borgkingkong

Hi guys,

I'm a potential RX8 owner, now deciding on which version to get. Here're the facts:

OPTION:

New 2008 RX8
Silver, manual, $48400 (my currency), thinking of getting the Mazda Speed body kit to fit ($2000) so total = $50,400


OR

New 2009 RX8
Red, 6 speed manual, no body kit, but thinking of getting only a rear spoiler, $55400 (sans rear spoiler)

Which do you think is a better deal? Would it make a huge difference in terms of performance between the 2008 and 2009 version (?), I know the 2009 has a stiffer body and new interiors etc.

Difference is $5000 between new and old version. Is the $5000 saving worth skipping over the newer version?

Any advice?

Thanks! So eagerly awaiting to driving this car..

rux

https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-technical-trouble-shooting-160/mechanical-changes-rx-8-series-i-ii-161665/

sytfu_Fe

R3 or bust.

myriadshalaks

iTrader: (1)

i'd say there's more aftermarket support for the older ones. and they're cheaper. the changes aren't worth the price difference.

PeteInLongBeach

I don't think I could live with the updated styling of the '09 at any price....

borgkingkong

HOLY ****! All that new stuff for $5k... sold!

I actually went to test drive the car.. the 2009 version, and glad to tell all of you, I am now a proud owner of a RX8!!! Just need to finalise financing and I should have it by next week. Pics to follow. Test Drive itself - beautiful car! Smooth as butter.....

I managed to negotiate $1k additional rebate so now the car is $54,400.00 I will be adding a rear spoiler which will cost around $400 plus.

Have been hearing alot of stories from friends and mechanics here asking me why I want to get this car. They've heard horror stories of engines going kaput but seems most can be traced to poor maintenance by owners or people using them to race (dealer said someone drove the rx8 till the oil was almost empty!)

I am getting this car also because of the peace of mind of the 5 year warranty or 100k km (yes we get only 5 years here for some reason). But I'll be getting 5000km free service and parts maintenance - but NO changes to the car in anyway or the warranty is void (except the rear spoiler - checked with them)

BTW if anyone have advise on a noob on how to keep his car in good running condition and not run the risk of 'Pop goes the Wankel' syndrome, do let me know. Things I plan to do:

1) service every 5000km
2) check oil and water weekly
3) Rev the engine once in a while but never hard
4) Frequency of driving = not sure! Should I drive this everyday or use it on weekends only? Can it handle the daily grind of 60-80km a day, up and down the highway?
5) any other advice?

Thanks everyone...

borgkingkong

Seriously? What's wrong with the new styling specifically? I think it looks different for sure, but not enough to make me go

robrecht

I would do the opposite of #3. Seriously. But after the break-in period. I would probably also premix, even 'though it's an '09 and all.

robrecht

Oh, also, congrats on the new car!

borgkingkong

Thanks mate. Yeah I probably wouldn't rev it too much during the break in period but then will rev it when it's ready. Since I'm a noob, what's premix?

This is a car I've been wanting to get since I saw the 04 version, but was never keen due to the stories of engine failures. With the new 09s and the warranty, have more peace of mind, but will still want to take good care of the car!

robrecht

Premix is adding a little 2-stroke oil (and perhaps a lubricious cleaner) with your gas to better lubricate the apex seals and to help keep the combustion chamber from building up too much carbon.

Here's a ridiculously long thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/gas-oil-premix-thread-99636/

Renesis engine issues finally identified?
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/renesis-engine-issues-finally-identified-138114/

Will the 16x kill premix?
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/will-x16-kill-premix-143588/

borgkingkong

I'm reading more and more stuff on the forum and a few people have said the 09s have tranny problems.

Not sure how to make of it. Is this really low percentage of owners? And does Mazda Warranty cover the tranny? need to check with my dealership. They mentiond the 5 year warranty was for engine only... hmmm....

So many pros to the car, but also worried about the cons....

XlYesterdaYlX

Go R3 or go home.

borgkingkong

I would if I could, but they don't ship the R3 into my country. So I'll have to make do with the mid range one... Velocity Red....

Checked with dealership: 5 years on engine and gearbox as per standard and all the other additionals listed in their documentations. No MODS whatsoever to the car except the rear spoiler (cos its done by them).. going stock. but if it keeps my car safe and sound.. then I'm all for it...

myriadshalaks

iTrader: (1)

lol, right?

Raptor75

To each there own but I have to agree the new styling leaves me cold. They just took the old look and pimped it out, some thing I really dislike.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

congrats.

but the best way to break in a modern engine is to really drive the crap out of it for the first 3000 miles.

oil changes at
500 miles
1000 miles
3000 miles

then drive it normally.

you really need to abuse the engine a bit, or else carbon will build up inside it. this is what causes engine failures.

sytfu_Fe

like i said R3 or bust homie....







i drove the se3p for 2 weeks before i purchased the R3, and let me tell you. older version Fe's dont have anything on this revised model. the 4.77's take this car from a mid 15 sec car to a high 14, and also makes freeway driving a bit more relaxed due to less shifting. power is just about everywhere from 5k, and the handling...... if you liked the handling of the previous version... this one is simply brilliant! turn in can be had at just about any portion of the apex. brakes are very impressive, and the car is about 200 lbs lighter than previous models. fuel consumption is still the same, you definitely dont mind after 200+ miles of pure driving enjoyment. the recaro's hold you, the blutooth alerts you to the phone no matter how loud you have your stereo playing, or even if you have the sound system off.

the newer model RX8 is just porno on wheels. not as fast as my mazdaspeed6, but definitely a more cappable vehicle.

myriadshalaks

iTrader: (1)

there's a lot wrong with this claim. a lot.

borgkingkong

Getting differing opinions here. so is it drive reasonably until its broken in or drive the crap out of it to break it in?

A little confused... any more comments on RX8 owners?

BTW, the R3 looks awesome..

robrecht

That's because there are two different theories on how to break in cars. Some favor the aggressive approach, not just for rotaries but for all engines. Personally, I am more impressed by the fact that Racing Beat, who knows rotaries very well, recommends an even more conservative approach than Mazda:

http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm

But after the break-in period, we all agree on the importance of red lining your 8 (after its warmed up, of course). It's not only fun, but its good for the engine, helps reduce carbon build-up, as does the proper use of premix.

rux

+1 on Racing Beat's.

borgkingkong

Question on Premix: On a full tank of gas, how much should I add into the gas tank? and what type of 2 stroke oil should I use? Does the brand matter or simply get the best 2 stroke u can find?

I assume premixing still applies to the 09? Also one more thing: I was told by the dealership that they will not be using synthetic oil but mineral oil. Can someone explain why?

Thanks for everyone's patience with this noob!

Update: Financing is being approved. Should be ready in 2 days.....

robrecht

Read the link I posted for you for lots of different opinions and some broad consensus around a few options.

I'm not sure what's easily available to you in your country, but many people use about 4-8 oz of Idemitsu premix per fill-up. It's specially made for rotary engines. It is also popular to add some form of lubricious cleaner and therefore a little less Idemitsu. Again, I use FP+ from LCD Inc in Texas, but that's probably not easily or cheaply available to you. Many recommend a lubricious cleaner over one that will harm your oil films so may not be good to use too much of some fuel injector cleaners that are often used on piston engines.

Premixing applies less for the '09 because of the 3rd 'injector' but, if I were you, I would still premix, probably a lower amount, maybe 3-4 oz per fill-up.

sytfu_Fe

ok, well i am not a genious but i am seeing a average of people doing 15.6-15.1 on the stock se3p, and i seen a few r3's run 14.9-14.7. i am taking mine to the strip this afternoon and we will see what i get out of it on my own behalf.