After reading so much about the RX-8 regarding the poor mileage and the high ratio of users experiencing flooding, I have reconsidered buying the RX-8. IYHO, should I stick with what I have now (rsx-s), go for the RX-8, or go for the 350z?

 

Read the Satisfaction Survey. All the problems you read about are not a problems with most of us. Very few....

 

flooding is something natural when it comes to the rotary... but if you get all the latest updates.. and keep your car running for at least 5 mins after it has reached normal operating temperature.. it starts up fine! the next time... its a rare chance youll get flooded... thats my opinion..

second the RSX-S isnt even in the same class as the RX-8.. thats a FWD honda that is quick!.. this is a RWD sports car thats everything!

the RX-8 vs 350Z is comes down to this.. opinion!..

if you can afford a brand new 350 then go for it.. cause i would too.. but i didnt want to buy the pre-04 350s.. since they had a some significant problems.. tranny .. tyres.. and other stuff.. but thats my opinion..

I say go for anything but the RSX.. and G35 Coupe..

 

I think you are getting a slanted view of those 2 "issues". The poor mileage gets reported more frequently because dissatisfied owners need to vent. True, there are some reporting mileages in the low 10's, but others are consistently getting around 20 mpg. Read some of the mileage posts and decide for yourself if the reports of low gas mileages are backed up by documentation. That is, valid numbers over time of mileages driven vs. gallons of fuel added. You will find several spreadsheets that detail the ~20 mpg mileages, but few if any for the low mileages. Draw your own conclusions based on the quality and quantity of the information provided.

In addition, as I'm sure you are aware, gas mileages depend to a substantial degree on the driving conditions, practices and techniques of the drivers. Stop and go city traffic usually results in low mileages. Running at high revs most of the time usually results in low mileages. You get my drift.

As to the flooding, I think you are incorrect in stating "the high ratio of users experiencing flooding". Maybe a more accurate statement might be something like the high ratio of forum members reporting flooding. There is a difference. And I'm not sure that HIGH is an accurate representation of the fact. Like those with low gas mileage results, those with flooding problems need to vent and they do so on this forum. That's OK, but you hardly ever hear from the other forum members, some that have 5 digit mileages on their odometers, posting to say that they have never had a flood. Some do, most don't.

Certainly owners have experienced this problem. The Renesis rotary engine is a different animal and certain precautions must be taken to avoid flooding. Some owners are not taking the proper procedures when starting the car and because of that, get the dreaded flooded engine. The procedures for avoiding flooding, and for recovering from a flood, are detailed in the owners manual and in hundreds of postings on this forum.

If after reading all the postings in this forum regarding these "issues" you still are uncomfortable with the idea of owning an RX-8, you should probably not get one. But if you don't get an RX-8, it will be your loss. You will pass up an opportunity to experience the joy of owning and driving one of the most exciting and unique vehicles on the road today.

 

The Z is often easy to eliminate: do you need any form of practicality? If so, forget the Z. Nice car for what it is (muscle car), but if you need to pick up groceries, enjoy a drive with more than one friend, etc... keep looking.

The RSX-S is fun. The RX-8 has a much more linear powerband... you might miss that frantic VTEC kick in the pants if you go for the 8. The RSX-S almost *feels* faster because it saves all it's acceleration for that last VTEC blast at the top. But while they're both very fun, tossable cars, the 8 feels like it pivots around your butt, while the RSX-S feels somewhat nose-heavy in comparison. Nothing I've driven feels so light-footed, so connected to the driver. And that feeling only gets better and more enjoyable over time.

For what it's worth, I get around 18 mpg in rural driving, and have never flooded in 10,000 miles (even though I've shut it off cold many times).

 

Go buy a 350Z and go to their forum!!!!

 

you can ask every 8 owner driving is now a privaledge and pleasure with the 8 look at all the threads on how freaking nuts the owners are about they're car. everyone just simply loves it. stick with the 8.

 

I love my 8. The main thing I hate about this car is the extreme lack of torque. I love the Z for that and actually wish I could afford to have one of each. If you want explosiveness off the line, get a Z; if you want something a little slower off the line, but a little smoother, get the 8.

 

Gas..........well I kinda didn't expect for it to get high miles on gas.(Hint its a sports car with a Rotary Engine) As for the flooding those are people who don't follow directions. This is no ordinary engine for the billionth time. Engine has to be warm and then its fine. If those little things(at least in my eyes) can't be over looked for every other aspect of this Great car than I don't know what to tell you. Why don't you test drive and decide for yourself. Also remember that every car you will purchase is going to have some sort of problem no matter what! Either way the RSX-S, RX8 and 350Z are all great cars!

 

I love my rx8. Purely an Eye Catcher.

RSX-S is a great car if you ask me. IDK why you would be wanting to trade it in. Inless you have a really good reason.

But the 350z comes down to the Insurance. Call your insurance company and asks how much a 350z and a rx8 would cost to be put on your insurance. The difference should make up your mind if you ask me.

Also tuning options. 350z's have been having problems with FI. I havent heard anything yet about a rx8 having problems with FI.

But its your decision.