Matt RX8

I've found a new 2004 RX8 that fits my needs.

It's a 6 speed with Sport Package, appearance package in Brilliant Black.
I don't want the sunroof as it limits headroom with my helmet on and I want to track and autocross the car.

I should be able to get it for S plan invoice and a $3000 rebate from Mazda.

Any reason not to get one? The gas mileage thing doesn't bother me since I have a short commute.

I'd be ditching my 2001 BMW 330i for the 2004 RX8.

NomisR

Well the reasons anti Rx8 people have came up with so far has been..

1. Consumes oil
2. Lack of Torque
3. Rotary Engine
4. Uses gas.

And that's about it! Basically, all the gripes have been related to the rotary engine or the lack of knowledge about the rotary engine. It uses oil by design so not a problem, lacking torque isn't really much of a problem since the torque is so linear and car is fairly light weight compared to competitors. 3 isn't even a reason, and 4, well it's on par with it's competitors. So basically, the only reasons for not getting an Rx8 aren't real reasons at all. So by all means, get it and knock yourself out. We did and I'm sure majority of us don't regret it at all.

rotten42

"Any reason not to get one? "



NO

Malloy

15mpg is the only thing Im not thrilled with. I drive 75% highway, but I usually average 85-90mph. I got a best of 19mpg driving from Philadelphia to NYC with the cruise set at 85. Also, the lack of TQ may be alarming at 1st when you start racing it...its a lot diff. than the BMW I6.

I LOVE my 8 (daily driver). The car is an absolute blast to drive. Plus, its quite unique. Best of luck.

IZoomZoomI

one word...mileage. it isn't the best feature on this vehicle. TQ just needs getting use to, its relatively flat but very smooth in a way.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

If you're a rush rush rush person, I do not suggest getting this car. You have to be patient with the rx-8 and let it warm up and growl. And don't forget about cool down. These are not bigg concerns, except flooding issue. All cars need warm ups, but the rx-8 is especially sensitive to it.

rx8van

there are too many on the road already...

shaolin

If you need a good reason, don't get it because the car is addicting and you'll be reading and thinking about it too much.

azureknight

you're ditching a BMW 330i?!?!

larazaunida

IF you do not have any legs or arms i would not suggest getting an 8

SilverEIGHT

You can't afford an inexpensive AWESOME sports car!

TJLack

If you don't want to have a silly grin on your face every time you go for a drive, don't buy the 8.

If you don't want to be always looking for the long way home (or to wherever), don't buy the 8.

If you don't want to be the first one to volunteer to drive anywhere for any reason, don't buy the 8.

:D

Matt RX8

Thanks for the help everyone.

I actually think the rotary engine is a huge plus for this car and I understand how it is designed to use oil.

The torque is not an issue, IMHO if you know how to drive. When I was driving the car, the RPMs never dropped below 3000 so torque was never an issue.

czr

iTrader: (3)

Like TJ said: although you have a short commute you will long for the long way home in everything you do whether if it's getting to/from work or getting some milk. Your wife/significant other will wonder where you are half the time. You will be spending more time joyriding, cleaning your car, staring at your car every time you leave it, you will be obsessed with calculating gas mileage even though you really don't care about it, and you will be an addict on this forum. And yes, I understand you are coming from a bimmer, but the above still applies.

mysql101

The mileage will be especially bad for you then. The car burns more fuel during warmup. If your commute is short, it will burn a lot more fuel since you aren't going to be driving it when it's burning less fuel. So you should expect somewhere around 150 - 170 miles per tank.

mysql101

heh. Need 5-6k rpm. The only time I'm at 4k or under is during warmup.

Meowloud

I have a 6 mi. total commute and my mileage is ~210mpg. Not bad, and it does warm up all the way but that may be due to the mild winters here.

bigblockbeater

you are moving from one sports car to another. there shouldn't be any issues there. yes the 8 requires a different kind of care, but i am sure you are aware of that. the only real issue i think you might have is perhaps the size of the rx-8. especially the trunk! another would be the stereo. it is integrated with the a/c. it could prove to be a problem if you want to upgrade. there are many threads on here about doing that so it is possible. if you can deal with those few quirks then i say, "welcome to the world of the Wankel"

Paul_in_DC

Huh? Cool down? What about cool down?

mysql101

Maybe he has a turbo in his

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

1) You can't afford it

2) You aren't sexy enough

StewC625

I don't know ... That BMW is a sweeeet ride. I'd be hesitant.

NOT! (just edited, and changing my statement because

I just ran out three blocks to the Walgreens to pick up prescriptions for my flu, and in the drive got two thumbs up and the entire Walgreens pharmacy staff came to the window to check out my car.

So, go ahead and get rid of that "me too" car and join the elusive and exclusive club!

TODreamer

a reason not to get it....

I wouldnt suggest any rotary to someone who isn't too knowledgeable and/or enthusiastic about them (not that I am some sort of pro...or that I'm making an implication on you). They require a little extra care and if you dont have much interest and have no understanding of it... problems up ahead for sure. They are not quite like other cars and if you buy it with the intention of treating it just like a piston-driven car in the same price range you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.... its not like rotary maintenace and understanding is rocket science..far from but there are some things that you should always be mindful of and if thats going to be a hassle to you.. don't do it.

spork

You know when I first got the car and found out about the whole warm up anti flooding thing and the oil guzzling (check the engine oil every two fill ups), I was really worried about how much of a hassle the car would be. Personally I found myself loving the car so much that the "hassle" wasn't much hassle.

My warm up procedure is usually let the car idle for a bit until it settles. This is usually around 1.25K rpm. It usually starts around 1.75 then drops to 1.25 then spikes to 1.5 then drops back down. It takes like a minute or two. Then engine oil I check every like four or five fillups instead of 2. From my experience thus far, the way I drive it makes it need more oil every 1700 miles or so. Not a big deal.

Personally, the only reasons not to get it for me (and I'm going to be repeating what other people say) are:
1) mileage. It's definitely true that the more you use it the better mileage you get though.
2) torque. Like you, this is not a big deal for me. I'd love to have more torque but I'm content with the way it is.
3) worry about little issues and reliability. no real problems so far. I just took mine in to fix my air conditioner blowing hot air when it's supposed to blow slightly cold air though and I have the '04 so there's always the worry about the whole first model year issues.

TODreamer

Then count yourself lucky... you could have just as easily hated it.