Contemplating an RX-8
02-25-2007, 07:37 PM
#1
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Contemplating an RX-8
I currently drive a Camry as my commuter car....and it just kills me. Pinnacle of boring cars. I've started considering an RX-8 after driving one (enjoyable) and checking out the interior (surprising backseat).
But....seems to be a lot of negative talk about reliability. And as much as I would love to have a more exciting car than the Camry, I dont really want to buy into a mechanical nightmare.
So....thoughts? Problems? Issues?? I would be buying a 2004-2006 model, pre owned.
But....seems to be a lot of negative talk about reliability. And as much as I would love to have a more exciting car than the Camry, I dont really want to buy into a mechanical nightmare.
So....thoughts? Problems? Issues?? I would be buying a 2004-2006 model, pre owned.
02-25-2007, 07:55 PM
#2
Chatter about problems will be found on any car forum. There is no car company without products that break.
The RX-8 is pretty dependable. But as I said, a few have had issues. Chances are you'll be fine.
The RX-8 is pretty dependable. But as I said, a few have had issues. Chances are you'll be fine.
02-25-2007, 08:02 PM
#3
Extraordinary Engineering
First welcome to our forum! Please add location to your profile...
I have a 2004 RX8 as my daily year round driver. The early cars have had some recalls but after updates are no different than the newer cars. Mazda has been good about providing support under warranty. The problems have been typical compared to other brands.
Most of the bad press is ignorance, fear mongering and whining. Some people buy the wrong car and want to blame the car. The RX8 is a sports car with four seats, not a sedan. There have certainly been lemons but again this is true of any brand and model.
Here is a summary of the 'mechanical nightmare'
Every second fill up you need to check oil level and add some if it's too low.
It only comes with performance summer tires so if it gets cold you have to have winter wheels and tires.
You have to drive it hard (keep the revs up) after beak-in to keep it healthy.
That's it.
If you can live with the gas consuption (about the same as a mini van) then the car will put joy back in your drive like it did for me ('98 Civic - almost as boring as a Camry)
Look at the mods in my signature. Do you think I did mods on my Civic? You'll fall in love with the car. You'll meet a bunch of people who'll understand that.
I have a 2004 RX8 as my daily year round driver. The early cars have had some recalls but after updates are no different than the newer cars. Mazda has been good about providing support under warranty. The problems have been typical compared to other brands.
Most of the bad press is ignorance, fear mongering and whining. Some people buy the wrong car and want to blame the car. The RX8 is a sports car with four seats, not a sedan. There have certainly been lemons but again this is true of any brand and model.
Here is a summary of the 'mechanical nightmare'
Every second fill up you need to check oil level and add some if it's too low.
It only comes with performance summer tires so if it gets cold you have to have winter wheels and tires.
You have to drive it hard (keep the revs up) after beak-in to keep it healthy.
That's it.
If you can live with the gas consuption (about the same as a mini van) then the car will put joy back in your drive like it did for me ('98 Civic - almost as boring as a Camry)
Look at the mods in my signature. Do you think I did mods on my Civic? You'll fall in love with the car. You'll meet a bunch of people who'll understand that.
Last edited by DarkBrew; 02-25-2007 at 08:06 PM.
02-25-2007, 08:28 PM
#6
Extraordinary Engineering
Originally Posted by OregonTexan
Just to be sure of one point....my Camry is waaaayyyyyyyy cooler than a 98 Civic.
02-25-2007, 08:43 PM
#7
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OregonTexan,
I also was worried about problems I read about and almost bought a WRX. I needed 4-doors because the wife said that was the only thing she couldn't budge on. But if you go look into one of the Subaru forums you'll read about problems with the transmission and stuff also. Not that it's a big problem, but when lots of people have the same car and someone mentions that they have had problems other people talk about their problems. Like everybody says, no car is perfect, you might see problems, but most RX-8's don't have problems. They all have their quirks, just part of owning something cool. The biggest thing is flooding, I personally haven't seen a problem with it even after forgetting about it the first day I got the car and starting it up to move it then shutting it down. But that and it burning oil are the only things you need to be concious of.
I also was worried about problems I read about and almost bought a WRX. I needed 4-doors because the wife said that was the only thing she couldn't budge on. But if you go look into one of the Subaru forums you'll read about problems with the transmission and stuff also. Not that it's a big problem, but when lots of people have the same car and someone mentions that they have had problems other people talk about their problems. Like everybody says, no car is perfect, you might see problems, but most RX-8's don't have problems. They all have their quirks, just part of owning something cool. The biggest thing is flooding, I personally haven't seen a problem with it even after forgetting about it the first day I got the car and starting it up to move it then shutting it down. But that and it burning oil are the only things you need to be concious of.
02-25-2007, 10:20 PM
#12
Klingon Grammarian
I believe the general consensus around here is that the '04's are a bit less reliable (although there are certainly people here who have trouble-free '04's.) You might want to narrow your field to '05-'06.
Me, I have an '05, completely trouble-free, magnificient car. I couldn't possibly be happier with it.
Me, I have an '05, completely trouble-free, magnificient car. I couldn't possibly be happier with it.
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