View Poll Results: What is your overall level of satisfaction with the RX8?
Highly Satisfied
2,880
71.93%
Somewhat Satisfied
710
17.73%
Neutral
157
3.92%
Somewhat Dissatisfied
130
3.25%
Highly Dissatisfied
127
3.17%
Voters: 4004. You may not vote on this poll
Satisfaction Survey with your RX-8
02-12-2004, 01:32 PM
#251
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Originally posted by Arthur
I'm curious to see what you hear from the dealer as well. I am also getting only 14 mpg with my AT. When I've brought it up, the dealer said the mpg would get better as I put more miles on it. That was when it had a couple hundred miles on it--now it has approximatey 1,300 and there's very little improvement.
I'm also one of the unlucky ones with the flooding problem--even following the instructions. I'm really hoping they get this stuff worked out--particularly the flooding issue--or I'll be one the folks trading this thing in soon. I can't have a car that I can't depend on. It's both embarrassing and a pain to explain to valet parking garage attendants (which I have at work and conferences) that my car can't be moved around or it will flood.
I'm curious to see what you hear from the dealer as well. I am also getting only 14 mpg with my AT. When I've brought it up, the dealer said the mpg would get better as I put more miles on it. That was when it had a couple hundred miles on it--now it has approximatey 1,300 and there's very little improvement.
I'm also one of the unlucky ones with the flooding problem--even following the instructions. I'm really hoping they get this stuff worked out--particularly the flooding issue--or I'll be one the folks trading this thing in soon. I can't have a car that I can't depend on. It's both embarrassing and a pain to explain to valet parking garage attendants (which I have at work and conferences) that my car can't be moved around or it will flood.
02-12-2004, 02:23 PM
#252
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Originally posted by Arthur
I beg to differ--99% is not an accurate figure. If you look at the results of the survey on this thread, 7.75% of us are somewhat dissatisfied or disatified. Please don't discount our opinions!
I beg to differ--99% is not an accurate figure. If you look at the results of the survey on this thread, 7.75% of us are somewhat dissatisfied or disatified. Please don't discount our opinions!
I think the meaning is, this forum is frequented by a small fraction of the worldwide ownership of the 8. It is not a scientific survey of world owner satisfaction. Forums are for enthusiests but also people with problems needing info. That is probably the reason for for the 7.75% negative feedback. Potential owners should not let this forum discourage them from buying the 8. It's a great car.
02-12-2004, 06:33 PM
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Originally posted by rjenk
Dealership states that they cannot find anything wrong with the car to cause the poor mileage (fillup before taking to the dealership yielded 12.9MPG). I am totally frustrated and I can honestly say that I regret purchasing this car and I wish I had my Acura back. I really don't know what to do at this point. I will place a call with Mazda corporate with my concerns but based on what others have said I really don't expect any results from them either. This sucks...
Dealership states that they cannot find anything wrong with the car to cause the poor mileage (fillup before taking to the dealership yielded 12.9MPG). I am totally frustrated and I can honestly say that I regret purchasing this car and I wish I had my Acura back. I really don't know what to do at this point. I will place a call with Mazda corporate with my concerns but based on what others have said I really don't expect any results from them either. This sucks...
02-12-2004, 07:20 PM
#254
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that's weird. anytime i even think about doing something in the garage i make an excuse to drive it around the block afew times. 8 months + of ownership and i still take any chance i get to go for a drive. it is a pleasure for me not a pain in the ***.
02-12-2004, 07:24 PM
#255
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rjenk have you asked them to reflash/reset the comp in case there is something wrong? some folks have had it done after complaining and noted improvement. also you should ask for them to check your plugs for fouling and have them replaced with the new hotter ones.
arthur you should do the same. especially the hotter plugs. they should solve your flooding history.
arthur you should do the same. especially the hotter plugs. they should solve your flooding history.
02-13-2004, 06:13 AM
#257
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Hskr8 --
Its good that you are looking closely at the cars you are considering. After spending a year looking for a replacement for my '94 Accord, I saw the RX-8 last October, wanted one, and then started reading about all the "problems". I think many of the "problems" stem from the new model year, the nature of the rotary, misguided expectations, and lack of education.
That isn't to discount that some owners have had, and continue to have, significant problems with their RX-8. I have had some significant problems with my other cars, a previous Accord needed significant manual transmission work, and later blew its radiator on a Sunday morning three hours from home; our current Odyssey ground its auto trans while my wife and son were driving in town.
Over a 3 month period I looked at every other car I could find, sifted through the RX-8 "problems" and attempted to resolve which mattered to me. Along the way, I tried to discard and delay the RX-8 option several times.
After going through the motions of buying an A4 or Passat, I realized those were not the cars I wanted, I wanted an RX-8, the family was on-board for the RX-8, the issue had been beat to death, and then some. My dealer found the exact car I wanted, I bought it, haven't second guessed the decision, and look forward to driving it every chance I get.
<edit>
To date the RX-8 has worked very well, I have driven it through very marginal conditions (cold, short drives, snow, ice, slop) and it has performed flawlessly. From this forum, I have the advantage of forwarned is forearmed. I haven't voted yet, but will when I think I have enough miles (1500 miles now). At this point I would vote highly satisfied.
Its good that you are looking closely at the cars you are considering. After spending a year looking for a replacement for my '94 Accord, I saw the RX-8 last October, wanted one, and then started reading about all the "problems". I think many of the "problems" stem from the new model year, the nature of the rotary, misguided expectations, and lack of education.
That isn't to discount that some owners have had, and continue to have, significant problems with their RX-8. I have had some significant problems with my other cars, a previous Accord needed significant manual transmission work, and later blew its radiator on a Sunday morning three hours from home; our current Odyssey ground its auto trans while my wife and son were driving in town.
Over a 3 month period I looked at every other car I could find, sifted through the RX-8 "problems" and attempted to resolve which mattered to me. Along the way, I tried to discard and delay the RX-8 option several times.
After going through the motions of buying an A4 or Passat, I realized those were not the cars I wanted, I wanted an RX-8, the family was on-board for the RX-8, the issue had been beat to death, and then some. My dealer found the exact car I wanted, I bought it, haven't second guessed the decision, and look forward to driving it every chance I get.
<edit>
To date the RX-8 has worked very well, I have driven it through very marginal conditions (cold, short drives, snow, ice, slop) and it has performed flawlessly. From this forum, I have the advantage of forwarned is forearmed. I haven't voted yet, but will when I think I have enough miles (1500 miles now). At this point I would vote highly satisfied.
Last edited by Trx8; 02-13-2004 at 07:41 AM.
02-13-2004, 10:04 AM
#258
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Time for another little snapshot
To this date: 2/13/2004 ~ 9:50AM
Total Votes: 504
:D Highly satisfied: 395 (78.37%)
Others: 109 (21.63%)
Somewhat S: 55 (10.91%)
Neutral: 15 (2.98%)
Somewhat D: 16 (3.17%)
Highly D: 23 (4.56)
Now, using the worst case scenario rule, and considering that half of the Highly Satisfied voters didn't even think about it or maybe regret their decission now, we would have:
Highly Satisfied: 198 (38.28%)
Others: 306 (61.72%)
Total Votes: 504
:D Highly satisfied: 395 (78.37%)
Others: 109 (21.63%)
Somewhat S: 55 (10.91%) Neutral: 15 (2.98%) Somewhat D: 16 (3.17%) Highly D: 23 (4.56)Now, using the worst case scenario rule, and considering that half of the Highly Satisfied voters didn't even think about it or maybe regret their decission now, we would have:
Highly Satisfied: 198 (38.28%)
Others: 306 (61.72%)
Last edited by RX8-TX; 02-13-2004 at 10:08 AM.
02-13-2004, 10:32 AM
#261
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Good idea to get a snapshot at ~500 votes:
I have been doing this math for a while:
> Both Satisfieds: 395+55 = 450 (89.3%)
> Neutral + DisS: 15+16+23 = 54 (10.7%)
Does anyone know how other cars score in similar polls?
I have been doing this math for a while:
> Both Satisfieds: 395+55 = 450 (89.3%)
> Neutral + DisS: 15+16+23 = 54 (10.7%)
Does anyone know how other cars score in similar polls?
02-13-2004, 10:45 AM
#262
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Originally posted by Trx8
Good idea to get a snapshot at ~500 votes:
I have been doing this math for a while:
> Both Satisfieds: 395+55 = 450 (89.3%)
> Neutral + DisS: 15+16+23 = 54 (10.7%)
Does anyone know how other cars score in similar polls?
Good idea to get a snapshot at ~500 votes:
I have been doing this math for a while:
> Both Satisfieds: 395+55 = 450 (89.3%)
> Neutral + DisS: 15+16+23 = 54 (10.7%)
Does anyone know how other cars score in similar polls?
02-13-2004, 11:54 AM
#263
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Originally posted by Trx8
Hskr8 --
Its good that you are looking closely at the cars you are considering. After spending a year looking for a replacement for my '94 Accord, I saw the RX-8 last October, wanted one, and then started reading about all the "problems". I think many of the "problems" stem from the new model year, the nature of the rotary, misguided expectations, and lack of education.
That isn't to discount that some owners have had, and continue to have, significant problems with their RX-8. I have had some significant problems with my other cars, a previous Accord needed significant manual transmission work, and later blew its radiator on a Sunday morning three hours from home; our current Odyssey ground its auto trans while my wife and son were driving in town.
Over a 3 month period I looked at every other car I could find, sifted through the RX-8 "problems" and attempted to resolve which mattered to me. Along the way, I tried to discard and delay the RX-8 option several times.
After going through the motions of buying an A4 or Passat, I realized those were not the cars I wanted, I wanted an RX-8, the family was on-board for the RX-8, the issue had been beat to death, and then some. My dealer found the exact car I wanted, I bought it, haven't second guessed the decision, and look forward to driving it every chance I get.
<edit>
To date the RX-8 has worked very well, I have driven it through very marginal conditions (cold, short drives, snow, ice, slop) and it has performed flawlessly. From this forum, I have the advantage of forwarned is forearmed. I haven't voted yet, but will when I think I have enough miles (1500 miles now). At this point I would vote highly satisfied.
Hskr8 --
Its good that you are looking closely at the cars you are considering. After spending a year looking for a replacement for my '94 Accord, I saw the RX-8 last October, wanted one, and then started reading about all the "problems". I think many of the "problems" stem from the new model year, the nature of the rotary, misguided expectations, and lack of education.
That isn't to discount that some owners have had, and continue to have, significant problems with their RX-8. I have had some significant problems with my other cars, a previous Accord needed significant manual transmission work, and later blew its radiator on a Sunday morning three hours from home; our current Odyssey ground its auto trans while my wife and son were driving in town.
Over a 3 month period I looked at every other car I could find, sifted through the RX-8 "problems" and attempted to resolve which mattered to me. Along the way, I tried to discard and delay the RX-8 option several times.
After going through the motions of buying an A4 or Passat, I realized those were not the cars I wanted, I wanted an RX-8, the family was on-board for the RX-8, the issue had been beat to death, and then some. My dealer found the exact car I wanted, I bought it, haven't second guessed the decision, and look forward to driving it every chance I get.
<edit>
To date the RX-8 has worked very well, I have driven it through very marginal conditions (cold, short drives, snow, ice, slop) and it has performed flawlessly. From this forum, I have the advantage of forwarned is forearmed. I haven't voted yet, but will when I think I have enough miles (1500 miles now). At this point I would vote highly satisfied.
BTW, I did do some research before I bought the car, but the flooding issue wasn't raised.
02-13-2004, 12:02 PM
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Originally posted by zoom44
rjenk have you asked them to reflash/reset the comp in case there is something wrong? some folks have had it done after complaining and noted improvement. also you should ask for them to check your plugs for fouling and have them replaced with the new hotter ones.
arthur you should do the same. especially the hotter plugs. they should solve your flooding history.
rjenk have you asked them to reflash/reset the comp in case there is something wrong? some folks have had it done after complaining and noted improvement. also you should ask for them to check your plugs for fouling and have them replaced with the new hotter ones.
arthur you should do the same. especially the hotter plugs. they should solve your flooding history.
On a related issue--when I checked my oil this morning it reeked of gasoline. I have an appointment to take it in yet again to be checked out. I can only assume this is related to the flooding issue. And, yes, the oil was changed when it flooded. This should be "clean" oil and it only has 700 miles on it. The car has 1550 miles.
Maybe I'm expecting too much, but I'm very disappointed.
02-13-2004, 03:10 PM
#265
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Originally posted by Arthur
... I should have been informed of the potential flooding issue BEFORE I purchased the car...
... I should have been informed of the potential flooding issue BEFORE I purchased the car...
02-14-2004, 08:57 AM
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I dont think you can hold fully accountable that the dealership didnt notify you of a Flooding issue, Im not saying its right, but Im saying perhaps the dealership wasnt even aware themselves
Remember all cars have the possibility of having problems, which is why there is such a thing called Recalls.
I myself have not had any flooding issues, inluding several guys here who also own an Rx8.
I think honestly, as a owner of an rx8 and prior to purchasing the car, you had to know that Rotary engines require high maintenance from an owner, and also a complicated engine not because of the engine itself, but mainly because not many poeple are educated about the engine which is why I wouldnt bring my car to anyone else, except for my mechanics that I know how to work on a rotary
anways, as a salesman, i apologize that you going through these troubles and I hope your dealership can fix the problems
Good luck
Z
Remember all cars have the possibility of having problems, which is why there is such a thing called Recalls.
I myself have not had any flooding issues, inluding several guys here who also own an Rx8.
I think honestly, as a owner of an rx8 and prior to purchasing the car, you had to know that Rotary engines require high maintenance from an owner, and also a complicated engine not because of the engine itself, but mainly because not many poeple are educated about the engine which is why I wouldnt bring my car to anyone else, except for my mechanics that I know how to work on a rotary
anways, as a salesman, i apologize that you going through these troubles and I hope your dealership can fix the problems
Good luck
Z
02-14-2004, 10:14 AM
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Originally posted by RX8Z
[B]I dont think you can hold fully accountable that the dealership didnt notify you of a Flooding issue, Im not saying its right, but Im saying perhaps the dealership wasnt even aware themselves
Remember all cars have the possibility of having problems, which is why there is such a thing called Recalls.
/B]
[B]I dont think you can hold fully accountable that the dealership didnt notify you of a Flooding issue, Im not saying its right, but Im saying perhaps the dealership wasnt even aware themselves
Remember all cars have the possibility of having problems, which is why there is such a thing called Recalls.
/B]
My dealership has been great about dealing with this and I think they are as frustrated as I am that this is an ongoing issue.
I'm actually hoping for a recall. I keep hearing that the Mazda engineers are working on the issue and I really hope a real fix is on the way.
At this point, I'll give them a few more months. If it's not fixed, I'll trade it in and maybe look at them again after they work out the kinks.
Don't get me wrong--I really love this car, but since it's my only transportation, I need something that I can expect to start and isn't in the shop a couple of times a month.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Last edited by Arthur; 02-14-2004 at 10:20 AM.
02-14-2004, 01:32 PM
#268
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Some comments on flooding, dealers, and Mazda.
First off, it is not that easy, under normal conditions to flood an RX-8.
I live in Edmonton, where we routinely see very cold winter weather. Up until recently I had not experienced flooding.
As we do not get the ability to install a block heater, and as I park my car outside, it is actually quit remarkable at what temperatures the car will start.
At -30C (-22F) I have successfully started it.
However, 2 weeks ago, at -42C (-43.6F) it would not start, and it DID flood.
I was not able to start it and clear the flooding until temperatures returned to -10C (14F)
I then checked, and found a Mazda US service bulletin on installing hotter leading plugs.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...h_rf04-04.html
In Canada they had not even heard of this, but when Iprinted a copy, faxed it to my dealer, and they passed it on to Mazda Canada the dealer was told to go ahead and change them under warranty.
So, if your dealer is helpful, they will be able to solve many problems, but be prepared to give them the help they may need, and BE POLITE!
So, we reach the point where we see that the lameness lies with Mazda North America, both in USA and Canada.
They will be helpful, if they know how, but, generally speaking, they are useless twits in many respects.
First off, it is not that easy, under normal conditions to flood an RX-8.
I live in Edmonton, where we routinely see very cold winter weather. Up until recently I had not experienced flooding.
As we do not get the ability to install a block heater, and as I park my car outside, it is actually quit remarkable at what temperatures the car will start.
At -30C (-22F) I have successfully started it.
However, 2 weeks ago, at -42C (-43.6F) it would not start, and it DID flood.
I was not able to start it and clear the flooding until temperatures returned to -10C (14F)
I then checked, and found a Mazda US service bulletin on installing hotter leading plugs.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...h_rf04-04.html
In Canada they had not even heard of this, but when Iprinted a copy, faxed it to my dealer, and they passed it on to Mazda Canada the dealer was told to go ahead and change them under warranty.
So, if your dealer is helpful, they will be able to solve many problems, but be prepared to give them the help they may need, and BE POLITE!
So, we reach the point where we see that the lameness lies with Mazda North America, both in USA and Canada.
They will be helpful, if they know how, but, generally speaking, they are useless twits in many respects.
02-17-2004, 08:49 PM
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just like all the articles said, it is a great car for its balance of all its attributes. I love the quality of the interior, and fun factor of every drive i take. A+++
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02-18-2004, 11:58 AM
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Hmmm. 522 votes, and yet we have ~7700 members of this board. Could it be that there are only 500 people here who actually own RX-8s, meaning that the other 7200 members don't have one? Or are there still a lot of people who haven't voted?
02-19-2004, 03:30 AM
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I Love this car. I've owned it five weeks now and still feel that I'm only slowly beginning to get the measure of it.
I love the smooth surge of power when I put my foot down. I love the level of interior comfort. I love the look of the car.
Having come from a '97 MX-5, I love the fact that it's got a roof and climate control.
I love the smooth surge of power when I put my foot down. I love the level of interior comfort. I love the look of the car.
Having come from a '97 MX-5, I love the fact that it's got a roof and climate control.
02-19-2004, 06:21 PM
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Originally posted by Arthur
rjenk--I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get any answers from the dealer. I can definitely relate to how you feel. For me, the thrill of this car really wore off with my two flooding incidents. Now there's always the concern that it won't start and everytime I want to move it out of the garage to do something in there, I have to either drive it around or leave it running until it warms up. That certainly doesn't do anything for the gas mileage and it a real pain in the a**.
rjenk--I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get any answers from the dealer. I can definitely relate to how you feel. For me, the thrill of this car really wore off with my two flooding incidents. Now there's always the concern that it won't start and everytime I want to move it out of the garage to do something in there, I have to either drive it around or leave it running until it warms up. That certainly doesn't do anything for the gas mileage and it a real pain in the a**.