Rx8 Reliability and Maintenance?
10-20-2010, 07:42 AM
#26
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Consumer Guide is not the same as Consumer Reports.
CR's last auto issue was April 2010. You'll probably have to go to the library to find it.
Ken
CR's last auto issue was April 2010. You'll probably have to go to the library to find it.
Ken
Last edited by ken-x8; 10-20-2010 at 07:46 AM.
10-20-2010, 08:12 AM
#27
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Other than tsb's and a few recalls my 04 6 sp has been flawless. I bought it new in 04 and it now has 45k. I can only speak for my own car and have to say it's out performed my other new cars (including hondas) in long term reliability. As mentioned by others, take caution buying used just like you would any car. Make sure the recalls and necessary tsb's were done because after warranty expires, you foot the bill.
10-20-2010, 09:22 AM
#28
there are a lot of whining little babies around. they don't even change oil and when **** breaks they said its Mazda's fault.
but just remember even New cars can have lemon, so when you get a used car, its really hard to say if it will give you tons of headache. lets see how lucky you are.
but just remember even New cars can have lemon, so when you get a used car, its really hard to say if it will give you tons of headache. lets see how lucky you are.
10-20-2010, 04:35 PM
#30
I hate when people knock the rx8 and/or rotaries in general. They work damn well and IMO feel smoother then piston engines. You have to know going in and buying a rotary engined car that they require more money to run and more care to own. That's usually why edmonds or whoever gives the rx8/rotaries a lower score right off the bat. A check engine light will turn on if you dont click your gas cap at least 3-4 times closed. If its not the gas cap, its usually some emissions sensor. Also, most people who buy/own an rx8 that end up living at the dealership are only there because they're idiots and 9 out of 10 times probably flooded the engine by turning it off cold. Either way, a lot of those negative personal reviews on the web are on the driver/owner, not on the car. The rx8 doesn't get CEL's any more often than any other car on the street.
Car and Drive voted it one of the Best Used Cars under 20k:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...da_rx-8_page_6
Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear loved it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA
Also, before you buy, figure out all your expenses. $500 a month is nothing. You dont want to get yourself in a hole from the start. I personally would rather have a cheaper car all around (pricewise, insurance, maintenance costs) and go out and buy other toys than have to live paycheck to paycheck just to drive a nice car that you can only drive to and from work cause its all you can afford to do. But maybe that's me.
Car and Drive voted it one of the Best Used Cars under 20k:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...da_rx-8_page_6
Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear loved it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA
Also, before you buy, figure out all your expenses. $500 a month is nothing. You dont want to get yourself in a hole from the start. I personally would rather have a cheaper car all around (pricewise, insurance, maintenance costs) and go out and buy other toys than have to live paycheck to paycheck just to drive a nice car that you can only drive to and from work cause its all you can afford to do. But maybe that's me.
10-20-2010, 04:55 PM
#32
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10-20-2010, 05:27 PM
#34
you should test drive one first and see how you feel about it. i have a 04 mt and i had to change the water pump,radiator,thermostat.
i currently have to get new shocks and a new clutch. but besides that its an awesome car. i'm glad i picked it over the s2k, with the s2k i felt like the passenger was too close to me (Kinda claustrophobic). don't pay too much attention to these stupid reviews, any car can be a P.O.S with improper maintenance. just listen to the advice that some members have given and you will be blessed with an incredible car.
i currently have to get new shocks and a new clutch. but besides that its an awesome car. i'm glad i picked it over the s2k, with the s2k i felt like the passenger was too close to me (Kinda claustrophobic). don't pay too much attention to these stupid reviews, any car can be a P.O.S with improper maintenance. just listen to the advice that some members have given and you will be blessed with an incredible car.
10-20-2010, 08:20 PM
#35
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Great, the only down on this car then I guess is the gas mileage.
If I get 18 in the city, I wouldn't mind at all. 12 would worry me, 15 OK.
Really though getting 6 more miles on a gallon isn't that big of a deal.
Just need a job now
And sweet, I finally got behind the wheel of a manual on a 20004 Suburu Impreza Wrx. It was just for a few seconds, and I manged to stall it twice (didn't put it on neutral when stopping). Whatever it was my first time and I didn't have the feel of the accelerator. Getting the hang of it should be easy.
If I get 18 in the city, I wouldn't mind at all. 12 would worry me, 15 OK.
Really though getting 6 more miles on a gallon isn't that big of a deal.
Just need a job now
And sweet, I finally got behind the wheel of a manual on a 20004 Suburu Impreza Wrx. It was just for a few seconds, and I manged to stall it twice (didn't put it on neutral when stopping). Whatever it was my first time and I didn't have the feel of the accelerator. Getting the hang of it should be easy.
Last edited by Yakooza; 10-20-2010 at 08:40 PM.
10-27-2010, 07:34 AM
#36
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I have a '04 6spd GT that has 56k on it now. I absolutely love it and have had no issues at all with it. Understand that all cars require upkeep, this one just needs a little more. Take care of it and it will take care of you. I drive my car 7 days a week and it makes me smile every day. You can't buy any sports car and be concerned about gas mileage or insurance costs. If those are concerns then look into something else. Don't jump into something you are not ready for... If your ready then enjoy if not you may have to do like many of us and get one a little down the road.
10-27-2010, 09:54 AM
#37
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My opinion. If your buying a car just to put liability insurance on it, than I would buy a car that is suitable for that type of insurance. Basically buy something cheap.
10-28-2010, 01:15 AM
#38
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1st crap car = 1st crap girl..learn to get her and your good to go for the HOT one...lol
Ok..I had 04 with 97k km on her...2nd owner...with the original OEM coils, 2nd set of plugs because the 1st owner flooded (wife error) it once..
Done my maintenance recently..new coils, wires, plugs...and replace reverse switch (leaking issue) not a big deal and so far i have no complain about her...
And don't forget to shop a good tire too.
P.S.
1st owner is my friend so i know how he drive her like a ****...i mean it..like ****!...so for 97k km, reliability is not an issue...just my 2 cents.
10-31-2010, 05:50 PM
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so im kinda in the same situation as this guy, im an 18 year old, looking to buy a used rx-8 as well. I've been driving a manual 2004 olds alero since the day i turned 16 so i have some experience with care and maintenance.
Im working a job that pays me about $700 a week so i think the funds will be sufficient barring that the car doesn't have any major problem that occurs. But that being said i don't want to get a car that sucks my money away at an unreasonable rate.
From what ive read is that the maintenance of the oil is crucial with the rotary engine, and living up in Alberta it gets pretty cold so it becomes even more important to maintain the car. Do the canadian models have a stock block heater in them as well?
Im working a job that pays me about $700 a week so i think the funds will be sufficient barring that the car doesn't have any major problem that occurs. But that being said i don't want to get a car that sucks my money away at an unreasonable rate.
From what ive read is that the maintenance of the oil is crucial with the rotary engine, and living up in Alberta it gets pretty cold so it becomes even more important to maintain the car. Do the canadian models have a stock block heater in them as well?
10-31-2010, 11:05 PM
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so im kinda in the same situation as this guy, im an 18 year old, looking to buy a used rx-8 as well. I've been driving a manual 2004 olds alero since the day i turned 16 so i have some experience with care and maintenance.
Im working a job that pays me about $700 a week so i think the funds will be sufficient barring that the car doesn't have any major problem that occurs. But that being said i don't want to get a car that sucks my money away at an unreasonable rate.
From what ive read is that the maintenance of the oil is crucial with the rotary engine, and living up in Alberta it gets pretty cold so it becomes even more important to maintain the car. Do the canadian models have a stock block heater in them as well?
Im working a job that pays me about $700 a week so i think the funds will be sufficient barring that the car doesn't have any major problem that occurs. But that being said i don't want to get a car that sucks my money away at an unreasonable rate.
From what ive read is that the maintenance of the oil is crucial with the rotary engine, and living up in Alberta it gets pretty cold so it becomes even more important to maintain the car. Do the canadian models have a stock block heater in them as well?
04-18-2014, 08:54 AM
#41
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I also have a 04 rx8 and it hasn't given me any issues. I really love the thing. But then again, i maintain it very well and always stay on top of its maintenance. The thing with the rx8 is you really have to know and "listen" to your car. The 8 is more meticulous to care for than other cars. Once one thing starts going wrong with it, you pretty much have to fix it, or else more things will start to go wrong and you will end up hating the car and spending all of your money. Also, being mechanically inclined or knowing how to research DIY forums helps
Some prices off the top of my head of what i paid...
ignition coils (replace around 20k) = $150-180 depending where you get them
spark plugs (4) = $20 a piece
wires (NKG) = $26
OEM air filter = $25
Those are the things you change the most. But do some research. Browse the vendors section and see how much things cost. Browse the forum in general just to learn about the car. There is a lot of stuff to learn.
Also, depending on where you are from and if you plan on driving it year round or just summers, you have to factor in a good set of snow tires. And i dont know if this is the case for you but if you dont know how to drive a manual and you want a manual rx8, its not the car to learn on. Just my $.02.
Sorry if that sounded negative. It really is a great car, but you have to want to read about it if you're going to own it. At least in the beginning.
Some prices off the top of my head of what i paid...
ignition coils (replace around 20k) = $150-180 depending where you get them
spark plugs (4) = $20 a piece
wires (NKG) = $26
OEM air filter = $25
Those are the things you change the most. But do some research. Browse the vendors section and see how much things cost. Browse the forum in general just to learn about the car. There is a lot of stuff to learn.
Also, depending on where you are from and if you plan on driving it year round or just summers, you have to factor in a good set of snow tires. And i dont know if this is the case for you but if you dont know how to drive a manual and you want a manual rx8, its not the car to learn on. Just my $.02.
Sorry if that sounded negative. It really is a great car, but you have to want to read about it if you're going to own it. At least in the beginning.
The easiest thing but definitely not impossible. I had it down to a science in about a week. A manual
Is a manual, and I bought the 8 as my first manual
Car. If you want the car, get it regardless if
You know how to drive stick.
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