tonyG

Hi everyone my current situation is im looking at a 2007 rx8 grand touring with 17k miles on it and im looking on jumping on it soon (aka tomorrow if possible)

i currently own and drive a 2007 dodge ram 1500 5.7l hemi quad cab

it costs me around 72$ to fill my tank at 3$ per gallon lets say as a reference point at an average of 12 MPG
average oil change will run me up 40$
and spark plugs replacement will cost me about 412$
and im sure you could guess breaks on a truck like this are killer

I would like to know if the car im purchasing will run me up a higher expense or if it will be alot more of an economical choice for me or if not either and im at a stalemate. your input is much appreciated.
thanks

shaunv74

Do not buy an RX8 for economic reasons. It's not an economical car nor was it ever intended to be.

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

The fuel tank size on the 8 is 15.8 gallons, and it takes premium, so price on a tank will depend on gas prices where you are. There are a whole lot of different numbers that people get on MPG, depending on how well the car is maintained and other things, but an 8 in even decent shape will get better than 12 mpg... From what I've seen a lot of people seem to be getting between 15 and 20 (obviously some people don't fall in that range)...

In relation to how much you are spending on spark plugs... The manual says to change them out around 30k miles. You can get 4 plugs for $80 in a lot of places... You will also need to change out the ignition coils at about 30k miles too. You can get 4 OEM coils for under $200 easily so those combined will probably be about 260ish... You can also get aftermarket coils that are slightly more expensive but will pretty much last forever...

Oil will probably be about the same as what you are getting. And you usually have to add in about an extra quart every 1000 miles to top it off, but that doesn't cost much. Oil changes about every 4000 miles.

Yes, brakes should be better than the truck haha...

There are occasionally things that come up with 8s that do take some more money. They are not the cheapest cars to keep in perfect condition...

If you are looking for an awesome car that is extremely fun to drive, an 8 is perfect... But like Shaun said, if you are strictly looking to buy an economical car, the 8 definitely isn't the best one. There are much more economical cars out there.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

Like stated, the 8 is probably more efficient than your truck, but less efficient than most of the vehicles out there. And you can't carry a pool table or big screen tv in the back of the 8...

tonyG

i know its not an economical car and i never intended to buy an economical one either just something a little more economical than my truck and im in the go and im not lookin out to buy a prius thats why im lookin at 8's great style pretty decent performance and not an entire life savings to maintain haha

thanks for the input so far guys

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

Check out this thread.... https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

Has a whole lot of really useful info for anyone looking into getting an 8

tonyG

yea i read that thread last week had lots of detailed info

thats why i love this forum its a huge knowledge base and most of the info on here lots of people know what they are talking about

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

well, if you've read the forum, then you know that there are a bunch of real rotor-heads here, and there are also some... well, not so nice words
Take the advice of the experts (you'll learn quickly who's an expert and who's not). Make sure that you really understand the car, the engine and all of the maintenance that it requires before you jump into it, because the last thing we want to hear is "why didn't you tell me (insert FAQ here)".
Hope you make the right choice!

tonyG

haha yea for sure ive done tons of research on the car on here and google even spoke with some great mazda mechanics i just wanna hear from you guys what u think on the comparison with the vehicles im buying this car so i have a car with less miles again and to put a little bit of relief on my wallet while still having a very enjoyable ride to take care of and pride in

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

tried searching, but I'm too drunk. Bed time!
Read this. Should help some...
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/rx8-reliability-maintenance-206540/

tonyG

lmao that thread is funny as hell that kid is so stubborn and way in over his head rofl

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

From what I can tell it sounds like you have been doing your research... The 8 is a great car for people who do their research haha...

If you read the whole new and potential owners thread, and a lot of other stuff on here, and haven't seen anything that really threw up a red flag for you, I say go for it... They really are incredible cars

tonyG

so it seems tomorrow I may be picking up my new 2007 Rx8 Grand Touring with 17k miles clean... like brand new no accidents clean record etc for 16000$ what you guys think? only down is its automatic but at my point in my life as a college student etc not having a full time job i find manual a little unpractical considering the chicago weather i get and not having a second car to drive... and not being a very experienced stick driver to top it off which from what i hear learning stick on an 8 is usually a big no no u might as well purposely flood ur engine... all which would seem to be a very bad mix making automatic a better choice for me for the time being

opinions?

REDRX3RX8

I've got the same car with 6spd auto also and 23k miles, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I track it pretty much stock except I had to put on the BHR upgraded fuel pump because the g-forces were making the fuel surge on curves. Also, I put on the BHR Yukon coil upgrade to make sure it never misses and kills the cat and engine.I also premix 2 cycle oil in the gas at 4 oz per 12 gallons.

Most people haven't driven the 6spd auto, but it drives like a dream: smooth and quiet.

Also, I can get 24-27mpg on the highway because it only runs about 2700rpm instead of 3600rpm on the manuals.

I also have a 02 Dodge Dakota which gets 18 on the highway, so the RX8 is cheaper on gas even using premium. I paid $190 to get plugs in at 66k miles, and will sell before it needs it again, but it's been a good vehicle if you need the bed.

I paid about twice what you're paying new ($30k + ttl) so if its in the good shape mines in, you should get a good deal.

Zoom - zoom -zoom.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

I'd say that for the year, the mileage and the history, the price is decent! No harm in pushing for a price drop...
As for the auto/ manual argument... It was weak
If you feel more confident in auto, then by all means, go for it! At least it's a 6 port!
But, don't think learning stick on a manual is a bad thing. The whole "flooding" issue isn't too bad if you don't let the engine sit flooded for too long. And, it's much easier to resolve flooding in a manual than an auto, IMO.

REDRX3RX8

I've never driven a manual 8, but I drove a 2 ton gas engine truck for 2 years without a clutch that would disengage (lots of starting in first and rev matching). I auto-crossed my RX3, and really liked the shifting, but I didn't like dealing with the bad syncros, noisy throwout bearings, clutch adjustment, etc.

I track my auto, let it do the shifting, and it's smart enough to stay in gear when you jump off the gas before the redline so you can punch it in the next corner.

The 8 is a remarkable car with either trans, but I've never flooded, or misfired, and with the BHR hope not to.

The auto does have a TSB out on a surge problem that occurs around 40-55mph, and you should have a warranty on the trans for 5years or 60k miles which should give you a year to test it out depending on when the first owner bought. Also, the cat is good for 80k miles and the engine 100k or 8 years.

Be sure to get the left over warranty straight when you're haggling, and you might even get it down to under $15k.

tonyG

haha yea i know it was pretty weak not gonna lie but i just heard learning manual in an 8 is kinda bad cuz stalling + flooding possibility u kno? is this the case? i would see the stalling as basically the same thing as a quick on and off constantly leading to a good ol no start condition

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

If your only fear of getting a manual is stalling, just let the car warm up a bit before you head out until you're more comfortable driving stick. It will ease your flooding worries. In all honesty though, you'll probably never flood it from stalling. If you're more comfortable in the auto, by all means get it. The 8 is a very easy car to drive though.