17 - 21 mpg, every thing is fine except left front Bose speaker seems lose or so.

My last tank, I finally got 19mpg. That was with a long, 1 1/2 each way, trip. I seem to be averaging about 18. I do not beat the car, but I do drive a little frisky at times.

2900 miles, none of the problems you are having.

looks like you may have a bad example on your hands

That sucks

Only the oil light issue for me. I have the new oil pan now.

I thought I had a rattle once, but it was just a bottle of Tylenol in the side pouch of my back pack on the back seat.:D

Buy the car(RX8) don't worry, when the warranty expire, in say three years time (when the car rattles, paint chips, some dent, etc), sell it and change it to RX7..
Warranty=no worry!! :) :) :)

Originally posted by newport8
For the past month, I've been debating whether to get an RX-8 or a 350z. I was just about ready to go out and get an RX-8 when I started to read about all the problems people have been having with the new car: fuel economy, check engine lights, a/c cycling, oil light, excess heat generation, etc.


The good thing about the 350z (outside of the RX-8 vs. 350z debate) is that it has been through one model year already. I went on some of the 350z forums, and they had their share of first model year problems, too: paint chipping, clutch problems, tire cupping, crappy Bose stereo, etc. It seems like a lot of these issues have been resolved with the 2004 model.


I'm in the same boat -- looking to replace my old trusty PGT with a new sports car. The reason why I've had my PGT for 11 years (!) is the fact that it rewarded me every day with a great driving experience -- on all sorts of roads, in all sorts of conditions, and in all of my moods. That's the main thing I'm hearing on this board. All the little issues are either immediately fixable or in the works.

OTOH, having driven a Z, as well as the G35, and also read many of the longer-term reviews, I'm confident, from my perspective, that the 8 is a vastly more "livable" car, on a day-to-day basis, design-wise, and personality-wise. Icing on the cake being that the 8 appears to be an outstanding weekender autox car -- read thru the competition threads.

Best of luck in your decision. I'll be getting an 8 in the near future.

Originally posted by RXhusker
3300 miles no problems -- one small and very intermitent rattle in the sunroof or dome light that I will get checked out (will also request the oil pan replacement).

I have that same rattle in the sunroof, husker...I just turn up the stereo and ignore it :D

4000 miles on mine now and none of the problems you posted.

Showoff,
Maybe you had the first RX-8 totally assembled in the U.S. According to your post you have had your car for more that a month, why didn't you take the buyback? It should have been obvious to you from reading this forum that the vast majority of owners have not experienced even one of your plethera of problems. Your post almost reads like a list of all the obscure single problems experienced or seen by all the RX-8's owners on this forum.

You have heard of Hypocondriac's, that is someone who hears of an affliction and makes it their own. I think their are a few Autocondriac's floating around on this forum, those who hear of a problem, and feel left out, so they add it to their list of problems.

4000 miles and nary a problem, but then, I am not the type to fiddle with every button, lever, or shift handle until it breaks. Its the nicest car I have ever had, and I treat it that way.

2000 miles and counting...
1. Intermittent oil light - Never had it

2. annoying ass rattle in the center of the dash that I don't even want to try to have the dealership fix for fear of creating more problems - CHECK! I HAVE IT.

[/b]3. RH window does not roll all the way down[/b] - NEVER HAPPENED..MAJOR THING.

4. Driver's side doors rattle over small road imperfections due to poor factory adjustment. - CHECK! GOT IT AS WELL.

5. Pass door power locks inop - NOPE.

6. fake metal finish on shift knob wearing off in less than 4000 miles (2000) of them were all hwy from KC to ATL - NOPE!

7. Now yesterday the damned rear end started whining louder than the radio when I decellerate by lifting off the throttle. Another local 8 owner that was at a car show with me today is having the same problem. - PLEASE NO!

briefly had the oil light come on at 2500 miles, discovered that I can't read dipsticks and it was down more than half a quart. will ask about it when I get my oil changed anyway. Other than that, at 3700 miles, nothing else you listed has appeared.

Originally posted by Chuck Clifford
Maybe you had the first RX-8 totally assembled in the U.S. According to your post you have had your car for more that a month, why didn't you take the buyback? It should have been obvious to you from reading this forum that the vast majority of owners have not experienced even one of your plethera of problems. Your post almost reads like a list of all the obscure single problems experienced or seen by all the RX-8's owners on this forum.

You have heard of Hypocondriac's, that is someone who hears of an affliction and makes it their own. I think their are a few Autocondriac's floating around on this forum, those who hear of a problem, and feel left out, so they add it to their list of problems.

4000 miles and nary a problem, but then, I am not the type to fiddle with every button, lever, or shift handle until it breaks. Its the nicest car I have ever had, and I treat it that way.

wow that was kind of harsh!!

Klegg, It must have been harsh for you to think so. It was meant for Showoff, not the thread originator. Its hard to have sympathy for someone who had an open ended money back guarantee. There were numerous RX-8 owners who took the buyback just to get a better RX-8. I find it very hard to believe that all of these problems manifested themselves after the buyback IMO.

Off Thread: Klegg: I'm sharpening my tongue for the next Z invasion. They sure spend a lot of time on the RX-8 forum worrying about our POS cars. The autox results that have started flowing in, has stopped a lot of the performance based bashing. Those results (or anticipation of them) are exactly why I bought the car. A perfect blend of power, response and handling in one sweet looking package.

I'm waiting for next years model too. You guys should all get the Z (its so ugly :P), i don't wanna see an RX8 every corner like those G35s, everyone and their mom has one now, it makes them a dime a dozen. I want my car to be special. Heheheheh

I was going to refrain from jumping in since I took the buy back. I don't want anyone to think I am picking on the 8. I still like the car and I am hoping Mazda will fix the problems. Until then, I am going to read the forum and see how you folks are doing with your cars. I will drive my poor old 93 Miata with 80,000 miles and still going strong.

Those of you who are enjoying your cars, may your miles be many and your troubles be none.

:D

only problem was cel light which had to be reset---5k miles on 8


and my girl feels a little ignored lately

Interesting...

Two [snap]
Two [snap]
Two threads in one!

[end of commercial]

Really now, if you have prob's, take your lists to your local Mazda shop and have them fix each & every one - for zreo cost.

I know it can be a bother, but I've been there, done that (not with this car...). In the end, it's all fixed & you have that perfect RX-8. Do it.

Rattle behind the dash? Do it.

Noise from the rear end? Definitely do it, ASAP!

Window won't "roll" down all the way? It might seem "major", but it's not. It's a piece of cake to the shop guys. Do it!

Etc. Whatever you can come up with. Do it. If it can wait for your normal maint. checkup, combine the trip with those dinky little prob's. That'll reduce the pain greatly.

Originally posted by rfdjr
As I read about some of these engine related issues, such as engine light and mileage, it makes me wonder how aggressive some RX-8 drivers are. I don't "baby" my RX-8, but I don't drive 100 mph either.


Well the manual recommends...

1-2 @ 14mph
2-3 @ 22mph
3-4 @ 29mph
4-5 @ 36mph
5-6 @ 46mph

Now common... who here hasn't been over 46mph in 2nd?
Only by driving as "recommended" above, will you get close to the guaranteed estimated mpg ratings. Very rarely have I made the estimated MPG RANGE. And yes... I drive 100MPH and I like to keep the rpms between 4500 and 8500rpm. 6th gear? What's that? It's a rotory damnit... let it zip!

Oh and btw...

4000 +/-100mi, and no problems except the oil light at 2600mi (3/4qt low), and only at high speed. Keepin oil topped off helps keep the light away... calling for oil pan service tomorrow, I know what the problem is and will get the 8 in the shop on MY schedule.

Enjoy your 8 if you have one, enjoy whatever if you've returned your 8, enjoy your time deciding if you want an 8 and if the RX-8 returns in 2005, maybe it'll be "kinked out" to your satisfaction.

Peace.

Originally posted by Chuck Clifford
Showoff,
Maybe you had the first RX-8 totally assembled in the U.S. According to your post you have had your car for more that a month, why didn't you take the buyback? It should have been obvious to you from reading this forum that the vast majority of owners have not experienced even one of your plethera of problems. Your post almost reads like a list of all the obscure single problems experienced or seen by all the RX-8's owners on this forum.

You have heard of Hypocondriac's, that is someone who hears of an affliction and makes it their own. I think their are a few Autocondriac's floating around on this forum, those who hear of a problem, and feel left out, so they add it to their list of problems.

4000 miles and nary a problem, but then, I am not the type to fiddle with every button, lever, or shift handle until it breaks. Its the nicest car I have ever had, and I treat it that way.

Hardly a Hypochondriac my friend, and I have probobly forgotten more about cars than you know. I deal with customers on a daily basis with thier own little set of quirks for their new vehicles. I did mention that I have been a manager at a car dealership for several years. Each new car intro'd has it's own set of problems that most or sometimes a handfull of customers experience. I am not imagining these things at all. I barely read the posts on this website and I don't spend much of my idle time here reading. I have owned several cars over the years and this one is the 2nd car I have ever owned in it's 1st year of re-introduction. My Eclipse only had one problem in the 4 years that I have owned it that was not self inflicted by your's truly and that was a blown fuse that powered the sunroof.

I am sure that as time goes by these "quirks" will become less frequent as improvements are made in the assembly process, but there are a things like the oil pan that should not have been unnoticed during the few months that are spent testing pre-production vehicles on the streets.

I also would never give back a car for something as petty as this, or a mere 8 hp and BTW these problems arose after the buy back expired.

I agree that some things should have been found in the pre-production. However if Mazda changes suppliers or something like that it is possible to end up with a bad part. You must remember Mazda does not make the whole car, the suppliers make the sub parts.

In pre-production some of these parts are probably hand made by a designer so they are a good part,and when a supplier starts making this part they may make mistakes and not know until we see the mistakes. If Mazda gets complants they will indeed check into it. So make sure if you do make complants talk to the right person. (usually not your dealer)

Almost 4000 miles, no problems. Well, the tire pressure monitor light came on, but that was fixed by removing the screw from the tire and patching it!

Most good auto manufactures sort out the bugs in the first 6-8 months. I picked up my 8 two weeks ago an I'm happy to report that my gas mileage has already increased, the exhaust smell has been gone after the first couple of days, and the engine seems to be loosening up quite nicely. My 8 only has 700mi. So it is fair to say that it's still early in the game and something could happen in the miles to come.