StreetK!ng

Hello everyone I am coming from the other forum called 'ClubWRX' and I am known as StreetKing. So basically I registered on that forum because I was interested in STIs and WRXs.. The community there is very friendly and helpful in helping me suggest some possible first cars for me to drive for instance, Subaru RS 2.5, Toyota Supra MK3, Toyota MR2, and a Mazda Miata.. But today at the mall I saw a beauty of a mother ******.. I saw a RX8 and it was the most sexiest thing I have ever seen before in my life excluding the 2012 Gen Coupe. So basically I looked it up and everything and turns out it is very affordable, MPG may be bad but I can live with it, the car will be under my mom's name so insurance will be cheaper since the car only has 215 horsepower and is not turbocharged.. So I asked the community there about what they thought about me buying an RX8 and they all told me stuff like:

"If you can afford it and if it's what you want to spend your money on lol. Just think about it really hard. I've actually heard a lot of bad things about the rotaries too. I have no idea how reliable a new(ish) 2004 mazda rotary is. But I hope you like oil leaks."

"I'm out. Good luck."

"Plz don't do this to yourself. The RX-8 is a money-pit. I considered one long and hard (heh), too. Too many issues, maintenance is a paint, and it's just a bad first car. ESPECIALLY a 2004. The 04-06 had a ton of engine consumption issues, and many engines went boom. They fixed most issues from 2007 upwards, but it's still a high-main engine, and definitely not what I would want in a first car."

"It's not you. It's the Wankel. The Wankel is like garlic to my vampire. It is an anathema. I will now go meditate to regain control of my emotions. Live long and prosper."

"The RX-8 is a terrible car. It's relatively heavy and the rotary engine doesn't have enough umph to make it even remotely fun to drive. If you like the RX8 by all means get it, just know there are better choices out there. If you want a Mazda get a Miata. You will have a lot more fun."

"Quote Originally Posted by StreetKing View Post
I guess you really don't like Mazdas then.

Why would you think that? I've owned one since 1999.
It's the Wankel that is a scourge. Mazda are victims. NSU were victims before them, VAG are also victims, and the curse persists. You too will soon suffer like so many Wankel owners before you."

etc..

But I done some research saying how the RX8 is a reliable car and you need to maintain it correctly such as, redlining the car every couple of days to get rid of the carbon, brake really hard once a day for no brake squeels, change the oil every 1k or 3k miles, and to not stop the engine when it is still cold, or if you really have to stop the engine immediately I have read you should rev the engine to 3k rpm for 8-10 seconds before stopping it in order to prevent the engine from flooding..

Anyways what do you guys think?


Thanks,
StreetKing

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Link to my other question: 15 Year Old Noob - Page 14

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

Did you read the stickies located at the top of the New Members forum? That would be a good place to start your research.

bladeiai

iTrader: (1)

Well I agree with one thing, as a 15 year old you probably should consider another first car. RX-8's are not cheap to maintain and require a larger amount of attention than most 15 year olds will give a car (assuming you have funds). You might be the exception though. Aside from that I would take my information from people who have a clue what they are talking about. Like RX8Soldier said, read the new member stickies and make your own decision.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Put on your big boy pants. Some of the natives here get restless. (No that's not an excuse for you guys to beat up on a nube.)

I don't know what exactly these other people have been feeding you. I happen to be a rotary addict and plan on having one in my life for the foreseeable future. As it has been said, read the stickey posts at the to of the New Member forum. RIWWP put forth a lot of work and did a pretty good job of explaining the good and the bad about the RX8. The engine will rev to 10K but you don't want to do that if you want it to last. There isn't any power to be made up there anyway.

Good Luck and read as much as possible. The rotary engine (we don't typically call them Wankels) is a different animal. You should be educated fully before you get something your not prepared for.

Junkman 6394226

Eh, i'll lay it out straight for you. Engine-boom issues (mostly) came from 4-speed autos that weren't driven hard enough to clear out the carbon build up. The rest were (mostly) caused by Oil Metering Pump lubrication issues which a reflash later fixed. You do need to pay attention to maintenance, especially oil and cooling, but it will treat you well if you do. Also, most problems can be noticed well in advanced of them becoming bigger problems (igntion, cat, etc). Stock cars may not have oomph compared to the WRX's, but they handle like a dream, while still being fun enough in a straight line. I just tuned mine, and oh boy is it LOADS more fun.

Yes, make sure it's warm before you turn it off, otherwise, there's nothing special to it. Don't rev it before turning it off, you'll look like a jerk (ask me how I know).

Is it a money pit? YES, it CAN be! I've had to replace (from the factory), my fuel pump, thermostat, lower control arm, starter, tire pressure sensors, and catalytic converter (with a straight pipe). You WILL have to replace things that go broke. Why? Because age! I bought my 2004 in Jan '12. Assuming it was assembled in '03, it was nearly NINE YEARS OLD when I bought it! So eh, that's just a general used car thing. Applies to every car.

Would I recommend it as a first car? Absolutely not. Would I buy a different car as my first? Absolutely not.

Yes you read that right.

Shizz will happen, it will cost money, and you will either be financially prepared for it, or you won't. All the while, you develop feelings for your ride. Either you'll love it, or hate it. I fell in love with mine, but I could easily see how someone would completely hate it. It's all about how it makes you feel, drive it and you'll see.

bladeiai

iTrader: (1)

I hope that isn't the impression you or the OP took from my post. I don't know the OP and have only my own experiences of when I was 15 (and other people I knew at 15) and I wouldn't have been able to to maintain an RX-8 at that age (either with time or funds). Like I said before, perhaps you have more resources than I did at that age and are more capable.

The RX-8 is a fantastic and unique pieces of machinery, but a good first car I believe it does not make. But that is just my opinion, I hope you will read up, learn as much as you can and make your own decision knowing exactly what to expect.

And as far as the WRX forum, I'm sure it's probably a great place for finding info on WRX's, but from what I read of their responses about RX-8's I would get my info from people that have actual experience as apposed to biased hearsay from people that have no first hand knowledge.

RXeligion

I bought my first rotary car when I was 16 (1986 RX-7 Nat. Asp. Coupe) and I've bought three others since then. I currently own a 10th Anniversary RX-7, which I've had for 11 years, and a 2004 RX-8. My point is, asking me if you should buy an RX-8 is like asking if I would do it all again...




I would... But I would kick myself for it, too. If you think people bitch and moan about keeping up with maintenance on a BWM, think again. Engines last about as long as shock absorbers on these cars if you're lucky. If you don't have the means to drop the $$$$ (yes, x4) for a good rebuild, I recommend a nice Subaru. That's not a knock on Subaru - they make some great cars. You may even be able to afford more car, based on what you might save on fuel and maintenance costs.

For what it's worth, I've been considering selling both of mine and buying a Cayman or Vette to play in. These aren't my DD's anyway, and I would rather spend time driving a car than tinkering on one when I get a little free time.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

Ehh. Everybody's got a stupid opinion. Mine, for example, is that WRXs are styled like something my doctor would want to surgically remove and sound about as nice as a fruit juicer.

Let me level with you: I got my first Rx8 at 18, and got me laid. Either an RX8 or a Subie will be faster than 95% of what's parked at your high school parking lot but girls don't know or care about that ****. One makes them go "oh pretty" and the other makes them say "ick." Choose wisely, padawan.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

"Blah blah blah maintenance..." Come on guys, wtf else does a 15 y/o have to do all day? He can't go to bars.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

My post was directed at no one in particular. We want the New Member forum to be as "flame" free as possible.

Hum, Homework? That's kinda important.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

I've learned more here than I did in both high school and college chemistry.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

Just one of the sections of the new owner threads.

ken-x8

That's a great point that most people miss when advising youngsters about maintaining an RX-8. A teenager is more likely than anyone else to obsess over their first car and build their life around taking care of it.

Ken

tpb7463

iTrader: (1)

Judging from this comment, your primary interest with this car is looks (which you described so articulately ). However, I see no mention of the primary vehicle (pun intended) that should ultimately drive your purchase decision as a young owner (MONEY)! Read the new owner's thread in its entirety. Eventually you'll come across a section about the cost of ownership. Start tallying up all the items listed and then decide if the income you make (or the assistance you require) is within your budget. Decide how much of the regular maintenance you are prepared to do yourself. (90%? 10%?) How you choose to engage in regular maintenance has a huge impact on how much you spend.

A properly maintained RX-8 will be a reliable and fun car to drive. But many prospective buyers arrive at this car with the allure of a cheap entry to ownership; only to find that many cars offered for sale vary wildly on their condition (visually and mechanically).

---

If you are prepared to educate yourself in what to look for in buying an RX-8 (read the stickies), are aware of the cost of ownership, and are prepared for terrible mileage, then fine. Keep it under 75 and between the ditches.

But if you choose to skim past the information laid out before you for the sake of looks, then please move along.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

And I've learned more about History from watching TV, reading books and doing Inet searches than I ever did in school.

While school is full of irrelevant facts, doing homework and getting good grades sets you up for greater thing later in life.

StreetK!ng

Lol I like how you signed up on the other forum. +1

StreetK!ng

I will definitely read the stickies thank you.

MEboy

iTrader: (1)

I'm 19 and just got my RX8 last week. My first car was a 2000 Toyota Sienna...when I turned 16. I got a 94 Dakota when I turned 17 and I didn't get my 98 528i until shortly before I turned 18. I didn't know anything about cars until that came around and now I'm a pretty serious mechanic and studying Mechanical Engineering to work for Volkswagen. The RX8 is much simpler than the bimmer and requires much less maintenance, mostly preventative than the bimmer. If you like your car and your money, you'll learn how to treat your car well with the help of this forum.

godesshunter

I think if you do your homework and find a good car. Then keep it well maintained, it could be a good experience for you.

But I can tell you this. When I had my first car, and my friends included, None of us cared what kind of car you had. Just that you had one. My first car was a 89 Plymouth Acclaim. The only thing I cared about then was that the stereo sounded great, I could fit 5 people in it, and it started when I turned the key. Maintenance consisted of scraping together change for gas and beer and getting to the party. An Rx8 would have been a terrible first car for me.

I'm not saying you will be the same way. I'm just saying that even though you don't know it yet, at that age your priorities are probably not going to be taking care of your car.

monchie

This is my first rotary car i ever owned. It really needs to be maintained more than any other cars out there. I like this car, its different in some ways...

shr3da

If my RX-8 was my first car I would probably be dead.

charlie419

id be in mexico hiding from the police

charlie419

and if you do by a sports car for your first car buy a manual. it will keep you alert. my dad made me learn how to drive standard before i even knew how to drive. it was a nightmare to learn especially when standing still up hill lol but im a better driver because of it.

i would rather have this kid doing burnouts in a manual than going 100+ mph in a automatic.

koiesmith

I can tell you from person experience that my warranty has saved me a lot of dollars on my RX-8 and I've owned 2 of them. Make sure you get one with a warranty or buy a good aftermarket warranty.

WTBRotary!

iTrader: (6)

My first car was a base model 05' RX8 that was a hand me down from my mother. I took it when I just turned 16, modded it a little for the year that I owned it and sold it to get me a good ole' 6 speed rx8. I've been a member here since I was 15, slowly reading up on my rotary knowledge since then. I've had my Winning Blue since then and If I had to go back and do it all over again I would.

There's something about the rotary engine that hits the core of me. It's a Mazda, it handles great, it has a fresh AF interior (still modern), it has more room than most sports cars and there's nothing sweeter than hitting 9k. Torque curve is linear, power keeps going up until 8500 (constant pull, no dead areas). I haven't really elaborated how much I love my 8. This is just 5 minutes posted from my phone.

I think I was the youngest on the forum to own an 8 and to actively mod/maintain my 8. I've spent most of my money on it the last 4-5 years and it's been a blast. Could my 10K been spent elsewhere for more power? Of course, but there's just something about the rotary engine that Keeps me coming back.

Currently I'm 10 days from turning 21, so I'm still pretty young...

With that being said here's the kicker... I do not recommend the 8 to anyone anymore. After having 4-5 of my friends get them (they liked cars but were not car enthusiasts I.e. They didnt know how to handle the maintenance aspect of things), and 3/5 of them hated it because of the MPG, the unreliable engines etc. They loved the way it handled, but the MPG and reliability were a huge setback because these guys weren't the type to mod or want to work on then car at all. They were young and literally just wanted a cool car to take to school, to show off, to get them from A to B.

The RX8 is not that car. With you being 15, and if you can afford it, I would suggest a Miata, or a FRS/BRZ. They handle great, reliable, decent looks, and great MPG. That's my .02 cents. Good Luck