My moms looking at buying an RX8 but I have some concerns....
 

Well just as the title says, my mom is looking at buying an RX8. The one she's looking at is a 2004 with the auto tranny with the paddle shifter. I just want to get a few opinions on this car before she buys a car that she wont understand.

#1. Fuel milage seems to be the biggest complaint with this car. Most of the posts that I have read are posted buy people with the 6 speed manual. What are the auto's getting(higher or lower?). Keep in mind that she wont be driving this car like a 20 year old and taking it up to 7000RPMS before every shift. And she will be driving 40 miles to work each way every day so not much city driving.

#2. Now my mom lives out in the country so everything is atleast 15 minutes away. Do you guys think the "engine flooding" will be a problem for her? I dont want her buying a car that is not reliable from a starting stand point. Not to mention the closest Mazda dealership is 40 miles away.

#3. I have heard mixed reviews as far as how they handle in the winter. Of course the salesman said it handles great but with out traction control just how good does it handle in snow/icey conditions? She will probably keep here 94' Olds 88 for bad weather but Im sure she will eventually get caught in bad weather at some point.


Other than those few questions, she absolutely loves the car! I absolutly love it too. What a blast to drive. Funniest part is that she was looking at that Toyota Hybrid before this one! Then when we were at the Mazda dealership looking at the Mazda 6 I told her she should get the RX-8, but I was really just kidding! She said it looked like a fun car but she really didnt need a sports car, 30 minutes later were on a test drive and she's was loving it! LOL It was crazy!

Anyways, I would really appreciate some opinions on these concerns.

Thanks,

Guy

1. From what I've read, mpg can be pretty horrid in either situation. Personally, I think I get something like 20-24 mixed, but I think I've seen some people on this board getting like 9. Remember though... carbon buildup, she should be revving, whether or not she's 20.
2. 15 minutes away should be plenty, but then again, short distance = horrid gas mileage. As long as you warmup by then, flooding it shouldn't be a problem.
3. Don't know personally as im in Cali, but everyone in bad winter-prone areas seem to agree on snow tires.

Good luck!

Can you picture your mom with the hood up, checking the oil? I hope so!
Get her to read the good and bad on this site. The automatics seems to have more problems with the engines because people don't drive them hard enough (?) The mileage sucks (search for mileage threads) but if you love the car it shouldn't matter. The winter driving is good as long as you change to winter tires.

#1. I don't have any experiece with the auto, so I can't help with that.

#2. She should have absolutely no problem them. Whenever I wanted to move the car just a few feet for any reason, I would always take a ride around the block just in case (a small block really), and I've never had any flooding problems. I've had a few occasions where I've stalled pretty soon after starting, and I've still haven't flooded.

#3. The entire problem with snow handling is that this car comes stock with summer tires, so if she expects to drive in any snow, she should change the tires to at least all-season tires. If she expects to drive it any significant amount of snow, I'd say get winter tires. The snow isn't really significant here, so I'm fine with all-season tires myself.

yea the stock tires are really really bad in the winter and MUST be changed if you get more snow than a speckle because all it takes it a light snowfall and the car is everywhere. Even when it gets really cold (less than 3c) the tires will turn into hockey pucks and you'll loose a lot of your traction.

I've never driven my car with winter tires on but all of the other Canadians say it's great in the snow.

MrJynx

I got a new 2005 RX-8 and have been driving it for a week in New England snow. Even with snow tires, the car needs care. Putting a bit of power accidentally (around 3000 rpm in first gear), I have managed to slide the rear end a bit with traction control and DSC on.

Then there is also the matter of clearance from the road. You will very likely scratch the bottom of the fenders and/or the chasis when going over snow that doesnt look that deep.

And there is ofcourse the standard problem of the weight not being on the drive wheels. I have gotten stuck on a bunch of slopes (however this was deep snow - around 8-10 inches and slopes you wont find on normal roads - 10 degree gradient - parking lot slope).

It all depends on how much snow/ice you get. Dont get me wrong. The car is very drivable with care, however, if you compare with many front wheel drive cars with snow tires, it wont feel that confident.

- Bodi

1. 17/22 city/highway avg. for my auto. I can get up to 25-26 on long highway trips using Shell V-power and keeping the speed to 70-75mph. Short trips will give the worst mileage. Don't baby it, it doesn't help mileage as far as I can tell. Let it rip a couple times a trip to keep the engine happy (after it is warm). The cars vary quite a bit, so mileage differs on some cars.

2. Never flooded in 55000 miles. Just don't shut it down cold and then let it sit for hours. The car warms up rapidly once on the road, but takes forever at idle.

3. Snow tires are a must. Traction control can help or hinder in the snow, depending on the situation. 2nd gear starts and a light right foot will help maintain control of the rear from low speeds. The beater car sounds like a good idea.

The salesman(which seemed a little hesitant about answering questions about the car) said that the car didnt have traction control. The car was loaded to the hilt though? Do they all have traction control or is it an option?

Is the engine flooding problem basically the same as flooding a piston engine? Can she start the car by holding the gas pedal down and cranking the engine over? I dont want her getting stranded. I read the FAQ's and thats what was recommended but I want first hand experience.

Thanks for all the input so far!


Guy

Flooding is not like that for a piston engine. Many people have had to be towed (me included). My mileage is 17 in mixed driving. Once got 21 on an all-highway trip. The dynamic stability control comes with the Sport Package and higher trim levels. Handling is no worse than any other RWD car.

you may want to look at the build date on the car, all the cars built after summer of 05 should have the updated starter, battery and plugs, so that may not even be an issue...as for me...i get about 17 mpg no matter what kind of driving i do.... but mostly i am an aggressive driver

You mean, specifically, for flooding. The starter, battery and plugs won't have bearing on mileage or traction. ;) There are two or three active flooding threads right now with a couple of ticked off owners and a bunch of folks who manage just fine. Guarding against flooding and checking the oil after every 2nd or 3rd gas fill-up are the only remarkable quirks to this car and they're more than made up for by the unique styling, handling and value (IMHO).

Seriously, the salesman will not be the most knowledgeable person about RX-8s or even that specific RX-8. My advice is don't waste your time asking unless he owns one himself. Do your own research (here is good!) If it's a new one look on the window sticker to see if it has TCS and DSC. If it is used, sit in the driver's seat and look at the dash to the left of the steering wheel. There should be a button labelled TCS/DSC OFF near the instrument brightness wheel.

If you love the car you won't care about the mileage. You can expect mostly at or under 20mpg (again, see the numerous, neverending threads), but it won't be 6mpg like a motorhome or a truck.

yeah, sorry i wasn't very clear....the build date was specifically for the flooding issue

Does the car have the OEM 18 inch wheels, with the big brakes up front? If yes, then the car has traction control/dynamic stability control.

Does the car have a sunroof? If yes, same answer as above.

The answer is NO.

She shouldn't get this car. Ask her to get the Mazda3 or Mazda6. This takes a bit "more than usual" maintenance that what people are used to.

Mileage SUCKS... well we all know about it. No need to even bring it up. If you see threads with people getting >275 miles per tank... I am sure the carbon buildup in the engine will be aweful and engine life will be decreased. No revving = No fun so you might as well just buy a Honda or Toyota.

My 2 cents,
Carlos

fyi: you can flood the engine without it being user error (ie not warming up fully). sometimes it just happens, but def seems to be because of early build dates. if you are purchasing a used car, you can find the build date on the sticker on the inside of the drivers door. as far as the flooding, also note that you get mazda roadside assistance included in your warranty.

i bought mine used and had no idea about flooding/oil consumption (checking every other time you fill up)/this free roadside assistance/etc until i came on this board and started surfing around.

also good point above on the "dont expect your salesman to know anything" post. these cars are different and are usually LOVED by owners who aren't afraid to invest a little more time/energy in the upkeep.

Something you should know that no one told me, RX-8's are rated for premium gas only. Take that into consideration with the mileage.

Look at the Mazda6 --- IMHO.

1. fuel economy is not the best and not the worst

2. I have a 2004 and the car has NEVER flooded! Even if I shut it off before it is warmed up and then start it quickly- NO ISSUES HERE!

3. I live in New Hampshire. We get a lot of snow. I have winter rims and snow tires (cost about $1000) but can't live without them. The traction control really helps when it snows. My 8 is my daily driver. I drive it everywhere in the winter and as long as the roads are somewhat plowed, I have no problems. The driveway and roads need some attention however due to the low clearance of the car.

Hope this helps.

That's no reason for her to not get the car. The only extra "maintenance" needed is checking the oil regularly, redlining the engine once a trip and making sure the car is warm before shutting it off for an extended period of time. It's not as though you have to carry a Mazda tech around in your trunk.

Some people seem to think the 8 is some oil guzzling nightmare that'll never start. There's no reason someone who is aware of the miniscule extra requirements can't enjoy the car.

what is your mom's price range and how soon does she want the car? In a month or so (we think) the 06/07 RX8 will be out. It will do two things....

1) It's got an updated engine and tranny for the automatic models, now with a 6spd auto and a slight horsepower jump. (6spd manual models nothing changes as far as engine/tranny)

2) If your mom honestly couldn't care less about the 2 extra gears (better MPG) and more HP, then this will drive the price down on any remaining 04/05 auto's. Just FYI, the rx8 auto can be had new for cheap, and even more so when the new model comes out.


Flooding is pretty much been solved, i wouldn't worry about it too much and mazda also provides 24hr roadside, so your mom will never really be stranded. If you're not willing to take care of a rotary (check the oil at least every 1000 miles), then it may not be the best for you guys.

not to sound rude or anything. I dont think this car fits what your mom is looking for.

Have you seen the new Civics. They are very reasonble, look good and pretty much do everything your mom would expect from it.

I personally could never buy a Civic (..ugh) but thats just me. I do like the new 06 Civics though.

Why do you think this car is not what she's looking for? It sounds to me like she was open to suggestions and never really considered any "sports car." The 8 is the perfect "sports car" for people not wanting all the negative aspects of one (storage, seating room, etc.).

I think many people assume "mom" means no fun. Moms need to have fun too.

*NO Mom Jokes :mad: :D:

Oh dont get me wrong my mom loves to drive on the twisties but when it comes to the maintance end of the car she is kind of on the lazy side of things, which worries me.

I talked with the service writer at the Mazda dealership(he was my service writer over at the Dodge dealership i work at). He too thinks that this probably isnt the car for her unless she wants to maintane it. I dont know if she's willing to sacrifice the milage either. The salesman said that even thought the sticker said it gets 24mpg it will probably get more like 30mpg since she wont be beating on it all the time. After reading post after post, I think if your getting 20mpg your doing good.

I think I will try to convince her to try something else out....maybe the 350Z.(I am a huge fan of the Datsun/Z line.....of course I drive a 80 280ZX with a LT1 350!. All I know is she loves the car and its going to be hard to talk her out of it at this point!


Thanks guys!

Guy

how about one of them new 06 MX-5's (aka 'Miata'), piston engine, 6 speed automatic, convertible, *almost* as fun as a RX-8 ;) :D:

Don't believe the salesman. Mileage is very independent of how you drive with this car. As long as your not cruising around in 2nd gear all the time.

The 350Z lacks much in the practicality department. I don't know how much this concerns your mom. It also has quite the harsh ride (similar to an F-body), which I'm sure she will not be used to. It's a very nice car, don't get me wrong, but it may not suit your mother. Perhaps a G35c if it's not out of the price range.