It is time to get an RX8! Need more input from knowledgeable people!
07-24-2013, 08:39 PM
#1
It is time to get an RX8! Need more input from knowledgeable people!
Hi everyone!
First off, this might me a pretty long post as it'll cover an intro and a question (could be a lot) and I'm a very verbose person XD.. I'll highlight important stuff that I think might aid in answering my questions.
Back in 2004 when I was still in highschool, I saw this awesome looking sportscar going down a mainroad alongside our family van. Vroooom.. God, that sound was brilliant. I looked at it and fell in love, "The curves on that car" I thought. As it easily passed us, I said to myself, "That's what I'm gonna get once I'm able to get my own!". And as it sped away I saw 3 little characters...
RX8
Now, almost 10 years after that first encounter, I still cant find a car that could match that "love-at-first-sight" feel the RX8 gave me. After landing an entry level engineering job at age 21 and getting all that I need at home, I told myself that it's time to get a car.
I looked at others and considered them and now I'm down to 3 choices. In order of ME-WANT:
RX 8
Mazda 3 (Any version)
Mazda 6 (2014, when it comes out)
So here's the deal, I've read and searched the forums for a lot of info. Found this newbie guide to RX8: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
and man, was it a lengthy read. I finished Aircraft Maintenance Engineering but did not get to apply it due to reasons so I have a little background in mechanics. My cousin is a car mech so he will be able to help a little bit but he's fairly new so bear with me if I dont understand some of the jargon being used.
"The main question is, even after reading the newbie guide, WILL I be able to afford this car?"
I'm not talking about buying it as that's a simple case of saving up. What I want to know is if I can maintain it in tip-top condition if I have 1000$ to spare after all my other expenses and (savings account of course XD) every month? I love the car and I don't want to wreck one just because I cant maintain it properly, I'd rather sit back and watch in awe in a Mazda 3 rather than break one.
It will be my daily driver too. The commute will be 20mins to work and another 20mins back home (a quick googlemaps shows it'll be 16km back&forth). (Relatively new to cars so I don't know how much that translates to gas just yet.) I live in Vancouver BC so members from the area might be able to answer this question easier. GAS and Maintenance and insurance (OMG ICBC Insurance might kill me, 1 year driver's license). On Gas, Vancouver is currently under a $1.40/litre.
If the answer is "Yes buddy, you can definitely afford the car, go and buy it!". Here's my next question:
"Do I know enough on what to look for?"
After reading through the newbie guide and around the forums, here's what I have (I may have forgotten something):
(Listed as I remember)
1. Was the engine replaced and why? (Don't want an abused car) and when was it replaced? (post 2006 have more reliable engines)
2. If the engine was replaced, what's the current mileage?
3. Were all the TSBs (<-- Transport Safety Board?) done? I think this one pertains to mandatory recalls and can be asked from the dealer by having the VIN?
4. Are the tail lights okay? (Water issue, was it fixed or modded)
5. How's the engine compression?
6. How's the cat? Was it replaced? Fixed?
7. When was the last oil change? (So that I'll know when to change it)
8. What's the gas mileage on the car? (I remember seeing something about bad mileage means something wrong with the engine)
9. Wire and plug changes were done when?
10. How often do you top up the oil?
^ That's what I can think of without looking at a cheat sheet. I would be more than happy to get more info from you guys or a simple "REFER TO THE NEWBIE GUIDE AGAIN AS IT IS ALL THAT YOU NEED TO GET ONE" message would suffice.
Thirdly, "Do I know enough as a 'newbie' to maintain the car?"
Apparently, there are a few pre-cautions if you want to own this awesome car. Here are some that I remember:
1. Always check your oil level. (Weekly basis?)
2. "Drive it like you stole it!"... Redline(?) your car/engine once every few days to prevent carbon build up and keep that engine healthy!
3. Pre-mix. (Can't figure if its adding the oil before or after gassing up, must read more.)
4. Warm up the car/engine. Start it, keep it idling for a few minutes (Is 5 enough?) before running the car.
5. Cool down the car/engine before shutting down completely. (Didn't see this in the newbie guide but I swear I saw it somewhere)
Well, there you go.
I would really love to have these questions answered so I could decide if I should get this car and keep it in tip-top shape or get a Mazda 3 and just wait til I get a better pay.
As of the moment, I can't buy the car yet. I have 3000$ saved up and a 2nd hand costs somewhere between 7k - 12k. My parents are also willing to shell out cash to help buy a 2nd hand or as downpayment for brand spanking new (but I'll have to repay them XD).
I've wasted your time long enough just by reading this novel, hopefully you still have the time and patience for an informative reply.
As a reminder, I gave you info about my age, location, driver's license years and extra money to spend on the car.
Thanks for reading and I hope to be a RX8club member soon! (I mean, really having the car XD haha!)
PS: I'm thinking of getting an automatic with the paddle shift even though I know how to drive manual. I just don't think Vancouver is the place to enjoy a standard.
First off, this might me a pretty long post as it'll cover an intro and a question (could be a lot) and I'm a very verbose person XD.. I'll highlight important stuff that I think might aid in answering my questions.
Back in 2004 when I was still in highschool, I saw this awesome looking sportscar going down a mainroad alongside our family van. Vroooom.. God, that sound was brilliant. I looked at it and fell in love, "The curves on that car" I thought. As it easily passed us, I said to myself, "That's what I'm gonna get once I'm able to get my own!". And as it sped away I saw 3 little characters...
RX8
Now, almost 10 years after that first encounter, I still cant find a car that could match that "love-at-first-sight" feel the RX8 gave me. After landing an entry level engineering job at age 21 and getting all that I need at home, I told myself that it's time to get a car.
I looked at others and considered them and now I'm down to 3 choices. In order of ME-WANT:
RX 8
Mazda 3 (Any version)
Mazda 6 (2014, when it comes out)
So here's the deal, I've read and searched the forums for a lot of info. Found this newbie guide to RX8: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
and man, was it a lengthy read. I finished Aircraft Maintenance Engineering but did not get to apply it due to reasons so I have a little background in mechanics. My cousin is a car mech so he will be able to help a little bit but he's fairly new so bear with me if I dont understand some of the jargon being used.
"The main question is, even after reading the newbie guide, WILL I be able to afford this car?"
I'm not talking about buying it as that's a simple case of saving up. What I want to know is if I can maintain it in tip-top condition if I have 1000$ to spare after all my other expenses and (savings account of course XD) every month? I love the car and I don't want to wreck one just because I cant maintain it properly, I'd rather sit back and watch in awe in a Mazda 3 rather than break one.
It will be my daily driver too. The commute will be 20mins to work and another 20mins back home (a quick googlemaps shows it'll be 16km back&forth). (Relatively new to cars so I don't know how much that translates to gas just yet.) I live in Vancouver BC so members from the area might be able to answer this question easier. GAS and Maintenance and insurance (OMG ICBC Insurance might kill me, 1 year driver's license). On Gas, Vancouver is currently under a $1.40/litre.
If the answer is "Yes buddy, you can definitely afford the car, go and buy it!". Here's my next question:
"Do I know enough on what to look for?"
After reading through the newbie guide and around the forums, here's what I have (I may have forgotten something):
(Listed as I remember)
1. Was the engine replaced and why? (Don't want an abused car) and when was it replaced? (post 2006 have more reliable engines)
2. If the engine was replaced, what's the current mileage?
3. Were all the TSBs (<-- Transport Safety Board?) done? I think this one pertains to mandatory recalls and can be asked from the dealer by having the VIN?
4. Are the tail lights okay? (Water issue, was it fixed or modded)
5. How's the engine compression?
6. How's the cat? Was it replaced? Fixed?
7. When was the last oil change? (So that I'll know when to change it)
8. What's the gas mileage on the car? (I remember seeing something about bad mileage means something wrong with the engine)
9. Wire and plug changes were done when?
10. How often do you top up the oil?
^ That's what I can think of without looking at a cheat sheet. I would be more than happy to get more info from you guys or a simple "REFER TO THE NEWBIE GUIDE AGAIN AS IT IS ALL THAT YOU NEED TO GET ONE" message would suffice.
Thirdly, "Do I know enough as a 'newbie' to maintain the car?"
Apparently, there are a few pre-cautions if you want to own this awesome car. Here are some that I remember:
1. Always check your oil level. (Weekly basis?)
2. "Drive it like you stole it!"... Redline(?) your car/engine once every few days to prevent carbon build up and keep that engine healthy!
3. Pre-mix. (Can't figure if its adding the oil before or after gassing up, must read more.)
4. Warm up the car/engine. Start it, keep it idling for a few minutes (Is 5 enough?) before running the car.
5. Cool down the car/engine before shutting down completely. (Didn't see this in the newbie guide but I swear I saw it somewhere)
Well, there you go.
I would really love to have these questions answered so I could decide if I should get this car and keep it in tip-top shape or get a Mazda 3 and just wait til I get a better pay.
As of the moment, I can't buy the car yet. I have 3000$ saved up and a 2nd hand costs somewhere between 7k - 12k. My parents are also willing to shell out cash to help buy a 2nd hand or as downpayment for brand spanking new (but I'll have to repay them XD).
I've wasted your time long enough just by reading this novel, hopefully you still have the time and patience for an informative reply.
As a reminder, I gave you info about my age, location, driver's license years and extra money to spend on the car.
Thanks for reading and I hope to be a RX8club member soon! (I mean, really having the car XD haha!)
PS: I'm thinking of getting an automatic with the paddle shift even though I know how to drive manual. I just don't think Vancouver is the place to enjoy a standard.
Last edited by Anarchist26; 07-24-2013 at 08:46 PM.
07-25-2013, 02:18 AM
#2
That is one long post, but let me start at the end. As a European that almost falls asleep in automatic cars I will only say this once, there's NO point in getting the RX-8 if you're going to get the automatic. It's like getting a hooker for the conversations.
As for your other questions, your list of 10 points will be a good checklist to compare cars and what to go for, I wouldn't necessarily have used it strict, partly because getting a feel for the owner/previous owner can be a good idea too.
(TSB is Technical Service Bulletin)
It's vital that you know what to do with the answers to those questions though. As an Rx-8 that's driven hard is no problem, but if it's driven by an idiot that never warmed up the car before driving it hard, that could be worse. Out of those I'd also put importance on engine compression, get it tested, and how often they did oil changes.
I wouldn't say there's much maintenance on these cars. If you get an 04 and the starter and a few other items are changed then it's only oil changes, and you can learn to do them on your own, I had no mechanical knowledge before working on my 8 and I've done starter, ignition, exhaust, stereo etc.
Insurance will surely cost a bit, but it's far from the worst here in Norway at least. Old fast cars are much more expensive.
When I bought the car 5 years ago I was in a better position than you moneywise, but I also owned a flat, and the car was expensive to get in Norway, $56,000. You also have to know that there's a potential for a high cost if something goes wrong, but so is any sportscar. But it boils down to how much you want it. I loved the rotary, and the design of the 8, so I did it even if it made no sense. Most car purchases make no sense, this even less, but I'd still say it's worth it
Good luck
As for your other questions, your list of 10 points will be a good checklist to compare cars and what to go for, I wouldn't necessarily have used it strict, partly because getting a feel for the owner/previous owner can be a good idea too.
(TSB is Technical Service Bulletin)
It's vital that you know what to do with the answers to those questions though. As an Rx-8 that's driven hard is no problem, but if it's driven by an idiot that never warmed up the car before driving it hard, that could be worse. Out of those I'd also put importance on engine compression, get it tested, and how often they did oil changes.
I wouldn't say there's much maintenance on these cars. If you get an 04 and the starter and a few other items are changed then it's only oil changes, and you can learn to do them on your own, I had no mechanical knowledge before working on my 8 and I've done starter, ignition, exhaust, stereo etc.
Insurance will surely cost a bit, but it's far from the worst here in Norway at least. Old fast cars are much more expensive.
When I bought the car 5 years ago I was in a better position than you moneywise, but I also owned a flat, and the car was expensive to get in Norway, $56,000. You also have to know that there's a potential for a high cost if something goes wrong, but so is any sportscar. But it boils down to how much you want it. I loved the rotary, and the design of the 8, so I did it even if it made no sense. Most car purchases make no sense, this even less, but I'd still say it's worth it
Good luck
07-25-2013, 03:05 AM
#4
Un-Registered User
07-25-2013, 07:07 AM
#5
As you may already be aware, this is not a Prius, in the sense of fuel economy. You will burn roughly two gallons a day (or roughly 7.5 liters) just for your commute. This would be a healthy engine all components working properly. My point being make sure you budget properly for fuel.
I warm my car anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes before I drive it. It's ok to drive the car without the warm up session, but my advice would be to keep the revs below 4k until you reach operating temperature. Redlining the car is not something I do very often. I drive it hard, and I will run up to about 7.5 to 8k, but I rarely put it in the red zone. There has been a lot of contrary advice floating around regarding redlining the car. Keep reading!
There is no need for a cool down before shutting it off. The one exception to this may be if you are overheating and you want to bleed the heat from the motor in a more controlled fashion. The problem is that you have to be aware of this, and with the stock temp gauge there is no way to know this. So best rule to follow is if the temp gauge starts to move from it set position shut it down. If you get yourself an aftermarket gauge then you an make better choices.
Change the oil when you get the car...Problem solved.
Check the oil every other fuel up.
Get a compression test before purchase.
Have the converter checked before purchase.
Unless you have paperwork to prove otherwise, change the ignition system when you get the car.
Premix, if you choose to do so, just add the desired amount of oil to the tank before fueling. It will mix when you fuel.
These are not in the order you asked, but just how I recalled them. Hope this helps.
I warm my car anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes before I drive it. It's ok to drive the car without the warm up session, but my advice would be to keep the revs below 4k until you reach operating temperature. Redlining the car is not something I do very often. I drive it hard, and I will run up to about 7.5 to 8k, but I rarely put it in the red zone. There has been a lot of contrary advice floating around regarding redlining the car. Keep reading!
There is no need for a cool down before shutting it off. The one exception to this may be if you are overheating and you want to bleed the heat from the motor in a more controlled fashion. The problem is that you have to be aware of this, and with the stock temp gauge there is no way to know this. So best rule to follow is if the temp gauge starts to move from it set position shut it down. If you get yourself an aftermarket gauge then you an make better choices.
Change the oil when you get the car...Problem solved.
Check the oil every other fuel up.
Get a compression test before purchase.
Have the converter checked before purchase.
Unless you have paperwork to prove otherwise, change the ignition system when you get the car.
Premix, if you choose to do so, just add the desired amount of oil to the tank before fueling. It will mix when you fuel.
These are not in the order you asked, but just how I recalled them. Hope this helps.
07-25-2013, 02:45 PM
#6
Thanks for the replies.
Still, I'm thinking if I should get a manual or an auto.
On the fuel note, I did some calculations and I got the following:
Based on the average MPG I see on the forums I figured that my full tank (50L) should last for 384km and since my commute is 16km/day, on paper it should be able to last 24days (But in reality, it's more like 2.5weeks).
(384km / 16km) = 24 days. Based on this I'll spend about 120$ per month on gas which sounds logical.
But if I do calculate it based on the above answer that I'll burn through 7.5L for 1 day commute(?), my tank will only last 6 - 7 days.
(50L / 7.5L) = 6.67 days. BUT based on this one, I'll need to shell out $320 to $340 every month just for gas. Which is quite ridiculous if you ask me. I was prepared to pay high for gas but not this high.
So, I'm getting confused. I was prepared to pay higher and fuel more often since the RX8 is a sports car after all (and I originally budgeted for a 2003 3.2L V6 Acura TL; Full tank = 2.5weeks) but 1tank for 1week? That seems absurd.
Which is correct Full tank = 1week? Or Full tank = 2.5weeks?
Here are the variables that I used if youre up for some math XD:
RX 8 Full Tank = 50 Litres
AVG MPG Converted to KM = 384km
Daily Commute = 16km
Weekly Commute = 16km x 5days = 80km
Premium Gas in Vancouver = $ 1.60 to $1.70
Full Tank cost = $80 to $ 85
At first, this wasn't an issue but if I have to pay $400/month just on gas to keep him running, then this dream car is way out of my budget.
Clarifications please, thanks! :D
Still, I'm thinking if I should get a manual or an auto.
On the fuel note, I did some calculations and I got the following:
Based on the average MPG I see on the forums I figured that my full tank (50L) should last for 384km and since my commute is 16km/day, on paper it should be able to last 24days (But in reality, it's more like 2.5weeks).
(384km / 16km) = 24 days. Based on this I'll spend about 120$ per month on gas which sounds logical.
But if I do calculate it based on the above answer that I'll burn through 7.5L for 1 day commute(?), my tank will only last 6 - 7 days.
(50L / 7.5L) = 6.67 days. BUT based on this one, I'll need to shell out $320 to $340 every month just for gas. Which is quite ridiculous if you ask me. I was prepared to pay high for gas but not this high.
So, I'm getting confused. I was prepared to pay higher and fuel more often since the RX8 is a sports car after all (and I originally budgeted for a 2003 3.2L V6 Acura TL; Full tank = 2.5weeks) but 1tank for 1week? That seems absurd.
Which is correct Full tank = 1week? Or Full tank = 2.5weeks?
Here are the variables that I used if youre up for some math XD:
RX 8 Full Tank = 50 Litres
AVG MPG Converted to KM = 384km
Daily Commute = 16km
Weekly Commute = 16km x 5days = 80km
Premium Gas in Vancouver = $ 1.60 to $1.70
Full Tank cost = $80 to $ 85
At first, this wasn't an issue but if I have to pay $400/month just on gas to keep him running, then this dream car is way out of my budget.
Clarifications please, thanks! :D
Last edited by Anarchist26; 07-25-2013 at 03:02 PM.
07-25-2013, 02:54 PM
#7
Yeah, I travel about 10 miles a day for work.
Logically my tank 240 MTE should last me 24 days as well.
So tell me why do I fill up every 4 days
I understand where your coming from, but look at the big picture, your going to love the car. And actively look for places to drive it.
Logically my tank 240 MTE should last me 24 days as well.
So tell me why do I fill up every 4 days
I understand where your coming from, but look at the big picture, your going to love the car. And actively look for places to drive it.
07-25-2013, 05:25 PM
#9
The tank is 60 litres, so I have no idea where you get your numbers from. That said, your "commute" is a short one, so your engine wont' get super warm ,and thus you won't get to enjoy the very best MPG. For a sports car it won't be bad, but it's half of a newer Mazda 3 etc. But it's a sports car, if you are going to get an automatic, just get a car with better MPG, cause you have no joy in life anyway :P
07-25-2013, 05:41 PM
#10
I got the 50L from here: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...pacity-206282/
"50L to refill when the light comes on"
As for the transmission, I did say I'm getting an auto since I live in Vancouver and I just don't think it's a nice place to enjoy a standard. Anyway, it's gonna be an auto with paddle shifters for that "standard feel", however, getting a standard is not a problem.
"50L to refill when the light comes on"
As for the transmission, I did say I'm getting an auto since I live in Vancouver and I just don't think it's a nice place to enjoy a standard. Anyway, it's gonna be an auto with paddle shifters for that "standard feel", however, getting a standard is not a problem.
07-26-2013, 04:24 AM
#11
Ah, I see your point then, it was just a bit strange to call it the capacity, as the capacity is 60L.
What's wrong with Vancouver? No I do get it, if you drive in stop and go traffic I can see getting an automatic makes sense. It's not what our engines were made for though.
As for gas, his answer is way off. To compare, I drive a lot of short trips at times, but I'm usually heavy on the gas pedal on the longer trips I have. In average I use about 1,2 litres per 10km. So you'd use about 2 litres per day with my car if the commute is 16km per day. Technically you could fill up every 25th day then.
Depending on the car (ignition etc.) you could see worse mileage, especially in the winter. I would assume Vancouver have winters like we have in Norway? In winter I probably use 1,5 - 1,6 litres per 10km at times.
What's wrong with Vancouver?
No I do get it, if you drive in stop and go traffic I can see getting an automatic makes sense. It's not what our engines were made for though.As for gas, his answer is way off. To compare, I drive a lot of short trips at times, but I'm usually heavy on the gas pedal on the longer trips I have. In average I use about 1,2 litres per 10km. So you'd use about 2 litres per day with my car if the commute is 16km per day. Technically you could fill up every 25th day then.
Depending on the car (ignition etc.) you could see worse mileage, especially in the winter. I would assume Vancouver have winters like we have in Norway? In winter I probably use 1,5 - 1,6 litres per 10km at times.
07-26-2013, 07:22 PM
#12
Now, that's a more realistic number. If it's only that, I can live with that. Now, the hardest part begins. Finding a well maintained second hand RX 8 on sale.
I've read (and friends told me) that once I get the car, it would be ideal to do an oil change and replace all the 'high risk' parts like the cat, plugs and wires to make sure the engine will be in top condition unless a proof that it's been recently done.
MT or AT (w/ paddle) is still debating in my head. XD
Color-wise, I want either a Black Exterior w/ Tan Interior or Red Exterior w/ Red&Black Interior.
I've read (and friends told me) that once I get the car, it would be ideal to do an oil change and replace all the 'high risk' parts like the cat, plugs and wires to make sure the engine will be in top condition unless a proof that it's been recently done.
MT or AT (w/ paddle) is still debating in my head. XD
Color-wise, I want either a Black Exterior w/ Tan Interior or Red Exterior w/ Red&Black Interior.
07-26-2013, 08:46 PM
#13
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
Hello, IMHO manual is the way to go.
WAY more fun! I fill up about every 4 days on a 1/4 tank, (habitually running down to warning shortens fuel pump life), 40 mile rd. trip commute, plus warm-ups, and errands.
I think if you are worried about gas mileage, (premium only, if you didn't know), this is not the car for you.
Oil changes every 3k miles.
Plugs, coils, & wires every 30 k. Cat can be replaced with a midpipe, but you may need to re-install it for smog test.
+1 on every thing kevinande said.
WAY more fun! I fill up about every 4 days on a 1/4 tank, (habitually running down to warning shortens fuel pump life), 40 mile rd. trip commute, plus warm-ups, and errands.
I think if you are worried about gas mileage, (premium only, if you didn't know), this is not the car for you.
Oil changes every 3k miles.
Plugs, coils, & wires every 30 k. Cat can be replaced with a midpipe, but you may need to re-install it for smog test.
+1 on every thing kevinande said.
07-26-2013, 08:49 PM
#14
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
07-26-2013, 11:16 PM
#16
Hello, IMHO manual is the way to go.
WAY more fun! I fill up about every 4 days on a 1/4 tank, (habitually running down to warning shortens fuel pump life), 40 mile rd. trip commute, plus warm-ups, and errands.
I think if you are worried about gas mileage, (premium only, if you didn't know), this is not the car for you.
Oil changes every 3k miles.
Plugs, coils, & wires every 30 k. Cat can be replaced with a midpipe, but you may need to re-install it for smog test.
+1 on every thing kevinande said.
WAY more fun! I fill up about every 4 days on a 1/4 tank, (habitually running down to warning shortens fuel pump life), 40 mile rd. trip commute, plus warm-ups, and errands.
I think if you are worried about gas mileage, (premium only, if you didn't know), this is not the car for you.
Oil changes every 3k miles.
Plugs, coils, & wires every 30 k. Cat can be replaced with a midpipe, but you may need to re-install it for smog test.
+1 on every thing kevinande said.
As for the worry about gas mileage, if you saw the calculations I made for a daily driver, I was shocked that it went as high as $340 every month only for gas (on a 16km commute/day) while a 3.2L V6 Acura TL only costs $160 (and this what I budgeted for with allowance). The number was unrealistically high, even for a sports car. Nexib's 1.2l / 10km sounds more reasonable and it goes with the average mpg (converted to 384km) I read around in the forums.
I'm still waiting for more input regarding this fuel issue since I'm seeing two sides here. Either a once a week refill or a twice a week.
Last edited by Anarchist26; 07-26-2013 at 11:22 PM.
07-27-2013, 06:04 AM
#17
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
I never sat down and figured a hard number on MPG, or how much I'm spending, but I estimate I spend around $280-320 US a month.
That is expensive, but it's the price I'm willing to pay for the sheer enjoyment I get when I drive it, unlike any car I've had since my first, a 69 Javelin.
I also drive very aggressively with lots of interstate driving, and I seek out curvy roads for joyriding;
downshifting, high end rpms and redlines are frequent, killing my fuel economy.
I drive it every chance I get, and often pass the exit to my house just because I want to drive some more.
Like the commercial says, "priceless!".
That is expensive, but it's the price I'm willing to pay for the sheer enjoyment I get when I drive it, unlike any car I've had since my first, a 69 Javelin.
I also drive very aggressively with lots of interstate driving, and I seek out curvy roads for joyriding;
downshifting, high end rpms and redlines are frequent, killing my fuel economy.
I drive it every chance I get, and often pass the exit to my house just because I want to drive some more.
Like the commercial says, "priceless!".
07-27-2013, 08:12 AM
#18
If fuel consumption is a concern, get something else. I like many others here drive the car for sheer enjoyment and could care less about fuel economy. You Would probably be better served by getting the Acura. If you decide to get one anyway, get the 2006 or newer if you insist on an auto. If your commute is all motorway, you will get a little bit better economy. If your bumping stop signs and red lights all the way to work your fuel economy will suffer big time. You can do all the math you like, I've told in my first post in this thread, be prepared to spend money on fuel...period.
07-27-2013, 10:57 AM
#19
Registered
In post #6 I see 16 km/day and 7.5 l/day. That's 9.8 miles and 2 gallons, or just under 5 mpg.
If those distance and fuel numbers really happen, I suggest you get a locking gas cap or park in a secure area. Someone is siphoning.
Ken
If those distance and fuel numbers really happen, I suggest you get a locking gas cap or park in a secure area. Someone is siphoning.
Ken
07-27-2013, 02:05 PM
#20
I was prepared to spend on fuel. The amount you gave was just a shocker since it was double of what I expected it would be. Haha!
16km/day is my commute.
7.5l/day is kevinande's estimate on how much I'll run through each day, which was a little more than what I expected.
2l/day is what I expected which was backed up by nexib's estimate.
And to make it clearer, $1000/month is what I budgeted on the car which will cover insurance, gas and oil while the remainder will be added to maintenance funds. Insurance will be a little lower than normal because my dad agreed to get the car under his name for that RoadStar 50% discount :D
I just wanted to clear up how much I'll actually be spending on gas. Although I'm pretty sure that getting one and trying it out myself would get me the answers I want. Nonetheless, I'm still looking at posts and this one to have more knowledge before I do get the car.
Keep em coming! Thanks!
7.5l/day is kevinande's estimate on how much I'll run through each day, which was a little more than what I expected.
2l/day is what I expected which was backed up by nexib's estimate.
And to make it clearer, $1000/month is what I budgeted on the car which will cover insurance, gas and oil while the remainder will be added to maintenance funds. Insurance will be a little lower than normal because my dad agreed to get the car under his name for that RoadStar 50% discount :D
I just wanted to clear up how much I'll actually be spending on gas. Although I'm pretty sure that getting one and trying it out myself would get me the answers I want. Nonetheless, I'm still looking at posts and this one to have more knowledge before I do get the car.
Keep em coming! Thanks!
Last edited by Anarchist26; 07-27-2013 at 02:16 PM.
07-27-2013, 04:35 PM
#21
Registered
2 l/day is more like it. I'd expect it to be a bit more than that, though. The reason is that the time and distance you give, 16 km round trip in 40 minutes round trip, is 15 mph average speed. You won't get good fuel economy out of anything other than an electric car with that kind of commute. If there are decent bike trails, a bicycle could even be a better choice than a car.
Ken
Ken
07-27-2013, 04:53 PM
#22
Manual or Bust... Seriously...
You seem to just have some jitters about making this purchase. TBH I would say not get it for bad road conditions but thats just me. My 8 is no longer stock and with potholes and horrible roads where I live, it sucks having my 8 as a DD. But then again its very stiff, and **** rattles. If I was stock it would be different.
You seem to just have some jitters about making this purchase. TBH I would say not get it for bad road conditions but thats just me. My 8 is no longer stock and with potholes and horrible roads where I live, it sucks having my 8 as a DD. But then again its very stiff, and **** rattles. If I was stock it would be different.
07-27-2013, 05:38 PM
#23
I see too much talk of gas here.
One post above mentioned that this car is a drivers car, and you will find reasons to take it out. Thereby, you will have to fuel up differently than your mathematical equation estimates.
Every engine is different. One persons gas mileage on a perfectly healthy engine COULD be worse than another persons with an engine in less than perfect condition. So, take examples here with +/- estimates.
If you're concerned with mileage, get a more gas-friendly guzzler, as mentioned. Don't waste your time with dreams you will regret pursuing.
Like hot chicks- would you be satisfied with one that needed more maintenance than you could afford and not give you what you want out of a happy relationship, because of your inability to keep her appeased? If the answer is "yes", then you need to seek another form of help...
One post above mentioned that this car is a drivers car, and you will find reasons to take it out. Thereby, you will have to fuel up differently than your mathematical equation estimates.
Every engine is different. One persons gas mileage on a perfectly healthy engine COULD be worse than another persons with an engine in less than perfect condition. So, take examples here with +/- estimates.
If you're concerned with mileage, get a more gas-friendly guzzler, as mentioned. Don't waste your time with dreams you will regret pursuing.
Like hot chicks- would you be satisfied with one that needed more maintenance than you could afford and not give you what you want out of a happy relationship, because of your inability to keep her appeased? If the answer is "yes", then you need to seek another form of help...
07-27-2013, 05:44 PM
#24
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Keep in mind that the more you like driving the car you have, the more you will find reasons to drive it, and that will up your gas cost by a percentage that you can't currently predict.
07-27-2013, 11:25 PM
#25
Manual or Bust... Seriously...
You seem to just have some jitters about making this purchase. TBH I would say not get it for bad road conditions but thats just me. My 8 is no longer stock and with potholes and horrible roads where I live, it sucks having my 8 as a DD. But then again its very stiff, and **** rattles. If I was stock it would be different.
You seem to just have some jitters about making this purchase. TBH I would say not get it for bad road conditions but thats just me. My 8 is no longer stock and with potholes and horrible roads where I live, it sucks having my 8 as a DD. But then again its very stiff, and **** rattles. If I was stock it would be different.
I see too much talk of gas here.
One post above mentioned that this car is a drivers car, and you will find reasons to take it out. Thereby, you will have to fuel up differently than your mathematical equation estimates.
Every engine is different. One persons gas mileage on a perfectly healthy engine COULD be worse than another persons with an engine in less than perfect condition. So, take examples here with +/- estimates.
If you're concerned with mileage, get a more gas-friendly guzzler, as mentioned. Don't waste your time with dreams you will regret pursuing.
Like hot chicks- would you be satisfied with one that needed more maintenance than you could afford and not give you what you want out of a happy relationship, because of your inability to keep her appeased? If the answer is "yes", then you need to seek another form of help...
One post above mentioned that this car is a drivers car, and you will find reasons to take it out. Thereby, you will have to fuel up differently than your mathematical equation estimates.
Every engine is different. One persons gas mileage on a perfectly healthy engine COULD be worse than another persons with an engine in less than perfect condition. So, take examples here with +/- estimates.
If you're concerned with mileage, get a more gas-friendly guzzler, as mentioned. Don't waste your time with dreams you will regret pursuing.
Like hot chicks- would you be satisfied with one that needed more maintenance than you could afford and not give you what you want out of a happy relationship, because of your inability to keep her appeased? If the answer is "yes", then you need to seek another form of help...
If the budget is lacking and I want to drive the car more often, I'll just have to take some from my less important hobbies and put it in the car.
____________
Anyway, the gas issue seems to be divided between the "four times a month refueling" and the "two times a month refueling" teams for my 16km (8km to, 8km back) commute. Since I'm new to cars, I'll wait for more input and read more.
____________
Another thing I'm getting more confused on is the oil issue.
Premixing or Topping it off every week?
From what I've read, I believe this is how it goes:
You get the car > Change oil > Add a quart of oil in tank before fueling > Fill up > Have fun with the car > Check the oil level once a week if you need to refill the oil tank.
Is this correct or am I wrong somewhere? Reason for this is: I remember seeing an "either" premix "or" just keep the oil tank full.
