I am looking at getting a new car (I just totalled my Explorer) and I am interested in the RX-8's... I was wondering what everybody's experience has been. Are they good, reliable cars? I am a college student and I need a car that is going to last a long time. I commute 2 hours at least every other weekend and want something that will give me fairly good gas milage. Just wanting some input! Thanks!

 

Good gas milage? I dont think the 8 will help you out on that. Did you try searching on all your questions before posting?? There's lots of good info on here

 

I'm starting to understand why people make those short quips about searching.

Like the other guy said, make use of the search feature, and this is a fact, you got better gas mileage out of that Explorer.

Even if you don't feel like searching just look around in the Lounge portion of the site. Many people like yourself who are interested in the car come here with the same questions.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/little-things-67045/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/satisfaction-survey-your-rx-8-a-15032/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ht=gas+mileage
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ht=gas+mileage

^^^Start by reading the above threads.

 

I commute about 3 hours every weekend.... and from what I can tell, the 8 isn't an economical car.

 

I average around 17-19 mpg with 60% highway/40% city driving. Does that seem economical to you?

Other than that, the car has been reliable so far (8 months of ownership so far), with the exception of a few rattles here and there.

 

17-19 is better than what I was getting from the explorer! I don't want my desicion to be based soley on gas milage. I was just wanting general feedback about the car with that being one point I was interested in. Yes, I've read a lot of stuff about them, but I thought this would be a good place to get some advice first-hand. Thanks LiveToRev, those links were great! They helped me find some great posts that I didn't see before!

 

It's reliable for the most part...you may or may not have to see the dealer often about little things (most problems that just pop up are covered under warranty)

A test drive would be a good idea

So far, I'm really happy. I'd be happier with 50 more horses, no rattles, no water getting in my taillight, no rust on my rotors, no brake squeel, but besides all that, it's the best overall car for it's price (imo).

 

Compared to an explorer?
About the same mileage.
Won't roll over without a ramp.
Better sound.
Less room.
More performance.
Not as good off road.
Better for picking up dates.

 

If you do a lot of short trips (5-10 minutes from a cold engine) the RX-8 is probably not for you. I know that's the majority of my driving in college, and if it is the same for you you run a slight risk of flooding, not to mention gas mileage that will be just this side of ugly.

 

My '04 RX-8 6-speed averages about 3 MPG better than my '02 4.0L Explorer. As to reliability and quality, my 8 is much better; no problems in 1.5 years since new. The Explorer has been back to the servicing dealer about 8 or 10 times for various problems including rattles and 2 differential rebuilds. Other then that, both vehicles do what I bought them for.

1.3L

 

19+ mpg city for the life of my 8..which should be a little better than your explorer but yes, the 8 is not an economy car.

It sure is a great car in pretty much everything else!!

 

Renamed this thread to reflect the question....fed up with threads entitled "RX-8"!!!

...but not whining!

S

 

Depends on what you want...

good fuel economy?

Space?

towing capacity?

economical/bullet proof/"safe" car?

good driving experience?

Figure those out first... it'll help to point you in the right direction. If SUV's are still good for you, then you might want to consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser or Mazda CX-7. Not bad for a SUV...

 

those 2hr commutes will only take 45 min if there is no traffic

 

Well, I can personally attest that they are very great cars when it comes to driver survivability during a crash. +70MPH into a concrete wall and only minor scratches.

I wouldn't call it bullet proof, but it's damn close. It's not economical, but no fun car will be. Though, if you're on the highway, you'll get decent mpg.

The 2 hr ride to work will be much smoother than a 350Z, Evo or WRX. And when you do want to wake it up, it handles corners really well. Just not slick spots on drag strips. doh...

 

i had a 2001 explorer before getting my 8, i loved my explorer but i also had loved my 8...i am not the best person to talk to about the 8 right now though

 

Insurance rates are generally good. Insurers tend to treat the 8 as a sedan because of the 4 doors, and the tiny engine doesn't hurt either.