Hey everyone, wanted to introduce myself to you all. Im Steve, and currently drive a '98 VW Passat 1.8T GLS.



I just got back from my local dealer and test drove a new Velocity Red with 6speed manual. What a great car. I can not get over the amount of space that the interior of the car really has. I read up on all the literature that the dealer gave me about the Renesis winning several awards for the engine and its acheivements over the years with the RX3 and RX7's over the decades. I would like to hear from you all, as to what kind of issues you may have had over the past few weeks of ownership. I am eager to learn, as I am coming from a Euro background. Im not that big a fan of the Japanese Car market at all, and not ver fond of the huge wings, wide open front spoilers and air dams, but like this car alot and would eventuallly like to get some mods underway. If I take ownership, dark tints, and a debadging would need to be done. Only concern is, on the Mazda logo on the front bumper, and rear deck lid, are the emblems attached by screws from the inside, or are they attached with 3M double sided tape adhesive? Thanks for all the help, and please let me know of your thought of this great looking, and sounding car.

TIA,
ScubaSteve

 

Welcome. Lots of discussion on badges already done. (search)

SCUBA diver huh? You already have something going for you!

 

Thanks for the tip. I will pull a search and see what I can find. Nope, not a diver, just my nick name in high school. Big Daddy was a hit the year I graduated. So, i was dubbed the nick of ScubaSteve

 

So, when I go and possibly trade my VW in for the 8, are there things that I should be careful about?

 

Expect lower gas mileage as a trade off for a lot more fun.

You will NOT get both in this car.

 

I know the RX-8 emblem is doublesided tape, and it appears that the two Mazda symbols are too.

I have driven mine 2000 miles 90% around town traffic, and have been getting 16 to 20 MPG, depending on my drivng habits. 1/3 of a quart low on oil after 2000 miles, lot better than I expected. Everything is holding up real well. Same as you, I read a lot of info, had very high expectations, all have been not only met but exceeded. Going on 5 weeks, and still wake up every morning looking forward to my very short drive to work (7 miles). My wife drove it to work today (I needed her truck), I hope I don't have to fight her to get it back. If so, she's going down.

We take drives every evening, for absolutely no reason at all, but to have a fun drive.

 

Read the many posts in the threads. I am new to rotary too and have learned many things from the people here. I get 16 MPG in town and a rotary is, by nature an oil consumer - it consumes oil as part of its design (not a flaw) so you have to check oil. My dipstick read 3/4 full when I bought the car a month ago. I just put 3/4 a quart of Castrol 5W-20 in it last weekend - not a problem.

You will also read about some issues that some people are concerned with. I have concluded that there are 3 specific groups of admirers/owners here - previous RX7/rotary lovers that are performance oriented, rotary lovers-period and sprts sedan lovers. The performance people will share with you the mods and the hp issues and the likely sistercar '05 RX7 stories. THe rotary lovers share the car and their joy of having a new rotary car around and the sedan people are intrigued with the car.

I have no issues with my own. As a previous owner of a BMW 328is, a Lexus, and a Millennia S, I come from more the sport luxury blend of car. The RX8 is, in my opinion, more sport than luxury and a certain tolerance of vibration, etc. should be normal. Mine misses when I forst start it in the morn. and misses at idle some - unheard of in my other cars but then again we will see. I haven't broken down so nothing is serious.

I can tell you that Mazda is treating me a lot better than in 2001 with the purchase of the Millennia S. I had some issue with that car that lasted about 7 months - tires! Mazda made good on the tires and I found a place locally that the guy balances by sight - perfectly and better than the computer at the dealer. Mazda does not have the uppity following of some other makes but the quality speaks for itself. Time will tell on this car and in the meantime, those of us that bought it are enjoying every minute.

 

Well thank you for the tips. I have begun to read some of the posts and threads around here but there is alot to read. Great literature for slow days at work.

RodsterinFL - Where at in FtMyers do you live? I have family in Cape Coral, and the Naples area. If, and when I get my 8, would be great to meet up some time when Im down there visiting.

 

My advice, just buy the car !!! So informative.

 

Maybe this weekend, but time will tell. I have to eventually part out my current car, which will take time.

 

Too bad. It's a great sport everyone should try it.

Buy the car if you can afford it and the gas mileage.

 

Yeah, gas mileage is going to be an issue as I get 25-33 around town now. Oh well, thats the down side of owning a sports car I suppose.