I've got a 2009 RX-8 GT!
Registered
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,319
Likes: 58
From: NYC
Cost driven… okay. So let's assume, for argument's sake, that Mazda recommended 5W-20 way back in '03 to cut costs—by lowering the overall mileage of Ford's fleet of vehicles. Fine. And let's assume that, five years later, you've established that 5W-20, along with other engine design decisions, caused you to have to replace a large number of engines, endangering the very existence of the RX-8 and, for that matter, the rotary engine itself. Why would you now continue to recommend 5W-20 for the newly revised engine? How does that make sense, cost-wise? If your design choices are, in fact, cost driven, shouldn't you recommend 5W-30 in the '09 RX-8?
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga
Cost driven… okay. So let's assume, for argument's sake, that Mazda recommended 5W-20 way back in '03 to cut costs—by lowering the overall mileage of Ford's fleet of vehicles. Fine. And let's assume that, five years later, you've established that 5W-20, along with other engine design decisions, caused you to have to replace a large number of engines, endangering the very existence of the RX-8 and, for that matter, the rotary engine itself. Why would you now continue to recommend 5W-20 for the newly revised engine? How does that make sense, cost-wise? If your design choices are, in fact, cost driven, shouldn't you recommend 5W-30 in the '09 RX-8?
Ask Racing Beat, Mazmart and Pettit their opinion. They've all been in rotaries for over 30 years.
Seal.
Now with 25% more fluff..
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
I've stated before I have neither been a fan of the front end plastics, or the orange lights above the exhaust.
But the plastic looks A-OK on that color, and the lights over the exhaust look fine.
Those are the only things I have been picky about and they look outstanding on your car. Maybe it is just certain color cars that those items look bad on.
Congrats on the new car.
But the plastic looks A-OK on that color, and the lights over the exhaust look fine.
Those are the only things I have been picky about and they look outstanding on your car. Maybe it is just certain color cars that those items look bad on.
Congrats on the new car.
"Autobots Roll-Out..!"
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
It has it's perks...but imho I love the old body style so much better...
Unless the exterior was modded like the link below... then I'd drive it!
http://news.windingroad.com/aftermar...yo-auto-salon/
Unless the exterior was modded like the link below... then I'd drive it!
http://news.windingroad.com/aftermar...yo-auto-salon/
Registered
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Question for SWSDuvall: How is driving around in slow and stop/go traffic? I feel that 1st gear on the rx8 is really short which makes it hard to drive smoothly in 0mph-15mph traffic. I saw that the 09 rx8 has an even shorter first gear.
How does it drive/feel in those conditions?
How does it drive/feel in those conditions?
Last edited by jdoo; Jun 14, 2008 at 04:34 PM.
Stealthy Bunny
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Connecticunt
Did they move the oil filter at all?!?!??! That thing is a bitch to get to, I'm lucky I have skinny arms... I see they moved the dipstick.. jealous..
Noticing another random thing... it looks like they changed the key? Is it still the switchblade type for the older ones?
I agree, night pics would be awesome..
P.S. Congrats!!
Noticing another random thing... it looks like they changed the key? Is it still the switchblade type for the older ones?
I agree, night pics would be awesome..
P.S. Congrats!!
I still have some warming up to do to the exterior but its a very nice looking car.
I love the new interior, the Nav looks clean!!
Question: Do the gauges turn red like the 1st gen at night?!
I love the new interior, the Nav looks clean!!
Question: Do the gauges turn red like the 1st gen at night?!
The Slow and the Serious
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Communistwealth of Virginia
Did the refresh get a telescoping steering wheel? I'd have to put that in a tie for first place for things I hate about my car, right up there with the weak-*** air conditioner. (not much to hate, but those two things are really bad)
Thread Starter
Registered
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Near Redmond, Wa
Answers to more questions
Hi all,
Sorry, I only get on once to twice a day.
I FINALLY got my son's IPod plugged in. It activated the "Aux" jack in the 2nd (middle) armrest compartment. It used the "analog" 3.5mm male 3 conductor connection cable. NO control or access to the IPod via the Aux jack. My best guess is L/R and ground. Audio thru the IPod connection (Aux) is really good. I have an MP3 disk with a song recorded at 320kbps. The same song on the IPod sounds better. Crisper highs. I think the MP3 converter hardware is not as good as us audiophiles would like. I have NO idea where/how/when the Aux2 and IPod jacks will fire up.
77mjd/D8 - yes I did trade my '04 RX-8 GT - had 48k miles on it. Bought it in Sept of '04, so it was nearly 5 years old. I got an '05 Kawasaki Z750S bike and put about 6k miles on it last 2 summers - so my RX-8 got less use, just lower miles (for me).
Sticker (MSRP) is $34,550. I'd rather not say what I paid out of respect to umazda.com Lets just say, I got a GREAT DEAL - below MSRP, but not much above invoice. Like I said early in my posts - great dealer!
My trades only add-on I was the MP3 player. I got $13k for it. Blue book was $12.7 (trade in). With the sales tax credit (9.3% in the peoples republic of Washington State) it was worth $1,196. That's equivalent to selling it for $14.2k on the private side - close enough for me and no hassle. I privately sold my '91 twin turbo 300ZX (400 HP tweaked) and that was a pain in the "other name" for a donkey.
chancejat - I have the same question - and BEFORE ANYONE ASKS, I am NOT gona take a screwdriver and pry it off
Mister Man - there "IS" one switch I haven't flipped yet..... hummm
:
jdoo - I like the lower first gear actually. I haven't' have much time in stop and go and have not yet had to creep along around 1k RPM in 1st. But, my guess it will be smooth. The idle is rock solid.
Garrett - yep, the guages do not go red - they just get dimmer white. The auto headlights are rather cool and the auto/mist wipers are nice. If anyone wants to poke around the wiring diagrams when they come out - I'd like to jump the relays so I can run the "fogs" without the headlights again
WinningRX8Chick - no switchblade key. The backup key snaps into the keyless credit card sized wireless key 'thingy' (Yes, I'm an engineer by schooling). As to the oil filter, I haven't been under the car yet/lifted it up on stands yet, so I don't know how much of a "female dog" it's gona be to reach the new filter..... we'll see.
kvndoom - no telescoping steering wheel, only up/down adjustment.
Anyone have an FTP site they can donate
(give me write access to?) I'll upload the pdf of the owners manual! It's just under 11 megs
Steve
- A Very HAPPY RX-8 owner!
Sorry, I only get on once to twice a day.
I FINALLY got my son's IPod plugged in. It activated the "Aux" jack in the 2nd (middle) armrest compartment. It used the "analog" 3.5mm male 3 conductor connection cable. NO control or access to the IPod via the Aux jack. My best guess is L/R and ground. Audio thru the IPod connection (Aux) is really good. I have an MP3 disk with a song recorded at 320kbps. The same song on the IPod sounds better. Crisper highs. I think the MP3 converter hardware is not as good as us audiophiles would like. I have NO idea where/how/when the Aux2 and IPod jacks will fire up.
77mjd/D8 - yes I did trade my '04 RX-8 GT - had 48k miles on it. Bought it in Sept of '04, so it was nearly 5 years old. I got an '05 Kawasaki Z750S bike and put about 6k miles on it last 2 summers - so my RX-8 got less use, just lower miles (for me).
Sticker (MSRP) is $34,550. I'd rather not say what I paid out of respect to umazda.com Lets just say, I got a GREAT DEAL - below MSRP, but not much above invoice. Like I said early in my posts - great dealer!
My trades only add-on I was the MP3 player. I got $13k for it. Blue book was $12.7 (trade in). With the sales tax credit (9.3% in the peoples republic of Washington State) it was worth $1,196. That's equivalent to selling it for $14.2k on the private side - close enough for me and no hassle. I privately sold my '91 twin turbo 300ZX (400 HP tweaked) and that was a pain in the "other name" for a donkey.
chancejat - I have the same question - and BEFORE ANYONE ASKS, I am NOT gona take a screwdriver and pry it off
Mister Man - there "IS" one switch I haven't flipped yet..... hummm
:jdoo - I like the lower first gear actually. I haven't' have much time in stop and go and have not yet had to creep along around 1k RPM in 1st. But, my guess it will be smooth. The idle is rock solid.
Garrett - yep, the guages do not go red - they just get dimmer white. The auto headlights are rather cool and the auto/mist wipers are nice. If anyone wants to poke around the wiring diagrams when they come out - I'd like to jump the relays so I can run the "fogs" without the headlights again
WinningRX8Chick - no switchblade key. The backup key snaps into the keyless credit card sized wireless key 'thingy' (Yes, I'm an engineer by schooling). As to the oil filter, I haven't been under the car yet/lifted it up on stands yet, so I don't know how much of a "female dog" it's gona be to reach the new filter..... we'll see.
kvndoom - no telescoping steering wheel, only up/down adjustment.
Anyone have an FTP site they can donate
(give me write access to?) I'll upload the pdf of the owners manual! It's just under 11 megsSteve
- A Very HAPPY RX-8 owner!
Last edited by SWSDuvall; Jun 15, 2008 at 09:28 AM.
