And even then, the '99 #4 bearing problem was a problem with part distribution, as opposed to first year design problems, as was the case with the weak crank on the '90 Miata.

---jps

"Regarding the transmission, it's only built by the same company that makes them for the Miata's right, it's not the same tranny? "

I don't have my RX-8 yet, it's on order and due for delivery in January - a Nordic Green with Leather. But I do have another car and it's one that I will be keeping for good. It's a 1997 Miata (MX-5) Turbo. It runs a 12psi FM2 turbo system and produces 240hp, 230lbft - it runs 60 in around five seconds. Anyway, the point is that as an avid Miata enthusiast I can tell you that many many people run 200hp+,200lbft+ power/torque levels in the Miata - it's one of the most modified cars out there. I've run this way for over 20000 miles and three years. There are many 100000+ miler turbo Miatas. General wisdom is that you need to look at the tranny once you start going north of 250whp or so. I doubt it's the same transmission in the RX-8 but I wouldn't worry even if it was - the RX-8 wouldn't be troubling it any; the Miata transmission is surprisingly strong, as is it's engine - I like most others have no internal modifications whatsoever...

Looking forward to the '8 - they'll look good together...;-)

Interestingly, here in the UK, Mazda routinely sits near the top of the JD Power and Top Gear surveys for reliablility, year after year...

Speaking of CR, I just got the one in the mail that compares the 8 to the 350, Crossfire, Lancer EVO and WRX.

Has anyone seen this yet? If you read the writeup on the 350, they hardly have anything good to say about it. Quick to start and stop, but honestly, that's about it. They go on and on about how rough the ride is, how noisy it is, and I quote 'even on a smooth highway, it remains nervous and jittery'. I love the part where they say that Nissan advises that no one under 12 even ride in the passenger seat, because there is no way to disengage the airbags.

When you read what they said in the RX-8 writeup, almost nothing bad (just fuel economy)...compliment after compliment after compliment. 'It has excellent road manners, delivering both agile handling and the most comfortable ride in the group.' The flowers go on and on and on.

Yet they have the 350 as a 'CR Recommended', but not the 8.

Even people who I have shown this to who are not blinded by their love of the 8 have mentioned that this seems to be an indictment of CR's credibility.

Nothing against the 350, which I do respect in its own right, something smells fishy in Objectiveville...

I've had 2 Mazdas now and the most serious issue I had was the AC compressor failed in my RX8 last summer- bearings bad. Considering that the car is a year old now, the next year will indicate to me the comparative reliability of Mazda since 2 years is the record interval (for me). The most trouble free car I ever owned was the Mazda Millenia S(2001). The least reliable was a Honda and a BMW (I bought new) for they left me stranded and had what is classified as major mechanical problems - engine seizure (honda) and electrical failure of alternator and shorted battery (BMW at 2 yrs.) which caused all kinds of problems with sensors later when OUT OF WARRANTY - beautiful to drive, deadly on the wallet.

I owned a 1989 Ford Probe, purchased it new in within a couple months of the initial release and drove it for over 120,000 miles with no manufacturing, design, or premature wear problems. (It was vandalized once, broken into once, and hit once, but no problem that were the fault of Mazda/Ford). I also owned and a 1999 Miata, the first year of the M2 with no problems. In between, I had an Achieva SCX (I worked for a GM Division and was encouraged to be a team player and switch to GM), the SCX was horrible with major mechanical failures at 10000, 20000 and 30000 miles so I dumped it before the 36000 mile warranty ran out. Went back to the Ford/Mazda Probe GT (no major problems). Then to the Honda Del Sol Vtec which was great other than it developed an electrical problem at 20,000.

When I looked for a replacement for the Miata, since I now will need the extra seats, my good expereince with Mazda built products played a major role in my selectiong the 8.