I have my heart set on purchasing a 2007 RX8 for the past two months, but have read only negative reviews and postings on the internet and Consumer Report rate it poor (bad) on reliability. It leaks, have performance degradation, catalytic problems and tire problems & brakes squeal after only 8,000 miles. There were recalls of earlier models, 2004 and 2005 models and some 2006 models. Have all the kinks and problems worked out in the 2007 model? Is it wise to purchase one? Or expect the same problems and prepare to make many visit to the dealership for repairs? What do I need to know and look for in the 2007 model? Buy or NOT? MazdaSpeed3 a better investment?

 

uh oh...

 

you will read about every car and there is no car that is perfect regardless the problems that the rx8 so so minor that can and have been fixed.

i hate it when people degrade the performance of the rx8 cause really they are not comparing it to other cars but rather they are thinking in the back of their minds the rx7 which really is style for different reasons. yeah the rx8 cant take on porsches like the rx7 does but the car is still listed 5.9 0-60 so in most cases thats fast enough .....

 

No one can tell - for you - what is right. All the issues you mention have been covered in literally 1000s of posting here for you reading pleasure - but you have to be willing to look and take the time to stand back and take things in perspective.

Look at the number of forum members and the number of posts and you will see that people have a passion for the car regardless of (IMO minor in most cases) problems and issues that have/are being addressed. 2007s should be the most trouble free as they have the benefit of the fixes that have come before.

I'm not sure where else you have been reading, but gosh, ONLY negative reviews? I'd have a hard time coming up with ANY really negative reviews. You must be searching for them...

Good luck deciding.

 

Mazdaspeed 3s i think have a recall or should have a recall for engine mounts breaking prematurely as i recall. Liek others have said, there no perfect car.

Also, each car produced, there will be some prone to more repairs than others, just the luck of the draw.

I would like to say that an 07 is free from all the minor problems that an RX-8 during its early years. On my 06, i've only had the gas cap issue which threw a check engine light.

Brakes squeal is due to the compound and also the fact theyre performace brake pads (I think)....the car stops in around 112-115FT from 60-0 MPH.

The only thing i would be concerned about if you are about to buy an RX-8, know what it is, and know what it is not. Also, be aware that it has high fuel consumption and you will need to periodically check the oil level as the rotary engine requires more monitoring than a typical engine. Knowing all of this full well before purchasing will help you in your decision whether the car is right for you.

 

I have a 2007 and I love it. Coming up on 7000 miles in 4 months of driving and no problems at all. The brakes do squeel sometimes but I'll take that as long as it continues to stop on a dime. It's for you to decide tho. I did like you and read everything I could find before purchasing but in the end after driving it and really deciding on why I wanted a sports car I bought it without hesitation and haven't regretted it.

 

Do you know Top Gear Magazine?

76,000 Top Gear viewers and readers give their verdict on reliability, the driving experience, dealer service and costs

Mazda RX-8 = 14th position

http://www.topgear.com/content/featu...ies/01/19.html

 

The 8 has been given glowingly positive reviews by nearly every car magazine and website—Top Gear, Automobile, Car & Driver, Road & Track, Sports Car International, edmunds—take your pick. And for the record, Consumer Reports doesn't rate it "poor" or "bad" on reliabiility—they said "reliability has once again dropped to below average". And they rate depreciation "above average" (CR Annual Auto Issue, April '07).

 

Had mine for 1 year and no problems, 06. Everything been negative is a lot of BS. I don;t now where your getting that info from. 1 thing only , if your sheep on gas , not for you.

 

crossfires are a great investment.

 

In general, it's wise to buy one. But if you're not smart enough to properly filter internet chatter and Consumer Reports, I don't think this is the car for you.

A new mass produced car is never an investment. It's always an expenditure.

Ken

 

I read all that stuff too. It made me put my purchase off for a while, hem and haw, and get worried. Then I went and got it anyway. I love driving it and it's the only car I could see myself in that's not 50%+ more expensive. I kept finding things I didn't like and didn't want to live with about all the other cars out there. Life is too short to spend it worrying if my car is going to be super reliable or mostly reliable. For the first 500 miles, so far so good! Another good thing about it, all the people staying away are making them really cheap. I got a great deal on a new leftover 06.

 

get a used one. You'll save yourself some money

 

lol what IS IT with this forum and the Crossfire? is there a thread i missed? It seems to be the red headed autistic stepchild car around here!

As for your 8 purchase, do it. I went from a Civic, with like twice the gas mileage and STELLAR reliability, with all your worries in the back of my head, to an 8. 3 Months so far and i couldnt be happier. Driving this car on a daily basis is something that just cant be described.

And hell, at the very WORST, if you dont like it afterall? Trade it in. You're not getting married here, just buying a car. Dont fret as if it were the end of the world.

 

I purchased my 04 GT last December, and as of today, it's the only car I have had that I wanna keep forever. I have driven Civic, Prelude, Accord, E320 ... never really considered Mazda, but RX-8 is just awesome ... and consider there ain't many on the roads, it will become a classic. A sport car with 4 doors and can rev up to 9000, has an unique Renesis. 0 - 60 under 6 sec ... what else could you ask for with that price tag?

By the way, I redlined again this morning. It's just unbelievably entertaining.

 

Definately agree....RX-8 will become a classis..and classic cars could eventually turn into an investment

 

I've got a 2004 and have not had any major problems. Car is damn fun to drive, though. Rotates like it's got a peg going straight down the middle of the car.

Whee.

 

i love my 8, don't get me wrong, but the 8 will not become a classic.

 

Troll...I'm calling swoope...

 

The RX8 is the worst car in automotive history, or at least top 5.

 

yall are weird

 

to funny.

and to pee-van.

make sure you watch the whole thing. you will learn a lot.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting.php

btw, the crossfire convertable is likely the car for you..

beers

 

search function..

 

didn't they stop making the crossfire? if so, do i hear classic? and a convertable to boot - i hear 7 digits in two years calling the OP's name.

 

Hmmmm, Taco Bell or KFC? Will someone choose for me?