Im thinking of buying a Mazda Rx-8 ( possible 2005) and I dont know much about the rotary enginge and the upps and downs of that type of enginge or if it doesnt last ( some people have said that).

I would like it if someone could inform me a little since I dont exacly trust the car salesman. I test drove this car and basicly didnt wanna return it.

Qustions
1) Is it better to have it manual
2) Does the engine last shorter because of its high reving nature.
3) Is there something I need to know that is different from the regulare engines.
4) If it has some problems are there ways of dealing with the car so they dont come up.

 

let the flaming begin...

(wow, was i the first to respond? just a note, the members on this board prefer it when people SEARCH before asking questions. that said, i'll be nice and answer your questions.)

1) Is it better to have it manual
YES - don't even consider automatic or you're wasting your $.
2) Does the engine last shorter because of its high reving nature.
NOT NECESSARILY - like all cars, it depends how u drive & if u do proper maintenance
3) Is there something I need to know that is different from the regulare engines.
YES - (1) check/ add (non-synthetic) oil every other fill-up (2) if u live in a cold climate, always let the engine warm up for 5 min if u start it up or u might flood it.
4) If it has some problems are there ways of dealing with the car so they dont come up.
YES - read (a) the manual (b) this web site (c) use good common sense

 

thanks for the info.

PS. I did search before I asked questions, it seemed that many were having gear problems on their manuel gearshift.

 

Detrich pretty much covered it. I'll repeat some and add some more....

1. Yes. Get a manual.
2. Engine seems to run for a long time if you drive it like a sports car (not abusive, but let it see redline once in awhile). If you baby it all the time and/or idle in excessive heat for a long time, you'll need a new motor in fairly short order. I have customers in the 80k-90k mile range who are still on their first engine.
3. Check oil VERY regularly. Regardless of temperature, don't ever start it cold and shut it off within a few minutes. It will flood.
4. What Detrich said.

 

I have already ruled out one car I was considering it was automatic, so already you guys have helped alot.

It sounds like the oil is the main thing, is there some indicator in the dash board wich tells you if the engine is cold.

One problem im fasing is the limited selection of rx-8 here in Iceland, I might have to import from oversees.

 

there is an indicator

 

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx8-faq-new-owners-116484/

and please take the time to read some of the other stickys...lots of great info there.

beers