XIII

Hey guys, Im new to this forum and let me start by introducing myself. My name is Sam

I'm deciding if buying a RX8 is the way to go... but there are several questions that I need answers to.

1. Is the RX8 service expensive because I've never had a mazda
2. Is the RX8 reliable interms of everyday use and will it last beccause I know rotory engine cars tends to die out quickly and I cant afford to pay alot to maintain it
3. Is it practical for daily drive because Im planning to use it for work

Would be great if you guys could answer all my questions

myriadshalaks

iTrader: (1)

"yes" to all with a a qualification on the "yes" to the first: it depends on what you need serviced and on what you think "expensive" is. this isn't a car to drive if you're just barely affording the car, i would guess.

Revolver

Welcome Sam.

1. The car is no more expensive to service than most Japanese cars and as MissyK said, much cheaper than most European cars. Parts can be exxy but most of us source spare parts direct from Japan or the USA.

2. It is a very reliable and practical daily driver. There were some teething problems in the first 2-3 years, which required recalls and some warranty work but most of them seem to be cured with later cars. Search around the warranty threads in here to get a flavour for it and if you're buying second hand ensure that kind of work has been done or isn't necessary.

3. It's fine as a daily driver but it isn't as economical as the average car when driven in traffic, etc, so be prepared to pay for the privilege of owning a performance car. You'll average between 12-14l/100km unless really hammering it. You'll also find it uses some oil (it's deisgned to do so) but this isn't a large expense - more a regular maintenance issue.

Spend some time reading in here. There's LOTS of info if you spend the time looking for it.

EZZY

1. no when compared to most other jap cars.
2. yes, if you dont touch the engine components
3. yes, if you can live visiting the petrol station often and dont need to carry more than your brief case.

you will be fine as long as you follow the "rules". which state are you in?

this one may get you started...

https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum-37/10-things-new-rx-8-owners-should-know-day-1-a-35405/

DrewMan

1. not as expensive as honda parts although you do need to feed it oil and petrol
2. mines never broken down and rotary engines only die out as quickly as you let it. proper maintainance will remedy that problem.
3. depends where you drive it. In the city it would suck big time in start stop traffic (unless you get an auto, but why get an auto rx8 unless you dont have a left leg).

XIII

Thanks for the help Im going to test drive one this weekend to see if I actually want to get one. On the other hard Im now tossing between a s2000 and the rx8 =\

EZZY

how about a 350z?

Rotor Convert

Welcome and hope that you get what you are happy with.

For me I drive the car for work, every day, get fairly good economy, but don't care really as I drive it and don't agonise about fuel, any more,..once I did.

Car has a 100,000km 3 year warranty....no worries as we know Mazda let them come back and fix whats needed.

There is nothing more eye catching on the road for the $$. As someone said to me last week, there are cars that are faster and more powerful but nothing as distinctive in the styling.....IMHO this car rocks.

But if you are looking at an S2000 then you will get a rougher ride, only 2 seats and servicing$$$ dunno how much it would be over the 8. Or as Ezzy pointed out what about the 350Z. I reckon they look fat and have dated but they appeal to others.

Good luck with your hunt hope you catch an 8.....

GulfCoast

The 8 is far more practical than the S2000. It has a useable back seat and a useable trunk. The driver's seat is comfortable with more space for your left arm than in the S2000 (the S2000's door isn't sufficiently sculpted). Unless you buy the spare kit, the 8 doesn't have a spare, so you may want to add that into your consideration. I use mine as a daily driver, but don't have the spare kit.

If you buy new, most of the issues regarding the older cars should be taken care of. If you buy used, as I did, make sure the car has a good history, has been taken care of well, and is up to date in all flashes and recalls. Especially, make sure the recent engine check has been performed. My local Mazda service technician told me that they replaced the engines in some automatics, but in no manuals.

Revolver

The car is sold with a space saver spare in Australia AND a can of goop (which if used will get you home but destroy the tyre).

Mind you, most people here take the spare out.

Flat tyres are pretty rare these days. I only put mine back in when travelling longer distances.

The 350Z has more power and handles and brakes well but I agree with RC on the styling and it's nowhere near as practical for every day use. Only 2 seats and a compromised cargo area (strut).

The S2K is also a good thing to drive but the styling is boring IMHO, it's exxy to service and, well, it's a convertible. If you want a soft top, get one. Otherwise, the 8 is the pick of the coupes in its price range, in my view.

thisllub

I didn't get a spare with mine. I will ring the dealer and find out why.

On Saturday night I came home from a party in the back seat of mine and had no complaints. Three weeks ago I was in the back of a BMW X5 and had scarcely more space there.

EZZY

dont worry, you arent the only one......
just make sure the dealer isnt bullsh!tting you when you go back and ask for one.

how tall are you and how was the party?

thisllub

6' and I sat behind the driver. Party was ok at best but I was a long way from in shape to drive even though I didn't think I had much to drink.

I just spoke to Mazda Australia and the dealer.
Mazda say the car has a space saver spare. The dealer says he has another two cars there without them.

Revolver

Much depends on the sack of blood and bone behind the wheel though Kall.

I beat a 350Z on my first track outing as a complete novice, so be wary of laptimes for comparison purposes unless the same driver has driven both.

auzoom

YEAH lets start and argument about whats faster Joking, welcome Sam. I would say that if you are worried about everyday driving then be VERY aware of the cars economy around town. Also I would say that the comfort of the 8 is by far the best between the 350z and the S2000.

Good luck and may the force be with you

auzoom

no! THE force.

XIII

i thought that the rx8 would be more exxy since it consumes oil as well... how many km before oil change? and how much would it cost?

auzoom

No, the consumption of oil has no baring on its price. Once the engine is broken in, it consumes a few hundred ml of oil every few thousand km. High rev driving, like track days, increases the consumption.

And Oil changes are pretty standard at 6 months or 10,000km. But most people like to change it at 5000km intervals.

EZZY

the rx8 has more sitting space than the s2k and more comfortable too... i felt more like a boy race in the s2k than the 8.