I currently own a 03 Lightning, but Im looking to trade or sell for an newer RX-8.

Anyways, I really dont know much about the rotary motor or any 'first-hand' information from actul owners, all dealers want to do is hump my leg, however, I'd like to know the good, bad and ugly about the RX-8 from actul owners..I realize bias is thick but hopefully I can get some educated responses..Also if anyoen can reccomend a dealer in the NY Albany area I would be greatly thankful.

 

Welcome to the forum. Read it.

Seriously though, i lurked here and clocked a good 30 hours of forum reading time before i bought my '8, and I don't regret any of it.

https://www.rx8club.com/search.php

 

Currently doing so. Thanks

 

Hmm let's see if I can help
You've got to take care of the engine - add oil about 1200 miles since it burns oil
That said, I'm on my third rotary and if this one is as good as the other two it'll go 200,000 miles without any major mechanical problems. (around the 200,000 mile mark my other two blew out the apex seals = motor rebuild)
The Good - the engine is an absolute blast to drive, ultra smooth all the way to redline and has an itoxicating sound, the engines are also made to rev, and rev high so you can't be shy about it. This car makes its power up over 6k, Your Lightning is probably redlining at that point. So if you get one, be willing to rev the heck out of it - after break in. The car is also very balanced, and a very comfortable and capable sports car.
The Bad - the gas mileage is marginally worse than a comparable V6 in hp, however, it's a sports car, not an econobox, and I gaurantee the mileage is better than your Lightning.

 

What if we just want to hump your leg too? :D

Try reading "The Little Things" thread stickied at the top of the forum. You'll see about 10MM things that we RX-8 owners have found to love about our cars.

For balance, find the other "Little Things" thread that the moderators have wisely allowed to sink into oblivion. That describes the 10MM things we RX-8 owners have found to hate about our cars. I haven't read them all myself, because I'm having too much fun enjoying mine! Best car I've had in 35 years of driving. (Yes, mine is an old guy's midlife crisis vehicle of choice.)

In general from a rotary you can expect:

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Like many other RX-8 owners I also owned several RX-7's. That's a testament to the rotary's inherent reliability and irresistibility. Drive it once and you're hooked for life! Beware!

 

LOL Yea the L is none to friendly with gas..

 

Just FYI what my Lightning is is case any wonder..

 

On a lighter note
- The dash lighting
- The way the cabin lights come on when you park the car, or when you unlock the doors with the remote- the lights are not linked to the "car door opening".
- The style
- The looks it gets
- The 'unique' renesis engine. Gas station attendant- "So thats a V6 right?" Tag agency "it has to have cylinders!" kid- "whoa, your car sounds cool"

 

clockwerk, i'd agree with worm. i spent about two weekends going through these forums reading all the old posts. I'm also thinking of getting the rx (and my mind's almost made). if you look through it enough you'll read about all the problems people found with the car, and all the solutions that consequently came out from mazda.

 

Im having a serious bitch of a time finding one that I like for sale..If I cant find a 03 Blue/Black/gray leather moonroof 6-spd I will be very disapointed. Click click click click click

Edit: I see now that the RX-8 only came out in 04? I thought there were 01+...hmm

 

Yep, '04 and on...... I bought mine used, saved a little money, but wish I had gotten a new one. Good luck

 

I just traded in a heavily modified 02 Lightning 3 weeks ago for a loaded rx8. So far, so good. What do I miss? The blistering torque the lightning had...especially since I had a performance chip, 4 pound blower pulley and fast air intake...but I digress. I also miss the suede style seats. Everything else is right on though. I truly enjoy having a back seat and covered trunk again, as well as a 6 speed and "amtrack" style handling...the fact Lightnings only came in auto really was a let-down. And if you get all the options {like NAV, moonroof, leather, manual, body package, upgraded stereo) you'll be so busy having fun you wont have time to remember the loss of power. So it depends on where your pleasure lies..I only have regrets at stoplights when ZO6's, STI's or cobras roll up...with the Lightning I knew it was over for them, but now I hang my head. But I get over it quick because this thing is so fun to drive and it looks pretty wicked. Not to mention that people think it gets bad MPG, but it sure beats the 9 miles per gallon I was getting with my lightning. Anyway, good luck.

 

Yeah but honestly, dont you miss that distinct sound when you start the roaring V8? Or the very distinct wine? Or the roar while reving? Not to mention the carloads of smoke from the rear wheels? Plus, try putting even a vacume in the trunk of the 8. On the bright side, guess you dont have to help all your buddies move now. Funny how they all turn to the guy with the truck.

 

Nope. The blower sound was great & I thought I would miss it, but I dont. And I have yet to REALLY miss the HP. I'm sure I will next summer when the car shows & street racing hit...but Im getting older & need to let go those activities anyway. I couldnt rev my Lightning because it was an auto, which was a real letdown for me. Every "carloads" of smoke burnout cost me $25.00 per tire. The 8 seems to have alot of room. Thanks to the removable clip in the rear seat, I just was able to take my snowboard in for sharpening & waxing for the upcoming season and had plenty of room leftover. In the lightning I had to put it in the back and listen to it slide around and smack against the inside of the bed... Even with the tie downs there was no real way to secure it. Everyone knew my L was for hauling ***....nothing else, so no problems with moving day. And add on the T.C. and D.S.C. for the winter time and the Nav & great bose system and it makes a complete car, as compared to my lightning.

 

**** I'd trade for the Blue lightning, I got an automatic though :p

 

The best thing about the 8 is simple....

- The car is rare. It is not a mass production car. I see a million Z's everyday, I only see a hand full of 8's. Get ready to be stared at. Every time I pull up at a light I am amazed at the looks. Passer by's will stare at you also. The car is so stylish.

One tip...make sure you buy the 6speed. No offense to auto owners, but the most fun will be had in a manual.

Another thing... the lightening drives YOU, YOU drive the 8.

- Irish