Hi I was thinking of getting an 8 but I heard about the flooding problem...

Im a College student and it's gonna be my every-day driver .. should I get it or not

Thanks

 

I'm a college student, I have a daily driver RX-8, and, I drive it 50 miles a day to get to school, or work, all without flooding, and all the other problems you'll ever read about this car.

 

This the rx8club, of course they're going to tell you to get the RX-8 (unless you're 16yrs old or can't afford one).

On the flooding topic, read and enjoy:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/engine-flooding-info-questions-17498/

 

I still have my 88 RX. never had the flooding issue with it 148k mi. ... 5.5k mi. on my 8 no flooding. This has been an issue for some folks but the new M-flash seems to have reduced or eliminated this issue.
If you drive it.... you will likely be addicted .... then spend a lot of time on this site.

 

i've got about 10k on my 8...never had a hard start or flooding problem

 

If I had to guess, I'd bet that about 7% - 10% of all owners have had a flood so far, meaning that they've had a car towed to a dealer or have had to push start or the car, change-out the battery, etc. It may be as low as 5%, but the polls show the numbers much higher, at around 20%. That's likely overstated, but its been consistent across several polls. It's difficult to tell. Drivers in dryer/warmer climates are probably better off.

A Mazda NA representative told another user that the ATs were flooding "much more" than the MTs. (See this poll.) That could be either because of a difference in the AT cars, which have somewhat different engines, but it's just as easily explained by the fact that the AT drivers tend to have more than one driver, and a second driver is not as likely to be careful to warm up the car every time. For example, my wife flooded my AT by not warming it up and leaving it sit outside for a few hours in the rain. The "procedure" of glancing at the temp gauge before shutting off the car takes a little getting used to, but is not a big deal.

The "M" flash is supposed to improve your chances but not eliminate the problem -- the "warm up" procedure is still recommended. Flooding is a "warranty" repair, and Roadside Assistance provides towing for free, so that helps a great deal. Most dealers will provide a lender if you get stuck.

I think the 8 is a very good "college" car, if you can afford the gas and insurance, I sure couldn't when I was in school, so I'm jealous.

 

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... waiting for all of the "do not buy" responses from
RX-8 CLUB members....

 

I think its a great 1st car for a college graduate. A better college student car would be a Mazda 3 or 6 because of the gas mileage and less attention. But then again, you want a car that'll get all the COLLEGE LADIES and since we're all 8 lovers here, I encouraged you to get one!

 

Well every car has its ups and downs. IE: To change the brakes on a Ferrari Enzo will coust you well over $15K. So to say the RX-8 has problems is one thing. To say its had to maintain this vehicles maintenance is another.

 

Sorry couldent post earlier.. how do I "warm-up" the car?? and I have to leave it a bit before shutting the engine?

 

I warm mine up by sticking the key in the ignition, turning it to the right for about 3-4 seconds till I hear this nice buzzing sound then let go of the key and pull out of the driveway. In about 3-4 minutes the temp gauge read in the middle (warmed up).
Also where did you hear about “the flooding problem “ Could not have been here as that issue and been reported to be solved by Mazda back in April.

 

No flooding problems in 2,000 miles here (M flash since day three). And I do the things I'm not supposed to do, such as start it cold, move to other side of parking lot, turn it off.

Curiously though, the pre-delivery history of the car shows that Mazda replaced the plugs and battery once upon a time, so it looks like it flooded on them.

 

I didn't hear about the flooding problem I just read the posted thread.
It looked like kind of a problem so thats why I posted this.