A no BS assessment of the RX-8
10-26-2007, 06:22 AM
#1
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A no BS assessment of the RX-8
I’ve been searching for a 4+ seated car, affordable, “sporty”, decent handling, and more hp than my previous ride. Something that wont litter the streets like S2K’s, Si’s, etc….
Along comes the RX-8. It seems to have everything I really need. More horses than my lawnmower, 4 seats, decent looks, and a price tag that won’t kill my wallet.
However, after doing a bit of research and asking around my other car forums, I realized that the rotary engine was somewhat of a nightmare. The general consensus I received was that it was very problematic, and tends to need frequent maintenance than any regular car. (Then again, the RX-8 is no “regular car)
A good friend of mine owned some “Shinka” RX-8 or somewhat, and had traded it in after 3-4 months of use for an RSX…. complained that the regular maintenance was a hassle.
By no means am I “dissing” the rotary engine. In fact, I find it amazing that Mazda squeezed out 200hp+ from a 1.3 liter, and I really appreciate the overall design of the car.
With all the maintenance required (if at all), would you recommend the RX-8 as a DD?
It may seem a bit stupid to post this on an RX-8 forum, as I expect the same opinions as “fanboy” (no insult intended), but I’ll give you guys the benefit of the doubt.
Along comes the RX-8. It seems to have everything I really need. More horses than my lawnmower, 4 seats, decent looks, and a price tag that won’t kill my wallet.
However, after doing a bit of research and asking around my other car forums, I realized that the rotary engine was somewhat of a nightmare. The general consensus I received was that it was very problematic, and tends to need frequent maintenance than any regular car. (Then again, the RX-8 is no “regular car)
A good friend of mine owned some “Shinka” RX-8 or somewhat, and had traded it in after 3-4 months of use for an RSX…. complained that the regular maintenance was a hassle.
By no means am I “dissing” the rotary engine. In fact, I find it amazing that Mazda squeezed out 200hp+ from a 1.3 liter, and I really appreciate the overall design of the car.
With all the maintenance required (if at all), would you recommend the RX-8 as a DD?
It may seem a bit stupid to post this on an RX-8 forum, as I expect the same opinions as “fanboy” (no insult intended), but I’ll give you guys the benefit of the doubt.
10-26-2007, 06:39 AM
#2
He's as bad as Can
However, after doing a bit of research and asking around my other car forums, I realized that the rotary engine was somewhat of a nightmare. The general consensus I received was that it was very problematic, and tends to need frequent maintenance than any regular car. (Then again, the RX-8 is no “regular car)
My DD 8 now has 106,000 miles , been very reliable and is still fun. The thread I linked to has my entire maintenance log up to 100,000 while more work than a Civic owner would do I still have time to work, post here, play with the kids, have a life and drive alot.
Last edited by expo1; 10-26-2007 at 07:32 AM.
10-26-2007, 07:01 AM
#4
Search around on the forum here and you will find a lot of people with daily drivers. I have had mine for over a year now and have driven about 20,000 miles and still love it. I couldn't find a better value for a coupe.
I was looking for a 2 door car with over 200hp with 4 seats, there aren't that many around. I was looking between the acura rsx and this car, and i just couldn't beat the value. For the same price I got nav, leather, a proper sports car, 18" wheels, and a better quality interior with the 8. I bought a 2004 with every factory option plus a set of winter tires with 21,500 miles for 22,000. The car is a hell of a head turner too. Just be ready to explain rotary mechanics to gear heads when you stop for gas. The car doesn't hold it value well so buying used is an awesome way to go.
I bought this car used and have had a few maintenance problems, but all were covered under warrenty and i was provided a rental from Mazda, so other then picking the car up and dropping it off, i really had no problem. This involved a couple of recalls, tsb's and a transmission problem. I'm rather picky and like the car to be in tip top shape, other then the transmission most of the problems were cosmetic. I have a 2004 and those had a few odd problems here and there, like plastic pieces braking, water in the tail light and small things like that, which are all covered by Mazda but are annoying. I would recommend getting a 2005 or above. I have had actually no problem relating to the engine since buying the car. The maintenance is only slightly higher then a normal piston engine. I change the oil every 2500-3000 miles like i have in every car i have owned and check the oil level every other fill up. I can usually do that in the time it takes to fill the gas tank. It does use a lot of gas (16-22, 17.5 average). I would highly recommend the car to anyone who doesn't have a long daily commute. I only have to commute less then 5 miles, so bad gas mileage doesn't really bother me.
If you live in a snowy/frozen area, i live in Philadelphia, I would recommend setting aside 1k for a set of snow tires when buying the car. You can't drive in the winter with summer tires. With the winter tires the car handles like a dream in the snow, and is damn fun without the traction control on. I commuted to work in every storm last year and Philadelphia had a couple good ones. Just have to watch for clearance. I made it when a lot of other cars didn't, might be because i'm crazy, or just the car handles so well.
The handling is amazing first of all, but second its amazing because it doesn't raddle your teeth thats the amazing part. Its comfortable to drive on a highway and a dream on back roads. Plus 6 foot people can use the back seat and the trunk is actually very very usable. The opening is a little small but thats why you have a little door and back seats.
So all in all, if you have a short commute or don't mind paying for gas, you can probably find a nicely equipped 8 with low mileage for under 20k and you can't beat that for the quality that you get for that price.
Also people worry about the longevity of the rotary engine, if well kept many people have had N/A rotary engines last well over 100k miles.
if you have any specific questions just pm me
edit: also i forgot to mention that when you buy this car you also are in the rotary owners club. People will wave to you on the roads, and there are probably a lot of rotary events around the country if that interests you. Its not like buying a civic where everyone has one, but not as prestigious as buying a Ferrari, but kinda like that.
I was looking for a 2 door car with over 200hp with 4 seats, there aren't that many around. I was looking between the acura rsx and this car, and i just couldn't beat the value. For the same price I got nav, leather, a proper sports car, 18" wheels, and a better quality interior with the 8. I bought a 2004 with every factory option plus a set of winter tires with 21,500 miles for 22,000. The car is a hell of a head turner too. Just be ready to explain rotary mechanics to gear heads when you stop for gas. The car doesn't hold it value well so buying used is an awesome way to go.
I bought this car used and have had a few maintenance problems, but all were covered under warrenty and i was provided a rental from Mazda, so other then picking the car up and dropping it off, i really had no problem. This involved a couple of recalls, tsb's and a transmission problem. I'm rather picky and like the car to be in tip top shape, other then the transmission most of the problems were cosmetic. I have a 2004 and those had a few odd problems here and there, like plastic pieces braking, water in the tail light and small things like that, which are all covered by Mazda but are annoying. I would recommend getting a 2005 or above. I have had actually no problem relating to the engine since buying the car. The maintenance is only slightly higher then a normal piston engine. I change the oil every 2500-3000 miles like i have in every car i have owned and check the oil level every other fill up. I can usually do that in the time it takes to fill the gas tank. It does use a lot of gas (16-22, 17.5 average). I would highly recommend the car to anyone who doesn't have a long daily commute. I only have to commute less then 5 miles, so bad gas mileage doesn't really bother me.
If you live in a snowy/frozen area, i live in Philadelphia, I would recommend setting aside 1k for a set of snow tires when buying the car. You can't drive in the winter with summer tires. With the winter tires the car handles like a dream in the snow, and is damn fun without the traction control on. I commuted to work in every storm last year and Philadelphia had a couple good ones. Just have to watch for clearance. I made it when a lot of other cars didn't, might be because i'm crazy, or just the car handles so well.
The handling is amazing first of all, but second its amazing because it doesn't raddle your teeth thats the amazing part. Its comfortable to drive on a highway and a dream on back roads. Plus 6 foot people can use the back seat and the trunk is actually very very usable. The opening is a little small but thats why you have a little door and back seats.
So all in all, if you have a short commute or don't mind paying for gas, you can probably find a nicely equipped 8 with low mileage for under 20k and you can't beat that for the quality that you get for that price.
Also people worry about the longevity of the rotary engine, if well kept many people have had N/A rotary engines last well over 100k miles.
if you have any specific questions just pm me
edit: also i forgot to mention that when you buy this car you also are in the rotary owners club. People will wave to you on the roads, and there are probably a lot of rotary events around the country if that interests you. Its not like buying a civic where everyone has one, but not as prestigious as buying a Ferrari, but kinda like that.
Last edited by bsteimel; 10-26-2007 at 07:13 AM.
10-26-2007, 07:02 AM
#5
Mazda Only. 10+yrs
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I drive mine 70+ miles a day.
Bought it w/ 7,500
now at almost 21,000 (man they add up quick)
And I enjoy the hell out of every last one.
No maintance at all . Oil every 4-5k ( I do it myself 'cause I dont want them touching my baby ) And tires.
My old 85 rx7 was the same way and I ran that to 180 k and it still ran great ... go t rid of it due to body damage.
Bought it w/ 7,500
now at almost 21,000 (man they add up quick)
And I enjoy the hell out of every last one.
No maintance at all . Oil every 4-5k ( I do it myself 'cause I dont want them touching my baby ) And tires.
My old 85 rx7 was the same way and I ran that to 180 k and it still ran great ... go t rid of it due to body damage.
10-26-2007, 08:10 AM
#7
Extraordinary Engineering
fugg, Welcome to the forum!
My 8 is my daily driver year round now entering our third winter together.
As for maintenance...
Is everyone that lazy? Checking to oil level every other tank used to be normal for any car. How is this somewhat of a nightmare?
My 8 is my daily driver year round now entering our third winter together.
As for maintenance...
Is everyone that lazy? Checking to oil level every other tank used to be normal for any car. How is this somewhat of a nightmare?
10-26-2007, 08:35 AM
#9
XYELLR8
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I've had mine sine 2004 and with 48K miles on it, it still runs like a champ. Even better than the first day i bought it! daily maintenance and updated flashes has made it a champ!
What's the hassle with daily routine maintenance? check your oil every other gas fill up... ( you should do this with EVERY car anyways at the gas station.)
Change your oil on a daily basis 3-5K miles...( you do this with OTHER cars already )
Changing your spark plugs every 30-40K miles or earlier... ( same as above)
The only REAL hassle that I see from non-owners is that you have to warm up your car with every start in order to prevent flooding. (you should do this with every car anyways, driving a cold car is baaaaad mmmK?)
If you do decide to buy one. Just take care of it.
What's the hassle with daily routine maintenance? check your oil every other gas fill up... ( you should do this with EVERY car anyways at the gas station.)
Change your oil on a daily basis 3-5K miles...( you do this with OTHER cars already )
Changing your spark plugs every 30-40K miles or earlier... ( same as above)
The only REAL hassle that I see from non-owners is that you have to warm up your car with every start in order to prevent flooding. (you should do this with every car anyways, driving a cold car is baaaaad mmmK?)
If you do decide to buy one. Just take care of it.
10-26-2007, 08:56 AM
#10
Black and B-E-A-UTIFUL!
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Maybe the EXTRA maintenance is having to spin the engine up to 9,000 rpm once or twice a day...VERY difficult for none rotary owners to comprehend.
Oh yeah...see my sig (approaching 70,000 miles Daily Driver with NO problems)
Oh yeah...see my sig (approaching 70,000 miles Daily Driver with NO problems)
10-26-2007, 09:01 AM
#11
I have to agree with the higher mileage folks as well. My 8 is my DD has 72K miles and has been a blast. Yes, you have to be a bit more of a motorhead to appreciate the rotary and you have to understand that it requires a little more care. But it amounts to checking the oil level regularly, changing the oil every 3000-4000 miles and changing plugs. Aside from that don't shut it down until fully warmed up and the chances of flooding are very low. BStiemel's post hits it pretty much on the head as far as my own experience goes.
10-26-2007, 10:30 AM
#12
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Yawn. Yet another mis-informed, non-rotary owner forming opinions based on what his friend says.
The worst is the ones who come in, saying that they heard from a friend who heard from his cousin who heard from the dogcatcher who heard it from his kid's 3rd-grade teacher who heard it from an old codger down the street that once upon a time, rotaries failed a lot and were hi-maintenance.
if the car were as bad as some make it, it wouldn't sell. But since you have sooo many doubts, dude, just get a Camry. Be safe and boring, like the rest.
>.<
The worst is the ones who come in, saying that they heard from a friend who heard from his cousin who heard from the dogcatcher who heard it from his kid's 3rd-grade teacher who heard it from an old codger down the street that once upon a time, rotaries failed a lot and were hi-maintenance.
if the car were as bad as some make it, it wouldn't sell. But since you have sooo many doubts, dude, just get a Camry. Be safe and boring, like the rest.
>.<
10-26-2007, 10:45 AM
#14
Registered User
I actually like checking the oil. I don't do it on fill ups though. When I get off the train after work, there's a $hitload of cars trying to exit the lot through one exit. Rather than idling in the lineup to the exit, I just wait around until it all clears. So checking my oil level/adding oil actually gives me something to do sometimes while I wait.
10-26-2007, 10:46 AM
#15
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... I realized that the rotary engine was somewhat of a nightmare...
...By no means am I “dissing” the rotary engine...
...By no means am I “dissing” the rotary engine...
With all the maintenance required (if at all), would you recommend the RX-8 as a DD?
It may seem a bit stupid to post this on an RX-8 forum,
Ken
10-26-2007, 11:15 AM
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i posted a thread for all of these people, i hope it becomes a sticky, https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/all-you-people-dont-know-if-8-right-car-you-129760/
10-26-2007, 11:21 AM
#23
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10-26-2007, 11:23 AM
#24
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...
However, after doing a bit of research and asking around my other car forums, I realized that the rotary engine was somewhat of a nightmare. The general consensus I received was that it was very problematic, and tends to need frequent maintenance than any regular car. (Then again, the RX-8 is no “regular car)
However, after doing a bit of research and asking around my other car forums, I realized that the rotary engine was somewhat of a nightmare. The general consensus I received was that it was very problematic, and tends to need frequent maintenance than any regular car. (Then again, the RX-8 is no “regular car)
A good friend of mine owned some “Shinka” RX-8 or somewhat, and had traded it in after 3-4 months of use for an RSX…. complained that the regular maintenance was a hassle.
By no means am I “dissing” the rotary engine. In fact, I find it amazing that Mazda squeezed out 200hp+ from a 1.3 liter, and I really appreciate the overall design of the car.
With all the maintenance required (if at all), would you recommend the RX-8 as a DD?
...
With all the maintenance required (if at all), would you recommend the RX-8 as a DD?
...
10-26-2007, 11:35 AM
#25
Blue By You
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The truth about the rotary and Renesis in particular falls somewhere between what you're going to hear on other car forums and what most rotary enthusiasts will tell you. No, it's not the most reliable engine, but it's also not so bad that you should rule it out completely if it's a car you really love. But, if topping off with oil every few weeks seems unreasonable for you then find something else. For some people the rotary is worth the little extra hassle and greater chance of failure, for some it's not. However, there's nothing about the RX-8 that makes it a bad daily driver...