Should I do it? Get RX-8? Plz advise!!
12-13-2005, 01:47 PM
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Should I do it? Get RX-8? Plz advise!!
Hi,
I currently own Mazda3. It has been a fun car to drive around, but has been giving me problems (engine problems to rattles). It seems like I got one of the few bad Mazda3's, as 3 is known as a pretty reliable car, and rated as the best car in its class.
I was at Mazda dealer yesterday waiting for my 3 for service, so I talked to the dealer in the meantime. I was always interested in RX-8, and have test driven one too (oh, I LOVE that rotary sound). The dealer told me he can get one, and he can get me RX-8 with sport pkg. for 22.8k. I thought I could get a better offer, so I told him I will think about it. He wanted my 3 badly, as he said he will get me KBB/Edmunds market value.
Should I do it? I am have owned my 3 over a year with 20k miles, so it's not like I will be losing too much with a good deal on 8. What worries me is not money, but chance that I may be visiting dealer every friggin month for car problems. How is your experience with 8? I really want a trouble free car that is fun to drive, so no honda or toyota for me. RX-8 is perfect for me: fast, super car handling, comfortable for everyday, and BEST LOOKS.
I also don't mind for bad mileage with 8. My main concerns are:
1) engine flooding (I highly doubt it will be problem for me
)
2) long-term durability of RENESIS engine: I've heard apex seal (?) was an issue with rx-7, but I hear ppl who had rx-7 with close to 200k miles
Any other issues that I should know about?
Please provide me advice..... there is a chance that I get one by end of this month
I currently own Mazda3. It has been a fun car to drive around, but has been giving me problems (engine problems to rattles). It seems like I got one of the few bad Mazda3's, as 3 is known as a pretty reliable car, and rated as the best car in its class.
I was at Mazda dealer yesterday waiting for my 3 for service, so I talked to the dealer in the meantime. I was always interested in RX-8, and have test driven one too (oh, I LOVE that rotary sound). The dealer told me he can get one, and he can get me RX-8 with sport pkg. for 22.8k. I thought I could get a better offer, so I told him I will think about it. He wanted my 3 badly, as he said he will get me KBB/Edmunds market value.
Should I do it? I am have owned my 3 over a year with 20k miles, so it's not like I will be losing too much with a good deal on 8. What worries me is not money, but chance that I may be visiting dealer every friggin month for car problems. How is your experience with 8? I really want a trouble free car that is fun to drive, so no honda or toyota for me. RX-8 is perfect for me: fast, super car handling, comfortable for everyday, and BEST LOOKS.
I also don't mind for bad mileage with 8. My main concerns are:
1) engine flooding (I highly doubt it will be problem for me
)2) long-term durability of RENESIS engine: I've heard apex seal (?) was an issue with rx-7, but I hear ppl who had rx-7 with close to 200k miles
Any other issues that I should know about?
Please provide me advice..... there is a chance that I get one by end of this month
12-13-2005, 02:04 PM
#2
i hope this is a repost
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you will get tons of yes answers because this is an rx8 site. i can tell you i hate my 8. i have had so many problems with it since i got it. i am planning on trading it in for an s2000 in the spring.
most problems were covered under warantee, but when my clutch blew at 28000 miles, and they told me i did nothing wrong, no signs of abuse or misuse, it just let go, that did it for me since it cost me 1200 dollars. the tires will cost about 800-1000 to replace, and you cant use the oem tires in the snow, you will need to buy winter tires for ~800.
i will admit it is fun to drive and it looks wonderful, but with all of the problems i have had, i wouldnt recommend it to anyone. a friend of mine offered me 22k for it, and i couldnt sell it to him because he was my friend and i didnt want to pass on my problems to someone i knew.
some people have had no problems, i am not one of those lucky people.
oh, and they rebuilt the tranny at less then 12k miles because of a bearing or something, i dont remember exactly.
most problems were covered under warantee, but when my clutch blew at 28000 miles, and they told me i did nothing wrong, no signs of abuse or misuse, it just let go, that did it for me since it cost me 1200 dollars. the tires will cost about 800-1000 to replace, and you cant use the oem tires in the snow, you will need to buy winter tires for ~800.
i will admit it is fun to drive and it looks wonderful, but with all of the problems i have had, i wouldnt recommend it to anyone. a friend of mine offered me 22k for it, and i couldnt sell it to him because he was my friend and i didnt want to pass on my problems to someone i knew.
some people have had no problems, i am not one of those lucky people.
oh, and they rebuilt the tranny at less then 12k miles because of a bearing or something, i dont remember exactly.
12-13-2005, 02:13 PM
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//Youpey
Thanks so much. That is exactly what I need, an honest advice.
Tires don't worry me, but clutch worries me a bit. Was that clutch your only problem? Engine-related issues?
Oh, and I test drove s2000 too. There was more wild than rx-8, probably b/c it was top down. Great car. But I need 4 seats...
//MazdaManiac
Looks like I have to get the 8.
Thanks so much. That is exactly what I need, an honest advice.
Tires don't worry me, but clutch worries me a bit. Was that clutch your only problem? Engine-related issues?
Oh, and I test drove s2000 too. There was more wild than rx-8, probably b/c it was top down. Great car. But I need 4 seats...
//MazdaManiac
Looks like I have to get the 8.
12-13-2005, 02:17 PM
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Try it, if you don't like it, sell it. There are some problems with this car. That's just the way it is. You might never have any. You might have some. Take a chance. Enjoy it. I love mine. I knew it would need winter tires when I bought it. I've had it in for the thermal blanket on the fuel tank. I have a tail light that needs replaced under warranty. I have a decent local dealer. I have got more looks and nice comments then I can count. It's a joy to drive.
12-13-2005, 02:20 PM
#8
Stop encouraging him!
Ignore them Dell - they are trying to deceive you!
The RX-8 sucks. It is ugly and it smells like spoiled fruit. Its a girl car. It gets gas mileage like an RV and it can't be started on a cold morning without a degree in astrophysics.
The tires are too hard.
It has a weak battery.
The brakes squeek.
The back doors are on backwards.
It only comes with 4 spark plugs.
The paint is too glossy.
Ignore them Dell - they are trying to deceive you!
The RX-8 sucks. It is ugly and it smells like spoiled fruit. Its a girl car. It gets gas mileage like an RV and it can't be started on a cold morning without a degree in astrophysics.
The tires are too hard.
It has a weak battery.
The brakes squeek.
The back doors are on backwards.
It only comes with 4 spark plugs.
The paint is too glossy.
Last edited by MazdaManiac; 12-13-2005 at 02:23 PM.
12-13-2005, 02:35 PM
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To address your concerns:
1) If you are well informed (and in a warm climate) I can't image that flooding will be a concern for you. You know about it, you know what to to prevent it, you know what to do about it, no real problem.
2) Search for "apex seals reliability" or just read everything RotaryGod has posted. I don't think this engine is a substantial reliability risk.
However, unless you live in Miami or L.A. you will have one of the coolest cars around.
1) You'll have to get used to folks coming up to you and wanting to talk to you about your car.
2) You'll have to endure jealousy from family, friends and coworkers.
3) You'll find yourself day-dreaming about your car and thinking everything else on the road looks like a cookie-cutter cow-pie.
1) If you are well informed (and in a warm climate) I can't image that flooding will be a concern for you. You know about it, you know what to to prevent it, you know what to do about it, no real problem.
2) Search for "apex seals reliability" or just read everything RotaryGod has posted. I don't think this engine is a substantial reliability risk.
However, unless you live in Miami or L.A. you will have one of the coolest cars around.
1) You'll have to get used to folks coming up to you and wanting to talk to you about your car.
2) You'll have to endure jealousy from family, friends and coworkers.
3) You'll find yourself day-dreaming about your car and thinking everything else on the road looks like a cookie-cutter cow-pie.
12-13-2005, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
Stop encouraging him!
Ignore them Dell - they are trying to deceive you!
The RX-8 sucks. It is ugly and it smells like spoiled fruit. Its a girl car. It gets gas mileage like an RV and it can't be started on a cold morning without a degree in astrophysics.
The tires are too hard.
It has a weak battery.
The brakes squeek.
The back doors are on backwards.
It only comes with 4 spark plugs.
The paint is too glossy.
Ignore them Dell - they are trying to deceive you!
The RX-8 sucks. It is ugly and it smells like spoiled fruit. Its a girl car. It gets gas mileage like an RV and it can't be started on a cold morning without a degree in astrophysics.
The tires are too hard.
It has a weak battery.
The brakes squeek.
The back doors are on backwards.
It only comes with 4 spark plugs.
The paint is too glossy.
12-13-2005, 02:41 PM
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RX8 ADDICTED!!!
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If you want a trouble free car that requires no maintenance the 8 is not for you. The 8 is a unique car that requires the owner to care for it and maintain it. This is not a 100,000 mile maintenance free car. If you want a fun car that gets alot of looks then buy an 8, if you want hassle free buy a civic.
12-13-2005, 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by youpey
you will get tons of yes answers because this is an rx8 site. i can tell you i hate my 8. i have had so many problems with it since i got it. i am planning on trading it in for an s2000 in the spring.
most problems were covered under warantee, but when my clutch blew at 28000 miles, and they told me i did nothing wrong, no signs of abuse or misuse, it just let go, that did it for me since it cost me 1200 dollars. the tires will cost about 800-1000 to replace, and you cant use the oem tires in the snow, you will need to buy winter tires for ~800. i will admit it is fun to drive and it looks wonderful, but with all of the problems i have had, i wouldnt recommend it to anyone. a friend of mine offered me 22k for it, and i couldnt sell it to him because he was my friend and i didnt want to pass on my problems to someone i knew.
some people have had no problems, i am not one of those lucky people.
oh, and they rebuilt the tranny at less then 12k miles because of a bearing or something, i dont remember exactly.
most problems were covered under warantee, but when my clutch blew at 28000 miles, and they told me i did nothing wrong, no signs of abuse or misuse, it just let go, that did it for me since it cost me 1200 dollars. the tires will cost about 800-1000 to replace, and you cant use the oem tires in the snow, you will need to buy winter tires for ~800. i will admit it is fun to drive and it looks wonderful, but with all of the problems i have had, i wouldnt recommend it to anyone. a friend of mine offered me 22k for it, and i couldnt sell it to him because he was my friend and i didnt want to pass on my problems to someone i knew.
some people have had no problems, i am not one of those lucky people.
oh, and they rebuilt the tranny at less then 12k miles because of a bearing or something, i dont remember exactly.
Why you'd even complain that a sports car doesn't come with winter tires is beyond me.
12-13-2005, 02:42 PM
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Go to any dealer lot and take any car for a test drive. rev the motor to 9k and see what ya think. Hmmm. my car started with no problem at -16F. The brakes are some of the best stock brakes on the planet. Yes, girls love this car.
12-13-2005, 02:46 PM
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//Tigster
Hell no, I am not getting a civic. I rather walk.
//MazdaManiac
That is hilarious! LOL
//Cool-Blue-Dad
I actually live in NY, so it gets cold and snowy in winter.
Thanks all, I did search a lot about RX-8. I think I am up to challenge in maintaining the car. What I don't want is something big going wrong all of sudden. Like engine dying on me early, clutch blowing out, things like that.
Hell no, I am not getting a civic. I rather walk.
//MazdaManiac
That is hilarious! LOL
//Cool-Blue-Dad
I actually live in NY, so it gets cold and snowy in winter.
Thanks all, I did search a lot about RX-8. I think I am up to challenge in maintaining the car. What I don't want is something big going wrong all of sudden. Like engine dying on me early, clutch blowing out, things like that.
Last edited by dell; 12-13-2005 at 02:51 PM.
12-13-2005, 02:53 PM
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It is definitely a car for people who like to mess with their cars. You have to keep up on maintenance. Oil checking was a surprise to me. They don’t tell you when you buy the car that the engine consumes oil as a matter of function. It is a little weird to have to feed your new car between oil changes.
The OEM tires are truly awful in the snow but I hear people have had good luck with the snow tires. I just put my baby away for the crappy snow days.
I have had a couple of small cosmetic warranty issues but with only 14k miles on my car I could not attest to longevity of the engine.
I do have to say though, when I go from driving my Audi A4 1.8t to my RX8, its like I just bought a ticket to Disney Land. There is nothing like the feeling I get when I feel that crisp clutch and handling combined with that power boost that hits you at about 5,000 rpm. Its like you strap the thing on like some kind of “Mech-armor”.
There are bad luck stories with any vehicle and I am in no way a “fanboy”. I have a Chrysler 300 for my wife and of course my Audi so you can see I have diverse tastes. I just love to drive this car. It is also one of the most gorgeous vehicles on the road for the price.
One last thing. My kids fit nicely in the back and I get the four-door sedan price on insurance.
The OEM tires are truly awful in the snow but I hear people have had good luck with the snow tires. I just put my baby away for the crappy snow days.
I have had a couple of small cosmetic warranty issues but with only 14k miles on my car I could not attest to longevity of the engine.
I do have to say though, when I go from driving my Audi A4 1.8t to my RX8, its like I just bought a ticket to Disney Land. There is nothing like the feeling I get when I feel that crisp clutch and handling combined with that power boost that hits you at about 5,000 rpm. Its like you strap the thing on like some kind of “Mech-armor”.
There are bad luck stories with any vehicle and I am in no way a “fanboy”. I have a Chrysler 300 for my wife and of course my Audi so you can see I have diverse tastes. I just love to drive this car. It is also one of the most gorgeous vehicles on the road for the price.
One last thing. My kids fit nicely in the back and I get the four-door sedan price on insurance.
12-13-2005, 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by rogue2
They don’t tell you when you buy the car that the engine consumes oil as a matter of function. It is a little weird to have to feed your new car between oil changes.
One last thing. My kids fit nicely in the back and I get the four-door sedan price on insurance.
One last thing. My kids fit nicely in the back and I get the four-door sedan price on insurance.
I agree about the kids though. I haul my three daughters around in it all the time and they love it as much as I do.
I live in upstate NY too. I actually fear deer more than snow - my Blizzack LM-22s are waiting for pickup at my friendly neighborhood tire store. I can also personally vouch for the front-impact protection the RX-8 offers to its occupants.
12-13-2005, 03:05 PM
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From my experience of having my 8 (used bought it w/ 16k). I knew what I was getting myself in to.
Basically, you need to feed the car oil, unlike any other car you have probably owned. And feeding it oil is normal and expected!
The rotary engine is very robust, short of manufacturing defect or abuse it's very reliable. (The only exceptions people have noted here is in high-temp areas like the desert. There is the possibility in stop-and-go traffic that there is no enough cooling via the oil coolers.. but the temp issue is not a problem in NY!)
Interior "nits". The center console cover is a bit fragile. If you lean on it a lot, part of it might break, but if the cars under warranty, they'll cover it.
The E-brake "boot" is also fragile.. similarly, I've seen and heard of many that have cracked or broken. Purely a cosmetic issue.. but again, the dealer has covered it.
Flooding... if you have time/patients to let the car warm up and don't "start it, move it 5 feet, turn it off" you won't have flooding problems. The _ONLY_ time I have had a problem is when I didn't allow it to warm up and moved it twice in a day w/o warming it up, next morning it wouldn't start... completely my fault.
Tires/Gas milage.. people complain about tire wear and gas mileage.. well it's a sports car.. Duh. If you can't live w/ 18 MPG, and the cost of high-performance tires.. then don't buy a sports car. (And don't forget, you'll need winter tires.)
Radio, the radio is VERY integrated.. if you are someone who wants to upgrade the factory radio, then this isn't the car for you. You CAN do it, but it's a lot more expensive since the stock radio will need to be relocated and hooked up for the climate control and dash display to work.
Now that all of the negatives are covered... let me note, I have absolutly no regrets!
The car looks cool, come on, for $25-$30k, show me a cooler looking car.. really, I _LOVE_ the looks of the car! As others have said, it's not a common car in most areas.
The car is very powerful, 230+ HP, high reving - rev to 9k and you won't want to drive anything else. Between the power and 9k redline.. it's a dream to drive..
The rotary engine is incredibly smooth. I have never driven anything nearly as smooth and easy to drive as the 8. Again, rev to 9k.. drive at 9k.. most cars would fall apart.. the 8 just says, give me more.
TSC/DSC, the traction control system is second to none. With a rear wheel drive sports car, ABS and all of the goodies.. it'll save you butt when you get a bit too free spirited while driving..
Ohh, and it's nice for winter.
The car is very comfortable for long drives.. the back seat is VERY usable for 4 adults.. (note: it's a 4 seater, not 5.. since the back isn't a bench seat)
Handling is absolutly amazing in this car. With the 50/50 weight distribution.. you can out manuver anything on the road in it's price range. (And many things that cost a lot more!)
My suggestion, take a test drive.. compare it to an S2000, Civic, Mazda 6 and other similar cars.. if you are willing to deal with the quirks of the rotary engine, then this car is the way to go.
Basically, you need to feed the car oil, unlike any other car you have probably owned. And feeding it oil is normal and expected!
The rotary engine is very robust, short of manufacturing defect or abuse it's very reliable. (The only exceptions people have noted here is in high-temp areas like the desert. There is the possibility in stop-and-go traffic that there is no enough cooling via the oil coolers.. but the temp issue is not a problem in NY!)
Interior "nits". The center console cover is a bit fragile. If you lean on it a lot, part of it might break, but if the cars under warranty, they'll cover it.
The E-brake "boot" is also fragile.. similarly, I've seen and heard of many that have cracked or broken. Purely a cosmetic issue.. but again, the dealer has covered it.
Flooding... if you have time/patients to let the car warm up and don't "start it, move it 5 feet, turn it off" you won't have flooding problems. The _ONLY_ time I have had a problem is when I didn't allow it to warm up and moved it twice in a day w/o warming it up, next morning it wouldn't start... completely my fault.
Tires/Gas milage.. people complain about tire wear and gas mileage.. well it's a sports car.. Duh. If you can't live w/ 18 MPG, and the cost of high-performance tires.. then don't buy a sports car. (And don't forget, you'll need winter tires.)
Radio, the radio is VERY integrated.. if you are someone who wants to upgrade the factory radio, then this isn't the car for you. You CAN do it, but it's a lot more expensive since the stock radio will need to be relocated and hooked up for the climate control and dash display to work.
Now that all of the negatives are covered... let me note, I have absolutly no regrets!
The car looks cool, come on, for $25-$30k, show me a cooler looking car.. really, I _LOVE_ the looks of the car! As others have said, it's not a common car in most areas.
The car is very powerful, 230+ HP, high reving - rev to 9k and you won't want to drive anything else. Between the power and 9k redline.. it's a dream to drive..
The rotary engine is incredibly smooth. I have never driven anything nearly as smooth and easy to drive as the 8. Again, rev to 9k.. drive at 9k.. most cars would fall apart.. the 8 just says, give me more.
TSC/DSC, the traction control system is second to none. With a rear wheel drive sports car, ABS and all of the goodies.. it'll save you butt when you get a bit too free spirited while driving..
Ohh, and it's nice for winter. The car is very comfortable for long drives.. the back seat is VERY usable for 4 adults.. (note: it's a 4 seater, not 5.. since the back isn't a bench seat)
Handling is absolutly amazing in this car. With the 50/50 weight distribution.. you can out manuver anything on the road in it's price range. (And many things that cost a lot more!)
My suggestion, take a test drive.. compare it to an S2000, Civic, Mazda 6 and other similar cars.. if you are willing to deal with the quirks of the rotary engine, then this car is the way to go.
Last edited by fray; 12-13-2005 at 03:08 PM.
12-13-2005, 03:25 PM
#22
幹他媽!
A trouble-free car would be more like an economy car like a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla.
The RX-8 is a sports car, which generally-speaking, will have higher maintenance requirements. I've never heard of ANY sports car to be as trouble-free or low-maintenance as an economy car.
If you find one, let us know what it is... please.
The RX-8 is a sports car, which generally-speaking, will have higher maintenance requirements. I've never heard of ANY sports car to be as trouble-free or low-maintenance as an economy car.
If you find one, let us know what it is... please.
12-13-2005, 03:26 PM
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Thanks fray, great advices.
Like I mentioned, I am worried about big things... like long term reliability of rotary.
Yeah... I've driven RX-8.... I love it. I've driven 6, MX-5, and s2000. Among those, I prefer s2000, RX-8, and MX-5. Add in practicality to RX-8, I think I know which one to get. I'll have to see if my 3 gets fixed first.
Like I mentioned, I am worried about big things... like long term reliability of rotary.
Yeah... I've driven RX-8.... I love it. I've driven 6, MX-5, and s2000. Among those, I prefer s2000, RX-8, and MX-5. Add in practicality to RX-8, I think I know which one to get.
I'll have to see if my 3 gets fixed first.