For many of us that were in the 1st Pre-Order group, we have been the proud owner of our RX-8 for three months now. Here is a compilation of strengths, & areas of improvement:

Strengths - One of the best machines made for human interaction.

I have not driven any type of supercar for a comparison, but I believe people spend 3+ times as much on a vehicle to get the feeling I get when I am behind my RX-8.

Power delivery for such a small engine is unbelievable, the shifter & transmission is like smooth butter, the braking is predictable & short, the ride is firm yet still comfortable, and the steering / handling is by far the most enjoyable aspect of mine.

Seating for (4) adults was a necessity, and with the 'freestyle' doors, ingress & egress to the back seats is painless. Another surprise was actually how big the truck / boot is. This past week I flew to Texas & Oklahoma, and with the training material I needed, it required me to use my biggest piece of luggage. I was expecting the luggage would have to sit in the passenger seat, but was quite impressed when the trunk opening was wide enough to let it go in the back.

Areas of Improvement - While I wish my Sports Car got 30+ mpg, I did not go into this purchase thinking it would, and am actually getting better (21-22 mpg) than I had budgeted for (20 mpg). But the biggest area I think needs improvement is the need for a 20 gallon gas tank. Having to refuel in distances of 300 miles or less just constantly encourages the thinking our RX-8's are thirsty.

The exhaust note is too low. I will be upgrading the exhaust system. The Rev Buzzer does not register with my ears, so I cannot hear it. I would prefer an adjustable volume control, or a big bright light that lets me know 9K rpm has been reached.


In summary, deciding to purchase the RX-8 was one of the best choices I have made - ever. I find / create excuses to look at it, touch it, and drive it. When parking it, I usually look back just once more to check it out.

People on this board have suggested it is like any other vehicle, by using phrases such as "... it is just a car." After spending 3 months with mine, I choose to disagree with that sentiment, as mine has become much more than 'just a car'.

wow
youre right, 3 months already

I'm just as happy as when it was 3 days old

I think I may be happier than I was when it was 3 days old (if that is possible). I've had time to notice all the little practical features that really make this a one of a kind model. I love the fact that there is storage everywhere, a large trunk, and plenty of headroom (even in the back)... All these things would be awesome on their own, but the fact that it comes in a sports car, and still makes for an incredibly exciting driving experience has made this the greatest purchase I have ever made. My experience with Mazda (at least with my dealer) has been amazing, I have never been treated as well by any company I have dealt with, and every question / concern I have had has been answered to my satisfaction or beyond. I am incredibly happy with my purchase, and, like rxeightr said above, I find reasons to look at it, I wash it when it is perfectly clean, and I love walking out to the parking lot, and seeing people looking at it before they know it's mine. :-)

Awesome man. Good write up. I agree, your baby is never "just a car." I know it is an extension of me .Especially when the things you do in it can decide if you live or die!

Picked up my baby july 28th and still get separation anxiety , must drive her everiday otherwise i get grumpy, nearly as good as SEX .

Originally posted by Lock & Load
...nearly as good as SEX .

NEARLY??? ;)

I have not driven any type of supercar for a comparison, but I believe people spend 3+ times as much on a vehicle to get the feeling I get when I am behind my RX-8.

i think that pretty much sums it up.

i knoe i have a problem with being content with cars. i have had 3 cars in the past 2 years, and im fairly young. i would consider myself very blessed to have this opportunity. so far i love my rx8, and i feel like i never want to let it go. driving is not a chore anymore, as i cant wait to get out of work or class just to hope into my 8 and disappear from reality.

Originally posted by Lock & Load
Picked up my baby july 28th and still get separation anxiety , must drive her everiday otherwise i get grumpy, nearly as good as SEX .

I certainly enjoy it more often...

after 6700 miles,and have had the car for 10 or 11 weeks(average 600 miles a week)i have had really no problems.during the first week i did have the oil light but this seems to have fixed itsself.my package tray will rattle on our rougher roads but i blame are crappy roads more so than the car.all in all this has been the best new car i have owned out of 5 new cars over my years.i am a aggressive driver and this car suits me well and my only changes would be a little more mid rpm punch,fender strakes standard equipment,headlight washers for us market and maybe do something with the front doors(my wife and i find its a stretch to open the front doors all the way from the sitted postion and flinging them open to there last detent causes them to come right back.this by all means is a small complaint but for me at 6.2 makes it alittle hard to get out of):cool:

At 1016 miles and three weeks. I'm more in love with it every day. I did have the oil light problem appear on a 4 hour/70-80MPH drive, so I'll be asking the dealer for the new oil pan soon (planning another long-ish trip over Thanskgiving.

This car wins you over at a very emotional level. When I wash the car, especially the front hood and fenders, it makes me "feel funny inside" (as Garth would say from Waynes World). :)

I absolutely love the driver's view. The front fenders and hood; the connection of the center of the dash to the hood rotary indent. It all works together so very well.

Quibbles:

I don't hear the RPM warning buzzer. I'm not sure mine works.

Exhaust note is a bit too quiet, but the aftermarket can fix that easily!

I'd like those 9 horses back.

A slightly larger gas tank would be nice, but so far its not a problem for me.

A fog light indicator lamp

A door that was two inches lower. I'm spoiled by my Miata.

A grill on each front side intake to protect those radiators from road debris. They might be for the A/C, I haven't checked their function.

Replace Bose with Polk, or someone else (But I bet this is a Ford deal with Bose)

MP3 CD player standard (with input jack to connect iPOD or another external MP3 player

Originally posted by FutureRX8owner
Exhaust note is a bit too quiet, but the aftermarket can fix that easily!

I'd like those 9 horses back.


At least these two go hand in hand, and mazda will pay for most of it with the $500 card! :-)

I'm really, really happy with my RX-8.

I've had a few things go on--- the engine light has come on, the oil light has come on, mazda messed with the HP, the fuel economy isn't that good.

But you know what?

I haven't given these things a second thought because I LOVE driving my car. I love the way it looks, it's comfortable, the handling *still* exceeds my every expectation, and the power it delivers is plentiful. Four six+ foot guys ride to lunch every day in it and are completely comfortable.

When you find yourself able to overlook things that would usually annoy the crap out of you about a new car, you know you've made a connection with a fantastic automobile.

Originally posted by rxeightr
But the biggest area I think needs improvement is the need for a 20 gallon gas tank. Having to refuel in distances of 300 miles or less just constantly encourages the thinking our RX-8's are thirsty.


Yes, but a bigger tank would also mean spending more money each trip to the gas station, which I believe has more negative psychological effects than filling up more often. Let's face it, it's a loose/loose situation either way. :D

I love my red 8, and if I didn't, the 200 miles per fill up would've ended our relationship miles ago.

I love the thing. It's the first new car that I have ever purchased that I have not had buyer's remorse. 20 MPG isn't bothering me. Plenty of horse power for me, since it is a large step up from the heavier car with 190 HP that I used to have. Nope I love this thing, and the handling is better than my '67 Alfa Romeo which is great in itself.

However, does anyone else have trouble backing the d**n thing up. I find that I have alot of difficulty seeing past the C pillars and the head rests. I would love to cut the headrests off of the seats (cloth), but obviously that's out so I am working on coping skills like learning to use the mirrors as if this thing were a truck. I understand from reading the book that there was no option but to use thick C pillars to make the car structurally rigid, and I would not trade that rigidity for slightly better sight lines, but do we really need those huge headrests? That's my only qibble with the car.

i feel fairly blind when reversing the car. especially coming out of my drivewayin the morning.

i just got mine last Friday and couldn't b happier.....yeah I know I'm not a 3-monther, but ppl got on a roll about finding excuses to drive it.....well I'll be deploying in a week for 14 days OUTCONUS!!! It's going to suck! My poor sled just sittin there, surrounded by outdated hoodlums, chevys, toyotas, F...F....F..ords. It's going to be torture! Poor thing, I feel bad for it already!!

I've had mine for a month. I take delight in shutting up all the trolls I had to read for the previous several months--the car is fast as hell, the A/C works great, gas mileage is good, and my feet don't burn up!!
But most importantly, it is just a joy to drive. I'm always looking for curvy shortcuts.
:D

Originally posted by Peakster
I've had mine for a month. I take delight in shutting up all the trolls I had to read for the previous several months--the car is fast as hell, the A/C works great, gas mileage is good, and my feet don't burn up!!
But most importantly, it is just a joy to drive. I'm always looking for curvy shortcuts.
:D

I've had mine for a little over three months and I'd describe the gas mileage as fair (16-18 MPG), there is a noticeable (only when ambient temp is high) amount of heat that radiates from the transmission tunnel, and you also get blasted with hot air when the A/C cycles. As for the power it is not up to Mazda's specs and goes a little limp in the upper revs.

I know that sounds like a bad review but I think that these are fairly trivial issues that you get used to and they do not hamper the enjoyment of this excellent car. I've already racked up more than 8,400 miles (510 miles on the track) and it has easily been the most enjoyable car that I have owned.

Right now I'm having fun doing some minor mods (see sig) and feel that the RX-8 has a lot of untapped potential. It does everything so well (comfortable daily driver to well manored track scalpel) that it will be easy to tailor it to your exact needs. Next on my list is a fuel/ignition controller to regain the lost Hp! :D

I've had mine since September 5th, and all I can say is I love this car. I go home the long way just to take some twisty backroads, plenty in Nashville. I've owned some POS's before and I've worked really hard to get to the point where I have a car I love in every aspect. I like the Bose system, I have Bose speakers, (the old tower type) at home, it doesn't seem as loud as the infinity in my Dodge Stratus, but it is so clear. I'm in the music business, and I've played music a lot, you sort of develop an ear for natural sounding pure resonance sounding music. There could be more highs, but overall very clear, and being so clear I don't think it sounds as loud.

Still gets me from Point A to Point B so I'm still happy with it.

Originally posted by oosik
i just got mine last Friday and couldn't b happier.....yeah I know I'm not a 3-monther, but ppl got on a roll about finding excuses to drive it.....well I'll be deploying in a week for 14 days OUTCONUS!!! It's going to suck! My poor sled just sittin there, surrounded by outdated hoodlums, chevys, toyotas, F...F....F..ords. It's going to be torture! Poor thing, I feel bad for it already!!

I feel your pain man, I've got about a month before a 3 monther, luckily (maybe), my wife will have the car, so it won't be left with the 'other' cars...

I'm past the 3 month mark also....and share many of the thoughts here.

My rundown:

The Good
-------------

Appearance, Appearance, Appearance, There's nothing else like it on the road, and it turns heads like a 6 foot blonde. Boldest, Sexiest Sports Car profile going.

Power/Handling/Size combo....for a slick, small sports car it is fast as a bullet, and handles better than any German's I've driven.

Exhaust / Engine sound and feel are awesome. One of the best notes I've heard on a car.

Interior design / appointments (less those noted below). I love the cool two tone leather and instrument cluster. Original, Beautiful and Functional.


The Bad
-------------

Gas mileage is abyssmal. I get 300km to a tank driving only highway. Not sure how you guys get 300 miles outta these cars, I'm nowhere close. The $$ doesn't bother me, it is the need to fill up 2-3 times a week (I do a 150km commute each day).

Stupid Ass Cupholders in the front. Man does this one bug me. Put a couple of coffees in there and try to try that 6 speed around town. Awkward, and when the compartment is open there's nowhere to rest your arm.

The Bose Factor. I like the sound, but it ain't great. I expected better. I will add though, that it is much better than the Harmon Kardon premium system I had in my BMW.

Oil light / Oil Consumption. Light goes on at high speeds, and sucks a quart each 2,000km or so. The light can be fixed, I know, but consumption is a bit high.




Having said all that, I love my 8, and spend 2 hours a day in it....enjoying every moment, and watching people stare at it in wonder.

i am going to buy an RX-8 and i think your wright up has helped make up my mind, so any more info to help my wife about this great car please post more, bravo..
Andrew here in Chicago..

i am going to buy an RX-8 and i think your wright up has helped make up my mind, so any more info to help my wife about this great car please post more, bravo..

Here are some other comments to add to my original post.

To sell my wife on the RX-8, while I made the purchase decision & am making the payments, anytime we go somewhere together I ask here to drive. She usually takes me up on that;)

Driving the RX-8 is the best thing about it, so make sure to give her plenty of opportunities to enjoy that part of the car. I drive it to work every weekday, so I get plenty of time behind the wheel. While I'd prefer to drive it ALL the time, her enjoyment in driving the RX-8 is worth the sacrifice.

A week ago last Friday, we went on an 8 hour trip, and came back on Sunday. This was the 2nd long distance trip we have taken in the RX-8. Surprisingly comfortable for the long-hauls too.

Just got back from my weekly country drive. Loving it.
Only complain is I can't get enough of driving it. :D

i've had my 8 for a month and a half and so far so good. no cel or oil light as yet. MPG is a little low but i do 80%-90% city 7 days a week. it really is an awesome car and i learn more about it everyday. today my wife had off from work so i took the opportunity to finally open it up on a highway (the Atlantic City Expressway to be exact) and drove down to see my mother who lives near ocean city. i got 20.5 MPG round trip about 120 miles. before my high was 17.5 mostly city. i was pissed because i forgot my digi camera and i wanted to take some pictures of my 8 with the beach and bay and the 9th street bridge in the background. it was a perfect day and not a cloud in the sky. well my wife doesn't have to work tomorrow so maybe i can do the trip all over again tomorrow with the camera this time.

amyone notice if theyre wearing out the tires after 3 months, especially the back one?

my tire wear looks good after 6k miles
I'm gonna have the dealer rotate them at 7,500

I picked mine up August 27. I currently have about 2,100. miles. I rotate cars w/ the 993, so milege is low.. So far I have been very happy with most of the features this car has to offer.
On the "minor" negative -- the famous mpg. Yes, even the 993 does better, but no biggie. I do wish it had a bigger gas tank, for my range is about 240 miles/ tank.
The heat generated inside the cupholder area is annoying, but so be it. (no big deal) I have had to take it into service once to change the crazed rear lights which were covered under warranty. I will be doing my first oil change at 2500. miles.
I really love the car. Today I washed it while those bumbling Miami Dolphins gave the game away.. The styling is really terrific, and the little things that are present are great. The "coolness" factor as my two kids call it is fun.. They love for me to drop them off at school, for the other kids really have not seen many eights yet. Everyone points and stares at this car.
I did order the now -not available- SHOCK SENSOR. I hope when the update is available, they will offer it to retrofit the one that came w/ the car which has given many of us fits w/ clicking sounds until the sensor was lowered to a non-functional item.
Until now, oil consumption has been fine..No warning lights or problems have popped up.
I love the NAV system. it is easy to use, and fun to incorporate into daily driving. The 6 CD system works very well - no problems there.
Some rattles have come and gone, specially in the window/door area, but my 993 has a ton of these.. so again more a little annoying than a real problem.

Overall. I am very happy I chose the 8 over the G-35 Coupe. I enjoy it every time I get behind the wheel. :D

A little over 8300 on the car and I am still deeply in love with it. I have washed and waxed it more in the days since I got it in mid July than I did the first year I owned my MX-6 (which I still have with over 222,00 miles on it and I drive almost everyday 105 miles roundtrip to work). I still can't get over how much fun the RX-8 is to drive. I have the Nordic Green and even though the dark color shows dirts more quickly, it is still incredible in light and its' ability to change from green to black to grey to teal according to the light makes it awesome! The chaparral interior always gets "WOWs!"
One of the things I don't like is the time we had to make the decision to return or keep the car and all the hysteria that went with it.
I didn't like the Bose system at all initally, but now I have grown to like it and prefer to keep the Audio Pilot engaged.
I rotated the tires at about 5.5k and the rears were significantly more worn.
I wish it got 105mpg.
I wish the cup holder was in the same place as my MX-6, on the left hand side under the A/C vent.
I wish the oil stick was easier to get to and see.
I wish the Mustang GTs would quit challenging me (I think they hate us because of the Car and Driver article).

Pam

2 months, 3700 miles, still in love with my 8! Traded my beloved little 2001 Miata in for this car. I also had the oil light come on at about 1200 miles. Stayed on for about 5 miles. Really freaked me out but it has not happened since. The gas mileage is no biggie. Plenty of power, outstanding brakes, decent stereo. Handling is good but not as good as my Miata was. Probably just need more time to get used to it. No strange noises or rattles that seem to plague most of my new car purchases!

Overall, I am very happy with this purchase.

Let me just tell you I love this car. I drove my car straight down from NJ to Fl (Which is 19 Hours) at 80-85 mph with no problems. I didn't have an oil light, ac cycling, ect problem. I was getting about 280 miles per tank but was filling up before I had a gas light.

I now have 7400 miles and loving it I just had my 3rd oil change.

The GOOD

1. Rare as hell in Davie Fl:D
2. Neck Snapper (when people just look at the car and don't watch what they are doing (i caused one accident) oops
3. driving to beach and see people pointing in amazament:D:D
4. The handling
5. The looks
6. The performance
7. The jet engine sound
8. can fit 4 people in the car
9. The feel of the car and its quality
10. there's more but don't feel like typing

THE BAD

1. OK gas mileage
2. when more people get them they wont be as rare:p

Originally posted by OUR X 8
2 months, 3700 miles, still in love with my 8! Traded my beloved little 2001 Miata in for this car.

Sorry to hear you had to lose the Miata but it is nice to heat that you are enjoying the 8. I sold my '91 Miata last year and am still trying to decide what to buy next. Although not the same kind of car I am thinking of either the 8 or another (possibly the MS Turbo) Miata. Whichever I choose will be the 3rd car since I don't really want to buy something new for my commute (over 100 miles a day).

Glad to hear people have positive things to say after owning the car for a bit.

What can I say about this car? Everyone seems to have said it all. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!:)

However, there are prently on my list of things to get fixed but I think they are expected for most of the first year cars. I also think this is an EXCELLENT car for what we paid.

Yes, like other people, I wish that I get better gas milleage. Mime is suck:mad: (average 15.5mpg - YIKES). One other thing that I must say though, we need better customer service up here in Canada.

OVERALL - EXCELLENT CAR!!! I LOVE IT!!!

Originally posted by InBlackPlease
Although not the same kind of car I am thinking of either the 8 or another (possibly the MS Turbo) Miata.


A Turbo Miata would be great also! I almost did that to mine instead of buying the 8. After I drove the RX-8 I was a goner! Sooo much quieter and smoother. Don't get me wrong, I miss my little Molly (pet name for our Miata)! I think the Miata handles the tight stuff around here better than the 8 but the 8 gets from corner to corner way quicker and the brakes are really awesome!

42 days and 1500 miles. I love this car! I put off buying a car until I found one that could make my heart race AND would last (I kept my last car 13 years). I wanted the Audi TT, but too many problems.....I couldn't find another car I liked as well.......then came the 8. I have people circling me on the highways, coming up to me in gas stations and peeking inside when parked. The car is a work of art. I love the power, the style, the cornering capabilities, the dual color interior, the finishing touches such as the chrome triangles in the seats. I could go on and on about what I love.

What I would change:
CLIMATE CONTROL!!! I thought this was as standard as power windows. I am so used to setting the temp on 75 degrees and letting the system decide to heat, cool and at what rate. Now I get in and realize I am freezing and then remember I have to change the dials continually.

Who in the world thought of putting the cupholder that far back and right in the way of your elbow while shifting? Get rid of the ashtray and put in a pull out cup holder. Who smokes in this car??

The sound system. Alas, my heart was broken when I heard the "upgraded" sound system. It didn't deter me from buying the car, but I know I am going to have to do something about it. The sound doesn't adequately fill the space and lacks warmth.

One last thing would make it perfect, but isn't feasible is to have the back seats fold down for more storage space.

Fix these things and I would buy two........one to take over when the first one wears out!

After three months and, now, 3000 miles I can say that I am pleased and still looking forward to driving my silver Rex every day. Head turner! People drive up to take a look! I have had cars fight for posiion to be next to my car at a red light to look and stare!

Only a couple of changes I would like to see made...

1) This car would do well to add a climate control system. I know, I may sound like I am spoiled but even with the fan set to the "Off" position this car continues to get warm inside with the heat turned to the "On" position. Not really a problem, but an offsetting temperature control would keep the temperature more constant.

2) I really wish this came with the 6 CD changer as my dealership salesperson promised but had only assumed because of the 6 button channel changer. I can live with one CD at a time but for the "upgraded" system this would have been a plus.

BTW, have any of you heard that the new Acura TX comes with a DTS/5 channel surround sound system? First system of its kind to be standard in a production car. Notice the center speaker with the four surrounding speakers in the Rex!?! Looks like a natural addition for future models. If you have never listened to Dolby Digital 5.1 channel audio output then you don't know what you are missing!

Can't wait to finish my day and take my "baby" out for a spin!



:cool:

Wasy - dont want to annoy you, but i pick up my RX-8 tomorrow (in UK).

UK cars come with 6cd, Bose, and climate control as standard :)

Now THAT is annoying! Guess you Brits get it right this time!!

Hey Wasy,

Check your PMs. :)

Just remember you yanks get the car for the same price in dollars as we pay in pounds. At least for the base model, but the time you chuck in the GT pack and the other options we get as standard, you are still thousands of dollars cheaper.

Plus it must be hell of a lot cheaper to insure over there, for the number of 19 years olds getting the car. Over here a 19 year old would be quoated a minium of half the pruchase price a year if they could even get it. Anyone under 25 pays silly money for a car with the mearest hint of an engine.

Cheers
---Dave

Okay coming close to 4 months (10 more days for me)

The RX8 is a great car. I have enjoyed every moment and find myself making excuses to ride around - truly.

The color choice was a switch for me ordered silver got blue and haven't regretted that either. It drives and handles well and has improved in power.

I admit I was somewhat concerned with all the talk of HP and other stuff but it too has worked out. My A/C compressor failed (bearings) last week - all fixed. Could happen to any make.

Would I buy it again? Yes
Would I rather have something else? Already had that chance and came to the same conclusion - RX8.

The buyback offered many the opportunity to have a 2 month frolick and then walk away - on to something else. What I found is that nothing else offers ALL of the things this car does. THere is faster, quieter, bigger, but the package is too good for the money.

My 3.75 month review I give the RX8 5 stars (out of 5)

lol do you still have your rx8 now lol

holy thread revival batman!

I don't think any of these people are still here.

I'm going to the mall.......
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg256/hidef1080/ZombieThread.jpg

lol yeah i guess