motorvated

I like the look of the car, I like driving them..the interior is great. ITs just a well priced, sporty car. BUT Everybody I have talked out (outside of this site) has told me that they are unreliable, they are expensive to repair and the seals go on the rotary engines and they have to be rebuilt. Whats the story here? Ive been doing nothing but research on this car for a week or so now...But im started to question, is this a good daily driver for me? Ive even heard of people having horrible transmission problems.

I'll deffinatley keep up on ALL maintenance, and take great care of the car. I do like to really drive my cars though. I cruise around town, but everyonce in a while I like to red line it and have a little fun. Can this car handle that, and handle what I want to throw at it? You can see why im confused. Being 19, its hard to pick a car and lay down anywhere from 12-18K in cash for something. Please steer me in the right direction. Thank you very much.

dshiznit1489

You need to research a car longer than a week before you buy it....If you want straight up acceleration and light to light racing, this is NOT the car for you. Realize this car has almost no torque, its not a straight line car. 04's area really the only models with problems, especially the AT's. Other than that, its a pretty reliable car. The people you have talked to probably have no idea what they're talking about. In fact, you'll probably know more about this car than the dealer. If you wanna do nothing but redline, go ahead, you got 9k rpms that want nothing but that. Just research some more before you buy this car.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

As long as you keep up with the maintenance, there shouldn't be a problem.
Make sure all the recalls were performed and it has the latest flash.
This car will love you if you red line!
The quote is: A red line a day keeps the carbon away!

There is A LOT of information and intelligent people here on this forum who will assist you with anything.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

Don't let others scare you away--I'm sure they no nothing about these cars. Do what Jon316G saidand you will be fine. Plus you have this forum that has a wealth of info. Keep searching around here. GL!

PS--they extended the warranty for the engine to 8yrs/100,000 miles--buy one...you know you want to!

motorvated

Thanks a lot guys. Im deffinatley not looking for the redlight to redlight action. Im 19, but I dont agree with street racing. I will however open it up on some of the back roads. I have some great twisty roads near me, and they are perfect for this sort of car!! Ide deffinatley be getting a 6 speed, AT isnt even an option.

What woud I need to look out for on an 04 6speed?

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

make sure all the recalls are done for one and that the scheduled maintanance has been completed. Plugs and coils tend to go bad when you get up in miles, so make sure these have been tested/replaced. I would try to get as low miles as possible.

Eelfinn_Ty

I kept getting the same reaction from the people I talked to before I bought my 8. I thankfully haven't had to fix anything yet but I'm expecting it to be more expensive because they aren't a dime a dozen. There has been some issues with the rx8 engine. They were mostly in the early build. I use mine as my daily driver and it's only a couple miles to work. I always make sure it is warm before I turn it off to prevent flooding. The only transmission problems are when people drop the clutch at too high rpm.

The 8's do require a little more work because you NEED to check the oil more often, make sure it is warm before you turn it off, and red line it ever few days . If you can handle this on top of the regular maintenance, and pay for the gas you will probably be fine. There is always someone on their 3rd engine or 2nd or 3rd transmission but these are the exception. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone here will correct me.

Oh, and as soon as I took my friends out for a trip around the twisties they understood.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

The issue with the 04' is that it is more than likely out of warranty (for the bumper to bumper). Mine expired last year!
So any TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) that you need done will not be covered.
You can always ask to see what recalls and TSBs have been performed.

motorvated

yea im really gonna push for an 05 with low miles..but i may have to settle for an 04, since they seem to be more in my price range. Im not picky on color at all..SO I really just have to find one with good miles. Be nice to have a seller with maintenance records. (nobody ever does that anymore )

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I'm the original owner of my '04. Original engine, original trans.
I must have been one of the lucky ones... or just kept up with the proper maintenance, recalls, and flashes.
I have nearly 35K miles on it.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

A Mazda dealer should be able to look that up... just give them the VIN.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

really good info here!

beers

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

If everybody is telling you not to get one, then don't get one.
Pretty simple.

If that is how you make decisions, the RX-8 probably isn't a match for you, anyway.

motorvated

Great info in that sticky. Thanks a lot!!

And I never said i wasnt going to get one. I just asked why a lot of people bash on these cars. If you were 19, and putting thousands of dollars of your hard earned money into something..you might be wise to ask the same questions I did. Thanks for not giving any information though.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

So don't get one.

motorvated

I guess its similar to how people bashed on my miata..but once they go for a ride, they agree its a great little car

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

I've given plenty of information.
Tens of thousands of words.

I just didn't package it for you since you are more interested in having your opinion handed to you.

Best bet is to do your homework or buy a Honda.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

How much research have you done on the RX-8 and Renesis motor before posting this thread?

I'm asking this not to be an ***, but because there is a massive amount of information readily available about each concern you have expressed (and that your friends apparently have, too).

Did you not find satisfactory answers to those concerns and are looking for reassurances from owners here?

If you took the time to do some research, and know at least the basics about the pros and cons of the rotary and this gen RX-8, and can carry on an intelligent dialogue with facts, people here will be much more receptive to answering specific questions you have.

This forum can be pretty brutal to those who haven't searched for answers before asking basic questions.

Having said all that, welcome.

Flashwing

I heard similar grumbles when I first bought my car. Everyone who rode with me had nice things to say. I've driven lots of other sports cars since I bought my RX8 and I'm always glad to get back behind the wheel of my car.

Not cause it's mine, but because I love it.

xsnipersgox

if u baby ur car ur car will die on you.

redline as often as you can afford to

please rev match when you downshift, then the transmission will be fine

a member here, kinetic, has a 100,000 miles engine and he abuse the **** out of it, the engine is top notch.. though other parts of the car are starting to fail... because he abuse it (drive it like he steals it everywhere)

FYI, i have made the SAME "info" about once every day for the past month to "potential" rx8 buyers, none of them have done any real research. u included.

motorvated

great info guys. thanks a lot!

I have researched the rotary engines, and the diferant types used over the years. I was really looking for some reassurance from some of you who all ready own the car. Im not just a tire kicker. I love cars, and i always research as much as i possibly can before I buy something. Even buying magazines and books about them, too google and enthusiast sites such as this one. Its going to be another couple of months before Im able to purchase a car, and I have that much time to research. Ive only done a week of research, because ive only been interested in the car for a week. But, everyday im on this site reading damn near every topic posted. I appriciate the help guys, thanks a lot!

motorvated

oo and btw..i plan to drive it like i stole it 75% of the time atleast

Bumble_Bee

^ I had 2 Miatas in my lifetime... I'm thinking about my 3rd for my DD.....

Btw...remember this: "Jealous people will always knock the things they really want..BUT can not have....!!"

Get the "8" enjoy it and know that (all the haters) are drooling inside.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Well, then buy it already!
Time's a wastin'!

Make sure you put aside money for the things you want to customize and do them in "sets" so the car doesn't turn into a project (which diminishes the driving experience for some).

motorvated

Thanks guys. I have some more time before I can buy one. The only real "mods" I plan for the car are a small drop(i need to keep the great handling though) ,wheels,intake/exhaust and a little stereo work. Not really looking into bodykits or anything like that. I do really like the MS wing though