Hi all! I don't have an RX-8 yet but I am very keen on getting one. It will be the first car I will buy with my own money so it will be special and I want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck.

I've read that most of the problems have been solved in the series 2 models and that they are overall the better models specially their engines. I am already setting my eye on getting a series 2 RX-8. I have also read this post as to how to determine a series 1 from a series 2 RX-8.

I've found quite a few dealers that have listed their RX-8 online as year model 2008 but when I look at the pictures, they seem to have those triangle flashers and rectangle fog lamps which is an indicator that they are series 2 RX-8s. I am now confused if these RX-8s are series 2 since basing on the post I have linked above, series 2 RX-8s are supposed to be 2009 year model and above. Are the flasher and fog lamps sufficient indicators if it is indeed a series 2 model?

Also, I know that you guys recommend manual transmission for the RX-8. I've seen listings that offer tiptronic transmissions, I am just wondering if it would be better to get the tiptronic rather than the pure automatic transmission. Thanks!

 

There is a thread called "new and potential owners, start here." Read that to get the best impression on what to look for.

As for your 2008 being a series 2 question: it was likely built in late 2008 as a new, 2009 (series 2) model

 

Hi RX8Soldier!

Thanks for the input. I had a look at that thread and read the part about the transmission. I have now updated my main post. Thanks for the input about the series 2 question by the way.

 

That section for newcomers should prove real helpful for you.

I happen to prefer Series 1 cars. Yes, I believe the S2 cars may be more reliable to those who don't maintain their engines "by the book" - I think they afford owners a greater margin of error for casual owner neglect. But I think a properly maintained S1 is quite reliable.

Note also that the first or early versions of many iconic cars are often considered more desirable: Jaguar E-series, Mustangs, VW Beetles & Karmann Ghias, Ford Thunderbirds, Datsun 280-Z - the list goes on and on. All of these cars were arguably "improved" in later iterations, but there's just something about the originals. For one thing, they're often better looking, closer to the original designer's vision of what the car should look like. For example, I find the grille of the S2 to be rather unattractive, out of balance with the rest of the car. Same with the side vents. But that's just me; many here prefer the look of the S2. And if you don't want to be obsessively **** about oil changes, checking oil level, letting the engine warm a bit before driving, redlining the engine freely and frequently, etc., the S2 is a better bet.

Good luck with your 8 and have fun!

 

I heard a saying about RX-8: if you mod a lot, go with a S1; if you want to stay (mostly) stock, go with a S2. I picked an S2 because yeah, my car will be mostly stock with only rather minor upgrades.

S2 does have a couple of advantages from the factory, mainly with higher oil pressure and extra oil injectors, but due to the insanely low number of them(at most, 17000 of them), aftermarket performance support is a bit more limited. Accessport will only work on S1, and there is no SOHN adapter for S2.

Personally, I think S2 looks a bit sharper, especially the R3s with their factory body kits, but that's all subjective.

I still try to maintain my RX-8 well. I check the oil level at every fuel-up, change oil every 3k miles. I don't idle warm(which is pretty much only good for carburated car, unless rotary is really that different), but I don't rev past 4k until both lower rev limiters clear.

 

If I were buying an RX-8 now, I'd look for the best condition S1 roller from a snow-free state and put a Mazda reman in it myself.

 

Hi guys! Thanks for the inputs. I'll surely take them into consideration.

How about the online listings I saw from dealers that had put 2008 as year model but had the triangle flashers in front? Is it possible that series 1 models have triangle flashers or should I just ignore the year model they put and always consider any RX-8 with triangle flashers to be series 2 models regardless of their year model. Thanks!

 

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/what-series-rx-8-do-i-own-221330/

 

Hi RX8Soldier!

I have read that post which was evident in my main post as I have linked it there as well. That's where my confusion started as that post states that series 1 are supposed to be year models until 2008 but also states that series 2 models have triangle flashers. I know you already gave your opinion on this on your previous reply, stating that it might indeed be a series 2 built in late 2008 but I just want to know the opinions of others as well. Thanks!

 

The dealer is wrong. The body changed for model year 2009. The car could well have been made in 2008, but that's not how model years work.

 

Hi Loki! Thanks for this. I have seen different dealers do this, list them as 2008 but with triangle flashers. If this is the case, then there's a chance they might not know it's a series 2 RX-8 so I might be able get myself a nice bargain with this. :D

Thanks again and to all others who gave their inputs!