This is totally unacceptable. I'm getting 12.6 mpg in my new RX8 with 3,200 miles on the odometer.

I have never seen such mileage in any performance car that i have owned. This is mileage i did in town. I drive spirted but I don't sit all day long at the high end of the rev range.

I'm getting the same or better mileage in my 2001 Yukon Denali XL then this RX8!

I'm disgusted.

I bought this car with 2800 miles on the ODO. I'm hoping that it is going to get better. I just got the M flash last week. So, apprently, this didn't do squat to the mileage factor.

Steve
:mad:

-when you buy a sports car, you're obviously not looking for a good mpg
-the money spent on gas shouldn't be an issue if you have the 8....

so, why are you that upset?

Because I should at least be in the 15mpg range. 12mpg is absolutely awful.

steve

;) Those with the 18-20 mpg must use "Flintstone Power" every now and then-give it a try-it should be worth at least 3 mpg :D

Do you guys think that something might be wrong with my car, since I am only getting 12 mpg?

I did not drive that aggresively on this reading. I'm really concerned.

steve

I get 20MPG, I drive about 70% higway 30% city. I pretty much always get about 18-22MPG, anything less than that would be VERY unusual for me.

-Rupes

Take it to the dealer. That is pretty bad mileage !

Easy on him futureownr4sure, he didn't post this to get some slapping from you (someone who doesn't even own one yet).

SP767, try a bunch of things before you give up:
- Try switching to a different brand of gas. I have had bad mpg with cheaper gases, so I'm sticking with Chevron.
- Try driving conservatively for a whole tank and see if it improves anything. You dont have to drive that way forever, you just need to narrow down the factors.
- Loose some weight on your cargo, you may be carrying too many things all the time.
- Check with a dealership service tech and tell him what's up. Something's wrong with your 8 if mpg stays the same even after some conservative driving.

People complain about this mpg issue and others complain about these people. Bottom line is, 12 mpg even at normal driving conditions clues you in that something is wrong with your car (sports car or not).

I drive mine like "it was stolen." It's one of the few pleasures left to a 41-year old, twice married father of two. If you can't afford the gas, sell the car and buy a Suzuki.

I can afford the gas. It's just that others are getting a lot better gas mileage than me and I am concerned that this large difference means I have something wrong with my car.

I'm going to let my dealer know and I will try the suggestions given above.

thanks.

steve

I bought this car with 2800 miles on the ODO. I'm hoping that it is going to get better. I just got the M flash last week. So, apprently, this didn't do squat to the mileage factor.

Steve
:mad:

Um, maybe it's just a bad one. Afterall, someone sold it with 2800 miles on the ODO, or it was a very abused dealer demo.

With that said, I'd definitely take it back the dealer for a check up. 12 mpg with normal driving is unacceptable.

Welcome to the club.

With my auto 8, I'm getting about 13 mpg city driving which is mostly what I do. Am I pissed? Yes. I'm not even close to the estimated mileage and I don't drive like a mad man.

Don't worry, even AutoWeek Mag is making comments about it in their long-term fleet (they added the 8 not too long ago); I'm betting Mazda is going to change the fuel rating like they changed the HP...

First tank, 14.3 MPG (city, aggressive, shifts in the 5K range)
Second tank, 21 MPG (highway, avgerage speed 70 mph)
Third tank, 18 MPG (highway, average speed 75 mph)

1,100 miles, M-Flash, traction control on, 91 octane

By the way, gas is gas, pretty much. It all comes from the same refineries. The 87 octane gets blended with the 91 octane to make the 89 octane (right at the pump). The main differences are in the additives, which might make for a cleaner engine, but probablly won't do much for mileage.

has it been flashed to M.. mine did the same untill the M flash now i get avg 18 city..

do a search on M flash.. if it has been flashed to "m" then make the dealer take it back..

I dont understand these large diffrences. I have a AT with 3500 miles,m flash. An I get 19 to 24 easy. I use the air (Hot Here) and drive fast. My car is number 30000. Is your vin number a early build?

My car was built in August of 2003.

Mine was built Jan 04. Maybe it is the early builds? If i where getting MPG that low on the highway, i wouldn't be happy either. Give the M flash a chance to work. If it keeps up i would take it in to the dealer.Also i love the Green Hornet!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! I'm going to talk to my dealer about this today.

I was supposed to have gotten the M flash last week when my car was in for service. I will double check on this also.

I will report back what kind of feedback i receive from the dealer.

steve

use 87 octane gas.

I CONSISTENTLY get about 3-5mpg more with the lower octane gas. Admittedly I've never broken 20mpg EVER in 9500 miles but I can't keep it under 70mph so that's my fault. 70% hwy & 30% city driving as well.

on 91 octane, I could never get higher than 16mpg.

Welcome to the club.
Don't worry, even AutoWeek Mag is making comments about it in their long-term fleet (they added the 8 not too long ago); I'm betting Mazda is going to change the fuel rating like they changed the HP...Mazda has nothing to do with the EPA mileage estimates; they are done by the EPA, not the manufacturer...

Okay, I did another mileage reading. This time, after topping off fuel, I did all highway driving. Guess what?! 14.8mpg!! I took the car into the dealer this morning. They were very responsive, initially at least. They will be calling Mazda tech and a field rep. If this can't be resolved, I'll be asking my dealer to take the car back for a new one.

Steve





This is totally unacceptable. I'm getting 12.6 mpg in my new RX8 with 3,200 miles on the odometer.

I have never seen such mileage in any performance car that i have owned. This is mileage i did in town. I drive spirted but I don't sit all day long at the high end of the rev range.

I'm getting the same or better mileage in my 2001 Yukon Denali XL then this RX8!

I'm disgusted.

I bought this car with 2800 miles on the ODO. I'm hoping that it is going to get better. I just got the M flash last week. So, apprently, this didn't do squat to the mileage factor.

Steve
:mad:

yes.. but i am sure you just need the m flash.. You bought that 8 used right..

the dealer wont do any work to a new car/used like that untill it ha a buyer to charge off the warrenty work to..

MY 8 was built in 04/03 .. very early. it Had Air bag work done in Long bEach Harbor before it was allowed into the U.S. then it say untill 04/20/04 when i bought it. !

It need to be reflashed 2 times. 1st time the dealer lied and said they did it but.. they did not. ( pump your Breaks with the key on but not running. after 20 pumps or so your oil guage will sweep the dial.. if it does this then you are al "L" or "M" flash.. )
After they flashed it the second tiem I stil had to take it back for the A/C fix. and now it needs the Oil Pan TSB to be done. I hate my Dealer. there service department just jacks you around and lies about there work !.... So dont be supprised if your 8 needs to have this stuff done as well .. They will only fix them if you ask.. BTW telling them you have crappy mpg is the magic words to get them to reflash you to "M" be sure to look at your invoice when you get it back.. If it does not say recalabrated to "m" spec then turn around and take it right back.. Also do the Break test infront of your service writer..

Good luck.. you will love your 8 once you get all this worked out .

Mazda has nothing to do with the EPA mileage estimates; they are done by the EPA, not the manufacturer...
P.S. the dealer prints that sticker on the window.. anything it says they are liable for. !!!

even if the EPA gave them the numbers.. witch they did not.. Mazda Japan claims the 8 gets 18 -23 mpg.. not the EPA.. the EPA tells them what Emmission number to put on the car.. And yes the 8 is one of the cleanest cars (non-Hybred) on the Road ..

Okay, my dealer tells me that last week when my car was in, they performed the M flash. I tried the brake pump test and i get NO oil pressure sweep. So does this mean that they are not telling me the truth, or they don't know what they are doing?

steve

If your low revs don't feel like it's picking up quickly, then you don't have the M flash on. There was a big difference in taking off from a stop with the previous ECU setups.

There might be something wrong with your engine's timing (ignition, cat, intake, etc.) Dealership should be checking flaws there.

I've gotten 12mpg before.. give it some time, I think it will get better, now I get 14.8mpg avg. but no worries, the car is fantastic! the car is a steal for what you're getting. so drive it like you stole it ;)

Got 24 mpg last week, 95% HW at about 80 mph. the Reflash i had 1 month ago made a big difference IMO

M

By the way, gas is gas, pretty much. It all comes from the same refineries. The 87 octane gets blended with the 91 octane to make the 89 octane (right at the pump). The main differences are in the additives, which might make for a cleaner engine, but probablly won't do much for mileage.

Not true, each of the 50 states has a different legally mandated recipe for gasoline. I had a '91 miata that had to have premium, due to the factory tuning being too aggresive for my-state's regular. Within a state, however, gas will pretty much be gas.
--Dave,

no Oil sweep .. then you dont have the reflash !! simple as that..


take it back ... tell them it has lost power and now is hard to start !!! "other MAgic words"

Tell them you demand to see the Computer spec code on your INvoice. IF it does not say "m" there still messing with ya.

and you will feel a diffrance.. we all did.

-when you buy a sports car, you're obviously not looking for a good mpg
-the money spent on gas shouldn't be an issue if you have the 8....

so, why are you that upset?

He should be upset because other cars with similar performance gets way better mileage. Its a lot easier to flame someone when you are not the one forking the gas money. Im sure he can afford it, but it does not mean he should.

as for sp767, hope things get better for you. the M flash might help, but my friend said he didnt get any noticable improvement after his manual rx8 was reflashed. But hes always been doing a lot better even before the flash, he still gets about 16 mpg doing 70% highway 30% city around DC and VA after the M flash.
It seems some cars gets better miles while others just cant seem to get over 15mpg no matter how conservative they are being driven. Hope Mazda do something about it. (see it it makes any difference if you shift below 5000rpm)

In the main while... at least you can brag to your friends that your car gets around the same milage as a Ferrari Enzo... :cool: (except its not a v12 and its missing about 400 hp :p )

Third tank, 880 miles. only mesured the last 2 tanks, 17 and 18 mpg
about 70% highway. Had some flash a week after I got the car that was listed for june. all it mentioned was "Lack of power" I assumed it was the "M" but the dealer said it had all of the recalls done to it (but when do they know exactly what has all been done since its not really their department, or it could have been a misunderstanding)
All of the threads on flashes it's been hard to keep up.

ohh and btw, i dont know how you drive style is, but be easy on the brakes if you can.. a lot of braking can cause mad gas milage, good luck

Definitely bizarre. I have an AT with 3000 miles on it. I also drive about 70/30 (town/hwy) with AC on and sunroof open. Have never been below 18. Am averaging 21.3.

Dlrosie , When was your build date ? Your AT is operating as mine. I never get below 18 and up to 24. I purchased mine 5/29/04. Number 30000.

I have an Aug 03 MT. I get 16-18 city and 21-22 Hwy ( Hwy could be better but car seems to like 88 mph. I hope the m flash will help you.

Thanks guys.

Well, my dealership knows about the problem now. This problem has been escalated due to my "jumping up and down". It takes a lot these days to get anyone's attention. I have to wait until August 8th though to have the car serviced. My latest is 14mpg highway driving in 6th gear.

It is a documented problem now though. So it will be interesting to see what problem they come up with. Hopefully there will be a resolution and I will have something to share with those that encounter the same thing in the future.

Steve
:(

Hey guys, I have posted my problem of very poor fuel mileage in a previous post.

This thread is intended to document my trials with the dealer to solve my fuel mileage issues.

I am getting 14mpg on the highway and 10-12 mpg rural, mixed driving.

I bought a 2004 RX8 about 10 days ago with 2800 miles on the ODO.

Steve

what was the build date

It gets 13mpg and the dealer is probably not able to do much for the owner.

Do you have any idea why the previous owner sold it?

There have been a number of people here on this site (maybe representing only 1% of all owners, who knows) who got milage under 15 mpg. I'm just lucky I am not one of them since my 8 is just as old (built in july 2003)

To those who throw out phrases about 'affording fuel money'... that's simply beside the point. I can understand that he's disappointed.

I responded in your other thread assuming that you bought a used car. Somehow your post doesn't make this clear. Can you elaborate?

Build date is august of 2003 and yes, i bought a car from mazda dealer that bought car at auction. it had 2800 miles on ODO. Service history shows only one service, a brake adjustment. have no idea who first owner was.

steve

it only takes less than 20 min to reflash your car.. make them do it tommrow!

First M flash didn't do much for mpg for me; however, second flash for more recent tech service bulletin made a definite difference. I do combined highway/city with mostly city in hot climate with air on and get 18 to 20 mpg now. My shift points are between 4500 and 5500 rpm.

Threads merged- we have enough threads on gas mileage that we don't need two on the same car. Don't take it personally, please.

Mileage is very sensitive to technique/rpm. The rotary is so smooth that many people are tempted to drive around in lower gears than necessary. The secondary fuel injectors kick in at 3750 rpm, so when your're upshifting at 4-6k around town, remember to upshift to get under 3750 once you're at a steady state speed. As long as you're over 2500 rpm you're not going to lug.

I don't think (believe) that driving in unnessary low gear explains his 12 mpg.

I used to drive always in highest gear possible (6th gear at 50 mph) and got 20 to 22 mpg.

Then I changed to keeping the revs at 4000 half the time, mpg has not changed more than 1 mpg.

There's definitely something wrong with his car, and I'd just try to get rid of it ASAP to minimize $ damage.

My mileage is around 19-20 mixed and 24 highway, I got the car in November 2003 and have 14000 on the Odometer. I have never had the car reflashed or dropped below17.5 mpg. I would say that you need to keep on the dealer about this, mileage that low seems a bit too much for me. There must be something wrong with the car if you get 12 consistently. Good luck with the dealer though, most want to pull your chain and get you out of the place when you have a problem.

I tend to think it comes down to driving habits more then the actual car. I believe different cars get different gas mileage, but this car is very picky when it comes to MPG. If you rev it, it will guzzle gas. I have yet to reach the 20mpg mark, but my driving is only about 60-70% highway. 16-18 is roughly what I get. 12mpg will occur in pure hard high rpm driving in city. If you stick cruise control at 65mph on highway and still get like 12-15mpg, then there is def somewthing wrong. If you get close to 20mpg or better on pure highway then it's your driving habits. Pure City driving and the rx8= gas guzzling no matter how you drive.

Maybe its because i have a AT , but i have found that if i use the paddles to gear up to 5000 to 6000 rpms MY gas MPG is better?

Mine is just out of break in and I'm getting 16 in town and 20+ on the highway pretty regularly. I'm using 93 octane Amoco supreme. I commute in mine every day and because there isn't much opportunity to play on my commute because of the traffic, I am shifting pretty close to the recommended shift points they give you in the manual in city driving, which basically works out to upshifts at about 3250. I love that cryptic language in the manual that these are the recommended shift points for "regular driving." As opposed to the kind of driving we all bought the car for and what it was designed to do? Anyhow, when traffic eases up and I can have a little fun I do, but there is sort of no reason to hit five grand on the tach just before braking for the next red light 400 feet away. You're just burning extra gas with nothing to show for it.

My only other gas saving tip is that I have also noticed that this car has an amazing ability to roll without power being applied. Maybe because it is light and aerodynamic and the center of gravity is so low to the ground, but I have been shocked at how easily it will maintain speed without being in gear, it doesn't even take a steep hill, even quite modest inclines will keep it up to speed. There is a small hill going into my subdivision, when I turn into the subdivision I put the car in neutral, and that little hill gives me enough momentum to roll 3 blocks over basically flat ground and turn into my driveway uphill without any loss of speed. I still have to put on the brakes after I roll up into the driveway.

It is never going to be an economy car, and that's not what any of us bought it for, but it sounds to me like something is wrong with it if those are the numbers you are getting, unless you are puttering around town in heavy traffic at 5-6k on the tach constantly for some reason.

Just a wild guess, but I'd have them check the brakes and the traction control system if they can't find anything wrong with the engine. If something is wrong there and you are getting the brakes applied all the time incorrectly, that could be causing it to have low mileage.

12 mpg is pretty damn poor. Could be something with the engine, but also could be a faulty O2 sensor. At least on piston cars, when the O2 sensors go bad the MPG drops significantly.

Be SURE (100%) that you have the new flash. Sometimes dealers give you BS because they don't know what they're talking about. I'm sure you know that.

-when you buy a sports car, you're obviously not looking for a good mpg
-the money spent on gas shouldn't be an issue if you have the 8....

so, why are you that upset?

you are an idiot.

I really appreciate all of you who have posted support and ideas. This is why I really like this forum.

I will bring up all these possibilities with the dealer.

They tell me that they did the M flash, but I don't think that they did. I do the test of stepping on the brake 20+ times with the ignition on and the engine off and I do NOT get a oil pressure gauge sweep.

Appointment is on the 9th of August.

What octane gas do you all think that I should use? I'm using 93 right now. Should I try going down to 87?

steve
:(

Mileage is very sensitive to technique/rpm. The rotary is so smooth that many people are tempted to drive around in lower gears than necessary. The secondary fuel injectors kick in at 3750 rpm, so when your're upshifting at 4-6k around town, remember to upshift to get under 3750 once you're at a steady state speed. As long as you're over 2500 rpm you're not going to lug.

Sounds convincing.. but a few people have reported 12 mpg even with a full tank of 'granny driving'. I don't know what/ how their grandmother drives though.


Also I remember that someone had one of those 13 mpg RX-8s, and then got in an accident, totalled, got a new RX-8 and achieved instantly much better fuel economy (with driving style not having changed after the accident, I assume)

This should be considered proof that there has been a problem with some early RX-8s. I repeat my advice that he should get rid of it. Either way.

-Peter

nope.. its just a flash thing.. I have a early 8 that did the same.. the M flash fixed mine..

its not like the newer 8 has any diffrerant componnets in it.. its the same car.. just has the recall fixes from the Line. and shoudl roll off the line with the M flash already embedded.

remember that the * is a very advanced car.. IT has a computer that is 5 times more powerful than the Space Shuttels. (then again, My Lawnmower does to :P) ...

Anyway give it some time.. After the M flash is really done to the car.. it willtake week or so for the ECU to relearn your driving style. ....

IF after that it still deos not get better than 13 mpg.. then theres a real problemb.. Then you start calling it a Lemon .... really loudly .. in the middle of the showroom :)

IT will be fine..

If you are getting below 15 MPG then something is wrong with your car. Now, if you are driving full throttle on a race track then 10-12 may be acceptable but not on the street.

You need to have your dealer or maybe a performance Mazda tuner take a REAL close look at your car.

Something stuck in the air cleaner box maybe? Have you seen your cat lately?

SP - Sorry for my rude post. It was uncalled for, and inexcusable.

Again, I apologize.

Jeff

EatMyBanana - Build date is 4/04. # - 37258

I dunno everyone. I got the M flash about a 1,000 miles ago and no improvement whatsoever. I've done everything to see what might be making my mileage SO bad... letting the car shift, using the paddles (and shifting below 3,500 rpms through each gear), etc., no help at all. If I just let her rip, I'll get about 12-13 mpg. If I drive like grandpa, I'll get in the mid-13s. I'm at the point right now that all I say is, "F*ck it." There's nothing I can do about. I'll probably be getting rid of my 8 next year some time; I'll never buy another Mazda again. (And before anyone writes, "You bought a sports car..." I did buy a car that stated MPG would be 18-24 mpg. I get 13 in the city and 19 on the highway. Sorry but that's too much of a difference for me.)

did you try the Break pump test.. ? and did the Invoice from the dealer say "M" Calibration ?

some Dealers are saying there doing the flash but they are not. !!

if you have the flash.. and really really know that you do.. then you need to take that 8 back to your dealer and tell them you will not take it back untill they get you at least 18 mpg. ! ....

Now yours is an Auto so it will not get the same mpg as a stick.. but it should do at least 17 ! mpg....

You have to remember that its not Really Mazda's fault.. its the lame as Service writers that wont let there mechanics do the work !

....

Sounds like you still have the k flash..

[..]
Now yours is an Auto so it will not get the same mpg as a stick.. but it should do at least 17 ! mpg....
[..]



indeed not the same... based on what I saw here, the ATs get better mpg. Didn't Elara get 27 over a full tank in an automatic?

There are too many people who report ~10 mpg mileage and could not get any better mileage regardless of driving style. I think claiming it's the guy's driving style is barking up the wrong tree.

I almost never do highway and I haven't been able to go lower than 17.5 mpg. Unless I start driving around in 2nd gear at 9,000 rpms all the time, I don't know if it's physically possible to get mileage that low.

Didn't want to start a new MPG thread. My 8 consistently gives me 13-14 MPG with 90% City driving (lowest recorded was 10.2 MPG - all my fault). Last weekend I took it on a 176 mile (each way) trip to the beach. I averaged 77 MPH both ways (up to 95 MPH cruising at 84-88 MPH) and was well above the 4,000 RPM mark, alleged gas guzzling line at 3,750 RPM, I was surprised that I got 22 MPG both ways.

I know that my 13-14 MPG could be improved if I grannied it up a bit (stopped hitting the buzzer) but I enjoy driving and think 2-3 MPG is a small price to pay for the fun factor.

I never thought my car would break the 20 MPG mark let alone do it while traveling 80+ MPH.

Had to share.

I am not sure who thinks its driving style ???

but.. I do not belive that the Auto can get better MPG.. than the stick..
In Weight alone the Auto is a heaver car than the stick.. As long as you drive the Stick withut getting your foot in it.. then the stick should be able to get better mpg than the auto.. I have never heard of an Auto getting better MPG than a stick..


Who has the Weight numbers of the Auto vs. the Stick ?

Didn't want to start a new MPG thread. My 8 consistently gives me 13-14 MPG with 90% City driving (lowest recorded was 10.2 MPG - all my fault). Last weekend I took it on a 176 mile (each way) trip to the beach. I averaged 77 MPH both ways (up to 95 MPH cruising at 84-88 MPH) and was well above the 4,000 RPM mark, alleged gas guzzling line at 3,750 RPM, I was surprised that I got 22 MPG both ways.

I know that my 13-14 MPG could be improved if I grannied it up a bit (stopped hitting the buzzer) but I enjoy driving and think 2-3 MPG is a small price to pay for the fun factor.

I never thought my car would break the 20 MPG mark let alone do it while traveling 80+ MPH.

Had to share.
i was getting 22-25 on my trip to the Grand Canyon.. I avraged 95 mph on the way back to Vegas.. That Leg of the trip i got the best MPG.

(side note)
Oh.. when i take the car to Laguna Seca in Augest I will get to fill it up with 100 Octane unleaded racing fuel.. We will see what that does to the mpg.. Of course my speeds will be much higher than normal to.. :D

(side note)
Oh.. when i take the car to Laguna Seca in Augest I will get to fill it up with 100 Octane unleaded racing fuel.. We will see what that does to the mpg.. Of course my speeds will be much higher than normal to..

Based on what I've read here and what I have experienced myself, 10.2MPG, you should end up somewhere around 8 mpg. MPG is directly related to fun.

ok........ my car has 6,500 miles.... my best MPG was around 18,
i get between 180-215 miles out of every tank ...... ( 93 oct )


is somthing wrong here??? or is this normal for that kinda milage.... seems pretty low 2 me.
:mad:

18 mpg is good for city driving.. and even Highway if you drive like me..

I am not sure who thinks its driving style ???

but.. I do not belive that the Auto can get better MPG.. than the stick..
In Weight alone the Auto is a heaver car than the stick.. As long as you drive the Stick withut getting your foot in it.. then the stick should be able to get better mpg than the auto.. I have never heard of an Auto getting better MPG than a stick..


Who has the Weight numbers of the Auto vs. the Stick ?



It is in the Mazda Fast Fact book...but have not gotten to 382 yet I have a 6MT. I got to 338 on a full tank

Curb weight
3029 AT
3053 MT

I'm really down on my car right now. I am very disappointed. My dealer is giving me the delay shaft. I just bought this car less than two weeks ago, and they tell me that they can't address my problem until the 8th of August because their service department is too busy.

They had my car for an entire week while I was on vacation, and they were to give me the M flash. Well, I dont' have the M flash, so they lied to me or don't understand.

Meanwhile, I'm recording my gas mileage to build a case up. I can't break 14mpg in highway driving, and I am struggling to get 10mpg in casual mixed driving.

This whole problem has completely ruined my buying experience.

I know that they are going to look at the car on the 8th, and I am going to be patient, but while I wait for service, the whole ordeal just depresses me. I'm afraid that i have a lemon and they won't be able to fix it.

Steve
:(

Can someone please verify for me for sure, what the test is to verify the M flash?

I did a brake test, where i had the ignition on, engine off, and I pumped the brakes 30 times, and NO brake pressure sweep.

Is this the only know test to verify the M flash?

thanks

steve

yes you have the break test right.. if it does not sweep the oil guage after about 20 pumps then you dont have even the L flash...

Why are you allowing them to put you off untill Aug 8th? This is a Warrenty issue and they need to get on it now.. just take it to a diffrent dealer... And tell you old service manager that you do not have even the L flash.. Tell him to show you the print out from the Computer !


I am really having a hard time understanding why they are blowing you off.. How can it be ok to wait untill Aug 8th ? unless you did not demand it.. IT really only takes them 20 mins to hook up the computer to the car... Theres a connector under your stearing wheel .. thats where they hook up.. they dont even have to open your hood.

I mean really this is pissing me off... Give me that guys number !! I want to call him !!!

CAnt you just drive by there and tell the service writer that it must be flashed today ! you aer talking you 8 on vacation and wont even be home on the 8th ~~!


Ugg Crappy Dealers piss me off ...

I never got the L flash but I was told by the service rep when I got the M flash that the M flash included the L flash "information."

Does this make sense? I would think so but I don't know if I have to go back and specifically ask for the L flash...

thew,

Thanks for your support!

Maybe I should do that. Maybe I should take my car to a different dealer.

I have run my tank dry today. 173 miles on one tank of gas!! Crap.

Steve

I am not sure who thinks its driving style ???

but.. I do not belive that the Auto can get better MPG.. than the stick..
In Weight alone the Auto is a heaver car than the stick.. As long as you drive the Stick withut getting your foot in it.. then the stick should be able to get better mpg than the auto.. I have never heard of an Auto getting better MPG than a stick..


Who has the Weight numbers of the Auto vs. the Stick ?


You're forgetting that the "stick" has about 40 horsepower more than the Auto... Of course it's going to get less MPG

bigfatpop,

Jeff,

Thank you for the apology. It is accepted and appreciated.

Steve
sp767

Guys,

It doesn't matter how I drive. I am very experienced with manual trans. I can double clutch, heal and toe and all the rest. I know how to calculate fuel mileage. I'm a Boeing 767 Captain for UPS.

I have tried the grandma approach, the aggressive approach and somewhere in the middle approach to driving style. This dang car consumes fuel all the same. I think that i have a hole in my fuel tank!!

The scariest thing, is that with my highway tests, I cannot break 14mpg!!

I live in a rural area near a highway, so I don't have city driving!! I'm getting 10mpg with my rural 45mph driving!!

I've got serious problems with this car. And a dealer who doesn't care to service their customers once they have a sale.

Steve

SP767, there are several people who describe similar situations as you. Those are not normal, and really need to be fixed by Mazda, it's unacceptable.

The thing is, most people are getting somewhere in the range of 16-22 mpg in mixed driving. Those people don't have any reason to complain.

I never got the L flash but I was told by the service rep when I got the M flash that the M flash included the L flash "information."

Does this make sense? I would think so but I don't know if I have to go back and specifically ask for the L flash...
yes,..

if you got the m.. then you have everything before it...

You're forgetting that the "stick" has about 40 horsepower more than the Auto... Of course it's going to get less MPG
in most cars the Auto is heavery takes more power to get moving.. and shfits not as mpg friendly as a human can.... "but wont heheh" but in the 8 you are right.. the auto 8 is lighter and does if we can belive Mazda get better mpg..


So slap my ass with a ....:rolleyes:

SP767, there are several people who describe similar situations as you. Those are not normal, and really need to be fixed by Mazda, it's unacceptable.

The thing is, most people are getting somewhere in the range of 16-22 mpg in mixed driving. Those people don't have any reason to complain.
Yep.. mine shifted to about 16-23 after m flash.. most of my City driving.. is in the 16-17 range.. if i go out and granny in 6th on the freeway i may see 22-23... I just cant keep my foot out of it :)

but yes... Find a Dealer with a Service Department that will work with you.. I think you need to call MAZDA and give them a heads up.. Tell umm that your going to have to get a Dealer with a Service Dept that Cares about you... They should direct you to one and let that new dealer know your comming.... Shees For the $27,000 and above we spent on these cars i would hope they could do that much for you.


Anyway.. dont take no.. Get that baby fixed... You dont want to give it up becaseu you get disgusted with the service Dept.

Also Dont forget to try Ford Dealers as well.. some of them can service the 8 .

yes,..

if you got the m.. then you have everything before it...

Thanks. :)

Update for my 8 - last tank gave me 18.8 mpg (95% city- 5% highway). AC on / Sunroof open nearly the whole time. I just filled up with the Chevron 93 Octane - can't remember the name but read something here that it is better gas with better results. We will see.

Yeah, something is wrong with your car if can't get above 14 MPG... most people report 15-18 city/20-24 highway (I get 16-17/22-23 with a mix of spirited and conservative driving and lots of A/C using 91 or 93 octane. My car was manufactured Feb 04, has 4800 miles and the L flash).

My suggestions:
Keep all your fuel receipt and a detailed log
Go to a different dealer and confirm M flash
Call MazdaUSA and explain situation to them (ph# is on their website)
Call lawyer about your state's lemon law (just in case)
Make sure you do all of that ASAP so that you can take advantage of the lemon law if needed (if you do this you can buy another 8... just go to a different dealer).

Good luck!

Last tank = 14.6 mpg, 95% city driving, the second half of the tank I shifted my auto (paddles) at 3K RPM for each gear. 14.6 is actually quite an improvement from my usual 12-13 range.

I guess for me (and my 8), I need to keep the RPMs really low to get some "decent" gas mileage.

With this new tank, I'm going to shift the entire time below 3k in the city and see how the mileage turns out.

that is way low, need to seriously get that addressed.
spec are comming from the Dealerships fast facts book

I've discussed it with two different dealerships; well, one of them (Santa Monica Mazda) was a waste of my time. They were clueless. The other, Galpin Mazda, has been somewhat helpful but the service rep said that it's really tough to say the mileage is bad unless there is a code tripped when they scan my car's computer. I've talked with other rotary owners (pre-RX8) and they are not surprised I'm only getting that mileage BUT that I might seem some improvement as I pass 5,000 miles. I'm right about 5,500 miles now.

I'd take mid-15 city if I could. I have been keeping a log for about 4,500 miles. My average for this is 14.9 mpg (city and highway). I will say that about 4,000 of the logged miles is city driving (to and from work, surface streets).

I love everything about this car except for this one thing... and it's pretty significant since it hurts me in the wallet to keep filling up. Oh well.

My average is 18.4 at 11,000 miles.

I've discussed it with two different dealerships; well, one of them (Santa Monica Mazda) was a waste of my time. They were clueless. The other, Galpin Mazda, has been somewhat helpful but the service rep said that it's really tough to say the mileage is bad unless there is a code tripped when they scan my car's computer. I've talked with other rotary owners (pre-RX8) and they are not surprised I'm only getting that mileage BUT that I might seem some improvement as I pass 5,000 miles. I'm right about 5,500 miles now.

I'd take mid-15 city if I could. I have been keeping a log for about 4,500 miles. My average for this is 14.9 mpg (city and highway). I will say that about 4,000 of the logged miles is city driving (to and from work, surface streets).

I love everything about this car except for this one thing... and it's pretty significant since it hurts me in the wallet to keep filling up. Oh well.
just for grins can you take off your K&N and replace it woth Stock.. check the milage after that

Why, does a freer flowing air filter help mileage?

steve

Amazing turn around in my mileage.

Guys, get this...my mileage has taken a turn for the better. Amazingly, all that i did was change my fuel grade from 93 octane to 87 octane! Yes! I went to the lowest grade fuel, four tanks ago, and my mileage has increased substantially.

I still have not gotten my next dealer visit, which will hopefully include the M flash.

Can anyone explain how I can go from 10mpg city/ 14mpg highway to the following with a lower octane fuel?

13.18 town/rural
15.90 town/rural
20.75 100% highway
17.62 75% highway/25% town-rural

Steve

Steve - I have heard before going to a lower grade may improve mileage. Hell, even AutoWeek mag has an 8 in their long term fleet and guess what their biggest complaint is? Yep, gas mileage. They even mentioned going to a lower grade to see if it improves mileage. I went two tanks and didn't see any change.

thew - My mileage didn't change with the addition of the K&N; in fact, I had the intake sitting in my home for almost two months before installation - I was waiting to deal with the dealership(s) about my mileage problems and I didn't want the intake in my car when I took it to the dealership. It's been the same before the intake and afterwards... below estimated range.

good to know

How's the performance with 87 octane? Is the difference noticeable?

Performance seems to be same as with 93 octane that I was using before

how do you calculate your MPG? Unless you drive the car until stalls, you really have no idea how much gas is left in the tank. If you are using the car's gauge as a guide you only get a poor approximation of MPG unless you do this calculation over several fill-ups.

I find my RX-8s mileage more sensitive to how I drive than any other car I have owned in the past

I fill up the tank until the pump stops. I then set my odometer to zero and drive until the low fuel light comes on. I then fill it up until the pump stops. I take the miles driven and divide it by the amount of gallons added to the tank on the re-fill. It really doesn't matter when I re-fill just that I do the same steps for my calculation.

For the best results use the same pump and same (notch) fill speed.