Ouhei

Hello there Mazda people!

I've been driving Honda's since I was 15 (now 25) and currently drive a 2006 s2000, which I love more than anything I've ever driven. I bought it a year ago (actually my 2nd s2000, had one a few years back) when I was a single man. At that point I had been single for a few years and just went on my first date with my now girlfriend of a year (we just moved in together last weekend) and wasn't concerned much with saving money/spent less money being alone.

I'm contemplating selling my car so I can buy something a bit cheaper (monthly payment wise) so I can save a bit more money every month (I'd like to start saving for a house, and well, a ring). When looking at a replacement for the s2000 the RX8 of course came up.

I've seen 05-06's for between 11 and 15k pretty commonly online so it'd fit the bill for money. I drove one on Saturday to make sure I liked it (drove an 06 Shinka model) and it was pretty fun to drive. Handles/feels smaller than it is and has a good steering feel.

My only concern is that I've never owned anything that wasn't a Honda. I know them inside and out and don't know **** about Mazda's. I've heard about the early model RX8's having some motor problems but it seems most have either had their motors replaced by now or don't/won't need it. There's also the extended warranty on the motor that should cover it for another year or 2.

So I guess my question is, would an 05 make a decent, reliable daily? I daily my s2000 and would the RX8 as well and I don't want it to be broken down all the time.

I'll be around for a bit at least, scouring your forums for as much info as I can find!

monchie

From a v-tec to a rotary...it's really a different ball game. Anyway, research before you buy. If you decided to get it, then read all the stickies and you'll be fine. Post pics if you decided to get it, good luck.

Aseras

If I were you Id get another s2000. I actually somewhat regret not getting the S2k when I was shopping and got my rx8. The only real reason i didn't is that I got my mazda almost 6K under invoice and honda wanted full msrp on the s2k.

KidZoom

RX 8 is fun to drive. But reading your list, less cost, reliable driver, don't know Mazda...stick with Honda. Read the posts here about my car doesn't run, my car quit on highway, the dealership ripped me off on repairs, etc. Then compare to Honda S2 forum, 'nuff said. Zoom Zoom.

RotaryMachineRx

iTrader: (1)

Man I have had my 8 for 3 very reliable years now, with the last 6 months being turbo charged. Driving characteristics between the cars are very similiar (hi reving powerband, great handling). I guarantee you will love having the extra two seats and extra cargo room. If you keep up with regular maintenance (which is really no more maintenance than any other car I've owned...I'm 23 so we're sitting in the same age range) you will have no trouble with this car.

Of course there is the odd horror story (but there is with any car) and for the most part people's engine who are not lasting them are either from poorly maintained cars or improper modding/tuning.

If you are able to do maintenance on your own (which I'm assuming you can since you are familiar with owning a sports car) you shouldn't have any troubles. Keep reading the forum and you will realize that this car is actually quite easy to maintain properly and you can quickly learn this car inside and out because of the great info on most of the stickies in the forum.

Good luck with the purchase.... 3 years and still LOVE my 8..... after 50 000 kms the only replacement I've had is my alternator.

Beware, your fuel consumption will increase from the S2K

ODDDOOD

iTrader: (3)

I'll preface my anecdote with this: I've never driven or ridden in an S2000, so I don't really know what they are like. I have always wanted one, but will never be able to fit in one...

I can tell you the RX8 is an amazing car when treated properly. And I've daily driven my '04 RX8 since the day I bought it in November '03. There were some issues during the first few years with new flashes...floodings...coils...cat converters, but once they were all figured out (or upgraded by me) the issues are no longer present and haven't reared their ugly heads for almost 4 years. Still on the original engine at 96,000 miles.

BHR - coils
Mazda Maniac - AP Cobb tuning

Get ready to know the vendors on the site. They are a HUGE bonus...with great products.

I wouldn't worry too much about Mazda being new to you because it sounds like you have a strong back-ground with working on cars.

If you know the basics, this forum can provide all the necessary information you need to complete a project; you can also find out projects you didn't even know you wanted (fog-light rewire) or needed to do (clutch bracket re-enforcement).

Whatever you decide, know that the RX8 can be a good car for 2 people. You have some room in the trunk for storage for a weekend getaway with overflow storage in the back two seats. Also, you can fit 2 adult sized people in the back seats (so long as you are not 6'9" and scoot the seat all the way to the back seat). I can fit 3 people (including me) in my car. You can even put baby-seats in the back (I know that is jumping ahead like 4 years or so).

Whatever you decide...good luck.

RotaryP7

I haven't had any real issues with my 8. I've had the basic battery dying and my ignition coils actually died at 30K (I'm at 34K now). Other than that, no problems. I've had the car since late 06. Bought it new. I almost totaled the car in 09; About 13K in damages. The car is still running great. The only problem I hate about the car is the MPG. It doesn't change whether I drive it hard or just granny drive it. I just spent $60 filling up 3 days ago. My tank is already halfway. And I only drive to work/school and back.

It's an awesome car, but honestly, it's not that cheap to maintain. The handling is like no other.. And I've driven a lot of different cars. I've had the car for 5 years and it's still fun to drive.

Ouhei

Thanks for all the advice, I've been reading around the forums (found a few helpful stickies that have provided maintenance tips and the like) and the RX8 really doesn't seem too much different than a lot of cars I've owned maintenance wise. Knowing it's supposed to burn oil was an interesting read but I'm glad I figured that out before owning one. I know how to do a lot of work myself (well between myself and my dad) and have access to a lift at a friends garage so I can do a lot of work myself.

We'll see if I can sell my s2000 for what I think it's worth, if I can then I'll be in the market for an RX8 soon after. MPG isn't too huge a deal since my commute to work is about 1.5 miles (I'd bike to work but there's no sidewalk and it's a major road).

For those interested, here's my FS thread for my s2000: http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/8937...nded-warranty/

ODDDOOD

iTrader: (3)

oh...1.5 miles to work is not too great. Your car will barely get warm before you shut her down...which may cause a build up of carbon. That is unless you can get some longer engine cycles during your lunch-break or after work. However, that leads to more gas used.

This may not be a deal killer for you...you could always warm up before you leave and I'm sure you can find a 2nd gear red-line somewhere along the way to work...gotta get the engine hot! Just expect the mpg to reflect this.

ODDDOOD

iTrader: (3)

by the way...I'm diggin the s2k. Maybe just pick up a beater car...4-door older sentra or some bs like that. Keep the s2k....I have a feeling you will miss it.

RotaryMachineRx

iTrader: (1)

Well to put a +1 on the Rx8 side I have driven my friends AP1 quite a bit and I always am happy to get out of his car and back into mine..... his of course is completely stock with megan coilovers.

pistonhater

So a girl came to your life and suddenly all priorities changed! Next comes the ring, the house, then the babies. Before you realize it you'll be selling your next sports car - whatever that may be - to get a minivan to fit the family LOL!!!

Seriously, I believe the RX-8 will serve you well. However, mine is not a daily driver, so I cannot comment on that aspect specifically. Also keep in mind that you have the benefit of the rear seats. So even if a baby comes along in the near future, with the RX-8 you can still move around, go grocery shopping, etc.

Most people on the forum say that as long as you keep up with maintenance the rotary engine is reliable.

Good luck!!

Ouhei

I have no problem letting it warm up a bit in the mornings, I usually sit at a light for about 5 minutes anyways.
Haha, thanks man. Beater won't really help me since I'm trying to save money on my monthly payments. If I can't sell it for what I think it's worth then I won't sell it. I don't need the money bad enough to lose money.
The s2000 is a blast and I love how minimal it is, just you and what you need to drive. The RX8 retains a lot of that feel while giving you some more room.
Hahaha, no babies anytime soon! She drives a Mazda 3 hatch, so we have a car with room, but it'd still be nice.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2005 Shinka as my daily driver, and I'm not sure I could be happier with it. Whether or not you will be as personally satisfied with it, as you are with your Honda, is your own personal decision.

Yes, there are some things to learn about the rotary engine... But it's not that big of a deal. If you understand cars/engines at all, there's not much of a learning curve.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

As for reliability, as others have said, take care of it and you won't have any more issues than any other sports car.