I've been autocrossing and tracking my 99 Miata 5 speed in stock and then CSP for a number of years. 28,000 hard miles and sleeps in the garage under a car cover otherwise. It's still looks like new, always well maintained and totally reliable. Nothing has ever broken or needed repair. Nothing!

I've loved the RX's ever since they first came out am seriously contemplating purchasing one for autocrossing and track events. I always find it surprising that the Miatas can be so durable, yet the RX's, from the same manufacturer, appear more fragile.

I'm considering a left over 07 manual tranny (maybe even a superb deal on an 08), or a low mileage, well maintained 06. Have there been any mechanical/reliability/durability improvements on these cars through the model years? What transmission, engine or other issues do I have to look out for?

As I have read through many threads on this forum there seems to be a great deal of varying experiences both good and bad. Just trying to determine if the newer model years are more reliable. Looking for some good fun and not a project car to occupy my limited free time with it's repair issues.

Thanks for your help!
Steve

 

For the warranty I would go for the 06.

 

First of all, you've been a bit spoiled—the Miata is an unusually reliable car! (I've owned three of them.) Like old VW Beetles, they keep going and going, rarely having problems. One of the most reliable cars you could buy over the last 15 years.

That said, the 8 is pretty reliable. Like many brand new models, there were a number of teething problems when it first came out, and I might steer clear of an '04. But overall, the 8 has become a car that's more or less "average" in reliability. Not as reliable as your Miata, but then again, what is?

(And as far as what you've read on this forum, take that with a HUGE grain of salt! As you look at all the "this car is a major mistake", "Mazda is using us as guinea pigs for their not-fully-tested experiment", and "I expect all Renesis engines will fail sooner or later" threads, look carefully at WHO posts to those threads, and you'll notice something very interesting: 80% of the "this car is an embarrassment for Mazda" threads come from the same six or seven people, over and over and over again! If you don't believe me, read through them again and write down the names of who writes them! Endless "sky is falling" threads from the same six or seven people! I like to think of it as the "swiftboating of the 8". So… as often happens on the internet, what you're reading doesn't reflect reality.)

 

i'm hoping my 04 lasts me. all those "dead engine" threads scares the hell out of me... so far i've no issues but then again i just had the car for 3 weeks. still have 1 more year bumper-to-bumper warranty and 2 years powertrain (what the mazda people told me) so if anything goes wrong, i'm praying it happens within warranty xD still love my 8! worrying too much isn't good at all and you won't enjoy the car. whatever will be will be.

 

2007 is the first year without any recalls.

2007 has a shorter warranty.

2006 and above has the smooth leather.

 

have an 05', about 47k miles, just the one recall, no problems, love every beep

 

recalls on the 06 were pretty minor.

 

1. 06
2. 08
3. 07

 

"We expect reliability to be average, according to our latest subscriber survey."—2008 Mazda RX-8, Consumer Reports website, 11/07

 

What year did they drop their coverage from 4yr/50K bumper to bumper to 3yr/36K? Would getting the older car with the longer warranty really be of benefit to him, since the timeframe will be the same that it is under warranty?

Also, I think when they dropped the length of the bumper to bumper, they increased the powertrain to 5yr/60K, correct? If that is true, then all 8s would have 5yr/60k powertrain. Which again would make the newer car the better deal. Assuming equal or lower mileage.

My personal thoughts would be avoid the 04s if you can, and other than that look at mileage and specific vehicle history if you can find it out.

 

If it wil be a daily driver, get the 06 or newer.
If it is a track car, they are all the same

 

search button, there's been like ten of these threads in this week alone

 

You guys have been very helpful and also correct about being spoiled by the Miata's incredible durability. Most likely, a good deal on a leftover 07 Sport is the way to go if I'm going to purchase new to autocross and track. I could always go for an extended warranty if it's cheap enough.

It will not be my daily driver. A modified 05 Saab 9-2X (Saabaru) is. That, by the way, is another reliable car.

Thanks for your help and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Steve

 

If you are average height or above, I'd avoid the moonroof models if your primary use is going to be track and autocross. It takes away some of your headroom, making the fit tighter with a helmet. I can't use my "street" seat setttings on the track because of it. Not a big deal, but if it is primarily for track use then you don't need the moonroof anyway, and you'll like the extra helmet room.

 

I was thinking the same thing.

 

By the way, I'd love to have a MX-5 and an RX-8. That would be an awesome combination. I was going to try to do it myself - get an older Miata and keep the 8. But now that I've been to one track day and want to do it again (and again, and again...), and my wife thinks she wants to try track days too, I think I'll wait till I'm comfortable buying a used 3rd gen. Figure if my wife might be tracking it, I want the extra safety features (side airbags, etc). I'd put some sort of roll bar on either one, but I still want the more modern design for safety. If it was going to be just me tracking it I'd probably go for a first or second gen.

 

My Miata is quite modified with coilovers, front roll bar, headers, exhaust, light flywheel, R compounds, roll bar, etc. It is superbly neutral in handling and has been admired by several of the national SCCA champs that have driven it at a number of the Evolution shools I have attended. (http://autocross.com/evolution/modules/news/)

One thing I have to tell you is that at very high speeds on the track that little car is not going to protect you much. I don't care what generation you have. Without a roof there is hardly any protection for your head at those speeds if the car flips. I try to ignore it, but if you talk to the pros they will tell you that the Miatas are not safe without a full roll cage.

Hence my reason for considering the purchase of an RX-8.

 

I've been reporting results on just the 2004 so far. Need three more owners to sign up to start on the 2005.

For the 2004, the repair rate has been about average. I wouldn't worry too much about the horror stories.

 

Go with the 07 Sport 6spd. If you autocross you can either add performance package or not (some people hate turning off traction control after re-starting the car). Performance package adds HID's, fogs, DSC, you don't need anything else to autocross as the base model manual transmission car has everything good already (18X8, big brakes, LSD, CF driveshaft etc).

RX-8, Miata is a good combo. I daily drive a 93LE Miata and just sold the RX-8 to get a new weekend car but will co-drive a B-stock ride next season. BTW the preferred tire 245/35/18 V710 is on sale right now FYI. See you out there hopefully!