Tweak48

......or, have any crossed that line in 3 short years?

Truth is, I took my first test drive last Saturday, and I am totally in love. I want one, and dealers lots around here are LOADED with RX-8's so I think a really good deal can be had.

Problem is, I'm being driven out of my current relationship with a totally unreliable POS Ford Taurus SHO at 59,000 miles. The 32 valve V-8 and ZF steering box is fun, but the transmission failures, power steering failures, CAM maintenance issues have pushed me over the edge. Enough is enough.

So I can't take another "shop car" no matter how fun it is.

My measure of a decent ride relibility wise is to get 100,000 miles without a major repair. Is the RX-8 up to it???

AForce8

I hope so...with proper maintenance....i don't see a problem with it

xrider01

all the reviews i've heard of this have no data. but it is a japanese car, and for the most part, japanese cars are reliable . So, it makes me happy. I feel that so long as proper scheduled maintenance is done, any car *should* go on forever .

The truck i had before my 8 gave me 65k miles in 3 1/2yrs. before i traded it in. the only mechanical failures it got was from the A/C,the belt driven fan gave out, and the suicide door handle broke. Other than that, everything else ran fine on it .

LiveBlues

I fully expect to get that and more. I would like to see 200k.

Discman2

if properly maintained any car can go 100k no problem.

(I'm at 27k in just over a year, btw.)

The 8 does require alittle bit of special attention though. but rotaries supposedly(idk really) outlast piston engines.

AForce8

Well there you go...looks like it's going to make it!

legokcen

I am planning on it. I'll take great care of it so it'll take great care of me.

frequentflyer

Take a look at this thread:

Question about Mazda

My own experience says you should expect, on average, one "non-routine" repair (e.g., heater core, radiator, A/C compressor, etc.) per 100,000 miles with a Mazda. In my book, that's a small price to pay for the fun!

AC8

Never really thought about it before I purchased a car. Never really wanted one to do it untill NOW!

This car is too much fun!

Blue87Sport

Non-turbo rotaries should last close to 200K miles if properly cared for. My 87 RX-7 is still running strong at over 160K miles and never had any engine related problems. The only problems were with the interior electronics (heater control and wiper switch) which were fairly common for that generation.

The simplicity of the engine eliminates a lot of potential problem sources. No valves to adjust, no timing chain to replace, etc. I expect the reliability of the RX-8 to be on a par with the best Japanese cars (Honda/Toyota) and far superior to any domestic.

Raptor2k

I certainly hope I reach 100k, if not 200k. And it's Japanese. Should be fine

rx8wannahave

Friend, if you want us to be honest with you…we can’t give you a REAL answer. The RX8 is too new for us to proclaim anything with certainty.

What “should” make the Renesis last a long time:

A lot fewer moving parts
Simple design
No Turbo adding heat to the Renesis

…but, the main thing will be how you take care of it.

The way I take care of my baby I would hope it could last me 100K without any major repairs. The thing is I might not reach that level within 10 years since it seems I’ll end up with 7K on my RX8 per year. Read up all you can hear about the rotary engine and give it a chance. That’s what I did…instead of listening to the rumors or few complainers I decided I would give the rotary engine a try…so far, it’s been GREAT!

(While I understand I don’t have a lot of miles on my car)

pcimino

Normally I'd expect the clutch to go 100K, but not the way I drive this car. I don't abuse it outright, but spirited driving will tend to wear it out a bit quicker.

RexApex

Every Mazda I've owned has gone past 100k without a major repair.
-R.

cleoent

i got an extended warranty up to 100k, so i'm good to go

xrider01

did you have the extended warranty included in your payment option, or did you buy that seperately? Also, after the 50k/4yr. warranty has expired, would you have to pay a deductible to get your ride looked at?

CajunTexan8

You're a better man than I.... I went to "just" test drive the car....4 hours later I drove off in my Velocity Red 8...

CajunTexan8

Quinte 8

I Had 260km on my 86 RX7 before we did a rebuild. Mazda out lasted Porsche and Ferrari at lemans in 92.

guy321

YOu shouldn't even be posting in this thread

xrider01

so far, the closest thing to a mechanical issue i've had is the recal for the trapped fuel gasses while reving the engine. And that hasn't happened to me. I've already made an appointment at the dealer to get that taken care of on tuesday morning . Oh yea, that, and i need a camber kit :p

Elara

That's too bad on the SHO- my mom just totaled her 95 SHO and was very upset that they insurance company wouldn't let her get it fixed. It had something like 120k miles on it, no major issues. I've got almost 40k on my 8, no signs of anything going terribly wonky on it so far.

Smoknjim

I turned 60K in my 8 yesterday. So far only problem was a burned out lighter. FWIW, if your lighter dies, DON'T EVEN BOTHER going to Mazda for a replacement. You have to buy the recepticle,light ,lighter and all. I for got the exact price, but it was $40 somthing. Get one at Auto Zone for $3.98.

cgrx

^^^they fixed mine about 8 months ago

Raevik

I doubt it considering I had my CAT replaced at 4000 miles...

Mazdaspeed RX8 ver2

i agree with proper maintenace and keeping the car healthy and not do crazy stuff with it.