Roaddemon

I've had the car 3 days and it starts in minus degree weather no problem. Also short trips when the car is still cold and no flooding. I do rev to 3000 rpm then shut it off after moving the car around in driveway. I don't see the flooding problem as an issue , if the car is driven regularly. I've never owned a car this much fun to drive. I made a great choice.

Katchoo

Somewhat dissatisfied...the RX-8 seems to me to be a quirky sportscar that requires a pretty strict set of rules to be followed before you can have fun. There are more than enough 'bugs' out there with this car that takes it from a real pleasure to drive to one that requires a significant amount of attention.

I am not explaining this right I know.

One of my other cars is a 1963 Corvette...when I take that out for a drive I know I need to deal with a number of quirks associated with that 40+ year-old car...normal. But to have to deal with a new set of quirks and things on a 2004 car? That takes a bunch of the fun out of an otherwise slick machine.

I am hoping that as I put more miles on the chassis these quirks will become less noticable. Right now, when I drive the car, I get really tense...I think this website has done that to me. Reading about all the problems has made me paranoid.

And yes, I see all of you staring at me...and following me...stalking! ArGh!!!!

*whimper*

maxwell72764

Katchoo, when the 'vette takes you for a ride, those quirks you know you have to contend with were discovered by trial and error, right? So what you have read about here simply gives you the knowledge of poss. quirks of the 8 before *you* get to experiance them. Forewarned=Forearmed.

And no. That's not me stalking you from behind the bush.
I'm the one behind the rock.:D

Katchoo

I have a feeling this web-site has made me paranoid. Seeing all these problems being discussed...BrRRrrrrrrr.

The car isn't bad and I have had no problems with it other than what the dealership induced (poor vehicle prep). My main concern is staying within the bounds of those 'quirks' and not ending up on the wrong end of a tow truck.

I am still not happy that a 2004 car has this many quirks. I expect that from a 40-year old car but not from a new one. Maybe I am grumpy that the dealership never mentioned any of these POTENTIAL problems. 'Forwarned' would have been a good thing for my dealership to do first.

A sale is a sale I guess.

Maybe I should go back to the dealer and ask for a 'test drive' of a few more RX-8s only to turn off the engine while cold ("Changed my mind, let me try that one over there")...see how many on the dealer's lot I can flood out.

I need a drink so I can chill out...

msrecant

Understood! I have had my 8 since July and I am just really starting to get comfortable with it. Not that the car has changed, but I have relaxed. You got to take your best shot, after that if something happens, it happens and you deal with it.

The good news is that for the vast majority of owners, the quirks are not a problem. It really is a great car.

maxwell72764

Katchoo: "Maybe I should go back to the dealer and ask for a 'test drive' of a few more RX-8s only to turn off the engine while cold ("Changed my mind, let me try that one over there")...see how many on the dealer's lot I can flood out. "

Funny! I like that idea. Maybe you can take some friends with you. 'Uh, I'd like to see if I can figure out how to drive a M/T. How 'bout that one?"

rad

I have 384 miles on my 04 RX8. It has been in the shop twice due to the engine light coming on because of gas mixture errors.

Once for the brakes sticking which almost killed me! I was going about 45mph and lightly pressed the brake and the next thing I know I'm heading straight toward the biggest SUV i've ever seen.
The left brake stuck and pulled the car into the oncoming lane and thank god the car does handle extremely well, I just missed hitting a brand new Ford Excurusion. Needless to say I haven't been happy with the car so far. The dealer stated that they have had many problems with the brakes as well as engine problems mainly due to the ECU software configuration.

Any additional information on either would be great!

Trx8

I am pushing 1 week and 400+ miles. So far the car is very much what I expected. I had the benefit of reading this forum for three months before I bought the car. Its an amazing car to drive, and that point is reinforced everytime I drive a different car. I will likely delay voting until after it hits 1000 miles. If I were to vote now, I would give it a "Highly Satisfied".

I don't recall hearing about the serious brake problem that "rad" describes above in other posts. Are there other references to brakes skicking?

rjenk

I voted Somewhat Dissatisfied.

I absolutely love the styling of the 8...it is one of the most striking vehicles on the highway but it has so many quirks that I am really starting to have regrets.

The first few weeks were fantastic but as time has gone on, I am starting to experience issues that I think I should not. I realize that this is a new model and that it should be expected that there will probably be some issues but after having owned a RSX Type-S, purchased about 3-4 months after release, when I compare my experiences between the two they are on opposite ends of the scale.

With my Acura, during two years of ownership, I had exactly 1 visit to the dealership. A check engine light came on when a sensor failed. Other than that, this brand new model performed perfectly...I did not have a single issue with performance, fit or finish. With the 8, I am working with the dealership on the mileage issue (avg. 14 around town) and I have experienced many little things, some just minor annoyances, that I don't think I should (hand break not staying down when it is cold, door rattles, very noisy blower, etc.). The mileage issue is a real sticking point for me as I feel a bit cheated. I know that the ratings are determined by the US government but I have never had a vehicle that has not come close to meeting what was on the sticker.

Before I get berated with “you should have researched more”…I did, but unfortunately it was at sites such as C&D and R&T not this site. I think if I had found this site before hand, I would probably not have purchased the car.

As for the other owners that are enjoying their vehicles…fantastic…and I truly mean that. This is strictly my experience with the vehicle against my expectations.

I really want to like this car as it has so many unique features. Unfortunately perhaps my expectations were too high based on my previous experiences. I think my wife will probably end up with the car and I will take over driving our Town & Country Minivan.

Supraman

I loave my car, but the transmission will not engage 6th.
Not many Rotars here fueel is priced.

I, Claudius

rjenk - I'm curious as to what you mean when you say "With the 8, I am working with the dealership on the mileage issue." What might the dealership be able to do about the problem? (I agree that 14 is pretty low.)

rjenk

I have spoken with the dealership and I have an appointment for them to check the car out to see if they can find anything. A good friend has also been complaining to the local dealer as well (getting roughly the same MPG). I will be sure to update as to what they find/do…if anything.

I cannot help to think that there is something amiss. I have an A/T and I really baby the vehicle. Although most of my mileage is short trips in town, I still only managed to get 16MPG on a tank that was about 30% highway.

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.

RX8Z

Sup Everyone,

Im new to the forum, I just purchased myself a new 2004 Rx8 GT package, fully loaded, and i mean fully with exhaust finishers, night lights, side sills, etc.. (Im a Sales consultant at the Dealership=)

Anyways, Im reading the posts and I see that everyones been having some issues with the Rx8

Notable the gas mileage, a statement from Mazda corporation during the incident of miscalculation of the hp (250 -> 238) claimed that the mpg figures changed as well.

Though, i also read all the C/D and R/T mags that also presented the same figures, i know they also wrote that they got a mere 18 or 19mpg during their test

I dont know if Mazda has made an official announcement about this, but since the hp issue.. mazda has made that offer with money back and option to return the car.

Perhaps, we should all together have a petition and contact Mazda about the mpg ratings, because they are way off.

Other than that, Ive had no problems with the car (knock on wood)

also, plese make sure you check your oil every gas pump or every other gas pump. car eats oil like a dog on a bone, go figure..

Anyways, good luck. nice meeting you all

Zamen

www.openroadhonda.com
Sales / Leasing Consultant

Ryans Automotive Group LLD
BMW/ACURA/MAZDA/HONDA/ISUZU

Trx8

A regression analysis of the MPG issue, based on data from forum members is here:

Input data is here:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...5&pagenumber=1

The results are here:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...5&pagenumber=1

RX-8ME

Hey everyone-
This is my first post, however I have been lurking around here since mid Sept. just a few weeks after I bought my 8.
I'll try to keep this short, and hope that I'm not too off topic here, but I really couldn't deceide where to post these thoughts.
I thought I'd start by voteing in this poll. I voted somewhat satisfied and the reason why only somewhat is basically the gas milage thing. I don't do a lot of driving, basically just a back and forth commute to work, 10 miles each way. So my milage is at 16.5 ave. It's not the money I worry about, it's the conservation of our natural reserves that bothers me.
Anyway that said I do love my car, there is only one other car on the road today I would consider (in the price range) and that's the Crossfire.
Don't remember whether it was this tread or another where some one mentions suffering from forum parinonia (sp). But I think I've got a bit of that... worry about problems that I might have.
My only other compliant.. Does anyone else have problems reading the dip stick? I've got the foamy stuff on the stick and I see that's "normal", but I can't really tell wheter I have oil or not, any tricks?
LOVE THE CAR... HATE THE MILAGE....

balletsushigirl

i am SO reading my own thoughts in this post!
the financial issue bugs me ... but the waste of natural resources causes me far more internal agony.
the only difference i can note is that my last tank of gas averaged a whopping 12.8 mpg! i've never seen above 15!!!!!!

best,
BSG

oodlum

Hi all. My RX-8 is due to arrive in four weeks but after reading threads like this I'm starting to freak out a bit. Is there any evidence that the recent '04 cars are more reliable overall than the initial release ones? What about the flooding issue - any hope that it's cold climate-related? I'm about to move to a small town, and the thought of my flash new car being towed past all the locals to the nearest dealer (100km away) is enough to make my gonads clench.

I think I need to go back and read the "Little things" thread again...

RX8-TX

I've gone past 600o miles on the clock and so far the only thing that's been bothering me is the mileage as well. However, I've been getting in avg. 16 mpg. My worst tank was 13.7 and my best was almost 21 mpg. I posted a spreadsheet with this data on this very same thread a while back.

I haven't flooded my car (crossing fingers here..) and the only 'visits' to the dealer were for:

1. 5,000 mile oil change
2. Have them fix an AC vent that was popped out of place since I took the car (and I was lazy to takle sooner) and a worn shifter ****.

There will be another visit soon (7,500 miles) for tire rotation, and to get them to fix an annoying rattle from the steering wheel cover (contacted Mazda about it, and instructed me to tell my dealer to calls MNAO for instructions)

Oil consumption hasn't been at all bad: I've gone through 2 quarts of oil with my mileage (a top the full oil change @ 5,000)

All things considered, I am alright thus far. But at the end, you are not me, so its ultimately your confidence level.

RX8Z

Oodlum,

We all understand your concerns. I believe the Rx8 has its good and bad. The good though, obviously aint here posting as much as the bad.. why? Because they all out driving =)

Truth is, in terms of the mileage.. I can only say this

I owned a S2k, a Supra TT 95, and a 93 Rx7 .. .all which were high maintenance and all, who ate gas like water.

My pt is, I am aware that many complain about the gas mileage, but they comparing to the figures posted by EPA. as we know, those numbers drastically changed, when it was found it was not tested by the right emissions regulation.

But lets be real, its a sports car.. dont be fooled to think you will get conservative gas. Its funny to read that some even say they care about it, if you did.. you would buy a Civic Hybrid ok ..

We all bought a sports car, cuz we enjoy the pure excitement of driving fast and crazy. There is no GAS conservation at all .

As for the constant oil checks up, this isnt nothing new. For those that are into their rides, know.. maintenance is mandatory. Yes its high, being they recommend you check every gas pump, but wuteva.. Either you want a Civic or an Rx8, its always your choice

Good luck on your purchase, and I hope you have zero problems with it !

Z

Draig

Somewhat satisfied due to the mayonaisse oil and starting issues. Get those sorted and it will be highly satisfied for me.
(Cant whinge about the fuel as it was bound to be low with the performance figures)

Mike

oodlum

Thanks RX8-TX and RX8Z

The milage doesn't really concern me - I'll be well prepared for it. More the flooding issue. The panic attack has passed now. Can't wait to add my 2c to the survey when my baby arrives.

Cheers

Roaddemon

Your a honda sales rep. Why are you driving a Mazda? I test drove the s2000 and Accord coupe 6sp before buying my 8. the rx8 won hands down in fun, quality, looks and everything else. Is that why your driving an rx8? I would think you could get an excellent deal on a Honda. Why did you cross over? oil consumption is a quart every 3500mi according to my dealer. I'll check it often until I know just what milage I need to add. It's not a problem for me.

RX8Z

I get deals on everything my friend.. Im driving an Rx8 because I just wanted something different, and as you stated.. it is by far, one of the most fun cars ive ever driven

But yeah, you already knew that =)

I used to have a 2002 S2k , it was a great car but wasnt for me.. I felt like i was bigger than the car, and nothing against s2k owners.. but i just feel roadsters are for girls cuz of the size =) .. btw, my gf drove the s2k more than i did . I just like to take it out and race some rice rockets occasionally

I got alot of s2k's in the lot, let me know if you want a deal =)

Take care

Z

jonalan

...or a Prius, like my wife. Wait, my wife's not like a Prius, I meant, buy a hybrid like...oh, nevermind!

You can complain all you want about the gas mileage, but don't say you're concerned about the "conservation of our natural reserves" and then go out and buy a sports car.