I know these aren't new questions but after searching and reading through quite a few posts, my eyes began to hurt so here are some Q's that I know you guys are dying to answer.

I have never considered RX-8 as one of the choices of cars that I want to buy next, but since Mazda is offering additional discounts and great financing due to low sales, I want to give it a consideration. But I have a few questions.

1. Do you guys feel that it is underpowered? I would appreciate it if someone that downgraded from higher BHP answered this. If you upgraded from a Dodge Neon or something similar, it would be obvious, but I will be downgrading from all the cars I have had. So previous Mustang GT, 350Z owners...probably no one came into this car from Porsche or something?

2. Why did you choose the RX-8? For the same price you could have chosen so many other cars...I am so curious.

3. How much oil do you have to put every month if you drive about 1500 miles/month

4. I have read some of the past gripes about certain things about this car. When you answer above Q's, could you please give ONE improvement that is desperately needed in this car?

5. How much you paid for the car, and I welcome people that purchased this recently with options listed.

Sadly, I am discussing it here because my local dealership does not have any of these in stock. Nearest one I want to buy is 3 1/2 hours away and I don't have a whole lot of time to drive that far and test drive it because I am busy with school and work.

Also, performance means more to me than the appearance. Power really isn't everything in a car. And I know that this car is lighter. I do enjoy being a minority in the market. I don't mean underdog, but being not "Camry" or "Accord". I know my '06 Eclipse will pick up sales and become like the third generation Eclipse...it will be everywhere and I am looking at Crossfire, RX-8, 350Z (350z's are too common as well) or Acura TL.

Thx in advance.

 

you mentioned crossfire!!!!!!!!! nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!11111111

 

uh oh!

*runs away

 

1. Yes, but like u said, power isnt everything about a car. but just keep in mind that the 8 stock is NOT meant to be a straight line performer.

2. Style, Rx-8, Rotary Engine

3. Alot, for me, I floor my rotary sometimes. Full tank can get me .... about 160 miles. you do the math. (93 octane, premium)

4. Torque

5. I got mine for around 28K.

Its all up to you. if u want unique, 8 is your choice, but you HAVE to keep in mind that this is NOT a straight line car (if u add FI later thats diff)

 

If you want street light racing please buy something else.

If you want a car that handles like a dream, buy the 8.

 

I really shouldn't be the one answering it as I don't own an RX-8 yet, but I've read a lot on the forum. So, whatever, make of it what you will.


1. It's not so much the higher BHP that does it -- it's the torque. You're not going to have your neck snapped when you mash the pedal. I don't think I've read of too many previous 350Z or Mustang GT owners so I don't know who can help you with that.

2. I really don't think anyone can convey something like this. This car evokes a visceral feeling that you just can't describe. The RX-8 and the C6 Corvette are the only two cars I have ever seen that make me just hold my breathe every single time I see them. Now, I personally don't like every color of the RX-8, but I have a friend that has a Winning Blue with tinted windows, slightly wider tires, and the aero kit. I don't envision myself being in Fast and the Furious or showing some dude in an Evo up when I look at that car. I just stand there and just feel it. The car looks, handles, and sounds different from anything else that exists.

3. How much oil you put it in it seems to be a direct effect of how you drive it. I think the average response from people is to carry a quart with you and check the levels ever 4th fill-up. I've heard people say they check it every other time and others that get it changed every 3000 miles and never check it themselves. Once you start driving it you'll figure out what you'll need to do, but I don't think most people find this oil consumption trait unbearable.

4. The main complaint from the world in general is the lack of torque. You have to get all-season or snow tires if you want to drive in the snow EVER. It also requires more gas than a comparable car (most people get 16-20 mpg, but some get worse). Also, many mods seem to have little impact on the HP and/or torque (other than FI which HAS to be tuned properly). It can also flood if you shut it off when the engine is cold (in a cold climate especially), but it's easy to avoid that if you just pay attention to what you're doing.

5. People have been getting up to $6-9k off MSRP in the past month or so. One place in particular was AutoBarn in Chicago.


I really don't think this car is for you. You really sound like you're going to miss the torque quite a bit. I was considering a 350Z too and I know I would love to have the feeling of mashing the pedal and snapping my head back. But with a 350Z you can get destroyed by a Evo or STi and then you're left with an 2-seater with a harsh ride, no storage space, and a cheaper interior -- oh and 1.5 MILLION people have the same car as you (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...15/140347.html).

No matter what other cars have on the RX-8 they will never have that elan vital that infuses into your inner core and lets you just experience the car in a way that awakens you as though your senses have just exploded after waking up from a dream. After that, you'll feel like you're asleep looking at any other car.

That is the very best I can explain to you why "I chose the RX-8 even though I could have chosen from so many other cars". Other people may not feel exactly the way I feel, but it would be my recommendation that if you don't know why you should get this car, don't.

 

1). You don't 'feel' being underpowered, especially with that 9000 rpm red line. Other cars in it's class do pull away though. Nonetheless, it's waaay fun to drive.

2). Got a good deal, insurance counts as a 2 cylinder 4 door sedan, looks beautiful, gets a lot of looks, 4 seats, doors are awesome, the rotary is special, amazingly easy to drive. I looked at an s2000 and a 350Z, for example, but I needed 4 seats, and you see them all the time.
Then there's always the Evos and Stis, but insurance was killer and they don't look great to me.

3). I add about 3/4ths a liter every 1500 miles.

4). Improvements....get rid of the rattles and pack in 50 more ponies. Move the seat heater buttons somewhere else. Umm...not much off the top of my head. Again, it's a great all-around car.

5). 24k, GT package (red, with a spoiler, sunroof, leather, etc)


I could elaborate on my answers more...but it's almost midnight.

edit: Saturn's post is basically it

 

Because I'm bored.....

First off, if you haven't considered the 8 and are only now doing it because of incentives, then it probably isn't the car for you. Also since your first question is about HP, this just goes to futher show this probably isn't the car for you. I've seen many a thread about someone buying an 8 and then bitching about its lack of power and then they trade the 8 in and calling it a POS. If HP is big for you, do a LONG test drive or two and see if you can deal with the car's power(learn how to drive it first though, ie power band is 5k-8.5k NOT 2k-5k)

1. Since obtaining my FD I get a good laugh from people driving a "fast" mustang gt and 350z (sorry had to put that).
My FD rips me back into my seat and while this is great fun , its not want I want in a DD. The only time my 8 has failed me in the power dept. I was in 6th gear while thinking about jumping in front of someone. Simply downshift into 3rd and I've never had any problems. As I've said before, I have NEVER been driving my 8 and thought "I have to have more power". Long story short, IMO the 8 is just fine in the power dept.

2. One test drive I was hooked. I was looking for something to haul my golfclubs and a couple suitcases around in. Had to have a good ride and cruise well and some space. After ruling out SUVs, trucks and 4 door sedans I deciced I wanted a sports car so I started w/the 350z(didn't like much about the car). Please note, I had NO idea the RX8 existed until I wandered onto a Mazda lot and saw an 8 back in the corner. I was totally taken and a sales guy offered a test drive. From that point on, I spent a lot of time finding out about the car(it has a rotary lol) and it didn't take too much to convince me I had found my car.

3. I heard I had to add oil also so I bought 3 bottles and they are still in my trunk, unopened. My cars get better care than most children here in SA, so believe me I check the level often and have never had to add any.

4. I've had some paint problems w/mine but I'm just lucky, also have a couple rattles from the interior. Desperately needs changing.......I can think of none for the 6mt. The AT needs some help though, IMO.

5. 26k back on August 16, 2004. I have everything but Navigation.

Crossfire? Is it the srt version? I've heard TLs are nice cars.
I must say once again that from what you've said the 8 doesn't sound like the right car for you. Sorry for the long post, drunk posting must be stopped !!!

 

Get the 8, its gr8 in the twisties.....

 

Get the Crossfire!!!!!!

 

Crossfire was assembled by Karmann, Would not take another after XR4TI.

Oil is no issue after 5K miles.

I do not know why they sell cheap. Sales numbers are almost up to the second gen car.

The car is in the 10 best ranks, I like to be the best.

Nobody else drives a Wankel, I don't compare my pistons.

Fix the headrest, and no sunroof.

2 chicks fit in the back.

The interior is cool, on par with the Boxter.

 

I think i'd take my car over 4 crossfires... I dunno how its even a comparison...

 

C'mon guys, respect the Crossfire. If anyone says 4 Crossfires again I'll have to go change my shorts.

 

I currently drive the 2006 Eclipse GT. I do enjoy the power, but what I look for in cars are not all about power. But I never looked at RX-8 because it seemed expensive and I have never like anything related to FORD.

I have read a lot of reviews and found this forum and read a lot of stuff here and ran into that deal in Chicago and took a look at it because I can afford them.

So back to handling issues. I live in the US and I am sure most of you are here as well. I just don't run into a whole lot of curves....especially in Fargo, ND. So without curves, would it still be fun to drive?
I know I will love it on snow because I will be back to my RWD roots, until I hit a curve and dent my car.

I have never seen the car in person and dealerships around me don't have them and on Monday, I will be driving 3 1/2 hours to see this car and to test drive it. I am buying a used one, but with 950 miles on it with GT and navigation for $24,999 (I will negotiate a little more of course)

I love power, but power doesn't define performance and that is why I want a car that does well all around. So please give me more posts here folks. I really appreciate your input on this one.

I am considering Crossfire for its classy nature. It isn't all about power, but it is well built and based on Mercedes SLK so I like it.

 

hahahhahhaha you put 'crossfire' and 'classy' in same sentence, lmao

 

if you're looking for a powerful car i personally believe the rx-8 is definitely not what you're looking for.

this car is great for mountain driving with curves and bends.
but if you're looking for a car like a mustang with a bassy engine rumble that makes people go... damn... thats a powerful car. this aint it. this is more of a sporty jpn car rather than raw american muscle.

i chose this car bec i've always been a fan of the rx-7, but come the time i was actually ready to get a car there were no more rx-7's that were actually in good condition, and plus North America hasn't had the rx-7 for years, compared to Japan with RZ and Bathurst.

oil wise, i personally dont feel my rx-8 burns as bad as the rumors.
but then again, i've got a whole box of castrol sitting in my car hold. lol.

the one thing i wish to be improved is gas consumption with greater power...
perhaps a turbo that will somehow improve gas consumption, ha!
but yeah, i live in Canada, and i pretty much pay around 3 bills Cdn for gas every month, and that's pretty outrageous i think.

 

Since you are in Canada, please answer me this....how is the car in the cold weather? I have to park the car outdoors and as much as I would like to avoid it, I just can't.

Also, I must stress that I am not looking for POWER only. I have no bends here, but I need performance that is all around. I love the pull that I get from my 06 Eclipse Gt, but it turns like crap (the handling is great other than that, but I can't to a U turn very easy).

 

honestly, My rx8 is awesome. I love it , and the thing that i love about it even more is that everytime i go to G35/ 350z / RSX / WRX / EVO Canyon runs n etc. I love riding their ***'s n the best part is when they ask me what iv done for suspention. n i tell them it's stock =]

I even have a video of me riding a Z's *** n passing him then catching up to an M3 and WRX which had a huge gap infront of us.

If anyone is interested i'll post or send u the video

If you want a car that handles awesome , looks badass , either get the RX8 or an S2000




but if you want straight line power this aint ur car. I mean Sure you can Mod the car to get some more power, you COULD get power from mods n etc.. but you have to remember if you go N/A you're looking at 205whp 210whp, Sure it's not much but a 30hp gain from stock is good enough for me. Then you could go ahead and Add new final drive , flywheel , etc...

 

I'm a future owner (WAAAAAAAAY past the interested buyer stage) I can't comment on how powerful the car feels, but I can give you my 2 cents on what I think of it and other cars like it, and what I know about them

The crossfire is, in my oppinion, an ugly car depending on what angle you look at it from. from the front it's actually really nice, but when it goes the other way and I look at it... I think that it redefines the phrase "butt ugly". I also know the handling to be less than perfect. I don't see many of them around here so there is the "rare" card to play. gets around the same gas mileage as the 8 in the city, more on the highway. Wouldn't buy one because it's ugly.

350Z
Pros: marginally faster and more powerful, better gas mileage
Cons: harder to drive and not suited to long drives. 2 seater... the looks aren't my thing, everyone has one. costs more
I wouldn't buy one because the RX-8 looks better and this has only 2 seats.

Honda S2000
Pros: amazing high revving engine, looks great, powerful, great highway gas mileage.
Cons: not much on space, noisy and more expensive to insure, pretty common sight.
I wouldn't buy one because of the lack of space, want 4 seats.


RX-8
Pros: 4 seats and doors, wankel engine you can confuse ppl with and the looks are really amazing, this will be a classic in my humble oppinion (so will the 350Z, very bold). stellar and very predictable handling.
Cons: Crappy gas mileage no matter how hard you try to get good mileage, low torque compared to others.
I'll buy one for 3 reasons: somewhat rare, looks amazing and the engine is unique. Fuel economy be damned, that's what my saturn is for.

Acura TL
Pros: looks REALLY sharp compared to the other family sedans, powerful engine, fast, doesn't use TOO much gas.
Cons: family car look, but all the same a sleeper for the unwary ricer. Front Wheel Drive
I'd buy one!

let me be characteristically practical and sum it up this way:

if you want 2 seats with great handling it comes down to the S2000 or the 350Z, the 350 has more space (non convertible, who wants something that ugly anway), the S2000 better handling

if you want 4 seats (and add to that 4 cool doors) with excellent handling, the RX-8 is your only choice.

for straight line power with ok handling: the crossfire. (the 350 is more powerful and probably handles better and looks better too... IMO)

if you're considering the Acura TL, then you might also want to look at the cadillac CTS? about the same power but rear wheel drive, really good looking as well, has 4 doors and probably handles about as well as the crossfire. although the handling isn't up to the RX-8 or the 2-seaters in here.

 

I am STRONGLY considering RX-8 and I am willing to go buy one tomorrow, right away.

I am scared of the following:
1. I know it isn't fast, but I am afraid that it will lag behind a Neon.
2. Future maintenance. If this car is truly a keeper I will own it for a while. But I don't want the uniqueness of the car (such as the engine and etc.) to cost a lot more to repair.
3. MPG. I don't drive fast always, but I have my moments. But I can't afford to get 15MPG all the time. Every review I have read complains about the gas mileage and I don't want to burn gas for no reason.

I don't want S2000 and maybe 350Z, but I like the price and what RX-8 is worth.

 

1. If you're a streetlight racer... this isn't your car. Not that it can't keep up or better many cars, but it isn't a "mash...your gone" car.

2. I don't hear too many hi-maint cars on the forum, and of those most are warranty. But that said I wouldn't want to be 3.5 hrs away from my dealer either, for an RX-8 or any car for that matter.

3. Likely you'll get 16-22 esp being a flatlander.... but it's not a Corolla, probably very much like your current car or a bit less. However, you WILL be burning gas for NO REASON....we ALL do!!!!! We all just drive around 'CAUSE IT'S FUN!!!

As always, no one can tell you what's best. So with " " (open eyes) go try it. Do what you heart says.

 

The car isn't a torque monster, but it's not a stock Neon either. C&D rates the 0-60 time at 5.9 seconds and that's probably based on a fairly high revving launch. I don't wanna reopen and old argument, but don't get the automatic if you want decent power (the 2006 AT's are improved quite a bit). Would you be going automatic?

Sounds like cost is a pretty big factor for you. You haven't mentioned while you want to get rid of your '06 Eclipse other than u-turn problems. It may be the car for you.

My concern is that you're driving 3.5 hours away just to take the first look at the car. You're going to be more pressured into buying it if you do that since you won't want to come away empty-handed. The novelty of how it handles compared to your current car (it will be very different) may blind you to the power issue that may come back to bite you if you make a rash decision.

 

people forgot to mention to him that he will lose LOTS of money by trading his 06 Eclipse so soon..... must also consider that into the cost of purchase of an 8...

 

I have always traded my cars in early and don't mind losing the value if I am getting a better car. I sold my 1 month old 2005 1/2 Jetta for 06Eclipse GT and lost $4000.

As for burning gas....you are right, I will be burning gas anyway for fun.

It isn't that I live 3.5 hours from dealerships, but the local area ones do not have any (used or new) in stock. I won't be really pressured to buy it right away too much because I will just be going "home" home to see my in-laws....I am currently at school.

That is interesting to know that the car can do 0-60 under 5.9sec...with high rev....I guess that is okay. I don't really care about off the line, but grazing 7 seconds for 0-60 was a little too much I thought. I will definitely pack a stop watch for my test drive.

Thx for all the info so far and please don't hesitate to add some more.

 

What were you cross shopping your Eclipse with when you got it?