indianadoug

Finally ready to trade in my 97 Prelude and have been looking hard at the 06 RX8, unfortunately the move I research the RX8, the more unfavorable information I find.

So I wanted to quiz the best resources I could think of...YOU...RX8 owners!!!

My major concern is realiability...I'm not going into this thinking the RX8 will be as strong as my Prelude, but when I read about possible engine replacements, flooding, that only the dealer can resolve, battery and starter failures in the cold climate...it worries me.

I am really interested to know what kind of experiences you have had with the 04 - 06 RX8 and if Mazda has corrected any of the realiability issues from 04 to 06

I think the RX8 is an awesome looking vechicle, and most all reviews rave about it's smoothness and grip, so I am attracted to it....but very concerned about the items listed above.

I appreciate your honestly

Wilson

If you are not sure you want one, then look elsewhere. Those who buy the RX-8 for what it is love it. Those who buy one for what they thought it would be usually hate it.

kartweb

On engine replacements;

Yes it happens just a little more often then a 350Z, but more often then not it's covered under warrantee. Less then 1% are affected, and the problems appear to have been solved. It's not anything like the old Honda CVCC engines were.

Flooding is also pretty rare. What makes it stand out on an RX8 is it can foul the plugs, and at $30 a pop, it gets attention. Of course there are $7 plugs that last 90% as long, and if you remove the left front tire the plugs are pretty easy to get to.

In 15,000 miles I've had one simple problem, an oil leak that was actually caused by the dealer. Fixed in one day.

The last famous issue is with fuel mileage. Not impressive.

But look at the bright side;

Aside from the few that had troubles, the rotary won't go "flat" in 30,000 miles like a piston engine does. It still feels crisp at 100,000 miles when a piston engine needs a valve job (and rings if it's been revved). It still feels crisp at 150,000 miles for that matter.

Regarding the driving experience, few other cars really compare, especially those with 4 seats. The Posrche 928 was to me the best touring car ever built from a driver sensation perspective - until I drove the RX8 that is. I could have spent $50-60,000 on a touring/sports car. Instead I bought the RX8 and had enough left over to also buy a CX7.

It's not a powerful car. If you're thinking "maybe I'll put a turbo on it later" the RX8 isn't for you. On the other hand if the 200 HP revs-to-the-moon power is what you seek, along with a damn fine driving car, wait no longer and high-tail it to the local Mazda dealer.

User24

iTrader: (1)

Has the Prelude set 40 international records on endurance racing? Ran 24 hours at 133 mph? The RX8 has.

RX8 has a strong, durable engine and no one should forget that.

Hotsauce

In Car&Driver's long term test on the Rx-8 at 40k miles, they stated that the car shifted and handled like it was brand new. Plus the 0-60 time dropped from 6.2 to 5.9 seconds.

ken-x8

'06 is the best year to get. The early model odds and ends, which were taken care of via TSBs and/or recalls in the '04s and '05s are all built in. Including the bigger starter and battery. Plus things like the condenser rock guard which you'd have to pay for to upgrade the earlier years. It also has slipstreamed improvements, like the translucent washer tank.

'07 should be just as good in itself, but Mazda has cut back on their warrantees. So if you find a new '06 in stock, snap it up.

Ken

i_luv_my_rx8

If you're doubting it, don't get one. Trust me. Unless you truly love the car, steer clear, bud.

moete87

iTrader: (1)

I love my 8! I wouldnt traded it in for anything!

rxhate

I would make sure Mazda has worked out the bugs, I have had nothing but trouble out of my rx8 for 3 years. Left me stranded twice.

Slick8

The RX-8 is a vehicle for the car enthusiast. If you are a hands-off type with cars, not willing to take the extra precautions as a rotary engine owner, and didn't feel raptured with the thrill of test driving one, do not become an RX-8 owner.

indianadoug

I wanted to thank those who responded to my post with their honest feedback.

I have decided to purchase an 06 RX8....just have to find the color and trim level I'm looking for. I am not worried about the engine maintanence, as I am an individual who does take care of his vechicle.

One last question if I may. If you don't go with the spare tire option, I see they have sometype of flat repair kit. Can onyone offer additional information on this...and does it really work?

Again I thank those who offer honest feedback.

ken-x8

It's not really a repair kit. It's a "fill the tire with glop so you can get home and buy a new tire" kit. Kind of an industrial strength version of those fix-a-flat aerosols you get at parts stores. Once you use it, you have to replace the tire. If you have a modest leak and get to a tire shop, the OE tires can be patched like any other tire.

The glop kit does come with an electric tire pump, and the car has tire pressure monitors. I can't remember the last time I had to change a tire roadside, so the glop kit is for rare emergencies.

I did not go for the spare tire. I also figure it's a financial wash to glop-destroy two tires at $200 bucks a pop rather than spend $400+ for a donut spare. The spare would eat trunk space.

You'd need to search to find reports from people who actually used the glop kit.

Ken

i_luv_my_rx8

Yay! Congrats on the decision. It's all about the Velocity Red *wink, nudge* :D

rxhate

Don't assume that the rx8 owners that have had problems with their cars neglected the care that is required. I have followed the owners manual and dealer recommendations strictly, with both motors, and continue to have problems that they can't fix.

Racer X-8

+1
The Velocity Red is totally under-rated IMHO. I smile every single time I look upon mine. I think it's got a whole lot to do with that beautiful paint. It really is beautiful, that red is just the right hue and that mica sparkle is awsome beyond description, the depth is incredible...

Congrats on your choice! The other colors are truly all fantastic though, they all stand-out in a group of cars, they all "pop", I can always notice one coming from a long distance.

Winning 8

mazda will cover 4 years, and 50000 miles. if anything happen, all you need to do is bring it back to the dealer.

LAN

That's not helpful at all.


I currently own a TII FC3S. I havent been around in this forum but the FC3S owners are usually not impressed with RX8s.

Those little issues mentioned by the thread creator have been 'patched' by FC owners to Fcs. Not sure if those are still a concerned for the New designs since they are 'known' issues.

Rotaries are reliable, especially N/A.
My FC is like 20yrs old with its original components, except for other things:
Suspension: little extra power mods (I don't want to list this, it's known)

But as far as engine internals/tranny - it's all original.
It's probably gonna go soon, but yeh, it's been 20yrs.
When it goes, it'll just come back even better.

So yeh, I wouldnt be scared of rotaries as long as you know what they are.
Not really sure about the RX8s, that's why Im here looking around also.


*Forgot to mention.
I'm looking around for a new car, and RX8 is one of them..
So this would be a good thread I guess.

Wilson

It was meant to be realistic. I love mine. It is the perfect car for me. However, we have seen people that bought RX-8s with unrealistic impressions of what the car is and is not. They tend to regret it. The original poster did not seem too enthused with the RX-8 and it came off as if he was casually looking at it along with other cars. I feel that most of us that love our cars knew it immediately. Kind of a love at first sight thing.

LuvMyRX8

I've had my 8 for 2 and 1/2 years and have clocked 40,000 miles. So far I have had no issues. If you don't want the car to flood then make sure to either get the engine up to normal operating temps or to rev the engine to about 3500 rpms for 10 secs before shutting off if cold. Also, rotaries drink a little more oil then piston engines and the oil needs to be checked periodically. I usually top off at 1500 miles and then change the oil at 3000.

I definitely don't regret buying the 8 and plan on having the car for many more years. Good luck on your purchase and enjoy the awesome handling and reving to 9000 RPMS.

LAN

Are you serious?
Even My FC doesn't do that anymore.
Honestly, I just start the car, move it to another spot and that's it...especially in this winter time in NJ. Next time I hop on, no problem..(except for other issues that are unvoidable in its condition )

Racer X-8

ANYMORE? What made it stop doing it? Enquiring minds want to know...

LAN

Ow, FCs have been ravaged in and out, so people are so aware of pretty much any issues as of now.
If you're so interested, go to the rx7 forum and there are so many methods of this.

My ecu is no longer stock.
A long time ago, I had a fuel cut so it didnt flood. Some just don't even experience that at all without doing anything. - well- restored engine hehe.

But yeh, such a basic thing really shouldn't be happening anymore, specially to these new cars..

delhi

IIRC the 06 rx8 do not (or should not?) have this flooding issue anymore, due to stronger battery and more powerful starter motor.

Racer X-8

Been there, done that. Those are upgrades - free on demand, but some ppl report still flooding. I personally didn't flood yet, but I don't ever shut-off cold either. To my knowledge, we RX-8 idiots haven't done any fuel-cut mods, I should know, I stay active in the "flooding" thread... I don't know of any new ECU's that fix flooding either, but it's possible I don't know of one that actually does, I never heard of any rotary ECU's that fix the dreaded flooding problem in any rotary car, but then again, it's not a problem for me really, so I don't really care all that much. I'm an RX-7 forum member too, author of a highly acclaimed DIY thread, my son owns an FC, but usually, I just try to stay current with where my true interest lies - that Thongs thread haha! We're off-topic. Go to the flooding thread to resume this flooding crap...

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

BUY the car you will love it. Ilove mine and the minor things that have gone wrong with it ,the dealer has stepped up and not questioned anything and just fixed it

BUY THE CAR YOU'LL LOVE IT.