RX-8..bout to make the move.
 

Hey guys, new member here. Right now I own a g35 coupe, my brother is looking into a new car, and he wants to spend around 16-18, so that basically is about what a used 8 costs..Over on the g board I didnt get much help, considering its a g board.

Please be honest, Im just looking for a good car and maybe he'll want it. Overall I love the looks of the 8, the interior is nothing amazing, but non the less its nice. The bose is also a +..Just a few questions I have..

Why do soe many people say there are problems with this car, and honestly are there? I dont want my brother buying a car thats a damn lemon, and having to take it into the dealer every month. I keep reading "flooded engine" whats that about?

How does this car drive in the snow, we live in philly, so there is snow here and there..He would defintly need a car that can drive in the snow, since he goes to school.

Is the BOSE system up to par? I mean 9 speakers 300watts sounds great, but is it really?

Also, I think he will most liekly get an 04-05, are there any common problems with these years?

Last but not least, how is the resliability, is it safe buying a used Mazda..

Thanks alot guys!

if it's an 04-05, just make sure the car had all the recalls done.

the bose system is very nice, really.

the "flooded engine" problem is caused by starting and turning off the car too soon. to prevent that, just let the car warm up. letting any car warm up is always your best bet at keeping the engine in good condition.

I myself can't say how well it performs in the snow, due to me living in south texas. I can say that I got mine used ('04) and I really can't complain at all.

Just don't expect good mpg....

-Cody

edit: just get a carfax report on any of the 8's you look at. IMO, this car is very reliable if you take good care of it.

Generally If you have an 06 model you should have no problems, mine is an 06 GT bought it last year never had one issue and I have turned the car off when it hasn't warmed up properly and never got any flooding issues, A lot of problems were on the 04 to 05 but if you have the recalls done on them then they should be ok

For what it's worth, here are my 2 cents. The RX-8 is truly a fun car to drive. It's not the fastest car in the world but for someone who enjoys actually driving (as opposed to going stop light to stop light as fast as possible) it's a tremendous car. I have an '04 and it's never been in the shop (except for me getting careless in the rain and sliding into a tree, but that's another story and definitely not the car's fault). The Bose sound system is fine unless you are heavy into hip-hop and want some slammin' bass. I've never flooded the car. I live in southeastern Virginia so snow isn't an issue often. The one time I had it in the snow, it handled okay once I turned the traction control off (before that, it kept killing the power to the engine whenever my wheels would spin). Of course, take my opinion about snow driving with a grain of salt as I grew up in Atlanta. In short, if he's looking to smoke the kid down the street who has a used Evo IX then he'll hate it, but if he wants a nice looking (IMHO) car that drives great and is pretty quick, he'll like it. Hope that helps.

Great replies, yes we're both into hip hop, but I dont need bass so the whole block can hear me ha..Im sure since its bose, its nice..Not that bose is great, but its still one of the best imo..What do you guys mean "let the car warm up" so before driving, just let it sit for 5 minz or something? What causes this flooding, so it would be a bad idea, to start the car and just head off correct? If thats all, then thats not a problem, I can spare 5 minutes here and there, or however long it takes to "warm up"..As for speed, I hear tons of crap about it being slow, lets put it this way, 2004 maxima vs 04 AT 8..Does the 8 pull all the way? Also lets put it up against an 05 at tl, does the 8 take it? I mean if a sedan pulls on you, its well ehh..Thanks for the help guys!

No, thats not what he was talking about. You can start it up and immediately drive away. You're not supposed to start it up and then just shut it off right away. I myself have never flooded either. As for speed, if you're talking about getting an AT than you're out of lock. Get the MT and you'll be more than fine.


Oh yea, if you drive it in the winter, winter tires are a must.

Starting to seem like this might not be the best way too go. The main thing that was drawing me in was the price, and AT is a must, he doesnt know how to drive MT, and I doubt he will learn..Also snow tires and all that, just seems like maybe he should just get a g coupe..I know they handle like shit in the snow..So bacially what you just said ^ is an AT 8 wont pull on a 2004 maxima sedan, or a Acura TL?

^^Off the line the 8 has an advantage, being fr. But I dunno about after second gear. If you want a fast auto, just get an at 350z or something. the 8, which just about everyone will agree, is more of a track car. Better in the twisties rather than the straight aways. They are great cars when it comes to that. If you just want something that's fast in the straights, this car isn't for you. Unless you wanna dump a lot of $ for FI.

-Cody

Alright, you guys are great, straight to the point. I love how no one here tries to make the car seem better then it is, all honest awnsers..I'll talk to him about it, maybe I'll be back who knows ha..Take carE!

The Maxima and TL will smoke the AT 8.

Go manual, if he doesn't want to enjoy being in full control of a sports car's transmission with an awesome gearbox and 9000 redline, don't get the RX-8, plain and simple.

If your bro can only drive a slushbox, then he is missing what an rx8 is all about. Half the fun is rowing the 6 speed! Get a TL or a Nissan something.

I have an 05 AT rx-8, and an 05 TL AT. The TL definitely accelerates faster, probably by a second or more 0 to 60. I've timed myself a couple times 0 to 60 and got about 8 seconds on the 8. I'm getting a new rear end gear built by Rick Engman that will hopefully help some with the acceleration down low.

However, the 8 handles better than the TL, especially at higher speeds on the highway. Plus it sounds much better with the mazdaspeed exhaust :) Nothing like a rotary with a good exhaust note.

Also keep in mind that I got both new, and got the 8 for 9000 less than the TL. I was looking for a great handling car with good styling in the mid 20s. Acceleration wasn't my primary concern.

Also keep in mind that sedans aren't as slow as they used to be. The TL has a 258 hp V6 that gets low 20s mpg around town. That is pretty darn impressive if you ask me.

You won't have a problem. There's alot of cry babies on the forum.