When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A relatively short article about the bad reputation of the RX8.
Nothing really new here, I just thought it was of note someone was still discussing RX8s
More quacking from the bitter who should never have purchased an RX8. Of course it’s expensive to have dealer service. If you can’t do it yourself (with the help from a forum member or 2 for advice) you’ll lose your shirt AND pants. Probably the same moaning emanates from former BMW owners who thought they bought a fancy Honda.
it’s true that the RX8 isn’t for those who don’t have an inherently specific desire for a rotary engine powered vehicle along with either the financial resources required or the mechanical inclination to work on it their self.
to say otherwise is just doing the same thing from the opposite side of the fence. Because it is a gas hog, the engine is known to have long term performance and mechanical reliability issues, and finding someone who can competently provide mechanical repair service can be both difficult and expensive. A full new set of engine rotors, rotor housings, and seals for a proper rebuild isn’t cheap even if you do it yourself. Because the cheap rebuilt isn’t going to last or perform well long term.
there are quite a few people who bought a used RX8 without realizing what they were getting into from those points of perspective and there’s nothing wrong to try and help save others from a regrettable end result.
.
it’s true that the RX8 isn’t for those who don’t have an inherently specific desire for a rotary engine powered vehicle along with either the financial resources required or the mechanical inclination to work on it their self.
to say otherwise is just doing the same thing from the opposite side of the fence. Because it is a gas hog, the engine is known to have long term performance and mechanical reliability issues, and finding someone who can competently provide mechanical repair service can be both difficult and expensive. A full new set of engine rotors, rotor housings, and seals for a proper rebuild isn’t cheap even if you do it yourself. Because the cheap rebuilt isn’t going to last or perform well long term.
there are quite a few people who bought a used RX8 without realizing what they were getting into from those points of perspective and there’s nothing wrong to try and help save others from a regrettable end result.
.
it’s true that the RX8 isn’t for those who don’t have an inherently specific desire for a rotary engine powered vehicle along with either the financial resources required or the mechanical inclination to work on it their self.
to say otherwise is just doing the same thing from the opposite side of the fence. Because it is a gas hog, the engine is known to have long term performance and mechanical reliability issues, and finding someone who can competently provide mechanical repair service can be both difficult and expensive. A full new set of engine rotors, rotor housings, and seals for a proper rebuild isn’t cheap even if you do it yourself. Because the cheap rebuilt isn’t going to last or perform well long term.
there are quite a few people who bought a used RX8 without realizing what they were getting into from those points of perspective and there’s nothing wrong to try and help save others from a regrettable end result.
.
I think the car gets a lot more negativity than it deserves, but I’ve had my ‘04 since 2007 with 25k miles and it’s been a relatively problem free experience other than ignition failure and clogged cat around 80k miles. I’ve always been **** about oil levels, changed, proper warmup, etc. Engine is still going strong but compression is lower. I was well aware that engine reliability was a problem when I bought in 2007 and I wrestled with it a lot. But ultimately I made my peace with it and accepted that I would either drive until engine was done and sell or rebuild and keep.
I definitely agree that people looking for this car now should expect to sink money into it. You just don’t know how well cars have been treated. Seems like you are better off just buying a good shell for cheap and putting rebuilt/new engine in off the bat.
I think like anything you need to have your eyes wide open. It seems like a lot of individuals are buying these cars without knowing the quirks, problems, how to evaluate, and ultimately price. Not making a fully informed decision leads to regret, because nobody likes financial surprises…
As for fuel economy it’s a sports car. Drive it accordingly. If you are worried about fuel economy over the fun factor then this isn’t a car for you. It helps not having it as your primary car either, so you only drive it for pleasure.
I always find these types of articles funny, especially when they get random talking points that they probably heard from a friend or another uninformed youtube video.
I suppose this one atleast knew about the coil issue. Not sure what the ramble was about the airbag clockspring though.
For Fuel Eco, honestly I wish 6th gear was longer, but I suppose it wasn't chosen to be efficient at 70+ mph. I think I have barely ever used 5th gear in 10 years of driving it. Been wondering about the 4.3 final drive instead of the 4.44. maybe the FD 4.1 could work?
Not knowing which way a nut comes loose, then yes don't own any car that is not still under warranty. Especially not those that are known to have a poor design.
11-20-2022, 08:04 PM
