TBFlorida

Just to start off this will be my first rotary engine car. I've always liked the the rx8 but I know they had problems until the recent models like the 09 and forward. I've read most of the threads stickied here on the forums but I'd like to know some personal experience. These are just a few things that I'd like clarified.

-engine flooding as an issue? I know earlier models were big on this issue but from the 09 forward is the problem less likely to occur or does it come down the maintaining your car?

-Gasoline, I know it is suggested that you use premium gasoline, but is mid grade ok or is premium needed?

-from personal experience if you drive a 2nd gen rx8 what is the reliability of the car like? Can i expect it being in the shop most of the time or will I be able to keep it on the road?

-I know that she guzzles oil as well as gas, from what I heard 3,000 miles is about the right time to replace the oil.

I'm sure i have more to ask about but that's all I can currently remember, aside from anything above any other advice or general knowledge I should know about the car will be much appreciated.

carrrnuttt

From my personal experience, flooding IS still an issue with my '09 R3.

Although I actually had to try pretty hard to flood it. Here's my post about it: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...9/#post4403099

I ALWAYS use 91 octane on mine (the highest you can get in most AZ stations). I don't know whether it can run well on lesser octane or not, but I'm not experimenting on my car.

Flooding aside, my R3 has been running like a top since I bought her in '11 with the exception of a bad transmission that I got fixed under warranty (click). Of course, I also bought it with a maintenance package, so I get to have regular maintenance on my car (checkups with my paid for oil changes).

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Merry Christmas
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

TBFlorida

There's something I couldn't find in there, about carbon build up. I've heard that rotary engines can build up a lot of carbon but I'm not sure on whats the best way to counter this issue. I've heard revving up the red line once a day is what you're suppose to do, or am I just best off finding an open road?

pjs_tools

Hi!
From our experience since October 2010 when we bought a 2010 R3 in aurora blue, we have had no trouble ith flooding -- we do however, always run the engine until the temporary warnings on the tach go away and the engine is warm enough for red lining at 9K.

No maintence repairs required. Take it into the local Mazda dealer for oil changes and system checks. Need new tires, but that is a chance to get rid of the crappy OEM tires.

Wonderful car, but I would strongly urge you to only get the R3. Bought this car with slightly under 4,000 miles on it, and since we only drive the R3 in the dry and warm, are now only at 25k or so.

Great car - reminds us of our 1979 first gen Rx-7.

TBFlorida

One more question guys. I've never actually been inside an rx-8 so I wouldn't know this but can a full grown person fit in the back seat because from pictures I've seen it looks like someone bigger than 5ft 10in might have some issues fitting in there.

carrrnuttt

I've driven to lunch with 3 co-workers all at once, with both people sitting in the back over 6 feet tall.

As long as you don't do cross-country trips in it, you'll be fine.

gj3ny

I've got about a years ownership of an 09. I have never flooded (cross fingers). I do a complete oil change at about the 3,000 mile mark as do many on the forum. I use only 91 or 93 octane Shell or BP. I add a little 2 cycle oil at each fill to the tank. Back seat is like riding in a fighter plane cockpit, close fitting but comfortable and as mentioned not a problem for a taller person. I wish the mileage was better, but I knew it was thirsty before I bought it.

No real complaints here.

monchie

Seafoam... there is a DIY about it, and its not a 100% guarantee it will help.

New Yorker

I'm the original owner of an '05 with 29K miles. Has never flooded; zero engine problems to date.

J8635621

iTrader: (10)

Mine was the same way...until 37k then boom. Despite oil changes every 2500 miles and premixing and new coils/plugs at 30k.

New Yorker

Tough luck! That's not common with this car.

pjs_tools

Back seats are fine for 6 ft 1 inch tall passenger, but unless the front seats are moved forward about half way, the person in the back seat has zero leg and foot room.

TBFlorida

A few more things guys:

- When looking for a dealer should I buy from an actual car company dealership or one of those smaller dealers with the sketchy lots? I assuming you'll all say car company dealers since they probably wouldn't buy a car that has had it's engine modded and everything else. The reason I ask is because I'd like to know that the 8 I buy is ready to go with maybe a small amount of maintenance to do after buying.

- Also on websites such as autotrader when they list an rx8, would they include R3 if it is an R3. I had to set the distance from within 300 miles until I could find the first rx8 R3.

Sorry if it seems like I'm asking a lot but I like to make sure I know exactly what I'm getting myself into.

RotoryVirgin

Most of those websites don't know the diff between a r3, shinka, sport, or gt. Get the VIN of the ones you are interested in and find out what it is for yourself.