I've loved the rx8 since day one and have always loved it. I'm like a little kid that wants it without wanting to think of any consequences but the adult in me knows better lol. My concerns are...

How bad is the gas mileage really? How much do you pay to fill up the tank?

How comfortable is the car to drive for long period of time, not that I drive a lot but if the occasion occurred then I don't want something to be digging into my back.

How much can I talk the dealer on the price do you think? A Mazda dealer tried to tell me that Mazda's keep their value but I find that extremely hard to believe. So I personally want to be able to take as much off the sticker price as possible.

While test driving the 8 I noticed some grinding in the rear does anyone know what that is? A friend that used to have an 8 said it might be the differential...

 

Its 16 mpg city 22 highway, some people get that, some don't.

I have taken several trips of 700 miles in a straight shot, not any worse than other cars for driving long distances.

No car keeps its value really. I bought my 09 used with 18k miles on it and it was almost half the suggested msrp. The guy who bought it before me took a bath on that one.

 

I would echo xexok's statements.

 

Yep, pretty spot on. How much is it to fill the tank? How much is a gallon of premium in your area? Multiply that number by 16+/-.

When you say "talk the dealer on price", are you talking on a new leftover '11, or a preowned car? If there are any new ones left out there (thee is at my dealer), then you should be able to buy for well, well below sticker. As in, dealer cost minus holdback. Used ones are a bargain, look around, lots of deals to be had.

Mazdas hold heir value no better or no worse than any other brand.

 

When I was talking about buying one I meant a preowned one. When I went out for a test drive I drove a 2011 R3 with 2000 miles on it. They wanted 27,000 for it. Also when driving it there was this grinding noise coming from the rear that didn't sound too healthy....anyone know what that could have been?

 

The only grinding that would probably happen back there is the differential. Maybe explain the noise a bit more, but thats all I can think of.

 

Sounds like something wrong with the LSD.

 

Could be a wheel bearing. It makes a grinding noise when the wheel spins.

 

I can get over 20 mpg on the highway quite regularly. As far as comfort goes, I've made 2 non-stop trips (except for fuel) from Chicago to Daytona Beach (1,200 miles each way). This is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. All though, after 8 years, the drivers seat bottom is starting to break down and it isn't like it was when it was new.

 

How far is your commute, then I can tell you how your mpg will be.

Reverse makes a weird noise, like an RC car or something.

 

Brakes can make a grinding noise, as well.

But we'll need A LOT more information, if you want us to guess at it.

 

Yea I was thinking that also but he said while driving so I assumed he meant while going forward and not braking. I guess it could really mean while braking as well. Wheel bearing is possible but it would have to be real bad to be noticeable like that.