Hi guys,
This is my very first post so ... HELLO
I'm in the market for a Mazda RX-8 and I had a few questions before I invested in one.
I recently took an R3 for a drive an I loved it. The only problem is the price which is pretty expensive for what's it worth (it's £24k here .... i could get an evo x for £29k new).

I then looked at the older models (from 2007 onwards... i think it's the r2 right?) and I was wondering if paying the extra 10k is worth the effort in getting a new one.

What exactly changed in the new r3 and more importantly what would you think, is it worth getting the newer model or am I better off getting a second hand r2 with low mileage.

Thanks in advance,
Cheers,
Vlad

 

I'm pretty sure the R2's were RX7's.

 

The 3rd generation RX-7 came in R1 and R2. No such R2 in RX-8.

 

The R3 has a bit different suspension, wheels, seats, and things of that sort. It's pretty much a more track ready RX-8.

The difference between the 2009 models and the earlier are quite large. One of the main things is the extra oil injector on each rotor to help lubricate the center of the apex seal.

Here is a year by year change thread.

https://www.rx8club.com/purchasing-financing-insurance-56/year-year-changes-143280/

 

The RX8 R2 was limited production. Only 5 were produced, and 4 of them are locked away in the garages of rich Japanese business men. Features included a 10,000 RPM redline and 800hp. All of them are velocity red.

Only one RX8 R2 made it to the states, and SayNoToPistons owns it. It is the fastest RX8 here.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/fastest-rx8-here-179973/

 

My bad...by R2 i meant the earlier models...Told you I was a newbie
Anyway, I was more interested on how the new changes affect the overall feel of the car and if they are worth the extra buck.

@CyberPitz thanks for that link

 

Easiest way - go drive an R3 and then get switch to a GT... you should be able to feel the difference. It would be hard for someone here to "describe" the difference in feel.

My thoughts.

 

I agree, do a test drive of both.

 

I don't know if a 10-15 minute drive in both of them will tell me what I want to know. The rx-8 would be my first sports car so I don't really have a tuned feel about how everything should go. Hell...the difference between my old car and the R3 that I test drove is enormous

I was maybe thinking that you guys having had a lot more experience in dealing with these models could help me make a good choice for a purchase :D

Anyway, let's me put it this way. I saw that the 2009 rx-8s have added oil injectors...Does this mean the older models are more prone to failure than these ones?

What do you think about smth like this : > http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/sh...n&pageNumber=1

 

They aren't "PRONE" to failure, it's just one of the things that kinda hurts it a bit. They all don't just die at 50k miles because of it. If you do get an older one, you could add 2 stroke oil into the gas tank when you fill up, that will help keep the apex seals lubricated and that entire problem is evaded. You save money and help your engine :P

As for that link, I'm not sure of the deal since it's Euro's, and I'm a lazy bastard. the 40th Anni's are a little like the R3, with the shocks and what not changed up. Although, the real price is the limited production of the car. If price isn't an issue, and you feel comfy in the R3's seat....get it. If money is a little stretchy for you, you can get an 07 GT for a real good price these days.

 

I also say to test drive the 2 and see what you think....you definately can save some money going with an older one.....

IMO the best change to the R3(09's in general) is the 3rd oil injector(dripper lol) because mazda finallly realized where there is a problem and at least is TRYING to fix it

 

Why did you have to blow me up? Now everyone is going to give me low ball offers for my super rare R2 RX8. "Hey brah, ill give you $65,000 for your R2 RX8"...