Krans

Hey everyone my account finally got verified so i can post.

I've been deciding between a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (i used to own the GS) or an 2007 RX-8.

I've been torn in the middle and going back and forth the last few days but i'm leaning more towards the RX-8. It's a 2007 with about 20k miles listed for $16,500.


I've been researching the car and rotaries but still had some questions.

Revving: I know pushing the car to reduce the carbon buildup seems to be the consensus, i asked the owner of the car about this and he said he didn't know much about higher RPM shifts and he usually just shifted between 3-4k. How significant is this? It's important to note he has only owned the car for about 3 months, the other 2 years or so according to carfax were corporate so i assume a lease. My second question regarding RPMs is how often do i have to push the car hard. I'm by no means a racer but i don't mind pushing the car here and there, realistically though there will be a lot of times of more cruise type driving. My concern is whether i can drive the car conservatively at times while redlining once in a while, or whether i have to redline all day everyday.

Warranty: I'm used to the mitsubishi warranty, i noticed the RX-8's warranty is considerably shorter (i believe the 07 i'm looking at has about 7 months remaining) does anyone think it would be worth it to look for an extended?

Other than that if anyone has general advice regarding my decision i'd appreciate the input. I don't mind spending the extra effort learning about the rotary and maintaining the oil, it sounds like most RX-8 owners love the car i just feel a little hesitant because there are many questions i am still unsure about even after researching for the past week or so.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

"a redline a day keeps the carbon away"- i say screw the redline i shift somewhere in the REDZONE, keep in mind the rotary is a rev happy engine with nothing reciprocating so redline all you want and as hard as you can, you push the car to your own needs, i say drive it like you stole it ...but if you wanna drive "conservatively" go for it, youll notice how fun that hearing that BEEEEPPPP is, and youll totally forget about driving "conservatively"...

what exactly are you looking for in these cars? one is FWD the other is RWD, one is "sporty" the other is a sports car, one gets better gas milage and most likely has a lower cost of maintenance, one is fun as hell to drive the other is eh...

Old Rotor

The warranty starts the day the car is first sold. Get the Vin# and see if a Mazda dealer can find the date or call Mazda N. A. and ask them the date.

Mazda warrants that new 2007, 2008 and 2009 Mazda cars and trucks will be free of defects with normal use and prescribed maintenance for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ordinary maintenance items, adjustments, parts subject to normal wear and certain other items are excluded. This transferable "limited warranty" is included on all new Mazda vehicles sold and serviced in the United States.



Mazda warrants that the Powertrain Components of new 2007, 2008 and 2009 Mazda cars and trucks will be free of defects with normal use and prescribed maintenance for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ordinary maintenance items, adjustments, parts subject to normal wear and certain other items are excluded. This “limited warranty” is transferable during the warranty period on all new Mazda vehicles sold and serviced in the United States.

Complement the limited warranty on your new vehicle with the Mazda Extended Protection Plan, the only service agreement backed by Mazda. See your Mazda dealer for details.

Then The engine it self is covered for 8 yrs. 100K miles from that date.

NautyOne

iTrader: (1)

From Hawaii eh?

The 8 that you're interested in wouldn't happen to be the dark blue 8 would it?

Krans

Thanks for all the responses so far


Haha yea actually it is, the one in aiea, did you see it on craigslist or do you actually know the owner?

NautyOne

iTrader: (1)

Oh yeah heh, I saw the ad on craigslist because a friend of mine was interested in buying it.

RyansRx8

Sry I think the new eclipses look like total donkey *****...IMO if i bought an eclipse it would be 97-99 gsx...I think they look good, awd, and turbocharged...But def the Rx8 no brainer

Krans

So i had my dad look at the car to see his thoughts on it.

He thinks its a bad idea because

-Bad MPG: I agree but its only like 2 mpg less than the eclipse and its a sports car
-eats oil: again i agree
-Major Engine Problems: I disagree BUT

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir...ew/.f11b97c/10

that site has a discussion on people who have been having issues (engine rebuilt) etc.

Can anyone clear this up for me, have any of you had to rebuild your engine, aren't the 07/08 models much better than the 04/05 as far as problems go.
Plus Mazda just extended the warranty to 8 years/100k right?

-Oil Use: People have said using the recommended gets the engine to 30k before it dies, but everything i've read says use non-synthetic does that void warranty?

-Flooding/Hard Starting: I think people flood because they don't follow directions and let the engine warm up...... so i could avoid this by simply following proper care yes?



I like the car a lot but seems like people are throwing me red flags. As an RX8 forum i'm sure you all love your cars, so please please help me out here, is the maintenance and problems really going to cause me this much headache?

maxxdamigz

iTrader: (1)

I would start with this: people are jaded, narrow minded, and generally f.o.s. This is not rx-8 specific but rather applicable in all cases and at all times. This includes me. I'm probably unaware that I'm a turd.

1. The rx-8's from 04/05 had a "high" engine failure rate due to poor initial tuning that was probably more aimed at passing US emissions than properly running the engine. "High" does not mean like 50%. Remember, rotary engines may be rebuilt more often than reciprocating engines, but we never have to do a timing belt, drop a valve, or throw a rod. I have an 05 that has run 56k miles without complaint.
2. Every car forum is littered with lists of what is wrong with the car. That's pretty much the purpose of the forum. I'm sure on an eclipse forum you will see people dropping valves, detonating, and having to rebuild their engines. Generally, I should think sports or sporty cars in general are more prone to these things because their owners buy them to actually use them.
3. A new rx-8 should burn about a quart of oil every 3000 miles. That's what I burn and I have tons of aftermarket in the car. 1qt/3k is not a ton. You have to be mindful of the oil level. Not that big a deal.
4. MPG - really, this is generally a big hit on the rx8. The mpg is usually rubbish. It depends on your foot, your compression, and your flash. I used to get 22 as N/A. I'd say upper teens is more normal. My mpg right now is probably horrid and I thoroughly enjoy it.
5. The new Rx8s basically don't flood. I've never flooded my 05. I'm sure I could if I tried. You can flood a reciprocating engine as well.

Really, this is an enthusiast's car. If you don't like a low torque, high RPM power curve, a chassis built around cornering and not launching, and a car that encourages you to be aware of what is going on mechanically, I'd pass on it. All it should really take is a test drive. You either "like" the car but buy something else or you just have to have it.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

As someone who's had both an Eclipse (albeit the '89 first year cousin Diamond-Star Laser) and now an RX-8 I can render my opinion.

The Eclipse is a fun car and in it's 20+ year incarnation I'm sure now state of the art. It pulls well (my transverse 4 had considerable torque pull tho'), corners well, and looks sporty. But as a FWD sports coupe you just don't get the feel of a RWD. It's very reliable (between myself and hand-down to son it saw 13 years of service), but at that 20+ year mark it's certainly not unique. It does get better gas mileage.

The RX-8 comparatively pulls well [above 5k rpm]. It handles better than any sports coupe I've ever had. Better balanced and 'strap-in-on' feedback. It's RWD. It doesn't get very good gas mileage and does consume a bit of oil by design ('eats oil' is too strong a term imho). I have an '05 and nary an engine problem. The RX-8 is very unique. In fact until recent used 8's have come on the market I've only started to see a couple in my area with any rare-frequency. It has a rotary engine that calls to my engineering side. It's fun Every time I get in it.

Bigbacon

iTrader: (4)

The MPG isn't really that bad unless you driving hard 100% of the time or sitting in traffic.

It doesn't eat oil. If it is there is probably something wrong with it. Now it does use a bit of oil over time but its not huge and significant. You just need to make sure you check the oil regularly. They say every other fill up. a bottle of oil is cheap to carry around. I've only had mine 8 since july and I've only used up a 3/4 of a bottle topping it off but my oil level was never below 50-60%

Engine problems I'll go with yes and no...but like anything mechanical, its a crap shoot on how long it will last without problems. Some are lucky and some are not. There are many things you can do to attempt to make sure you get the longest life out of it but I am not going to say those things work or do not work. I haven't been convinced yet.

The 100,000mile 8yr covers you if the engine has major problems which is great. You'll be getting remanned engines until that time. Everything else is pretty much just normal wear and tear maintenance issues as far as I am concerned. Plenty can go wrong, but that can happen on any car.

Much more unique than an eclipse.

NjRx8MDC

iTrader: (1)

You'll fall in love your first red line. maintain the car and you'll be fine.

NautyOne

iTrader: (1)

What problems?

If you take care of her, she'll take care of you.

Krans

Thanks for all the responses, i feel like my dad is a lot more experienced and wise with cars since well he's been around longer ha.

So didn't want to buy the 8, have loads of problems and look like a donkey.

But after all the replies and my own research i think i'm going to pull the trigger.

Last step, talk to Mazda about this 8 year 100k warranty, if that applies for certain then everything should be cherry, if not though might have to see what extended prices would be.


Hey Nauty nice car btw, nice to see someone else on the forums from Hawaii

NautyOne

iTrader: (1)

You should pull the trigger mate, you won't regret it. It's not as bad as people make it out to be.

The 8 year 100k warranty covers the core engine components. But since the 8 you're interested in has about what, 20k miles on it? You should be good for quite some time. And if the problem ever arises you'll be eligible for a free engine replacement.

Hah, thanks. Unfortunately I'm pretty much stock, mods are coming in due time.

If you end up getting the 8, some of us local rotor heads have a monthly meet and usually end up conversing, cruising, and eating dinner. Feel free to shoot me a pm if you have questions or anything.

Krans

Cool i might have to take you up on that offer one day (considering i do end up getting the car)

You were saying eligible for a new engine, do you know when that deal expires?

I also thought of two other key questions, open to whoever can answer them.

1) Type of Oil: Heard no synthetic, and i've heard some people say it shouldn't matter. I've also heard using the Mazda Japan recommended oil is better than the US one and will help the engine but may void warranty?

2) Extended Warranties: The car i'm looking at only has 20k on it, but should i consider an extended anyway? can anyone who has one give me a ballpark figure on what they are paying monthly?

NautyOne

iTrader: (1)

Well basically, all 8s are covered with the 8 year 100k, whichever comes first. So since the 8 you're interested is an 07, it will last until 2015 or 100k.

1) Its sort of a touchy subject. People use synthetics with no problems while some use conventional. I suggest just read up about it on the board here, there are many many threads about it.

2)Entirely up to you. If you can fit it into your budget then sure, why not.

Bunique

I'm glad I didn't do any research before buying

Don't be afraid. Mazda has your back. Imho the rx8 is better hands down. I've owned my 04 for 3.5 years and still love it. I wouldn't be afraid to buy any year RX8, although, having the comfort of a warranty is a nice feeling.

Eish

Krans

People say all kinds of things about the RX8. My personal feeling is that people will always bash the closest competitor or "the one that got away".

Do youself a favor and read the "the little things" thread by 8wannabe. Should give everthing you need.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

+1

The Little Things thread has sold more 8s than any salesman.

A few things to you, the prospective buyer:

The 8 isn't cheap to maintain. It isn't horribly expensive either, but it certainly does cost more than a typical 4 banger, even a 'sporty' 4 banger. That being said, the 8 is incredibly easy to work on, and while I wouldn't touch an engine rebuild without experienced people and lots of guidance on hand, even the engine is easier than a piston engine, because it's so small with so few parts. But for the engine you have a 100% covered engine warranty to 100,000 miles, or 8 years after the car was first purchased. Up until that point, if your engine loses compression or blows a coolant seal, Mazda will replace your engine with a reman free of charge.

Of course, the dealers will attempt to tack on as much as they can, so you have to go into the process with knowledge and research, to make sure your free engine replacement is actually free. A few people on here are on their 3rd and 4th engines, free. A few other people are on their 3rd and 4th engines, not free. Largely though, engine replacement is not something to be scared of, and isn't nearly the % it seems to be. Mostly because you don't hear from everyone that didn't have a problem, but also because the largest chunk of engine failures came from people who didn't know any better. Just by checking this site, your odds improved dramatically.

Aside from that, I highly recommend doing the maintenance yourself. Not only do you learn alot about the car, but it reduces the costs by 50-90%, and most things are incredibly simple and take no time worth mentioning.

One of the things not yet mentioned is the 8's ignition system. Simply, it's weak. Not critically weak, but weak enough that it degrades over time faster than a piston engine. Most people don't notice the drop, or never knew what it was to have a healthy ignition. Going with a 2007, you by pass the starter/battery issue that was common for 2004s and some 2005s. However, you still have to pay attention to your 8 and what it's telling you, so you know when to replace your coils, plug wires, and plugs. The coils are not officially a wear item, and are not mentioned in any maintenance list, but very very few dealers will cover them, and they can start failing as low as 20,000 miles, but commonly in the 30-35k range. A large portion of owners that come to this site, come here after getting frustrated with power lose, starting trouble, and flooding, having replaced their plugs many times but never their coils. New plugs are useless if you don't have the coils feeding them the right amount of power. Dealers will try to charge you $30 to $80 per coil (we have 4), plus another $100-300 for the labor of replacing them, though if you look around, you can easily get them for $25-$30, and do it yourself in 20 minutes.

I mentioned flooding there. Yes, people still do flood their 8s. However, nearly every single flooding story I have seen over the last year or so, it comes to light that their coils, plugs, and/or battery are weak or failing. Assuming everything is healthy, it is very hard to flood the 8 with the updated flashes, even the initially flood prone 04's and 05's. However, if your ignition system is failing, and you aren't getting a stable spark, shoveling gas into the engine will flood it, regardless of flash.

Walking into the purchase and ownership with an open mind and as much knowledge as you can find on here will make 99% of your issues with the 8 incredibly minor, if not avoid them all together just because keeping those issues in mind helps you take the right steps of care to avoid them.

99% of 'reviews' or comments on other forums or articles out there are made from the uninformed, unwashed masses that repeat and over inflate the stories that their drama-seeking friends have told them about the rotaries, who aren't willing to see value to a vehicle other than straight line power, and aren't willing to treat their cars as an extension of themselves. Ignore them until you can laugh at them. Come on here for information and you won't be steered wrong. You might be flamed a bit if you ask something you should have searched for, but largely, this is the best car community in the world, because of the people in it. We have our brainiacs and our village idiots, our ******** and our Ghandi's (and sometimes Ghandi is just an *******), but most people on here are willing, and even eager to help other owners.

...though most of the time it is just because most of us love finding an excuse to touch an 8

ei8ht

RIWWP very nicely put.

I'm a pure newbee , just spent 12 years in a Honda del Sol, 3 of them in a
Jackson Supercharged SI. ( I crashed it, RIP) I spent the last month looking
for a new ride. The RX-8 is a bit scary on a few levels but it is the only thing
out there that I like. I'm no spring chicken but I do like to drive the twisty's
There was really no other choice. I bought a new 09 two days ago after trying
a used 07 over the weekend, I decided I had to have a new one.
So I'll probably ask a few questions that have been ask before but I have
been doing a lot of online reading.

Jim

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to the addiction. The general rule here is, if you buy an 8, start an introduction thread in RX-8 Discussion, and post pics, or it didn't happen

I did 2 years of research before deciding to buy an 8, and I Have not regretted it a single iota. 3 days ago was my 2 year anniversary of picking it up, and it is still my dream car.

NautyOne

iTrader: (1)

And there you have it Krans.

RIWWP pretty much summed it all up, in a great way if I may add. If you have some knowledge beforehand you'll be much better off as he stated.

+1, so don't be afraid.

Oh and congrats on your buy ei8ht. And quickly make that thread!

AJ's Shinka

One word...RWD! ok 3.

I just lost my 8 and went for test drives in other newer cars...none of them put a smile on my face like the 8 did. The other cars were faster, but just felt boring and dead in a casual drive. I am buying another one. I had 38K miles on her and never had an issue.

Good luck on your eight and I would clean/decarb the engine out with some seafoam/zoom cleaner when you get it, since the other owner obviouly didn't drive it hard enough. 3-4k rpm shifts????

Transam kid 01

iTrader: (1)

Wasn't there a car mag. that rated the new eclipse "worst sports car of the year"?

As far as convincing your dad, show him the safety features: Traction control, dynamic stability control, I dont remember how many airbags, but there are a lot, look at the safety rating given to it, and it has much better brakes than the eclipse...better brakes=stopping faster.

Get creative, and between those 2 cars, get the 8.

GL