dgarvich

So I waited three years to buy one after selling my FD and I missed the rotary engine every day during the wait.

I was worried that the RX-8 wouldn't give me the same feeling the FD gave me. You know the one, where you can't wait to take the long way to/from work... where you check out your reflection in glass buildings (shiny black SUV's, anything reflective) when you pass... the sounds and general feel of a true sports car.

After owning the car I can definitely say it's all that... plus heated seats... plus cupholders... plus dependable... plus tight... plus comfortable... plus the greatest shifting car ever... plus... plus... plus...

Definitely the best car I've owned to date.

flaviusb

Apart from the really bad mpg this vehicle is the best i've owned

Rookiescot

Gotta say that although I only got my RX8 about a month ago it has absolutly stunned me with its performance.

Yes its fuel economy is awfull. (Got a Christmas card from OPEC after I bought it :P).
Yes its a high maintenance engine and car.

But when you actually manage to find an empty stretch of open road with dry conditions it just blows me away.

slimon

I love my rx8, it is still riding strong.

slimon

i have about 30,000 miles on the car.

garynjr

Well, I just bought mine. :D So far i love it... I've olnly owned it for a couple of days though and half of that time it's been raining/icing... Which by the way, i was impressed that it handled well in that weather... (Driving style compensated for the conditions of cource)

I find myself driving slower then I normally do though for fear that I am a huge target for the fuzz...

I took it out today just because and had some fun with her. I rated it second to highest only becase I smoke and it's very dificult to smoke in this car... The doors are so high that it is uncomfortable to put your arm there and the arm rest is so low that you can't reach the window to flick. Not a huge deal... And I'm kind of a junk person (Crap in pockets as my wife calls me) and there are not a lot of places to put stuff in easy reach.

Mechanically, I think it seems to have a tough time starting sometimes. sounds like the starter is sluggish. but still starts.

I bought it used... 13K and it's a 04' Not a scratch on her... :D Who ever owned her didn't use her as a daily driver and must have kept her in the garage...
Great find since I only paid 22K for her.

Anyway, Other then that, I love it! Feeling a little smug as I get out of the car at WAWA though... as I see everyone check it out as they leave the store...
And reving it up before you sut it off kinda makes you feel like you are just showing off how freakin sweet she sounds! :D

So I'll check back when I have a few mre then 130 miles of my own on her...

RX8.girl

Happy New Year!

I got my baby "Red Hots" on Thanksgiving. She's an '04 with 6k miles on her, Velocity red with the GT package. My BIGGEST must-have was she be a 6spd. I can't imagine not having that short shifter to throw ... feeling ALL those RPMs at your control.

I actually spent a full day driving an '05 base model around in the rain as my first "exposure" to the car and was thinking how I might have some real challenges keeping her on the road driving her the way I want to, but the next day I found the '04 fully loaded with the traction control, etc. and I can't even believe how huge the difference was. I have never driven a car I've had more confidence in and I can't wait to take her out to the race track and PLAY!!!!!

RX8.girl (sorry first post; no clever sig yet)

soundzero

Oh I know the feeling. Nice choice. Happy Motoring!

jus7o

im highly satisfied i didnt know people were so into this car after i bought it and discovered this forum

my previous car was an 85 corolla hatch and before that 2nd and first gen RX7s so after the corolla's engine died i was enraged so as we say long story short i needed a car I desired anotherr Rotang pie and even though this car was an impulse buy im satisfied MAZDA did this one good.

05xr

10000 miles on an 05 and no complaints or problems whatever. Car is great to drive and like no other that I have owned. None of the quirky probs that others have identified (other than gunk on the oil stick). There aren't many RXs in our area and have not seen another blue.... Get compliments all the time.

Love the car.

Johnboy

iTrader: (2)

I voted neatral.....I love the handling, looks and performance but have been plagued with warranty issues that would be more fitting to the first year Hyundai put out their Pony.

1. Brakes that scored immediately resulting in replaced rotors on the front and machined rears (not replaced) at my request.

2. A hole in the a/c candensor from a rock because there is no screen in front of it (I have constructed my own since) even though there are screw holes on the back side where I can only assume a screen was planned).

3. CEL resulting in a new CAT and O2 sensor.

4. New front struts due to rattling in the OEM struts.

5. Fogging up tail lights (to be replaced) and one that cracked and filled with water.

6. Condensation in the front headlights only once so far (no action requested by me yet).

These all after about 10,000km or about 6200mi.

I should be voting "somewhat dissatisfied" because of the problems so far (and it's parked indoors for the winter so it won't feel snow), but the dealership warranty work has been great although a real pain in the !!! and the car is great to drive and look at, so I can overlook that and continue to want to keep the car for a long time. I am patient but wonder why a reputable company like Mazda could have so many problems with components. I hope it's not just a lemon and hope not to have any real problems in the future.

HCTR154

I have had my RX 8 for about two weeks. It is a 2004 model with 28,000 miles that I picked up at the local Ford dealer for $22,500.

Car has 19' Foose Wheels and new tires all the way around, 245/30 up front and 275/30 in back.

I have the 6 speed model and am glad cause later I found out that the auto are down rated in power.

I really have enjoyed the car so far. I have a Greddy catback and high flow mid pipe enroute shortly to wake up the exhaust. Yea, I know that the stock system flows decently, but the stock cat is a real bugger according to Chris at Rotary Performance in Garland, Tx.

I am dissapointed in the mileage, and due to the relatively small tank, stops for gas are frequent! Like every 250 miles or so for me, but I drive WFO a lot!

My last sports car was a '94 Mustang Cobra. No comparison, the RX 8 is a much better car. Maybe not quite as fast straight line, but a better overall car.

woolleson

Hi All.

New to the group and to the "8" experiance, I voted top notch as even though I have owned the car for just a few weeks it puts a BIG smile on my face

My previous car was a cooper S and more mundane ones before that, in the last week I've driven an "S" a 146 and a Mazda 3 (all work related) but every time I get into my 8 it rocks !!! The thrap from the exhausts, the linear power, the superb handling and comfort is second to none. All my mates have had a "go" and they where all astounded by the car, with me in the passenger side saying " I told you so!!!"

It is presently in the dealer but only for a small creak coming from the steering column, apart from that a top, top car. Even the wife likes it (especially the heated seats) and she usually hates my cars !!!

See you in the lurkers area..................

mastadon

totally satisfied with the car, the engine is unique and sounds great but just forget the gas mileage because you own a sports car. This is not just your regular car

doug41595

Titanium Grey GT w/ red leather. 6sp

Somewhat satisfied.

I love the attention and turned heads it gets. I love the styling. There's not a better looking car anywhere even close to the 8's price range. Handles like a champ. I've had mine for over a year and still can't believe that's my car. I look forward to driving it everyday.

First gear winds up too fast (other gears are perfect), some low-end torque would be nice.
I hate the road noise, Mazda could have easily added better noise insulation. I have a 6sp, and the cupholders couldn't be in a worse place unless they were in the trunk. The rearview mirror rattles. I had to paint the rotors and calipers because of the visable rust (thanks to the instructions I got on these forums).

Overall, I love my car. I can think of many more things I like about this car, but I have listed ALL my complaints above.

Zoom-Zoom...

garynjr

Hate to tell you that they would have done that for you at no charge under waranty. (The Rotors) But then you couldn't pick the color...

As for the mirror, Mine did too. Also covered under waranty. Good news.

Hellbreed

Highly satisfied and more! I'm currently at the Mazda dealership getting my 24Km service and it's $80 less then the next cheapest service which is for a Mazda 3. All those less moving parts has it's advantages.

I have had no issues with my car at all, have not needed to bring it to the dealership for anything other then scheduled maintenance. Gas mileage is a non issue as I was aware of it before I bought the car. Awesome car in the summer and the best car I've ever driven in the snow!! Yes, it could have some more power but the package it has is well balanced.

Raptor75

Somewhat would be me. I love the car but the 12mpg is really ruining the experience, this is my daily driver.

Mr. RX

Am highly statisfied with my baby, yeah it lacks torque and some power, but you can not deny the looks, the suspension, and the potential that it has to be modified. Its really an exotic in my eyes.Park it next to a z, porsche, and all the common sports cars on the street and its in a class of its own!

RotrDoc

I've loved this car for 28 months and 57,000 miles. And I'm no newbie to this forum, so why haven't I seen this thread before?

Hightshoe

Highly Satisfied. I just went over the 5,000 mile mark with no problems. Havent had to add oil once. I even get low twenties in gas mileage even though I never miss an opportunity to floor it.

jasonusRX8

Dissatisfied with my AT RX8, but I'll be highly satisfied once I buy a GT 6spd after the AT is sold.

saxon987

I am encouraged about the longevity reports I have read for the RX-8 and rotary engine in general. I've had mine for a month now, and I'm hoping to keep it for 10 years!

saxon

knight7

iTrader: (1)

reason im not satisfied, Mazzda sercive is garbage.

Hightshoe

Find a new dealer, my service has always been top notch.