satyr

I am looking into a new car, and I need something with lower mileage and a lasting motor that can carry me through college and medical school. I've had a procharged 1999 saleen mustang, a 2004 gto, and a 2003 .50 trim srt-4, so the power aspect of the car will be nothing new to me. (Don't take this as trying to brag. It is anything but; however, I just want to inform those of you that can help me out what I've had in the past).

I love the styling of the Rx8, and have heard good things about Mazda. However, I've tried searching on this site and haven't had much luck finding out what they can do stock. What are the typical numbers (including 1/4 mile) for a stock Rx8? What are the typical mods? How much are turbos? How do the motors last? How is the ride, suspension? Importantly, how expensive is it to mod these cars?

Basically, to those of you who've owned the car for a while, let me know what you think about it, likes/dislikes, should I consider something else? Modability? etc.

Thanks a lot for your time.

Shini

Careful about when you inform people of your age.

Most people on this forum consider it a way of bragging. Because no normal would ever introduce themsleves in such a manner unless trying to brag.




And based on the cars you've had before, the power will actually be something new to you. the lack of it that is has unless FI.

The engines are really reliable (some 04 models had issues, but after a few recalls are fine now), Expo_1 has had his engine for 100k+ miles now without any major problems, and recently someone asked the question if people think they'll get to that mark, everyone was pretty optimistic about it, so I'd say they were reliable. (Expo isn't the 100k+ guy, he didn't get some factory freak car)

As far as 1/4 mile times, the car isn't really made to go down the drag strip, so the times aren't that impressive, take a a track with curves though and it will rock your world and make those High horse power monsters look ridiculous and lame. Average times as far as 1/4 mile times go are in the 14's in I'm not mistaken.

Typical mods are CAI, Cat back exhaust, Under drive pulley, Clear corners, Strakes (if you're gay and drive a crossfire too), just the usual stuff you'd do to any other car.

Turbo's will run you a pretty penny, same with supercharges, Price range is around 3k from what I've seen people qoute in posts.

The ride is great in my opinion, the suspension I can't comment on because I haven't modified mine yet so I can't say because I have nothing to compare to. A lot of people suggest you get coil-overs and as your first mod (so I think that kind of answers your question)

As far as pricing goes, nothing is as terribly exspensive CAI is a couple of hundred, and a good cat-back will run a few hundred more.

As far as suspension goes, no idea, I never really looked into it all too much.

If you like a car that does okay in straight lines, and is very rewarding in corners, extremely fun to drive, and is a sexy as hell and attracts a lot of women then this is the car for you.

As far as other cars to consider, I suppose if you're looking for a more compact sports car like the 8, take a look at the 350z, I looked at one when I test drove my 8, didn't like it as much, but I'm not into 1/4 mile times and silly things like that. It's all about the experience for me, from getting from a to b.

And if you decide you like strakes, crossfire might be right up your alley, they're factory installed!

satyr

Advice taken, yet I don't see the relation of my age to bragging.

But thanks anyways.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Do you like the car? Have you driven the car?
If you do and have, buy the car.

All the information you requested is on this forum. Try the "Search" button.

satyr

I'm not quite sure, i've been test driving a lot of cars lately and am just searching for the responses of long-time owners.

I do love the looks of the Rx8, and the interior is fantastic.
But for the speed, how are they?

DaveCM203

You need to spend a little time searching around on this forum. If you are looking for a 1/4 mile queen, please look else where. It is the wrong car for that (In my opinion).

Oh, yea. You are probobly about to get flammed.

Cody Red

the 8 won't satisfy your fancy if you're coming from v8s, some being FI. (some do, but idk about you, maybe)

it's just not made to go fast in the 1/4. you can always turbocharge it but add another 4k or more to whatever the 8 costs these days and you 'may' be satisfied.

it's a great handling car and you won't get the vibration from that of a v8 and i can assure you it's more fun to drive on the curvey roads, but it 1/4 or street racing is your thing the rx8 simply isn't for you.

it's sorta expensive to modify, and you won't see much gain unless, again, your turbo/supercharge/put nitrous. even with boltons you won't ever see high 13's. idk how 1/4 times are with FI kits. suspension is by far the best, it's what makes the car aside having a rotary. they last pretty long if you take care of them properly and don't go FI. I couldn't tell you the life of the renesis after making it FI.

satyr

Yeah, i've read a few posts and noticed that flaming is pretty common. That's fine, i've been around forums for long enough to get flamed and move along with my life. I'm not essentially searching for a 1/4 mile queen. Just something that's very reliable, fairly low-maintenance, and can be given a little extra umph and exhaust note without breaking the bank.

Can anyone give me a hand?
Thanks.

satyr

Thank you for your honesty, I'll keep this all in mind.

At this point in my life I just need to find something that will last, is faily safe and economical, and can keep me in a "sporty" car.

Thanks again.

Cody Red

economical, no. you'll be getting the same as a v8, really. it's very reliable if you take care of it. as far as maintenance, you gotta keep your eye on the oil levels more often than a piston motors, as well as coolant. and you gotta redline it once a day or else carbon will build up. and that's a no no.

np about the honesty.

satyr

okay, that can be done fairly easily.

why is the gas mileage so poor?
thanks for your time.

Shini

Me either, it's just other people here that seem to think that.

Shini

Rotary

Shini

The 8 suits that pretty well, it is reliable, pretty easy to maintain (Just gotta watch your oil level), and you can give it some umpth at a decent price, AND with 4 doors and 4 seats!

raphy3

Car and driver did a long term test on an 04. In 40,000 miles they spent around $200 in maintenance (not inc. oil changes I think). And no I didn't make that up, I read the article.

You can expect to pay a lot more because you won't have an army of mazda people following you around trying to make sure everything is in top notch shape. I've had my 8 now for only a few weeks so I'm not trying to act like I know all about it.

But maybe you want some perspective from a new owner too. My experience so far is, it's all about the handling. The feeling driving this car is just pure joy. Like C&D said, it turned in the slowest time on the flat track, but in real world conditions, it was the fastest (faster than audi TT, 350z, and mustang GT) due to it's superior suspension and handling. So just ask yourself, how often will you be driving over normal roads and would like to take the turns and exits and entrances just a little faster than everyone else, and compare that amount of time to how long you expect yourself to be drag racing.

Since you said you're getting an everday car, buy the one that makes you want to drive it again. When I'm inside I'm thinking about going outside and getting into my sweet ride. (Hey that rhymes.) When I test drove the 8 I immediately forgot about 350 what?

(edited to fix "$40000" with "40000 miles"... it was reading nonsense before)

laythor

The beauty of the 8 is that you don't have to drive it fast to feel good in it. The car handles better then anything you'll find near it's price.

The car looks amazing (yes, we're biased here), the car sounds very nice stock and 500-1000 will make it sound pretty much anyway you want it with an aftermarket cat-back.

Take some long test drives and make sure to turn and turn... if the dealer suggets the freeway just laugh and take the on and off ramps at speed.

9291150

Looking at what you've owned and all your comments thus far - looking for 1/4 mile times, tune-ability, low maintenance, economy, great reliability, etc....better options exist.

Now if you mentioned you were looking for a great handling car with lots of character that functions well as a daily driver, then I'd recommend it. But you didn't, and buying a car 'cause it looks good is retarded, esp. if the car doesn't match up to your definition of what makes a car great.

Rems31

College and Med school will cost you a pretty penny, no? if this is your daily driver, you'll be spending quite a bit on gas. If you can afford it, that's great. But if you're gonna be on a tight budget, you would be better off with a car that gets better mileage.

chetrickerman

yes, $40 gets you about 3/4 take or a little more, and on average the car gets 200-240 miles to the tank. many people assume that because it only has a 1.3 ltr engine, it gets great gas mileage. which its quite the opposite. but the wankel engine is the only replacement for displacement, seeing as the little 1.3 engine puts out 238 bhp. try doing that with an 1.3 ltr N/A piston engine.

Myardor

iTrader: (7)

If you had to ask, the 8 is not for you, at this time in your life.
You will not be happy with the gas mileage. Being a student for that long, you will not be happy with the interior room. You will be moving now and then. As a daily driver, It will cost you. I am not saying you don't have the cash. You stated you wanted something economical. No go with the 8.
Those of us that drive the 8 don't do it because we can save money. We do it for the fun/experience and don't care "getting there fast in a straight line" ie 1/4 time.

champi0n

iTrader: (1)

you seem to go through cars quicker then most change their underwear.

and ps, the rx8 is a drivers car, not a 1/4 mile car. So any car that beats you in the 1/4, you'll smoke them on the track

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

If you have to ask, you'll never know. Funky motherfuckas will not be told to go-oh-oh-oh....

satyr

A lot of what i've heard has been pretty insightful. I had worried about the mileage, because I know that the rotary, although being a 1.3 liter motor, still uses gas quite fast.

To be honest, I've really been attracted to the handling (that you have all mentioned) and the excellent interior of the car. I had a damn near full racing suspension on my SRT-4, so I know how fun a great handling car can be.

I guess i'll keep my options open for now, look around, and see what else there is for me. But I may end up joining this club as an owner anyways.

Thanks for all of your help.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, this is going to handle a little better than your FWD neon.

Uncivilizedracer

I say get the car turbo it and . . . . . . Nuff said