GregRX8

After driving past some brand new RX-8's at a Mazda dealership several times while out looking at cars I finally test drove one. It was a used one sitting at a Nissan dealership with only 1,900 miles on it. I bought it for $28k (has all options except navigation and cassette). Mazda's site says it's $32k new. I bought it impulsively 5 nights ago. I really like the car and haven't had any problems with it (might not have bought it if I had previously come across this forum). The only complaint I have is that I have a rubbing noise when making right turns and that's without turning the wheel very sharp (I've read that others have had similar problems). I plan on having it looked at at a Mazda dealership. This is my first Mazda car... in the past I've stuck with GM. I wanted to get something that was really sporty and that wasn't already on the road everywhere you look. I was a little dissapointed at first with the gas mileage, but It seems a bit better now (145 miles and have half a tank left). So far I'm a happy customer and hope it stays that way. CarFax shows that the car was bought brand new in November 2003. M flash wasn't out then, was it?

truemagellen

nope M flash wasn't out but go to mazdausa.com sign into 'my mazda' and enter your vin number it will tell you the recalls or flashes you need but NOT Technical Service Bulletins

enjoy your car

GregRX8

I'm already on there and provided my vin... it shows no recalls.

Cam

iTrader: (1)

Congrats Greg,

You'll love the car, just take it to reputable Mazda dealer and have the service dept. perform all the TSB's flashes for you.

145 on half a tank is 20 mpg, pretty good I think. I shift at 3-4k rpms about 75% of the time (6-8K the other 25%) and have gotten 20-21.5 my last 4 tanks.

SpinninAgain!

Hi Greg,

Congrats on the new wheels and welcome to the madness!

Regarding TSB's: rather than relying on some Mazda dealer that you likely don't know much about, check out the TSB's thread...

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html
Print out the ones that apply to your VIN/build date before you have a dealer check it out. Then you'll know in advance exactly what they should be doing.

One of those TSB's is for low-speed turning noises, though it's usually described as "snapping" more than "rubbing". Still worth checking out though, since it's an easy fix if applicable.

Also check out the "Oil Cooler/AC Condensor screens" thread on the DIY forum. That is the single most valuable thread on this site IMO. Gives you a cheap and easy way to prevent damage to your 8 that would cost you $800+ to repair.

Why not? Are we smelly or something?

Overport

I am having the same problem but its not a big deal to me: gas mileage. I had to expect it when buying a new sports car. They suck gas like crazy, you just have to be prepared for it or not drive your car everyday.

basisguy

I have researched this car (and several others) for about 7 months and I chose to buy the RX-8. Have had mine for 2 weeks and love it!! You made a good decision...hope you enjoy it the way I enjoy mine