New guy, questioning my motives on buying an 8
10-08-2010, 10:56 PM
#1
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New guy, questioning my motives on buying an 8
I'll make this simple.
I'm selling a truck. With that money I'm going to pay cash for an 8.
My motives are these:
1) Better MPG (I realize 8's aren't that great, but they're better than an f250)
2) Car looks sexy, have been mildly interesting in purchasing one since I can remember.
3) Would be fun to drive.
4) Considering its a Mazda I assume maintenance is at a minimum?
5) Obv no payment.
Here is my question to you 8 owners: Someone like me, who likes the look, would appreciate the car from a "civilian standpoint" (vs someone who takes it to the race track once a month) loves driving manual, etc - is this 'sports car' really worth my time and money?
The whole point of selling my truck is to buy something practical, but I fear buying a sports car I may be going to another 'impractical extreme'... no?
Also, I hear rumor this car is no longer being made? Is that going to be a problem with finding service/parts for it in 3 years? Should I find something else?
And please supply me with any other bits of information relevant to my case you can think of.
Your time is very much appreciated.
I'm selling a truck. With that money I'm going to pay cash for an 8.
My motives are these:
1) Better MPG (I realize 8's aren't that great, but they're better than an f250)
2) Car looks sexy, have been mildly interesting in purchasing one since I can remember.
3) Would be fun to drive.
4) Considering its a Mazda I assume maintenance is at a minimum?
5) Obv no payment.
Here is my question to you 8 owners: Someone like me, who likes the look, would appreciate the car from a "civilian standpoint" (vs someone who takes it to the race track once a month) loves driving manual, etc - is this 'sports car' really worth my time and money?
The whole point of selling my truck is to buy something practical, but I fear buying a sports car I may be going to another 'impractical extreme'... no?
Also, I hear rumor this car is no longer being made? Is that going to be a problem with finding service/parts for it in 3 years? Should I find something else?
And please supply me with any other bits of information relevant to my case you can think of.
Your time is very much appreciated.
10-08-2010, 11:06 PM
#2
Oh lord where to start. There are literally thousands of threads on this so how to make this quick and painless.
the engine is still a new baby that has some issues from time to time but has mostly been solved. you can still find parts for the rx 7 models so no.
the search button is your friend.
expect surprises and things you have never dealt with on a car before.
make sure they have a perfect maint history.
know when the last engine swap was done, when the last set of coils, plugs, and wires were put on. how often the oil was changed. what oil was used. make sure you run 10w30 or 5w30 but there is an entire thread on this.
make sure your ready to spend money on repairs. they aren't always cheap.
find a reputable dealer in your area that knows how to work on a rotary. goto your local forums and talk to the guys in your area.
goto a rotary meet for your area before you ever buy one. have someone let you drive it. talk to them about all the problems they have had. talk to them about things you can expect. get a feel for the vehicle, how it works, things you must and need to do.
the engine is still a new baby that has some issues from time to time but has mostly been solved. you can still find parts for the rx 7 models so no.
the search button is your friend.
expect surprises and things you have never dealt with on a car before.
make sure they have a perfect maint history.
know when the last engine swap was done, when the last set of coils, plugs, and wires were put on. how often the oil was changed. what oil was used. make sure you run 10w30 or 5w30 but there is an entire thread on this.
make sure your ready to spend money on repairs. they aren't always cheap.
find a reputable dealer in your area that knows how to work on a rotary. goto your local forums and talk to the guys in your area.
goto a rotary meet for your area before you ever buy one. have someone let you drive it. talk to them about all the problems they have had. talk to them about things you can expect. get a feel for the vehicle, how it works, things you must and need to do.
10-08-2010, 11:28 PM
#3
Depends, I have had lots of trouble. Some have none. YMMV
5) Obv no payment.
Here is my question to you 8 owners: Someone like me, who likes the look, would appreciate the car from a "civilian standpoint" (vs someone who takes it to the race track once a month) loves driving manual, etc - is this 'sports car' really worth my time and money?
Here is my question to you 8 owners: Someone like me, who likes the look, would appreciate the car from a "civilian standpoint" (vs someone who takes it to the race track once a month) loves driving manual, etc - is this 'sports car' really worth my time and money?
There is also products like SeaFoam to feed the engine and remove carbon buildup. Reports of having flooded engines are exaggerated along with oil being burned. Mazda recommends the use of 5w-20 oil. Many of us believe that is too light weight for the engine. I would suggest you would use 10w-40 in the summer or year around in Florida.
Good Luck with what ever your decision may be.
10-08-2010, 11:33 PM
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Thanks for the info.
Hmm... I'm getting a strong vibe from you that the only really happy owners of 8's are the people who have fallin in love with them through thick or thin...
As I mentioned above, i'm buying the 8 mostly for the 'practical' reason (I.e. MPG, Maintenance, Long life [complimentary to most Mazda's]) but, what i've learned so far (which I admit is very little) is that this might not be the best care for my specific condition. Correct?
And Thanks for the info, I'll do my best to familiarize myself with the car in the near future. One more thing, is it not uncommon for it to be hard to find people to work on the rotary engine?
Hmm... I'm getting a strong vibe from you that the only really happy owners of 8's are the people who have fallin in love with them through thick or thin...
As I mentioned above, i'm buying the 8 mostly for the 'practical' reason (I.e. MPG, Maintenance, Long life [complimentary to most Mazda's]) but, what i've learned so far (which I admit is very little) is that this might not be the best care for my specific condition. Correct?
And Thanks for the info, I'll do my best to familiarize myself with the car in the near future. One more thing, is it not uncommon for it to be hard to find people to work on the rotary engine?
10-08-2010, 11:34 PM
#5
Your scaring him away
They are way different than piston engines, so the maintenane threads on here are your friends. With that being said, it may be Mazda but it is Rotary so maintenance is not minimal. I must say though, I have owned this car since 03' and still absolutely love it and would dread selling it.
They are way different than piston engines, so the maintenane threads on here are your friends. With that being said, it may be Mazda but it is Rotary so maintenance is not minimal. I must say though, I have owned this car since 03' and still absolutely love it and would dread selling it.
10-08-2010, 11:40 PM
#6
What is there to work on a rotary engine? There are very few moving parts. If one goes bad, you take it out and put in a rebuilt. Just like a piston engine.
While I may have had problems with it, I think of it as like a wife. You love them. You have problems, but you work them them out and go on.
This is my only car. I don't have a back-up. If it was impractical, I couldn't do that.
While I may have had problems with it, I think of it as like a wife. You love them. You have problems, but you work them them out and go on.
This is my only car. I don't have a back-up. If it was impractical, I couldn't do that.
10-09-2010, 12:05 AM
#8
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donno how much stuff you put in your truck but RX8 doesnt really have a big trunk
also being a such a low car you gotta really get rid of the truck driving style
also being a such a low car you gotta really get rid of the truck driving style
Last edited by jasonrxeight; 10-09-2010 at 12:07 AM.
10-09-2010, 12:34 AM
#9
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As sports cars go, the 8 is really practical. Decent size trunk for this kind of car. The back seats are small, but they give some more stash space and also people space if nobody's too big.
Of your five questions, 1,2,3 and 5 are all positive. You'll get answers all over the place on #4 - in fact, you already did. Maintenance is generally not a big deal, but it's not in the Honda "drive it and forget it" category. Engine longevity is a question mark, but it's not like they're doomed to fail. Most of the failures were in the early couple of years in hot climates. There's an 8 year, 100K warranty on the engine. Take comments like "ask when the engine was last changed" with a grain of salt. If you buy one, check its maintenance history first, especially whether the ECU reflashes (recall 4206f and special program MSP16) have been done.
I'm delighted with mine. Only had it four years and only 37000 miles so far, no problems, but there should not be any problems with any car at that point.
Ken
Of your five questions, 1,2,3 and 5 are all positive. You'll get answers all over the place on #4 - in fact, you already did. Maintenance is generally not a big deal, but it's not in the Honda "drive it and forget it" category. Engine longevity is a question mark, but it's not like they're doomed to fail. Most of the failures were in the early couple of years in hot climates. There's an 8 year, 100K warranty on the engine. Take comments like "ask when the engine was last changed" with a grain of salt. If you buy one, check its maintenance history first, especially whether the ECU reflashes (recall 4206f and special program MSP16) have been done.
I'm delighted with mine. Only had it four years and only 37000 miles so far, no problems, but there should not be any problems with any car at that point.
Ken
10-09-2010, 07:59 AM
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I will be purchasing the 8 with probably 50-80k miles on it, which is about the time [any car] the 8 will start to have hick-ups. I think I was right in assuming the happy owners are the ones who genuinely love the car, which might be a slight frustration to me considering i'm only getting one for the 'practical use' (mostly maintenance free aspect) and might use up all the money i would save fixing it up. No?
I'll have an extra 3.5K a year in savings due to no payment, I would hate to use it up fixing the 8 :/
Also; i'm really not looking for a affordable sports car, I'm looking for something practical thats fun to drive and will last me years.
Thanks again for your advice.
I'll have an extra 3.5K a year in savings due to no payment, I would hate to use it up fixing the 8 :/
Also; i'm really not looking for a affordable sports car, I'm looking for something practical thats fun to drive and will last me years.
Thanks again for your advice.
10-09-2010, 08:27 AM
#11
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If you are really serious, then do some light reading.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ
Thanks to Charlie for the gif!
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ
Thanks to Charlie for the gif!
Last edited by Mazurfer; 10-09-2010 at 06:20 PM.
10-09-2010, 09:08 AM
#12
Data point, not sure where you are in Florida, but I live outside Orlando. Mazurfer pointed you to the right starting data. The car is different. The car is also a blast. You mentioned never seeing a track, you will miss out on a lot of fun, but that is not the only reason to buy an 8. I love the car, saved for the car, have 3 kids, can take all three of them anywhere no problems. Doors require a little training for the ladies in car line at elementary school, but the 9 year old takes care of that.
Back seat, my neighbor had a boxster. He sat in my 8, commented that he finally had room to drive, then sat behind the seat, and both the rear and the front had more room than his boxster, without moving the seat. I also have the power seat and sunroof. As a side note, my 6 year old, bone stock, oil change only 8 was faster than his Boxster at Roebling. He went out and got a Boxster S. I spent about $900, and think I can take the new car as well. The S was a lot more than a $900 upgrade.
Car is safe. One member got pushed into a bridge abutment at like 80 mph, he was OK. When I bought my 6, I guy had been in a multi-car accident (he got hit, tossed into oncoming traffic, and was the least injured of everyone. He was doing whatever it took to get another one.
Short answer, buy a used one, with warranty, that is depreciated, a Series 1, and you got little or nothing to lose. Sell it in a year if you do not like it, depreciation is already done.
Where in Florida?
Back seat, my neighbor had a boxster. He sat in my 8, commented that he finally had room to drive, then sat behind the seat, and both the rear and the front had more room than his boxster, without moving the seat. I also have the power seat and sunroof. As a side note, my 6 year old, bone stock, oil change only 8 was faster than his Boxster at Roebling. He went out and got a Boxster S. I spent about $900, and think I can take the new car as well. The S was a lot more than a $900 upgrade.
Car is safe. One member got pushed into a bridge abutment at like 80 mph, he was OK. When I bought my 6, I guy had been in a multi-car accident (he got hit, tossed into oncoming traffic, and was the least injured of everyone. He was doing whatever it took to get another one.
Short answer, buy a used one, with warranty, that is depreciated, a Series 1, and you got little or nothing to lose. Sell it in a year if you do not like it, depreciation is already done.
Where in Florida?
Last edited by 04Green; 10-09-2010 at 11:55 AM. Reason: too stupid to type
10-09-2010, 11:12 AM
#16
Define practical. If you're looking for a Corolla that will run no matter what you do, this is not that. In fact, few sports cars are. If you're the type of person to be religious about maintenance and preventing problems rather than solving them, and want a fun ride, this is it As far as what you can put in it, it's fine.. baby seats, golf bags, skis, friends, in-laws, these things fit without trouble.
I think the first step is go test drive a few, see if the feeling is to your liking. I imagine you're used to something very different coming from an F250.
As far as what you can put in it, it's fine.. baby seats, golf bags, skis, friends, in-laws, these things fit without trouble.I think the first step is go test drive a few, see if the feeling is to your liking. I imagine you're used to something very different coming from an F250.
10-09-2010, 12:48 PM
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Define practical. If you're looking for a Corolla that will run no matter what you do, this is not that. In fact, few sports cars are. If you're the type of person to be religious about maintenance and preventing problems rather than solving them, and want a fun ride, this is it As far as what you can put in it, it's fine.. baby seats, golf bags, skis, friends, in-laws, these things fit without trouble.
I think the first step is go test drive a few, see if the feeling is to your liking. I imagine you're used to something very different coming from an F250.
As far as what you can put in it, it's fine.. baby seats, golf bags, skis, friends, in-laws, these things fit without trouble.I think the first step is go test drive a few, see if the feeling is to your liking. I imagine you're used to something very different coming from an F250.
I'm looking for ease, leisure, efficient and cheap (within reason) - As I mentioned before, I'm getting the vibe that getting a sports car for my 'first car' and with no experience 'fixing' cars might not be the best idea, especially if I can only afford an 04 model or earlier.
I just want opinions from other 8 owners how costly it is (money and time) to keep up an 8. From other forums It seems pretty easy to do most of the repairs myself and somewhat cheap doing it that way, but might only really be worth it to 'RX8 fanatics'
10-09-2010, 02:17 PM
#18
Practical as in; I have very little time on my hands - between work and hardly ever looking under the hood of a car, I'm doubting my abilities to keep an 8 in top condition... tho I would honestly love how to do all or most of those things myself. Yes the feel will be dramatically different, I expect that. I hate to have to sell my truck, but right now I'm throwing over 5k in it a year not including gas; I need to get rid of it.
I'm looking for ease, leisure, efficient and cheap (within reason) - As I mentioned before, I'm getting the vibe that getting a sports car for my 'first car' and with no experience 'fixing' cars might not be the best idea, especially if I can only afford an 04 model or earlier.
I just want opinions from other 8 owners how costly it is (money and time) to keep up an 8. From other forums It seems pretty easy to do most of the repairs myself and somewhat cheap doing it that way, but might only really be worth it to 'RX8 fanatics'
I'm looking for ease, leisure, efficient and cheap (within reason) - As I mentioned before, I'm getting the vibe that getting a sports car for my 'first car' and with no experience 'fixing' cars might not be the best idea, especially if I can only afford an 04 model or earlier.
I just want opinions from other 8 owners how costly it is (money and time) to keep up an 8. From other forums It seems pretty easy to do most of the repairs myself and somewhat cheap doing it that way, but might only really be worth it to 'RX8 fanatics'
10-09-2010, 02:39 PM
#19
I'll make this simple.
I'm selling a truck. With that money I'm going to pay cash for an 8.
My motives are these:
1) Better MPG (I realize 8's aren't that great, but they're better than an f250)
2) Car looks sexy, have been mildly interesting in purchasing one since I can remember.
3) Would be fun to drive.
4) Considering its a Mazda I assume maintenance is at a minimum?
5) Obv no payment.
Here is my question to you 8 owners: Someone like me, who likes the look, would appreciate the car from a "civilian standpoint" (vs someone who takes it to the race track once a month) loves driving manual, etc - is this 'sports car' really worth my time and money?
I'm selling a truck. With that money I'm going to pay cash for an 8.
My motives are these:
1) Better MPG (I realize 8's aren't that great, but they're better than an f250)
2) Car looks sexy, have been mildly interesting in purchasing one since I can remember.
3) Would be fun to drive.
4) Considering its a Mazda I assume maintenance is at a minimum?
5) Obv no payment.
Here is my question to you 8 owners: Someone like me, who likes the look, would appreciate the car from a "civilian standpoint" (vs someone who takes it to the race track once a month) loves driving manual, etc - is this 'sports car' really worth my time and money?
2. I think you mean "reasons", not "motives". Motives usually means reasons that are hidden or not obvious, e.g. "His real motive for buying a sports car was to look cool when he parked at work."
10-09-2010, 02:44 PM
#20
10-09-2010, 05:04 PM
#22
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Thanks for the info.
Hmm... I'm getting a strong vibe from you that the only really happy owners of 8's are the people who have fallin in love with them through thick or thin...
As I mentioned above, i'm buying the 8 mostly for the 'practical' reason (I.e. MPG, Maintenance, Long life [complimentary to most Mazda's]) but, what i've learned so far (which I admit is very little) is that this might not be the best care for my specific condition. Correct?
Hmm... I'm getting a strong vibe from you that the only really happy owners of 8's are the people who have fallin in love with them through thick or thin...
As I mentioned above, i'm buying the 8 mostly for the 'practical' reason (I.e. MPG, Maintenance, Long life [complimentary to most Mazda's]) but, what i've learned so far (which I admit is very little) is that this might not be the best care for my specific condition. Correct?
and I can see why. It's not an economy car with only ~15-22mpg
i'd say maintenance is average for any car...unless something major goes wrong...like any car. but you need to pay attention.
it seems to age fairly well, depending on how much salt and how many miles it endures. I'd do some serious soul searching about "do i care enough?
Have you driven it at all or very far to see what it's like?
Last edited by Spin9k; 10-09-2010 at 05:06 PM.
10-09-2010, 06:08 PM
#23
Effin' Awesome User
In light of everyone's replies thus far, I'll just add that I believe you should try and get a Series II (2009+) version, if you can afford it. Mazda addressed a lot of issues with the update and you'll have more warranty left, which will help you with whatever issues may arise.
10-10-2010, 01:48 PM
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In light of everyone's replies thus far, I'll just add that I believe you should try and get a Series II (2009+) version, if you can afford it. Mazda addressed a lot of issues with the update and you'll have more warranty left, which will help you with whatever issues may arise.
- I realllllyyyy want an 8 though! I hear the 2005's are better off than the 04's as far as manufacturers' glitches, but whats the chance of me finding an 05 for 8k :s
10-10-2010, 03:02 PM
#25
Just checked prices, they are back to high. Right now a decent 04 is as much as I paid for mine over a year ago...
I would not worry too much about an 04 vs 05. You can check the engine replacement thing with Mazda. I did the rest of the clean up stuff on mine for $100. Thread below lays it out.
The prices fluctuate, not sure why. Pull up AutoTrader, set up your search, and check it every day. I found mine in St. Augustine, from Orlando, at a Chrysler Dealership. Someone traded it on a pickup truck and they wanted to move it. Just be ready to pounce. At that time, there were 8K and 9K 2004 and 2005s. If there is a local dealer, tell them what your are looking for, if they see one on trade, they can save bucks not auctioning it. If prices are high, give it a month, they might change. There were not a lot out there this morning, so prices are high. If more show up, maybe they will drop...
Good luck.
Mike
I would not worry too much about an 04 vs 05. You can check the engine replacement thing with Mazda. I did the rest of the clean up stuff on mine for $100. Thread below lays it out.
The prices fluctuate, not sure why. Pull up AutoTrader, set up your search, and check it every day. I found mine in St. Augustine, from Orlando, at a Chrysler Dealership. Someone traded it on a pickup truck and they wanted to move it. Just be ready to pounce. At that time, there were 8K and 9K 2004 and 2005s. If there is a local dealer, tell them what your are looking for, if they see one on trade, they can save bucks not auctioning it. If prices are high, give it a month, they might change. There were not a lot out there this morning, so prices are high. If more show up, maybe they will drop...
Good luck.
Mike