I am currently looking for a "fun" car that is decent on gas. Currently I drive a Ford Lightning and get 10-14MPG with premium gas, loads of power and fun as all get out but with the cost of gas I am looking to improve and still have something fun. I found a 2007 RX8 with about 47k on it. I am trying to gather as much info as I can to determine if the 8 will fit my needs.

Can you guys let me know the common problems with the 8? Things I should look for? Things to expect? I know that the 8 it is recommended you use at least 91octane, anyone running 89 and doing ok for normal commuting? Can someone explain the extended warranty that Mazda announced, what does that really cover?

Thanks for helping out guys, and please feel free to just say an 8 just isn't what you think I need.......I don't wanna sacrafice 400hp difference I'd be loosing if its not gonna be worth it.

 

they only problem you might have is having way too much fun driving it!

just check out these youtube videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc6c2dFblMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgTzcuS-s-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuJgNQX-rMQ

the last two are obviously on the series 2 r3 but its still the heart of the rotary inside!


no but honestly the only minor issues there might be is that it goes through oil more than a regular piston engine.....but thats just about it, after that it all comes down to how you like it drives and how you like it looks, all preference.

Best of luck on your decision tho!

 

This won't be anything like the handling. If your biggest thing is power then this isn't for you. It has amazing handling and is really fun to drive. But some people don't care about handling so make aure you test drive. That said to answer some of your questions. First gas won't be too much better. You could be getting as low as 16 mpg. And as for 89 octane I heard it works for some not for others. I've never used less than 93 so I personally wouldn't know. The 07 doesn't have as many problems as the 04 so u are good on that. Mainly just the oil as mentioned above. And the extended warranty is on the engine core. So they will replace Ur engine for you as long as you keep Ur service records. Some people have said it costs about 500 for things not covered like gaskets. Some have mentioned it didn't cost them anything. I think it just varies on the dealer.

 

MPG wise you'd be looking at 15-20 depending on your driving condition.
as for performance you gotta go drive it.
common problems? SEARCH

 

I'll be blunt and suggest that the 8 might not be for you. In my experience, most people bought Lightnings for their break-neck torque, and that's just something the RX-8 doesn't have.

I just bought one, and I love it to death. But, I've also never owned a car that would break the tires loose shifting into third.