6years of ownership. Great car overall, but with problems
11-26-2014, 04:09 AM
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6years of ownership. Great car overall, but with problems
Hi all.
I just feel like to share my experiences with S1 and S2.
I had S1 05 GT 6spd for about 4 years. (bought it used with 30k miles)
This was my first car I bought, first sports car, as well as first manual car.
Learning how to drive a manual was probably one of the best thing I've ever done in my life.
When I got the car, I did my homework so managed to not flood it at all. (no short trips)
The car just feels so good to drive it around, especially quiet and not so traffic heavy roads.
It may not have that straightline acceleration that other competitors have, but it has very forgiving nature (noob friendly) with decent amount of power.
Some problems I've encountered with S1 05 GT are:
1. Clutch squeak - fortunately it did not break while I owned it.
2. Broken engine mount - stealership ripped me off by not notifying me that I was able to get it replaced under warranty (mazda in cerritos area). Later I got the money back.
3. Engine compression going low- barely passed test...according to stealership. Inorder to get the replacement engine under warranty, compression must be under 5.8 or so(cant remember exact number), and mine was about 6.1
Still, the car had only 60K miles on it at that time, was only 5 years old.
Although warranty backed it for 8yrs 100k miles, living with fear of engine failure for a car that is only 5 yrs old? hmm...
4. expensive parts and maintenance costs- this is to be expected with sports car. But could be problematic for people with tight buget.
5. starter gone bad - another common problem with S1. replaced with AT starter. This also should NOT happen to a 5 years old car.
6. relatively high insurance cost - (relatively) young male driver with 1 ticket record = $300+/month or $2600/yr to be insured.
To sum it up, I had mostly powertrain related issues with S1 05 model.
After all that hassle, I moved on to S2 09 Touring 6spd about 2 years ago.
I did consider getting other cars such as used wrx/sti, new speed 3, used mustang gt but they just did not appeal to me.
Notably, mustang had too much body roll and it was just too heavy, which ruined my high expectation about iconic American muscle.
In defense of mustang, it did have great power. Unbeatable in that price range.
So I ended up with rx8 again; got used S2 with 22k miles.
I just loved this car too much to get other car.
My justifications were: there are no other cars around in this price range with 4 doors + rwd fun + handling capability + high revvying engine (very important).
Also, 09 model came with aux port which I always wanted.
I could say many issues related with drivability are resolved so far.
S2 even prevents you from doing over rev with 3 level limiter while engine is cold. (5k, 7k, then normal 9k)
No rough idle unlike my failing S1 engine, just occasional misfire can be felt.
But here comes catch.
Problems during my 2yrs of ownership with S2 (now at 51K miles):
1. Audio is gone - Bose system, no sound at all most of the time. It just gave up about 6 months ago.
Head unit works fine. So it is likely to be amp according to couple shops I've talked to.
Oddly it does work rarely during cold winter morning.
I was told replacing with oem will cost about one grand.
Shop owners advised me to just go all aftermarket for cheaper fix, which still will cost me minimum $500.
Well, I could live with no audio. Not an immediate danger.
2. Power windows dead - first, driver side dead about 8 months ago.
just yesterday, passenger side dead as well.
Checked with local mechanic today. Told me it would cost 300~400 to fix, depending on how many parts need to be replaced.
Not an immediate danger. Have sunroof that is still working...for now.
3. Faulty coolant senor. It had me freak out. (sht engine seal might have gone bad?) but later found its just faulty sensor (common in S2)
4. problems mentioned above should NOT happen to a 5 yrs old modern car.
It is a relief that audio/window problems do not compromise car's drivability.
But even most of the cheaper cars that are 5~6 yrs old do not have those problems.
Hell, even my father's 13 years old passenger car does not have problems other than some common automatic transmission issues and minor leaks from hoses, which is acceptable considering hes car has about 200K miles on it.
In summary, here are my opinion based on 6 yrs of ownership.
Pros
1. Best handling car in the price range. Very forgiving.
2. Unique engine that revs to 9k rpm (for manual only)
3. 4 doors 4 seats = lot more practical than 2dr coupes
4. drive feel is exceptional overall.
5. Surprisingly comfortable. I expected harsher ride.
Cons
1. Small things to keep in mind, such as not turning off the engine while cold, religiously maintaining oil level etc etc
2. Build quality is not quite there for a mass produced model. (except engine. its hand built)
3. Stealerships that love to take advantage of uninformed customers. (well this isn't mazda only issue but still...fking with my warranty? unacceptable. )
4. Unique engine - you need to find a good mechanic who knows how to deal with rotary engine if something goes wrong while you are out of warranty or stealership does not want to honor your warranty for some reason.
5. Regular maintenance could be costly. (coils, spark plugs, tires, breakpads etc)
Will I buy another mazda car? ABSOLUTELY NO.
Not even recommending it to my friends and family.
Actually I will STOP them from buying one.
How about next gen rotary car?
may be as a weekend car...just not within first 5~6 years of its release.
I really love the rotary engine and all
but dealing with sub-par build quality (durability) is not what i'd wanna get involved again in future.
may be im just getting old.
I just feel like to share my experiences with S1 and S2.
I had S1 05 GT 6spd for about 4 years. (bought it used with 30k miles)
This was my first car I bought, first sports car, as well as first manual car.
Learning how to drive a manual was probably one of the best thing I've ever done in my life.
When I got the car, I did my homework so managed to not flood it at all. (no short trips)
The car just feels so good to drive it around, especially quiet and not so traffic heavy roads.
It may not have that straightline acceleration that other competitors have, but it has very forgiving nature (noob friendly) with decent amount of power.
Some problems I've encountered with S1 05 GT are:
1. Clutch squeak - fortunately it did not break while I owned it.
2. Broken engine mount - stealership ripped me off by not notifying me that I was able to get it replaced under warranty (mazda in cerritos area). Later I got the money back.
3. Engine compression going low- barely passed test...according to stealership. Inorder to get the replacement engine under warranty, compression must be under 5.8 or so(cant remember exact number), and mine was about 6.1
Still, the car had only 60K miles on it at that time, was only 5 years old.
Although warranty backed it for 8yrs 100k miles, living with fear of engine failure for a car that is only 5 yrs old? hmm...
4. expensive parts and maintenance costs- this is to be expected with sports car. But could be problematic for people with tight buget.
5. starter gone bad - another common problem with S1. replaced with AT starter. This also should NOT happen to a 5 years old car.
6. relatively high insurance cost - (relatively) young male driver with 1 ticket record = $300+/month or $2600/yr to be insured.
To sum it up, I had mostly powertrain related issues with S1 05 model.
After all that hassle, I moved on to S2 09 Touring 6spd about 2 years ago.
I did consider getting other cars such as used wrx/sti, new speed 3, used mustang gt but they just did not appeal to me.
Notably, mustang had too much body roll and it was just too heavy, which ruined my high expectation about iconic American muscle.
In defense of mustang, it did have great power. Unbeatable in that price range.
So I ended up with rx8 again; got used S2 with 22k miles.
I just loved this car too much to get other car.
My justifications were: there are no other cars around in this price range with 4 doors + rwd fun + handling capability + high revvying engine (very important).
Also, 09 model came with aux port which I always wanted.
I could say many issues related with drivability are resolved so far.
S2 even prevents you from doing over rev with 3 level limiter while engine is cold. (5k, 7k, then normal 9k)
No rough idle unlike my failing S1 engine, just occasional misfire can be felt.
But here comes catch.
Problems during my 2yrs of ownership with S2 (now at 51K miles):
1. Audio is gone - Bose system, no sound at all most of the time. It just gave up about 6 months ago.
Head unit works fine. So it is likely to be amp according to couple shops I've talked to.
Oddly it does work rarely during cold winter morning.
I was told replacing with oem will cost about one grand.
Shop owners advised me to just go all aftermarket for cheaper fix, which still will cost me minimum $500.
Well, I could live with no audio. Not an immediate danger.
2. Power windows dead - first, driver side dead about 8 months ago.
just yesterday, passenger side dead as well.
Checked with local mechanic today. Told me it would cost 300~400 to fix, depending on how many parts need to be replaced.
Not an immediate danger. Have sunroof that is still working...for now.
3. Faulty coolant senor. It had me freak out. (sht engine seal might have gone bad?) but later found its just faulty sensor (common in S2)
4. problems mentioned above should NOT happen to a 5 yrs old modern car.
It is a relief that audio/window problems do not compromise car's drivability.
But even most of the cheaper cars that are 5~6 yrs old do not have those problems.
Hell, even my father's 13 years old passenger car does not have problems other than some common automatic transmission issues and minor leaks from hoses, which is acceptable considering hes car has about 200K miles on it.
In summary, here are my opinion based on 6 yrs of ownership.
Pros
1. Best handling car in the price range. Very forgiving.
2. Unique engine that revs to 9k rpm (for manual only)
3. 4 doors 4 seats = lot more practical than 2dr coupes
4. drive feel is exceptional overall.
5. Surprisingly comfortable. I expected harsher ride.
Cons
1. Small things to keep in mind, such as not turning off the engine while cold, religiously maintaining oil level etc etc
2. Build quality is not quite there for a mass produced model. (except engine. its hand built)
3. Stealerships that love to take advantage of uninformed customers. (well this isn't mazda only issue but still...fking with my warranty? unacceptable. )
4. Unique engine - you need to find a good mechanic who knows how to deal with rotary engine if something goes wrong while you are out of warranty or stealership does not want to honor your warranty for some reason.
5. Regular maintenance could be costly. (coils, spark plugs, tires, breakpads etc)
Will I buy another mazda car? ABSOLUTELY NO.
Not even recommending it to my friends and family.
Actually I will STOP them from buying one.
How about next gen rotary car?
may be as a weekend car...just not within first 5~6 years of its release.
I really love the rotary engine and all
but dealing with sub-par build quality (durability) is not what i'd wanna get involved again in future.
may be im just getting old.
Last edited by raigun; 11-26-2014 at 04:18 AM. Reason: spelling err
11-26-2014, 06:13 AM
#2
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
I have a 2004 GT 6 speed, 2nd owner, just shy of 40k miles, bought 2 1/2 years ago.
I have had none of the issues you mentioned.(knock on wood)
The biggest issue I had was a failed cat shortly after I bought it, due to a failed coil & misfires.
I had to get a new battery, not surprised, it was 8 years old.
I eliminated the problems with both BHR midpipe & ignition kit.
A significant investment, but hopefully it will return my investment by eliminating the regular replacement of ignition components, and eliminating the risk of cat failure damaging my engine.
Then the assortment of the usual minor defects;
Broken visor, condensation in taillights, & faulty climate control.
Other than that, I absolutely love this car!
Would I recommend Mazdas?
I have and would, and at least one lady friend asked my opinion on the Mazda 3 & bought.
She loves it.
Would I recommend an RX8?
Yes, but only to someone who is enthusiastic about their driving experience, is willing to learn about the 8, enter into it with eyes wide open to the idiosyncratic nature of it, and can afford to maintain it properly.
If someone wants the equivalent of a refrigerator on wheels to get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible, with as little maintenance as possible, then I would not recommend it.
The handling, performance, and the somewhat surprising bonus for a sports car of the aesthetics of a quiet cabin, smooth ride, & creature comforts of the GT make for an outstanding driving experience at a now very affordable price that most people will never experience.
If I was to apply a popular rating system, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The uncertainty of the engine life and relatively low torque are the only reasons I wouldn't give it 5.
I LOVE my RX8!
I have had none of the issues you mentioned.(knock on wood)
The biggest issue I had was a failed cat shortly after I bought it, due to a failed coil & misfires.
I had to get a new battery, not surprised, it was 8 years old.
I eliminated the problems with both BHR midpipe & ignition kit.
A significant investment, but hopefully it will return my investment by eliminating the regular replacement of ignition components, and eliminating the risk of cat failure damaging my engine.
Then the assortment of the usual minor defects;
Broken visor, condensation in taillights, & faulty climate control.
Other than that, I absolutely love this car!
Would I recommend Mazdas?
I have and would, and at least one lady friend asked my opinion on the Mazda 3 & bought.
She loves it.
Would I recommend an RX8?
Yes, but only to someone who is enthusiastic about their driving experience, is willing to learn about the 8, enter into it with eyes wide open to the idiosyncratic nature of it, and can afford to maintain it properly.
If someone wants the equivalent of a refrigerator on wheels to get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible, with as little maintenance as possible, then I would not recommend it.
The handling, performance, and the somewhat surprising bonus for a sports car of the aesthetics of a quiet cabin, smooth ride, & creature comforts of the GT make for an outstanding driving experience at a now very affordable price that most people will never experience.
If I was to apply a popular rating system, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The uncertainty of the engine life and relatively low torque are the only reasons I wouldn't give it 5.
I LOVE my RX8!
11-26-2014, 07:27 AM
#3
++ ^^
The current stable is a 3, a 6 and the 8. Might be another 3 coming after the SUV dies. The 8 shipped with a few gremlins. all cars do. My 6 is a first year product as well as the SUV. There is a lesson in here someplace, not sure where, but I cannot detect the pattern. Call a shop and ask how much to change the plugs on a 2005 -6-7-8 Expedition. (Hint, they break off in the engine with minimal torque, plug defect).
From school, Matthews' Third Law, Misery is Conserved. Get a car that stirs your soul for under $100,000 and something will not be right. I wanted a 4 door car (wife said) that was green (work suggested I be responsible), that I could track (the real requirement) and maintain. My Nordic Green 04 GT fit the bill and cost less than any other option out there.
You get to make your own choices and own recommendations. I think you are doing your friends and family a disservice. It is like recommending nobody buy a Gov Motors car because of the Cobalt issue (I had a nephew in one of the wrecks). But, I will stick with Mazda until I can afford the Ferarri, and then, I will likely drop the 8 off a Pettit instead.....
The current stable is a 3, a 6 and the 8. Might be another 3 coming after the SUV dies. The 8 shipped with a few gremlins. all cars do. My 6 is a first year product as well as the SUV. There is a lesson in here someplace, not sure where, but I cannot detect the pattern. Call a shop and ask how much to change the plugs on a 2005 -6-7-8 Expedition. (Hint, they break off in the engine with minimal torque, plug defect).
From school, Matthews' Third Law, Misery is Conserved. Get a car that stirs your soul for under $100,000 and something will not be right. I wanted a 4 door car (wife said) that was green (work suggested I be responsible), that I could track (the real requirement) and maintain. My Nordic Green 04 GT fit the bill and cost less than any other option out there.
You get to make your own choices and own recommendations. I think you are doing your friends and family a disservice. It is like recommending nobody buy a Gov Motors car because of the Cobalt issue (I had a nephew in one of the wrecks). But, I will stick with Mazda until I can afford the Ferarri, and then, I will likely drop the 8 off a Pettit instead.....
11-26-2014, 08:49 AM
#4
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Having some random issues with a known quirky high maintenance sports car means that you are going to try to steer your friends and family away from reliable commuter cars from the same company?
Out of all model comparisons within a make, of all makes out there, comparing the RX-8 to any other Mazda made in the same generation is a very very inaccurate and poorly thought out one. It's like buying a GT-R and saying to friends and family: "Don't buy that Sentra! The oil changes are far too expensive!"
I don't get it.
11-26-2014, 10:17 AM
#5
I agree with what everyone else is saying, it's a fantastic car with some downfalls that take getting used to. It is the absolute last car I would recommend to anyone, however since it's arguably the most functionally abnormal production car of the millennia all of the issues are to be expected.
It's not reflective on the rest of Mazdas lineup though. I would actually push people towards Mazdas in general because I've been able to see their dedication to innovative concepts that aren't necessarily normal (some of the skyactiv stuff, rotaries, some of the earlier EPS), and make them work very well. I even managed to convince my mother to buy one after owning mine for a couple of months!
It's not reflective on the rest of Mazdas lineup though. I would actually push people towards Mazdas in general because I've been able to see their dedication to innovative concepts that aren't necessarily normal (some of the skyactiv stuff, rotaries, some of the earlier EPS), and make them work very well. I even managed to convince my mother to buy one after owning mine for a couple of months!
11-26-2014, 10:36 AM
#6
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Replaced with AT starter? 
As for the issue with the Bose, that is a rare one (and used oem Bose parts can be had for next to nothing) as well as the faulty coolant sensor (first I have heard of this actually). The windows issue on the S2 I have heard of, but still rare, and really makes no sense to me since those parts should be the same as an S1 and they don't really have any power windows issues overall. Flooding is also not an issue on the S2's, I have never heard of a flooded S2 actually.
As for the issue with the Bose, that is a rare one (and used oem Bose parts can be had for next to nothing) as well as the faulty coolant sensor (first I have heard of this actually). The windows issue on the S2 I have heard of, but still rare, and really makes no sense to me since those parts should be the same as an S1 and they don't really have any power windows issues overall. Flooding is also not an issue on the S2's, I have never heard of a flooded S2 actually.
11-26-2014, 03:30 PM
#8
The real issue here is that the RX-8 is a tinkerer's car. While it is incredibly fun to drive, if not maintained properly it will bring you down with it. Of course there are flaws in cars; the manufacturers are not perfect and QA can't catch everything, while it does catch serious issues. It's too bad you encountered so many issues and that has skewed your view of the car.
11-26-2014, 04:49 PM
#9
Life After 8K RPM....
Sorry to hear about your troubling experience with the 8.
Wish you all the best with your next one.
I guess it boils down to how a vehicle is maintained. I have an 04GT currently at 260k and I have not experienced any of the issues you mentioned above.
It's my daily, I've had it for over 2 years now and I've put on 122ks on it.
Other than regular wear n tear and maintenance, I haven't experienced any issues.
My 2002 Mercury Cougar spent a heck more time in the garage than it did on the roads lol,
97 Prelude I bought, broke down on me every here n there
Not to mention some passenger cars; Taurus, Neon, Intrepid, Explorer, they all gave me more hassle than my 8 ever did.
Neways, all the best :-)
Wish you all the best with your next one.
I guess it boils down to how a vehicle is maintained. I have an 04GT currently at 260k and I have not experienced any of the issues you mentioned above.
It's my daily, I've had it for over 2 years now and I've put on 122ks on it.
Other than regular wear n tear and maintenance, I haven't experienced any issues.
My 2002 Mercury Cougar spent a heck more time in the garage than it did on the roads lol,
97 Prelude I bought, broke down on me every here n there
Not to mention some passenger cars; Taurus, Neon, Intrepid, Explorer, they all gave me more hassle than my 8 ever did.
Neways, all the best :-)
11-26-2014, 04:56 PM
#10
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if its any consolation i've been tossing up about a new toyota 86/FRS and their forum has highlighted just as many problems as the rx8 does including engine failures & that car has had at least another 10 years of development time to perfect issues.. in saying that ive had my rx8 now 2 years & have just had its first breakdown with the coils going but if you read this forum then you can expect some of the failures to occur & prepare yourself.
Obviously no car is perfect & each has something prone to failing with it, along with differences between individual owners in caring for the vehicle.
Obviously no car is perfect & each has something prone to failing with it, along with differences between individual owners in caring for the vehicle.
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