Mazda RX-8 reliability - how does it truly compare?
 

In late 2005 I started conducting reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, to precisely track cars as they age.

Want precise, detailed, reliability stats on the RX-8? This is how to get them. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Participants report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

You can read more about the research and sign up to help out here:

Vehicle reliability research

Two other surveys have no minimum sample, one that collects fuel economy information and one that collects repair histories. These are not required of members, but are there for those who want to post such information, as it gets posted directly to the site.

Initial fuel economy results here (no surprises):

Mazda RX-8 fuel economy

Getting closer, but still looking for more cars. Help me put some real numbers around people's impressions that the RX-8 isn't reliable. Even cars that are "worse than average" tend to require far fewer repairs than people often think they do.

With the exception of the battery, which was damaged by cold, because the regular piston car, sitting side by side with it also suffered similar battery damage - the Blue 8 has had no problems with workmanship or parts.

The firewall and two wires suffered rodent damage - but this seems to be kind of a norm for this area and has nothing to do with the make of the car or truck - (although the fire wall fabric seems to be made from mouse candy).

We drive her at least every other day, have taken it on 4 long trips, and find that she simply runs like a good piston car except there is less vibration, noise, and a lot more speed for passing and getting on and off of freeways..Oil use is about normal, and gas milage is less than a well tuned 323, but much better than a Corvette, Buick, pick-up truck or SUV! For long trips we could save gas using the 323, but we hate to sacrifice the comfort and increased performance...

Just purchased in October an 04 RX 8. 38 000 kms. 6MT GS.
The car came with an extended warranty.
We complained that the heater was acting inconsistently and the dealer replaced it (no Chg)
For fuel I run a tank of regular then a tank of mid grade and finally a tank of premium. I am getting about 24 mpg on the highway and try to keep the revs around 3500 to 4000. Haven't figured around town mileage.
Had a CEL and the dealer updated the flash.
Oil consumption isn't bad and dealer usually gives me bulk oil when I'm in.
We run it every day through this winter. It has to be daily driver and it has been absolutely reliable. So far so good.

Signed up earlier today.

Thanks.

I'm just one--yes one--2004 short of starting data collection on that model year. A little over halfway with the 2005.

i signed up my 04 today. My mileage sucks though, so sorry if i skew the data.

I want to support and I have the time, but I'm not going to give my licence #. Good luck however.

Signed up for '05.

You do have the option of supplying "99" for your license plate number, but I reserve the right to request it and verify that the car exists through the relevant DMV if your responses seem somehow suspicious. The odds of my ever doing this are very small. But many people have asked me, "How do you know people aren't just making cars up?"

You are aware I'm asking for your plate number, and not your driver's license number, right? In case you're not aware, your plate is visible to hundreds, even thousands of people every time you drive your car.

The fuel economy survey asks about driving style and driving conditions, so these may explain your numbers.

I just signed up my '05 for ya mkaresh.

2 engines
3 set of brake pads
2 airbag senor replacements
both seat warmers replaced
fuel injector leak
air conditioner leak
burnt out headlight

I'm sure there are a few more things I'm missing. Its hard to keep track. Ironicly, my mpg has improved with each engine.


Even with all this....I love the car. How sick is that?

My saving grace is that I found a good service tech at one of the dealers in my city.

Now collecting data on the 2004, but still need more cars for all years.

good job

Thanks, I'm trying.

Recently posted the latest results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

RX-8 not among them yet. Maybe in August, it all depends on how many owners sign up and participate. I've been collecting data on the 2004 for a few months now, but need more responses.

For other model years, I still need more owners signed up to even start collecting data. I'd really like to provide solid reliability information on the RX-8, because right now the car's reliability rep is based largely on hearsay. I need owners' help to fix this.

Current counts of RX-8s in the panel:
2004: 29
2005: 17
2006: 12
2007 < 5

To read the details and sign up:

Vehicle reliability research

2004 w/36,456 miles. Perfect running order.

I just signed up my '05, Mike. Thanks for your careful research. And for everyone's who paranoid about revealing their license plate number, I'm CYC-6292.

The plate number isn't a necessity to sign up. Those who don't know it can enter 99, and many do.

I ask for it because it might at some point be necessary to verify that the cars being reported on actually exist. I'd ask for VINs, but very few people would bother to look them up. Also, I figured it's about as public as individual information gets.

With people who don't provide a plate number, I simply reserve the right to ask for it down the road. Chances are I never will unless something about some responses suggests they aren't genuine. This hasn't happened yet.

Can still very much use more participants, for all model years. I'll likely need more 2004s to report results for that year in the next update, in August. Still need more of other years to start collecting data.

For the details and to sign up:

Vehicle reliability research

If you're one of the 2004 RX-8 owners who sign up, but you haven't responded to this month's survey yet, please do so. Currently I'm three responses short of being able to post any results for the model, even with an asterisk.

In the end, there were not quite enough responses to post a result for the 2004 last month. A few more participants would certainly help ensure that there will be a result for the RX-8 in the next update, in November.

With the 2005, need just four more owners to sign up to start collecting data.

Brand New Car High Mileage Driver to Contribute
 

I will supply data. I drive 30-35K per year, truly combined city and highway. I keep fanatical mileage notes (anyone want to know mileage of a 1995 Vette, 2000 Diesel Excursion, 99 F250 V10 SuperDuty, 92 Mercedes 400E, 05 Mazda 6 all of which I used to own)?

Happy to contribute. My first tank is not done but look like it will be in the 18-19 range. Of course, keeping RPM below 5000-7000 might have an impact on that. :)

05 here. signed up.