Another mazda question
 

I'm nearly 18 here, I've been saving up for awhile now, and I have an oldsmobile cutless that I am going to trade in also. I've been looking around at a whole lot of cars and prices, and I have really been thinking about getting an RX-8 as soon as I turn 18. I will test drive it and such before I make my decision, but reading this forum has really helped. Except for the fact that I have heard no complaints, is this car really that perfect? I know about the obvious things: no torque, bad gas milage (SPORTS CAR!), and what i've heard the air condition isn't very good.

It's obvious everyone here is a mazda fan. But what I think everyone is really asking whenever they come in and ask about mazda in general, what are the cons?

Aslo, i've read about oil consumption. What exactly takes place? Should you add oil or change your oil in this situation?

No complaints? Just look a little more there are always people who complain about everything. Things you will hear

brakes squeak (mine do too, just brake a little harder it goes away)
Interior rattles (mine does not)
Radio sucks (I think it is fine)
Gas milage (obvious)
not enough aftermarket support (just wait it is coming)
ac (mine is decent)

if you look people will complain about everything, but some people are just complainers.

Just get the car if you like it you will enjoy it.

Well thats the thing, i've been out to most review sites I could find, but most complaints i've heard are from people who are just being stupid and not taking care of their car properly, I want to hear something from people who take care of their vehicles.

I take care of mine 3,000 miles oil changes premium gas and I don't beat the crap out of it and I have had no problems at all. There were a few more cosmetic stuff when I first got the car but the dealer took care of it all. What I found were

The center console sliding lid is fragile, I broke it once and dealer fixed it
my headlights had a fog in them, dealer replaced it

There were a few more small things but I forget what they were. Overall no problems, I am very happy.

gold collar?

Whats that?

Oh and a 8 will be a HUGE upgrade from a cutlass!!!! :eek:

biggest complaint from me is the squealing brakes but i live with it because from what i'm told, when you get them replaced they end-up doing the same thing so why bother. other than that, i LOVE this car!

my gas mileage has been around 18-20/mpg
i have to add a quart of oil every 1400-1800 miles
i change the oil every 5000 miles (all i do is highway driving)
if you live where it snows, you'll have to look into winter or all-season tires

for the money, you can't beat it. good luck with your decision!

http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawac...f-2ef5ff03963a

I ask, not accuse. If it is the case, I think there are wiser uses for the money than a 30k car.

^yea it will :D

"Problems" you'll see listed here

1) Gas mileage. Esp with gas prices going up as fast as they're going now. Valid complaint. Some people have lemons when it comes to gas mileage. I started out getting like 16mpg mixed driving. By changing driving habits a bit I get around 17.5-18 mixed. If I did all freeway I'd probably hit 22.
2) Not enough torque/horsepower. It's fine for me, but you'll notice it if you're a "gotta race the guy from the stop light" kind of guy.
3) A/C sucks. It's true for me. It works well enough on the coldest setting though. But almost anything but the coldest setting isn't worth using.
4) Brake squeal. Very true for me. I have it very bad. But my car fits under the service bulletin so I should get it fixed (but the dealership has told me they're too busy to do it on the weekends!)
5) "Excessive" oil use. You might have to add a quart of oil every 1000-2000 miles. Just check it every now and then and keep a quart in your trunk.
6) Random minor quality issues. I haven't had any but people have complained about cracked visors, cracked knobs, and the like.

Thanks guys, one more thing. I was reading through reviews on a seperate page, talking about the interior not being as good as it looks, which is kind-of explained here. But has anyone had any problem with their seats? I read one were a guy had worn his seats to crap in a matter of 6 months. Figured it was a false post but might as well ask.

I've had mine for 9 months and the seats still look brand new. Unless you're taking a belt sander to those things on a regular basis, I seriously doubt you'll manage to completely wear them out for a very long time.

As far as the interior not being as good as it looks, I think it's fantastic. Sure there are some weak bits here and there, but if you take care of the car and don't dick with the weak parts, you shouldn't have a problem.

i think if you have an ounce of mechanical skill/knowledge and is a sports car enthusiast, then the rx-8 would be great for you. i might not say the same thing if you're looking to get an rx-7 'cuz 7's can be a lot more demanding. actually, if you're only 18 and you're getting a new 8, then this car way nice. i really think the only semi-concern is the potential low gas mileage if you have a heavy foot. i don't own an 8 but i've seen so many of them and the interior is very high quality, in my opinion...especially compared to my old 7. coming from a olds cutlass, the rx-8 will feel like a luxury car =P

If you really have to get it and can afford it it is a great car. There is a kid at work that has one, doesn't make crap for money. His dad supposedly got a good deal for him but the payments, insurance, gas, that is all he can afford in life. Hope you dont find a honey and want to marry in the next 5-6 years if you get the car. I can understand the appeal but at your age your probably making a mistake. First off make sure you can afford an education then later think about cars like this.

hehe, going to school right now, well was :confused: (damn you katrina)... I was going to college in Louisiana, graduated from high school early, they said I was too smart ::LOL:: But i'm in college for Business Administration, parents had money saved up for me so i'm fine there. And i'm working 8 hour shifts at UPS at $8 an hour, hopefully by the time I hit 18 I will get moved up, but right now i'm doing great on money, and still living at home.

gold collar ;)