Ahhhh.....I thought he was talking about a "temp" gauge for the coolant systems or something. I had my hopes too high...

 

Having loved my 1983 RX-7 GSL, and lost it through a divorce, I've been waiting for Mazda or for that matter anyone else to come out with a rotary sedan that had more rear seat room. After all the work I did (and money spent) on the RX-7, my 8 out performs the 7 and exceeds my expectations. I am a very happy camper!

 

Took delivery of my RX-8 in early June 2004 and since have just been having a great time, love this car.... never expected to enjoy it so much....

 

I've got to say - the RX-8 is deffinetly what i'd consider one of the nicest cars out right now, but i do have one complaint - it's all so expensive! The price of the actual car off the lot i thought was decent considering what i got - but i didn't realize how much i'd have to spend after i bought the car! This is the only reason that i voted somewhat satisfied. Some of the things i'm talking about are things such as gas millage (i get 18 in the city, and about 20 - 21 hwy, and that's at 5,000ft elevation in denver, CO), tires (at about 20,000 miles you'll need new ones, and you'll have to special order them - expect to pay about $1300 for a set! ), the tags are pretty pricy and if you ever reck this thing, hope it's not on the front!(the headlight assembly costs nearly $1000 per headlight!) Other then the expenses, i find this car very attractive, and a very nice and fun ride. I actually drove 16 hours straight down to San Antonio, Texas (1000 miles) and was very comfortable the whole way. I also had 1 passenger as well. I got 300-320 miles on a tank of gas, which was all highway driving with the A/C off - with the A/C on, i got about 260 - 280. I hope to drive to canada in this sometime - definatly a nice car!

 

I voted "highly satisfied" I've had this car a month now and am totally in love with it. Gas mileage doesn't matter. (had a supercharged Mustang Cobra making about 11 mpg) It could have a bit more power but that is what is fun about the car. Waiting for the aftermarket to pick up etc. Whenever I get in this car and the guages light up all I can do is smile. Plus, all the thumbs up and comments are always positive.

love this car,

Pistol

 

overall GREAT car.I LOVE MY 8

 

Hi amanda, and welcome!!!

Check-out this thread , page 1, post #9 which is one of mine, posted 07-30-2004, 06:37 PM. There, I tried to make a list of all SC RX-8 owners. (Edited just a minute ago.) :D

I've been trying with limited success to get us all to meet with the RX-7 crew. They have monthly meets - I've gone to the last two (Aug & Sept). Next one's in Charleston in October, Okay? Stay tuned...

No you definitely do not have to warm-up your car before you hit the road. That's totally not an issue. You should however warm it up before you turn it off.

 

I relly like the car, the RX-7 turbo was a lot faster so I wish it had more speed, but I like it non the less

 

I too am dissatisfied with the gas milage (15-16), although I did get 20 on 2 longer trips.

 

A note on mileage...I've gotten 22 mpg on the highway, twice. The key is to leave it in sixth, only mildly break the speed limit (10-15 over), and utilize your cruise control.

But seriously, who the hell wants to drive this car like that??? Not me, hence the usual 15ish mpg.

 

I'm highly satisfied minus a few things I think my biggest complaints so far are gas mileage and also my car seems to suck up the oil pretty quick too!

 

Its hard to go ANYWHERE and NOT be noticed... THE 8 is the most awesome car I've owned... low rpms are sluggish... BUT ummmm whos driving low rpms LOL

 

I get goose-bumps when I hear the exhaust! Not worrying about gas mileage right now, there's under 300 miles on the car.

 

Just bought a '05 Pearl White RX8 with the touring package. Picked it up 2 days ago and I really like it. I also ordered a spoiler and can't wait to install it.

 

The move to M calibration reflash made me a happy camper. Wow! pick up is quicker and the ride is so much smoother. After the reflash, it didn't have that jerky feeling at 5000 rpm, but the torque pickup and power build up from 2500-5000 RPM is so much smoother and stronger compared to the previous power lag from 2500-5000RPM before the reflash. I don't think there's a loss of power at all as the improved 2500-5000rpm power buildup compensations for the slow pre-flash 2500-5000RPM. I drive an automatic, but I timed my 5-60 mph and it took 7 seconds.

The Navigation system alone looks great (big screen); the ergonomic controls; the Bose audio and 6 disk changer (nice sound system there!); and the looks of this sports car. Ah... yes... the sound of the rotary engine reminds me I'm driving a sports car.

Only the rusty rotors are BAD ! I have to take them back to the dealer next week!

 

Is it just me or does your 8 (Mine is Delores) wink at you when you hit the unlock button. Just like she's saying "Welcome back, I've missed you" Wait maybe that's what i'm thinking.

 

Nah. Last night mine told me "It's about time you get your bad self back over here! Do you realize what time it is?!? And I suppose you expect my cruise control, DSC and antilock brakes to keep your a$$ out of a jam again tonight! Next thing, you're gonna fall asleep on me and then we'll BOTH be in trouble! Now, get in here and take me home!!!" I guess the honeymoon is over...

Ok, just kidding. Hehe... my Pepper still winks at me.

 

I could live with the torque issue and the gas mileage. My tranny feels and acts like it's from the 1950's. Clunky, loud, fragile, reluctant piece of S@#$, imo. I expexted more. A major re-work or new supplier will be required before I ever consider buying another one.

 

um, maybe your car is messed up or your used to a tranny from an audi A4, but the 8's manual tranny is one of its greatest atributes. the throws are short and if you do it in a garage with the engine off, the gear changes sound like a gun cocking.

 

I will do the same comment as NoSubs...our tranny is far from the butter-like engagement of the S2K box...which is out of this world. However, having said that, it is pretty darn good.

It is an excercise @ the beginning to learn the 1-2 shift. You just have to be smooth. If you are having problems in other gears...well, then there is something seriously wrong with it.

 

Mazda could copy a few ideas from Honda perhaps. Climate control and electric seat adjustments for the passengers side. Still, very satisfied with the car while its only two weeks old.

 

I have never been happier with a car! I love my RX. I did not buy it for the gas milage, but I couldn't be happier. The last two times I checked I got 22 mpg and 21 mpg. I think of excuses just to drive it!

 

Even after my clutch problem with just 4k i love driving this car.

 

Just got my RX-8 last week. Was really worried about horrible gas mileage as many have posted. Much to my pleasant surprise, my first tank (dealer supplied, probably low grade) got 17 MPG! Pretty good as my car had 7 miles on it when I took delivery. It has more now.

 

Brakes: Awesome. (no more needs to be said)
Handling Geometry: Awesome fast around corners with great balance and turn in.
Ride: Great comfort but still keeps car level around the bendies. Only at speeds over 110mph is the car too soft.
Motor: Too smooth. Great while cruising and at high speed. **** when trying to drag race. Needs 50 more hp to make me jizz my pants.
Fuel Economy: Unbelievably bad! Drinks way more than 500hp V8 Engines. Something is wrong there. No wonder nobody else is making rotary engines.