Thoughts after a month with my 8
#1
Thoughts after a month with my 8
It's been about a month now since I bought my RX8, a brilliant black 2006. I just wanted to chime in and give my two cents on the experience thus far.
First and foremost, it is everything I hoped it would be. The interior is gorgeous, would love an aux input though. The sound of the car was something I never put much thought into before owning one, but after driving it everyday you really start to appreciate that incredible 'whir' sound. I get the low torque thing more now too - at low RPM it can take a couple seconds to pick up, but I'm completely okay with it because when you push it above 4k it goes like hell. I love the extra doors, the shift **** fits in my hand perfectly, I can fit my hockey bag in the trunk, and I'm going through about $50/week in gas, getting about 400km to a full tank. Satisfied customer.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/d1s21aq6l88hcdw/5t_B7OfQWP
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/04o3c1wkcj9rbdn/rtBpVyE6T-
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/ok4hszwjz0kuuhr/MD0R8qO0PE
I bought it with 87,500KM which now reads about 89,000KM. Had it compression tested (averaging about 7.8), plugs coils wires done about 5,000KM ago, oil change the week I bought it. Owner took great care of the car, but I find I can still get a little paranoid about flooding or compression if my car seems to make any minuscule stutter. Maybe I'll get a little more confident the longer I own it.
I've unfortunately had to prepare it for a winter, since I bought it this fall and don't have a winter car yet. I bought a set of winter tires and oil sprayed it at a friend's shop to try to prepare the best I could. Linked to a couple before/after pictures, which look a lot worse than it does in person.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/inzt5lxbd901hu0/qh87-5YOQv
I've also gotten to see how this car can cost you a couple bucks. This car has the smart key, which uses proximity for a lot of functions like door locks, trunk release, and ignition. This doesn't work 9/10 times. Not a big deal I guess, I can unlock doors and trunks with the buttons manually, but I also have to pull the key out of the car to start the car every time. Some threads have this issue pointing to a dirty sensor under the rear bumper, which I plan on cleaning to try to fix the issue. The sensor was already replaced in April 2012 for $500, as per previous owners files he left with me. I was also looking into a new smart key, to have a second....another $500. Just to get my car started everyday. Considering a viper system as an alternative.
I've also noticed a slight rattling sound when idle/first/second. The sound goes away when holding in the clutch, comes back when released. Seems to go away in third gear and up. A friend suggested it may be pilot bearing or input shaft bearing, need to investigate more. Feel like this one will cost me too.
I'm sure I've rambled a little, but thanks for reading.
First and foremost, it is everything I hoped it would be. The interior is gorgeous, would love an aux input though. The sound of the car was something I never put much thought into before owning one, but after driving it everyday you really start to appreciate that incredible 'whir' sound. I get the low torque thing more now too - at low RPM it can take a couple seconds to pick up, but I'm completely okay with it because when you push it above 4k it goes like hell. I love the extra doors, the shift **** fits in my hand perfectly, I can fit my hockey bag in the trunk, and I'm going through about $50/week in gas, getting about 400km to a full tank. Satisfied customer.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/d1s21aq6l88hcdw/5t_B7OfQWP
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/04o3c1wkcj9rbdn/rtBpVyE6T-
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/ok4hszwjz0kuuhr/MD0R8qO0PE
I bought it with 87,500KM which now reads about 89,000KM. Had it compression tested (averaging about 7.8), plugs coils wires done about 5,000KM ago, oil change the week I bought it. Owner took great care of the car, but I find I can still get a little paranoid about flooding or compression if my car seems to make any minuscule stutter. Maybe I'll get a little more confident the longer I own it.
I've unfortunately had to prepare it for a winter, since I bought it this fall and don't have a winter car yet. I bought a set of winter tires and oil sprayed it at a friend's shop to try to prepare the best I could. Linked to a couple before/after pictures, which look a lot worse than it does in person.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/inzt5lxbd901hu0/qh87-5YOQv
I've also gotten to see how this car can cost you a couple bucks. This car has the smart key, which uses proximity for a lot of functions like door locks, trunk release, and ignition. This doesn't work 9/10 times. Not a big deal I guess, I can unlock doors and trunks with the buttons manually, but I also have to pull the key out of the car to start the car every time. Some threads have this issue pointing to a dirty sensor under the rear bumper, which I plan on cleaning to try to fix the issue. The sensor was already replaced in April 2012 for $500, as per previous owners files he left with me. I was also looking into a new smart key, to have a second....another $500. Just to get my car started everyday. Considering a viper system as an alternative.
I've also noticed a slight rattling sound when idle/first/second. The sound goes away when holding in the clutch, comes back when released. Seems to go away in third gear and up. A friend suggested it may be pilot bearing or input shaft bearing, need to investigate more. Feel like this one will cost me too.
I'm sure I've rambled a little, but thanks for reading.
Last edited by kops; 11-17-2013 at 11:48 PM.
#2
Registered
Hey, I've had my black '04 for about a month now as well. 92k on my clock. I'm with ya on loving this car! It really does grow on you... seems like it adapts to your driving habits too.
A likewise satisfied customer and fellow newbie!
A likewise satisfied customer and fellow newbie!
#3
It's all downhill from here. :P
I'm still having a blast 8 months and 11.5k miles later, but it is getting old taking it to the shop.
Oh hey, look, and mine's a black one too. :D There's a theme.
I'm still having a blast 8 months and 11.5k miles later, but it is getting old taking it to the shop.
Oh hey, look, and mine's a black one too. :D There's a theme.
#5
I did some reading about the throw out bearing, this thread specifically
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...bearing-78974/
It is as described by go48, when pedal is out in neutral (and faintly while in 1st/2nd gear). Although, it sounds a bit like this to me
.
I've also noticed when I start my car from cold, once I let the clutch out the car drops about 50rpm and the noise begins. Doesn't seem healthy to me
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...bearing-78974/
It is as described by go48, when pedal is out in neutral (and faintly while in 1st/2nd gear). Although, it sounds a bit like this to me
I've also noticed when I start my car from cold, once I let the clutch out the car drops about 50rpm and the noise begins. Doesn't seem healthy to me
#8
Registered
Glad you're enjoying your 8! As long as you're keeping up with maintenance, you're car will last much longer. I've owned mine brand new since 04, i'm at under 100k miles on my car finally prepping for a rebuild. I'll be honest, i'm surprised it lasted this long with many track miles on the car and for about 2 years, commuted 100+ miles every weekend to see my ex-gf. The crazy thing is the 8 hasn't really seen the shop/dealership in all the times i had it.
#9
#13
Registered
That's a great thread! And the New Owner thread; all good write ups!
#18
When one of the drives a 6.0 gto an the other drives a mustang Salleen. I also have have 5 friends with 8 just in my region. The two guys with the American cars just think there better at everything. And refuse to have a track day with me.
#19
I HATE SPEEDBUMPS!
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