Well, after reading the threads.... I notice two major problems with the RX8.

1] engine burns oil (?). Need to fill up the engine every two-three weeks?

2] bad gas mpg. average is 17-18mpg.

I'm tempted to export one to Taiwan since this car is worth $55k over there. However, the top two reasons is already putting my foot on the brakes since [1] can I get 5-20 oil in Taiwan? [2] gas is slightly more expensive than California and it is 95% city driving.

I wouldn't mind the gas mileage if the tank could hold an extra 3-5 gallons of gas.

Originally posted by Technomarine
1] engine burns oil (?). Need to fill up the engine every two-three weeks?
Depending on how far you're driving. It's certainly a lot better than older rotaries, and oil is cheap.
2] bad gas mpg. average is 17-18mpg.
Doesn't really bother me either. I'm 7 minutes from work.

What really bothers me is I won't have mine until JANUARY. :(

Partly my fault for picking a non-launch colour, but GRRR anyway...

Whoa there, Techno-pardner! Argh!

The engine uses oil in very minute quantities to lubricate the rotary chambers. It doesn't "burn" oil, like the way that term is used with piston poppers, oK?

It's use of oil is a good thing, not a bad thing. It was designed that way, just like timing chains are designed for a life of around 70k miles on a piston popper. It's to be expected & so you deal with it.

Rotaries are different than piston-types. They have different needs, and those different needs can be interpreted as things you don't like, fine. I see this use of oil as a pretty cool unique thing because I know why & I don't mind at all that I need to keep it topped up once in a while.

So, please don't go around saying the RX-8's "burn" oil. They don't.

Originally posted by Technomarine
Well, after reading the threads.... I notice two major problems with the RX8.

1] engine burns oil (?). Need to fill up the engine every two-three weeks?

I'm not sure how you figure this is a major problem - the Renesis does burn a very slight amount of oil - in 3000 km, I had to add one litre. That's actually pretty average for any vehicle! It isn't a problem at all.

Regards,
Gordon

Also stating you need to "fill up the engine with oil" every 2-3 weeks is complete baloney.

You will probably need to add a quart of oil every thousand or so miles. Because the engine is designed to consume oil, it's a good idea to get into the habit of checking the level regularly.

Sounds to me like your either the victim of some bad-juju propaganda, or you're trying to spread some around.

Simon.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE RX-8:

The fact that the owners CONTINUALLY post threads like this one. How many of these must be posted? And what is the point of it? To hear that someone doesn't like to check their oil? To hear that they only get 18 MPG? SO WHAT?

Boring as hell.

Originally posted by RX8Lover
WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE RX-8:

The fact that the owners CONTINUALLY post threads like this one. How many of these must be posted? And what is the point of it? To hear that someone doesn't like to check their oil? To hear that they only get 18 MPG? SO WHAT?

Boring as hell.

then ignore it...

Originally posted by RX8Lover
WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE RX-8:

The fact that the owners CONTINUALLY post threads like this one. How many of these must be posted? And what is the point of it? To hear that someone doesn't like to check their oil? To hear that they only get 18 MPG? SO WHAT?

Boring as hell.

Actually this one was started by a non-owner...

Most of the similarly "boring" threads have been started by folks who don't own or are doing the buy-back.

I agree, not much constructive outcome possible with such a thread.

uno that smiley is a good example of why there are not more available on this forum..

i don't like that the car has to be on for the lighter to work. other than that probably not having the mirror "puddle" lights. and i still have some of that crap sticky stuff where the edges of the white protective film was in transit. i thought after several washings i would have gotten it all but it looks like some more work needs to be done.

Originally posted by zoom44
uno that smiley is a good example of why there are more available on this forum..



there are?! where?

oops read it again. dammit zoom if you are going to scold someone do it right! jeeze *smacks head*

sferrett,

Your selling your 3rd gen to keep the 8!?
I was throwing around the idea for a while myself. But I couldn't bring myself to give up the ol' girl. My car is "slightly" modified, DP, MP, Catback, M2 IC and intake, PowerFC and 12lbs of boost. I don't know if I can leave the power behind for a more refined car. Hows the 8 working out as a replacement for your 3rd gen?

Mike

Originally posted by 94se7en
sferrett,

Your selling your 3rd gen to keep the 8!?
I was throwing around the idea for a while myself. But I couldn't bring myself to give up the ol' girl. My car is "slightly" modified, DP, MP, Catback, M2 IC and intake, PowerFC and 12lbs of boost. I don't know if I can leave the power behind for a more refined car. Hows the 8 working out as a replacement for your 3rd gen?

Mike

Well I'm not really considering it a replacement, or an upgrade. Just something a little different.

I originally was gonna sell it, then I changed my mind, and now I'm thinking of buying a house, so I would need some money. It's not an easy decision, believe me. My FD is slightly modified too, DP and hi-flo cat - It's certainly more powerful than the 8 and I will certainly miss that aspect. The 8 does seem more refined - the ride is smoother etc. etc. and yet it still handles like it's on rails - very fun indeed.

So considering that I really don't drive it much any more I think it would have a better life being looked after and driven by someone else rather than sitting around getting dusty (and depreciating).

Simon.

Originally posted by R32
I wouldn't mind the gas mileage if the tank could hold an extra 3-5 gallons of gas.

so true


and UNO I'm still laughing from that cartoon

I came close to putting a desposit down on one until I found another F-Body with very low miles.

Despite the GM lack of quality there's little complaining about the car. I guess its paying $10,000 less for nearly 300RWHP may be a start and a loyal following. I know its lacking power that is what I think people are so angry about. I think Maza should follow Ford and GM and underate the HP leaving poeple with a very happy discovery instead of grief.

But my gripe is:

THE DEALERSHIPS IN CENTRAL TEXAS PRESSURED ME!!!!!
THEY TOLD ME THE PRICE WAS GOING TO GO UP AND
THERE WILL BE SUCH A DEMAND I MAY NOT GET A CHANCE
TO OWN ONE ANYTIME SOON. .....

OK... I might have an opportunity to purchase a RX-8 Grand Touring Auto 3000 miles on there... for US$25000 + taxes. Is it worth it?

I can honestly say the only thing about the RX-8 that I've found to be an irritation so far is that I don't think the Up and Down stereo controls on the steering wheel are very well-placed. I've not seen this mentioned before (probably because of its hideously nit-picking nature!), but my fingers just don't hit those controls right at all. So I have to kind of twist my hand over so I can press them right.

Seriously, that's all I can complain about up to now. Hope it stays that way. :)

Originally posted by Technomarine
OK... I might have an opportunity to purchase a RX-8 Grand Touring Auto 3000 miles on there... for US$25000 + taxes. Is it worth it?

yes. unless something is really wrong with the engine or tranny or frame.

rotary doesn't burn oil . it mixes the oil with gas at the chamber for lubrication. anybody the had a rotary engine should know about that .bv

Technomarine,

You might enjoy a standard more. I find autos good for 2 reasons:
1. Family cars or special needs people
2. All out 300RWHP+ Drag cars for 1/4 Times.

I think the closer it gets to XMas the more desparate the Mazda Dealerships will get.

Things I don't like...

1. Integrated stereo - what happens when there's some really good decks and stuff in another couple of years (they want to lock you in to their rubbish) - It may look good, but it's very average quality.

2. The brakes look "cheap".

3. The fake mesh under the rear bumpre looks cheesey. (It's right up there with hub caps that look like mag wheels!)

4. Undersized fuel tank.

5. Oil dip stick placement.

6. Steering wheel doesn't telescope.

... and I do love the car ...

Originally posted by Kev
Things I don't like...
3. The fake mesh under the rear bumpre looks cheesey. (It's right up there with hub caps that look like mag wheels!)


I hope mazda redesignes that piece in future production. Can't wait to buy it.:)

Originally posted by zoom44
yes. unless something is really wrong with the engine or tranny or frame.

Low-ball Seller! Very F! 25,000 would have close the deal. Now he has several offers (from where?) for 27,000, but would give it to me for 26,500. :mad: :mad: :mad: If he has offer for 27,000, why would he give it to me for 500 less? I think after the 26500, that would be the down payment?

Once your brain is fixed at 25,000, it is hard to raise that number. :mad: :mad: :mad:

There are some seriously awesome twisties in Central Taiwan, but I couldn't imagine driving a standard in Taipei. Taipei traffic makes LA rush hour look like the Indy 500. Hope your purchase starts going smoothly though!

Well after all of 25 minutes driving the demo:

- it would definitely be better off with an analog speedometer. What would really be fantastic would be a dual-needle gauge with concentric tach and speedo rings. That would make a lovely dance winding through the gears.

- i'm so used to the Miata that I kept looking for somewhere to rest my left arm. There's nothing there.

- the A/C did seem anemic.

- would it have ruined some cosmic plan to give another 1" headroom?

- and the #1 thing I don't like ..... I don't have one yet :)

Originally posted by Nubo
Well after all of 25 minutes driving the demo:

- it would definitely be better off with an analog speedometer. What would really be fantastic would be a dual-needle gauge with concentric tach and speedo rings. That would make a lovely dance winding through the gears.

- i'm so used to the Miata that I kept looking for somewhere to rest my left arm. There's nothing there.

- the A/C did seem anemic.

- would it have ruined some cosmic plan to give another 1" headroom?

- and the #1 thing I don't like ..... I don't have one yet :)

Initially I felt the same about the speedo and headroom. I've never like digital guages in the past. This one grows on you. As far as headroom goes, I'm a marginal fit - but I've grown to love the cocooned feeling and don't have the mild claustrophobic feel I had when the car was new to me.

BTW, I think the needles scissoring about would confuse the heck out of most people. (I always thought a yellow tach needle turning bright red on red on redline would be nice though).

Originally posted by loco4rx8
I can honestly say the only thing about the RX-8 that I've found to be an irritation so far is that I don't think the Up and Down stereo controls on the steering wheel are very well-placed. I've not seen this mentioned before (probably because of its hideously nit-picking nature!), but my fingers just don't hit those controls right at all. So I have to kind of twist my hand over so I can press them right.

Seriously, that's all I can complain about up to now. Hope it stays that way. :)

wow
the stereo functions of the wheel is like my favorite feature

Originally posted by loco4rx8
I can honestly say the only thing about the RX-8 that I've found to be an irritation so far is that I don't think the Up and Down stereo controls on the steering wheel are very well-placed. I've not seen this mentioned before (probably because of its hideously nit-picking nature!), but my fingers just don't hit those controls right at all. So I have to kind of twist my hand over so I can press them right.

Seriously, that's all I can complain about up to now. Hope it stays that way. :)

FINGERS???

You use your thumb, you know - the opposed bit the makes you me and the monkey really special.

How do you go with the cruise control? Mus be damn hard pressing the buttons with your nose while you're driving :)

thats harsh man

Originally posted by mikeb
thats harsh man

Wasn't meant to be harsh - sorry if it read like that ... imagine a feeling more like "amazed".

I just can't visualise trying to drive and moving your hand to press the buttons with your fingers. You'd almost need to take your eyes off the road to do that!

For me the buttons just fall into place - and my hards are really normal (yeh, about the only part of me!)

oh I see

I agree with you, buttons are in perfect place

Originally posted by Kev
Wasn't meant to be harsh - sorry if it read like that ... imagine a feeling more like "amazed".

I just can't visualise trying to drive and moving your hand to press the buttons with your fingers. You'd almost need to take your eyes off the road to do that!

For me the buttons just fall into place - and my hards are really normal (yeh, about the only part of me!)


I do use my thumb. A thumb IS a finger where I come from. The buttons are poorly positioned for me. Glad they fit for you.

I think the oil dip stick is cheesy, poorly placed, and very hard to read. The dip stick on the rotary is a critical part and should be more ergonomically placed and easier to read.

Originally posted by renotse
I think the oil dip stick is cheesy, poorly placed, and very hard to read. The dip stick on the rotary is a critical part and should be more ergonomically placed and easier to read.

Agreed, the dipstick is too hard to get to.

Someone previously mentioned that the steering doesn't telescope, that is also my gripe.

It seems like (I have very long legs) to get comfortable, I need the seat all the way back. But, when I do, I find the steering too far away. So, then I raise the seat back very upright, which is OK. But then I have no headroom (my hair touches the roof, which is kind of irrititating).

So I guess I would want telescoping steering And/Or more headroom.

Other than that, I love the car.

Well, Actually I would like more storage room for CDs, but can't think where it could be added.

Originally posted by renotse
I think the oil dip stick is ... poorly placedIt's certainly harder to access back there in the rear end plate. Earlier rotaries had the dipstick in the center plate, which made it much easier to reach. I can only assume that they moved it because the front-mid engine location means that the sump bowl is in a different place on the Renesis.

what i don't like is the corporate decision that canada only gets 700 units while the states gets something like 22 000 units for the 2004 model year. i wasn't looking for 50/50 split, but maybe 1000 units ?!

so i guess my gripe is, that i'm not driving one - yet.

dip stick location---
I get marks on my hand everytime

i can get the dipstick out without taking the cover off but just barely. i always take it off now to clean whats underneath and check the stick.

Originally posted by U. N. O.
there are?! where?

Zoom44;
I'm not here to encourage this type of behavior, but the smiley was funny, and your response was better. LOL

i had to think long and hard for these:

- for those of us that have power seats, there's no quick way to recline forward the driver's seat...you have to wait (yes i know you can use the back doors, but still)

- this leads me to gripe #2, no memory position on the power seats

- passenger doesn't have power seats

- the front wheels ALWAYS get dirtier than the back ones...don't know why that is, it has never happened on any of my other cars

- exhaust tips get dirty very easy...looks dirtier when you have the rotary accents because the accents are brighter, more chrome looking

- center console is just a little too low for me or the seat height is a little too high...can't seem to adjust seats any lower

- i wish the back windows were power

- DVD-ROM doesn't play movies and we probably can't even hack iit to be able to...gonna have to get separate unit which sucks

- too much mids in the BOSE stereo

- gas mileage

- Mazda aftermarket parts are at rip-off prices

- Mazda dealership reps are the biggest bunch of dicks i wish i could kill with a blunt spoon

anyways, that's about all i can think of...nothing really annoys me that much...oh wait:

- everytime i leave the car i turn around multiple times to get another look

- sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night and just sit in my car

- i spent more time with my RX than with my previous girlfriend...that's why she dumped me...

- i spent more time with my RX than with my previous girlfriend...that's why she dumped me... [/B][/QUOTE]


Been there with my last car and I'm approaching that fast with this car

great list, I agree so much

Originally posted by BRx8
- the front wheels ALWAYS get dirtier than the back ones...don't know why that is, it has never happened on any of my other cars[/i]
Brake dust - more force on the front brakes. This has happened on all the car's I've owned...
- everytime i leave the car i turn around multiple times to get another look
Hey, I still do that with my MX-5 after 5 years. It's called infatuation. :)
- sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night and just sit in my car
Umm, no comment... you don't even take her out for a spin?
- i spent more time with my RX than with my previous girlfriend...that's why she dumped me...
My current gf wants my MX-5 but can't afford it. Oh, and she can't drive which would make any plans to keep it rather pointless. I think on balance, she will understand when the '8 comes along. Will keep me out of her hair for a little while at least. :)

Holding comment on gripes about the car itself until I actually have one!

my girl keeps asking to drive it and I havent let her yet:D

I should correct that for fear of being seen as a cradle-snatcher - she can't drive in the UK. She does have an Alaskan driving license though. :)

Gas mileage? well it is the same or better than my previous car. The only complaint I have with the car is the lack of cool air venting (without using AC) to the footwell. I greatly enjoy the car - just notice the toasty footwell.

Originally posted by loco4rx8
I do use my thumb. A thumb IS a finger where I come from. The buttons are poorly positioned for me. Glad they fit for you.

Well you just have to describe how you hold the steering wheel, so that we can understand where you "thumb fingers" rest and why they're so far away from the audio (and assume cruise) control buttons.

It's become a real mystery to me.

Mazda had part of a good idea. The mesh panels on the sunshade are great when you are stopped at a light with the late afternoon sun coming almost exactly from behind the light. By wiggling around a bit, you can block the sun with the opaque center section and check the light through the mesh. But when the sun is on your left and you swing over the shade, sometimes the rays come right through the mesh at your face.
The solution should be simple: attach two layers of opaque material to the center section that you can swing out to cover one or both of the mesh parts when desired. Anyone have ideas on the best material, hinge and attachment arrangements to use, and how to cobble them up?

Originally posted by Kev
Well you just have to describe how you hold the steering wheel, so that we can understand where you "thumb fingers" rest and why they're so far away from the audio (and assume cruise) control buttons.

It's become a real mystery to me.


Alright.... first of all, I kind of posted it as a joke. It's such a small complaint, and yet it is really the only problem I have with the car, I thought it was kinda funny.

Anyway, I have small hands, so that's probably the problem. I am referring to the buttons that you use to "Track Up/Track Down" or "Station Up/Station Down", NOT the volume control buttons, which are just fine.

I just find these buttons difficult to reach easily with my thumb. The UP button, in particular, is located a little too far up for my thumb to be able to reach it without having to shift my grip off the steering wheel just a bit.

It's just a bit awkward for me. I'm not sure how they could fix it. The way the buttons on the Accord (my previous car) steering wheel were layed out were easier for me to use. They didn't look as cool, but they were a little more functional for me.

Hope that satisfies your curiosity. :D

I hate the way that after it rains, I get these weird vertical streaks on the side of the car under the door handles. Seems to happen if there's a lot of dew as well.

Elara, either you have bad air where you are (impurities in the rain/dew) or there's some substance or other being leeched out of the door handle assembly. If it's the latter, it will pass eventually! Unless it's gunk from your filthy hands of course. ;)

i just saw that streak on mine this morning. its more noticable on the passenger side tham the driver side. when i first saw it from a distance i thought someone had creased me with their door but up close you can see it is just a streak from water running off. sort of like if you spill gasoline down the side of a car.

Originally posted by loco4rx8
Alright.... first of all, I kind of posted it as a joke. It's such a small complaint, and yet it is really the only problem I have with the car, I thought it was kinda funny.

Anyway, I have small hands, so that's probably the problem. I am referring to the buttons that you use to "Track Up/Track Down" or "Station Up/Station Down", NOT the volume control buttons, which are just fine.

I just find these buttons difficult to reach easily with my thumb. The UP button, in particular, is located a little too far up for my thumb to be able to reach it without having to shift my grip off the steering wheel just a bit.

It's just a bit awkward for me. I'm not sure how they could fix it. The way the buttons on the Accord (my previous car) steering wheel were layed out were easier for me to use. They didn't look as cool, but they were a little more functional for me.


Hope that satisfies your curiosity. :D

Found this high tech solution that may just be what you need :)

http://www.me.psu.edu/me415/SPRING02/EPICS8/new_page_1.htm

:D :D :D

Originally posted by Kev
Found this high tech solution that may just be what you need :)

http://www.me.psu.edu/me415/SPRING02/EPICS8/new_page_1.htm

:D :D :D


This is exactly what I need! A thumb extender for my freakishly short thumbs. Thanks, Kev. ;)

Originally posted by eccles
It's certainly harder to access back there in the rear end plate. Earlier rotaries had the dipstick in the center plate, which made it much easier to reach. I can only assume that they moved it because the front-mid engine location means that the sump bowl is in a different place on the Renesis. While I was checking my oil yesterday, I looked more closely and discovered that the dipstick is still located in the center plate - it's just that the entire engine is mounted so far back that the center plate is almost at the firewall. Damn, they did a neat job of packaging this car!

They sure did a neat job on packaging this car...I just find the moonroof deflector accessory a nuisance. Other than that, the car is one foine ride!

the fact that i had to take the car in twice this week to get serviced. once for the defective oil pan, and the second time because my check engine light came on. THey just had to reprogram the ecu, but when it first came on my car freaked out and i couldn't drive at high rpms. then it was fine. i'll find out exactly what they did to my ecu. for a second i thought maybe that i happen to have an ECU that was still pumpin out 247hp, but that would've been a long shot.

that mine is in the shop and its absolutely agonizing... I am on this site at my pre-delivery rate once again (>2 hours a day) cause I miss it so much. When I had it I thought 'why are there so many friggin posts' cause I would log on to 400+ new threads when I logged on once a week. now when I see ~26 threads with new posts when I log on once an hour I get all upset people aren't more active.

real gripes:

I'm a little disappointed with the drive tunnel trim
(http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12601&highlight=scratch) and the ease with which it scratches. Same with some of the other plastics, like on the doors and the lip near the door sills.

C pillar really cuts visibility a ton. maybe I am just noticing this more now since I have a convertible rental while my rx-8 is in the shop (no c pillar with the top down)

I can't really get my passenger side mirror to extend out quite far enough for good positioning.

A/C does seem weak. maybe I should take it in and have them look at it.

paint seems to chip rather easily on the front, but I think that is the case with all new cars.

cost of accessories.

lack of torque and poor gas mileage (I'M KIDDING)

those took some effort to come up with.
I love my 8.

Since many of us have had our RX-8s for 90 days now, I am hoping to get a sense of what common problems have come up.

Please state your mileage and any service problems you have encountered. Here is mine:


2400 miles

Replaced oil pan (per Mazda Service Bulletin)
Warped drive side mirror, replced.


:)

You'd better search. Some folks here get a might touchy about new threads. Imagine the audacity of starting a new thread on a bulletin board.

Bugs.

They keep getting all over the front of it. Seems like I have to wash it all the time.

Smart donkey (<<--me) :)