Hello all,

I hate to make this first post. I do realize there is a search function, but I don't have days or weeks to sift through the whole forum. I am considering dumping my Mini Cooper S for a Rx-8 Auto Touring. What, if any issues, do I need to be aware of, look for or discuss with the dealer. Apreciate any and all advice, comments or warnings. Thanks in advance.

 

Have you thoroughly researched the 8 and made sure its what you want - the last thing we need is another person complaining about the low torque at lowend RPMs.

Have you even test drove the 8? Do you absolutely have to have an automatic?

 

oh god - not another.

let's see, there's the mileage issue, the TSBs, the checking of oil every other fillup, the low end torque, the high 14s/low 15s quarter mile time...the list could go on.

really, a search would be much better than posing such an open ended question.

 

Is your wife unable to locate, remove, observe, and replace an oil dipstick on a regular basis? (Judging from your screenname she's already incapable of driving a manual transmission, and has no desire to learn.)
Does she whine if the A/C isn't antarctically cold?
Does she grab your arm and shriek at you to slow down if you exceed the speed limit by 5MPH?
Does she have a tendency to ignore red warning lights on the dash for days at a time?
Does she parallel park by touch?

If the answer to any of the above questions is "yes", DO NOT get an RX-8... unless you get divorced first.

And I've got to ask... why are you dumping the MINI S???

 

Hey, at least he's not trying to make his RX-8 go faster.

 

Yeah, a search is always better. Not worried about speed or lowend torque so much as quality and convenience. 4 doors and auto. Ever sat in the back a mini ?
MINI's have some serious build quality issues and some really bad dealers. The MAZDA dealer is willing to extend the rebates for a limiited amount of time. Since I first need to know what isssues to search for, I thought I'd ask the question of what too search for, first. The oil issue seams kinda serious, so I'l find that thread(s) and read it. Thanks for your time.

 

No just starting the research. Wanted one, settled on the MINI because it was cheaper. I did drive the 8 today. Last 4 cars were sticks, none of them had torque, if I wanted torque, I would be looking at v8's. Don't drag race from stoplights, anymore, so I don't think you will here me complain. Have any rotarys had lowend torque ? Getting old, but still want to look cool and enjoy a few twisties. I've read of several blown cluthces already, so I think the auto is for me, and the wife. Thanks for your reply.

 

It's primarily my car, I would like something she can drive also, thus the auto. I can keep up on the oil, as it would appear I will need too. MINI's air is not stellar either. Likely a small unit was used to not rob to much power, apparently like the RX-8's. Going to have to change my name. My first choice was taken, and did I mention I am in a hurry ?

I have fallen seriously out of love with the MINI, poor testing has lead to way to many defictive parts, which has lead to exhausted service people, which has lead to terrible service and a parent company who's much more intersted in denying issues and voiding warrantee's than addressing the issues. I don't expect much different from Mazda, but that's why I am here, to find out. Thanks for your reply.

 

The oil issue isn't serious...you just have to keep an eye on the oil level. Rotary designs call for oil usage...just check it every now and then.

My only negative comment is that the red LCD lights on the radio panel can be hard to read during the day. Other than that, I haven't had any problems with the clutch, A/C, brakes, switches, steering or anything else. Currently, I'm getting about 19 MPG and still enjoy driving the car very much.

You'll enjoy the car...so will your wife.

 

I don't believe there are any common, BAD, problems with the car. At least nothing like the Evo's weak clutch or the Eclipse's infamous "crankwalk" terror.

I studied this forum for weeks before deciding to purchase mine. I didn't find anything bad enough to stop me from getting one. Aside from a squeak in the seat, it's been flawless for 2,100 miles now.

The main surprise you'll encounter is the fuel milage. MTs average around 15-20 in mixed driving. I'm not sure about ATs (better probably).

As stated, the oil comsumption isn't an "issue." It's normal operation for a rotary, and is mentioned repeatedly in the manual.

Review this http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html for known recalls and TSBs.

 

Slow down, Newby

Buying a car is something best not done in a hurry. Take some time to research.

 

Oh, you are a wise person indeed. Just figured out the RE-040 are a Summer only tire.
Then I realized what my high performance all season tire options were.

Thanks for the hospitatilty. My MCS's 28 mpg were going to be missed, but was doable. The 8 being sold in the North East without All-Seasons and using a tire size that virtually no one makes a all season for ? I need at the very least, the option of driving to work when the snow flies. Alternate Rims/tires don't fit my current budget. Great car, just won't fit my current needs. Enjoy your cars, maybe when Mazda picks a different tire, I can come back.

 

And the winner was... the tires. Who would have thought -- but he's right. Without a set of winter wheels, the 8 is worthless in the snow. I didn't even get to complain about my six days of waiting around for... well, you guys know already.

 

I still haven't figured out what to do about tires. I have however taught the wifey how to drive a stick. :D If anyone has a tire setup they know works, feel to comment, I am open for suggestions.

So my user name will now need to be changed/deleted for a new one !!!

Tommorow I pick up a Silver sport package + the rear wing !!!!

 

The original advice still stands = do a search! :D In this case, search for "winter tires" and/or "winter wheels" in the Tires section of the forum and in the Canada regional forum section. The RX-8 has been out for 13 months now, and LOTS of us drove through the past winter. There are tried and true solutions out there, with a bunch of threads discussing what tire and wheel packages we got.

Many of us bought separate 17" wheels with 215/55-17 or 225/50-17 winter tires; lots bought 225/45-18 winter tires; some bought all-season tires (I don't recommend that for any significant snow/ice usage). If you have more questions after reading some of those threads from last fall and winter, please post in the Tires and Wheels forum section!

Regards,
Gordon

 

Ya know what, Gordon? You really are a "gift" to this forum. I always enjoy reading your good and thoughtful advice.............

 

Yeah,

Good show. Let's keep user forums a showy arrogant rant for the experienced and keep all the new people chastised until they loose ineterest.


I posted the tire issue in this thread over a month ago.
Nobody suggested a search then, sorry I didn't presume tons of info was available, since your fellow users didn't choose to point out my flawed logic in the past.

I apologize for referring to something I posted, in this thread, earlier. I most be too stupid for this car. Better call the dealer back!!!

 

I thought Gordon made an excellent post. Dunno how you could call that a 'showy arrogant rant'.

Maybe I missed your point though. /shrug.

 

Hey Slushbox -

Who/what was that last post directed at?

Gordon really did post a helpful reply (after he suggested a search), and if you would PM him, I bet he'd be more than willing to give you some specific recommendations.

Overall, I think you got some pretty decent replies to your questions.

JMO

 

The Mini has a face, only COPPER could love, BMW- it handles well- but check Consumers Report- on the relibilty-- Not good

 

Having owned a 3rd gen RX7, I know the good and bad on the rotary. Of course, the RX8 is not turbocharged, so it has fewer problems to deal with. You should consider what you are getting into before getting one.

You sound like an impulse buyer, so maybe you'll keep it for just 1 year (hope not) . Checking oil level is definitely not a normal thing with most conventional engines. What you do get is an exotic engine that is extremely light and revs freely to its limit.

I know there are those out there who agree with me, but the RX8 with the (4-speed) auto is like buying a Lexus without leather. Hey, if you like it, then it's fine, just my personal opinion.

 

My apologizes to Gordon. I am having a bad day . I wasn't bothered so much by what Gordon said. As I was at the comment that what he said was a "gift".

I likely took that whole situation out of context, I know where the search button is. My apologizes to everyone.

I felt some of the comments about finding a new wife and not another one of those from my first post were kinda arrogant.

I put that aside and was exited to share the good news with fellow Rx-8 drivers !!!! :p

And I got the "use the search button" response, followed up with a ada boy for the guy who said it.


I will need to be a little thicker of skin apparently. Cheers.

Thanks for the good advice. I did buy the six speed, so I am changing and or deleting this ID tommorow.

 

Oh yeah, Mazda dealers and service guys aren't the cream of the crop either, so beware...I love Mazdas, but not the idiots selling them and "repairing" them

 

Congrats on the new RX8 - and bigger props for going with the MT - you did the right thing!

 

Pirelli PZero Nero 245/40-18, and a Kumho that I can't remember the name of (AST? ASX?)

These don't show up on tirerack.com when you search on the rx-8 because it tries to match 235/45-18. You have to browse by make of tyre.

For snows on the 18" wheels, try Nokian Hakkapelitta snow tires, also in 245/40-18.