Not sure if this is just my engine or what, but in New York city nightime traffic, some highway (maybe 20%) I just got about 10 mpg on suncoco ultra (which used to give me better mpg than Amoco ultimate on my Probe GT) It seems also every 200 miles (after 500 initial miles) it needs 1/4 to1/2 quart oil)

I am at 1000 miles right now, no redlines, but quite a few quick take offs (front windows usually open). I am now testing a tank with traction/DSC off to see if there is an improvement. I think the car feels better with traction/DSC off.

I love the car, just hope MPG gets better. I used to get about 16-17 city MPG on the Probe GT, I'd be quite happy with that on the RX8

 

Well, I am pumping gas from Shell (91+)
My average is on 16.5MPG, over a total of 6 refills (80% city + 20% highway)

Worst: 15.45MPG
Best: 17.48MPG

I have almost 1,000 miles on it, and have been checking oil since the first refill: getting scared not to see it going down. Its still at the full mark since it left the dealer.

Those are my 2 cents!
Sincerely,
M.-

Edit: Ohh...I forgot, not too many redlinnings (only now and then), quite often off-the line kick starts, I don't let it idle for too long in the morning (heck!! its 90 degrees @ 8am) and has several stops throughout the day.

Edit (one more time): and AC is like AWD on a Subaru: ALWAY ON.

 

Wow...

how do you explain the rapid oil consumption?? Ideas?

 

I just passed the 600 mile mark. I got 21.2 from 200 to 400 and 20.4 from 400 to 600. I dtive 50/50 mixed driving. Also I drive short hops around work. I keep checking the oil and it hasn't gone down yet. There seems some cars burn oil and lots of gas. I wonder if their seals have not worn in right or stuck. You might want to take it in and get a compression test. I buy Citgo gas. It seems to be of average quality for Chicago. We have to run that sh*t gas for polution control. you get 2-3 mpg less with it. When I fill up I Iowa I always get geat mileage.

 

Interesting. So far I have 570 miles on my 8. The first tank or so (I kind of topped it off a couple of times) I didn't check mile-age, but guestimations had it at around 18-20 mpg. My tank from around 250 to 500 I did check, and it came in at 17.9 (mixture of city and highway).

Yesterday I checked oil for the first time and it is a little low (maybe 1/3 of a quart).

 

I called Mazda about the gas milage. One woman I spoke with was familair with the iseeue amd suggested I use 91 octane gas. SHe also mentioned after break in it will get better (I informed her it already had 1000 miles on it). I called back again, and asked another rep, who knew nothing about it, and had no suggestions. I did ask about the buyback, and whether the 3M coating I put on would be partially refunded, and they said no aftermarket accesories will be reiumbursed for.

My big question is if I keep the car (whch I probably will) and MPG doesn't improve (meaning still aroubnd 10mpg) and they try and fix it unsuccesfully 3 times, will I be able to apply for lemon law.

I think poor MPG (as compared with other rx-8's) definitely affects usability and resale value, which are the litmus test for lemon law.

Any thoughts?

PS- I love the 8- but want 15mpg city. I don't think that is too much to ask for.

 

I've gone through 3 tanks now. Each one has been right at or around 19 MPG. I drive a mix of city/hwy of around 40/60. Also, the AC has been running all the time (still hasn't cooled off in Orlando yet). I'm hoping with AC off the MPG will go up a bit. As far as oil consumption, I checked it at my last fillup on Saturday and it didn't need any oil. Still showed full.