matt1162

I'm going to be test driving a 6 speed next week. What RPM range are these cars comfortable in? I don't want to run it up to high and trash the guy's motor. I've honestly never driven a 6 speed in anything. I'm not sure what to do with that extra gear

Steve Dallas

They are happy all the way to redline. This is a very high revving car. I tend to shift at 5K to 6K. Cruising at 80mph in 6th gear will run at about 4K on the tach.

Insist on a proper rotary-specific compression test before buying any RX-8. If you don't do that, you are risking $5K.

Also read this thread in its entirety.

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

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

Basically once the car is warmed up, if it's got issues going to redline or the guy freaks out about it going to redline there's a problem, because lord knows in the manual it even states something about the "peak output of power and torque is in the high rpm ranges" yadda yadda yadda.

Colon Terminus

Pay attention to Mr. Hill's advice, it's the best you're gonna get. Acceleration should be strongest from 7500 to 9000 RPM. The compression test is mandatory.

zeropeorth

Not getting a compression test is like rolling the dice at a casino; you might get lucky, but odds are always in favor of the house. I've personally been 75% lucky, but don't test yours from my anecdote.

Just let the 8 warm up fully before putting a load on it, or shutting it off. You'll feel responsiveness pick up around 3-4k, before that it will feel very tame and mild like a normal car, which isn't a bad thing for normal driving in traffic and such

Be careful if the roads are slick, even with traction control, the back end will slip out a bit on you if you aren't prepared; so no curved onramps at 7k rpms in the rain on your test drive :p

Hope you've found a good one that you can make part of your family ...

matt1162

After having a Miata for 9 years I'm well aware of the traction issues these rear wheel drive Mazdas have, wet pavement almost did me in a couple of times LOL.
The vibe I'm getting from this board is that you guys are using this as a "souped up toy" or a race car. While I want something sporty, this also has to be my primary transportation, getting to my college classes, grocery store, etc. (Yes, I'm 44 and going to college, LOL, but I'm in a graduate program). So, I'm not buying this just to take to a race track but I do want something that has some good sports car performance, but for the most part is also has be able to do the same job as a generic looking Honda Accord.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

You may want to consider a Subaru then. This car is practical and many people use it as their daily, but things can go wrong, and the fuel economy is not great. 18mph is not so hot these days.

So it all depends on your priorities: if bumbling about town is your main goal, there are cars that are far better for that. It's very practical for a sports car, but it's still a sports car, so if you don't plan on spirited driving or track time, you'll get all the disadvantages and none of the advantages and not enjoy the car.

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

Lol. As the owner of a 2016 WRX, Loki isn't wrong. If you don't want a WRX, Get an Evo. An evo wasn't in my price range, and my best friend is my mechanic (Drove home from MD with him in my 8 as well) who's also a Saab/Subaru guy. It's sporty, it gets great gas mileage (With an intake and a tune I get 32ish highway) and it's reliable.

zeropeorth

I've used mine as a daily driver in worst case scenarios, and have had the opportunity to have it parked. This is my 4th rotary and I only had one go bad. The 2 RX7s that didn't have an issue, I drove them daily, as a teenager to early 20s, and had no issues at all.

My tip, if you are going to daily drive one, get a set of proper winter tires. It is night and day. My stock rims had tirerack classified 'ultra high performance summer' and I couldn't get up a slight slope in even light snow; with michelin x-ice, I could drive it in just about anything that didn't bury the car itself, and I did. I used it as work transportation in extreme cold and snow, about 2 miles from work to home, and managed to get to work when most co-workers were stuck at home in things people would consider more suitable for winter.

It is really up to you. First, make sure you are getting a well cared for car, or are prepared to spend the money to get it up to snuff. Motor work will cost you thousands; but if this is a car you have passion for, buying this used, the money you save versus a new car can be invested in creating a well running RX8 for your daily drive. It all comes down to the amount of tlc you are willing to invest, and the tlc from the previous owner.

You should expect 15 +- 3 mpg city; I happened to get 15-16 in extreme cold and snow with short trips; some get 12 just because they drive it like they stole it. I've only gotten 23 highway, but I've had another RX8 and approached 27-30 highway; I just passed 24k and it is getting time for ignition maintenance, so that might be affecting me slightly, or it just might be what I'm getting. Anything you drive aggressively will get less mpg; a Prius can get 30 mpg when driven like people drive RX8s, be a lot less comfortable and inspiring; despite driving the thing halfway normal should get you 45+ and I've gotten over 60 in one being easy.

To me, the car is an experience in itself and I don't agree with Loki that you wouldn't get any advantages if you didn't drive spirited ... It looks sharp and unique, the interior is pretty damn good, compared to say a Civic Si that costs about the same new, much, much nicer interior (though I had a GT and now a Shinka, so not sure about the base cloth feel). It drives nice, it feels nice ... it is just a great car overall if you are willing to give it just a tad bit more love to keep it running well.

Again, it is tame under 3-4k rpms, so it will feel like an 'accord', just with (quite a bit) less rear seat room, but more stable and solid in overall road feel and control ... as its not floaty nor does it have much lean in even aggressive turns like an accord would.

If you plan your grocery shopping, to smaller, more often trips, it works great. If your cabin and trunk stay relatively empty, you'd be surprised just how much you can fit in the trunk, and then have bonus space in the easy access back seats, and even the passenger seat and footwell. I've filled a cart up and thought 'uh-oh' I'm in the 8, then put everything in with room to spare; but I'm decent at packing things up well.

As far as not an 8? I don't like the WRX and think the Evo has a super cheap interior for its price (not much different than its base lancer, you just pay a premium for the handling, power, and body kit imo). IF you are going for something else, consider the BRZ/FRS, I've had one and worth it. I just find the 8 feels better, I like the interior better, and is just the better/right car for me. You have to decide the right car for you, and any quirks it may have, you will easily come to live with.

To recap, get an 8 that is in good condition or you have the excess funds to get it there; or look at a BRZ/FRS. Either are great choices, but I'm heavily biased towards the RX8 personally.