Hey all i'm very interested in buying a rx-8 but recently ive heard that they have a few problems like:

- High cost maintenence
- High fuel consumtion
- Rotor oil seals
- Alot of transmission problems
- Overheating

Do these differ between models?
Any thoughts on it? Is it worth all these "so called" problems?
I'm looking for a reliable and problem free car.

 

In before someone tells you to search

Seriously, most of your questions have been answered 500 times in the past month.

From personal experience: I've never had an issue with overheating. From what I understand, it is more of a concern if you are autocrossing, or drive an auto with one oil cooler.

Maintenence hasn't seemed any higher to me, the rotary does require you to check your oil/fill oil more often, but if you can't manage that a sports car isn't right for you.

As far as transmission problems go, I haven't had any issues. When going into first, there is usually a "thunk", that from what I understand is somewhat normal. Other than that, I've had no real issues with it.

I'll let the more experienced members answer the questions about the Apex Seals, but I can say that the majority of owners don't have any problems with their engines.

 

Most of those problems were with the last version of the Rotary engine, the 3rd Generation RX-7. They had overheating problems, were expensive to work on, though not sure about the transmission problems. "Rotor Oil Seals" aren't really a common problem. Hell, like any other engine, there is a chance a seal will blow, causing problems. People who buy the RX-8 don't exactly have a timer on when their seal is gonna go.

High fuel consumption. Welcome to the world of sports cars
Maintenance cost is a bit higher than usual, because these cars aren't like a Mustang or Civic...you don't see them on every block. That doesn't mean working on them costs your arms, legs, and even some of your ear.

One thing you'll want to do is evade the 04 model, as it's the first production year. There are a LOT of people who haven't had any problems, but there are a few out there that have these little "kinks" now and then....a bit more than other years.

This car has been rated as average - above average in reliability.

 

dont dump your clutch at 7k rpm +....and your tranny will be just fine

 

^ WHAT? Oh crap....*runs outside to pet the tranny, and sing it songs.*

 

Buy a dif car.

 

had fun in mine the short time i owned it. only downer above all else is having big block chevy gas mileage out of 1.3 liters minus the torque. all else i could live with but not 180-220 miles to a tankfull....not at 4.45 a gallon for premium.

 

JaredK,

Don't let these guys bs you. Just buy that Geo Metro you really want.

Free advice is worth every penny you paid unless you got it on the internet,
then it is only worth half that much.

 

Welcome to the site and hope you find the car to your liking before you purchase. It does have nuances that you must get accustomed to. More info on this forum than you can imagine.

Here's a sample:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx8-faq-new-owners-116484/

A little perusing of the site via the search feature will make you a very happy user. Being informed is just what you need to be doing prior to purchase. So jump right in.

This quote:
"I'm looking for a reliable and problem free car."
... concerns me a bit though!

 

i think the hottest thing in the car is the sliding console. It melts chocolate..kind of like an oven.

 

Ahh, but this car like all real sports cars is fundementally a luxury. If you can't afford it, then you have to go play somewhere else. You can definitely find cars that are as fast or as fun that are cheaper to feed.

The RX-8 is about three things.

First and foremost, it's a race-bred car that is amazingly fun to drive. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear called it the 'easiest car to drive fast'. It accelerates smoothly and corners like a dream. Its ideal location is a twisty back road somewhere or a canyon highway; yet it's a capable highway cruiser that can keep up to anything around.

Second, it's a drop-dead gorgeous car that looks like nothing else on the road, and will get you noticed. It has an interior to match the exotic good looks on the outside and it's very solidly built. It throws a splash of practicality with a usable back seat and surprising trunk space.

Third, it's chuckable. RX-8's normally finish top of their class in autocross because the car comes stock built better than many cars are after being modified.

 

treat it right and it will treat u right.....check oil a redline a day keeps the carbon away.....

 

I'm curious. Where, specifically, did you hear that?

Also wondering if we'll ever see a second post.

Ken

 

Do you want a reliable car, or a low maintenance car?

The RX-8 is reliable. It's not low maintenance. If you cannot keep up with maintenance, it becomes unreliable.

 

not likely,

and it was not because he did not get the answer he was looking for!

one and done.. trollishis.

beers

 

But he got the result he was looking for.

 

I love my 8

nough said

 

Well here's your chance:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-wanted-43/fs-04-rx-8-6-speed-gt-150597/

 

hmmm....troll??

 

Oh, my apology. I'll delete my post.

 

Hey all thanks so much for the help and sorry for the late reply ive been scouting around for the best deal...i can say im definately a rx-8 man and can say happily that im soon to be a pearl white owner.
cheers

 

super terrific great..

beers