fosterg09

I know there is a thread about this already, but I just wanted to get your opinion. I was looking into get a more practical everyday car (I Have a dodge ram 1500 Daytona edition) I was looking into passats, mazda 6, Milan, and such. But I saw a RX8 within my price range at one of the dealerships I went to test drive a car. It was a 04 with 21K miles and they were asking for $16900. It was an automatic, I think it had a sports package, because it had the spoiler and ground effects. It had cloth seat (which I don’t mind). I always loved the looks of the RX8, but I didn’t know much about it until tonight. I test drove it and it felt like a very responsive car, and I love sports car. But I would be using this as an everyday car, do a lot of you use it as an every day car? I was concerned with all the engine flooding and everything, the carfax on the car was clean. I would like to keep this car a while, is it a reliable car? I know it’s not a very practical car, but I just loved the way it drives and the way it looks. But I was a little concerned after reading all the bad stories here. So what do you guys think, is this a decent car for what I’m looking for? A reliable everyday car or is it just a weekend car? I had a firebird and a camaro before, bigger sports car, but with about the same room in the inside.

Tanks in advance

Gui

CarAndDriver

No Automatic Transmission!

Are you sure you searched? Your questions have been bantered about many times before.

Try it again, you might like it more.

dillsrotary

flooding will only happen if you let it happen, other than that alot of folks here have it as a daily driver, but remember the gas mileage for most of us is well below 20 mph, i'm usually 17. so if your daily commute is far you'll be burning gas money.

TitaniumRenesis

My 04 8 is my daily driver and I love it. I live in NH so I even drive mine in the snow which with snow tires and a little skill, isnt a bother at all. As far as reliability, Ive only had mine since October so I cant really give you any advice as far as that goes. I have never had any flooding problems or anything like that. As far as practicality, it's not as impractical as you think. For a sports car, the trunk is fairly roomy and my back seat has held 300lb man before with a 6'4" tall man sitting in front of him, granted we had to pull him out with a tractor but he was in there. The gas mileage sucks but the driving experience makes up for it so I say go for it. I dont regret getting mine. Good luck.

fosterg09

The gas millage will be actually an upgrade for me, with my truck I'm used to 11mpg, and got as low as 9mpg before. The thing that concerns me the most is that this car will not last as much as I want (at least 80,000 miles). I was impressed with the size of the trunk, my firebird was smaller. Do you guys think is a good deal an 04 with 21k miles for $16,900 ( I was planning to offer 16,000 if I go for it)? I couldn't find many around me in that price range.

Thanks

Razz1

you love the test drive and like the power, then it's for you as a DD.

Buy it, you won't regret it.

fosterg09

I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the power. My truck is a 5.7 v8 and with some mods puts 375hp and this car is right there with it. The back of it I'm pretty sure it is more roomy than my firebird, and I like the divider in the middle. What else should I know about this car (good and bad) that would help me make my decision?

Thanks

Razz1

Seats 4, decent stereo and a blast to drive.

Old Rotor

Dont be scared it will have a 60K warranty....right!

rglbegl

just get it!!!!!

Ever Hernandez

I live in the bay area in CA. My 04 already has 88k on it, no problems. yeah I know I do like to drive a lot. If you are ok with the AT go for it, but if there's a manual around you should think twice about that AT. There's nothing like the rush you get from a car as responsive as the 8 when you spin the engine way up there and you're in control of the gearbox.

j67345

The only thing I'd be weary of is if you think you might regret getting an AT rather than the stick...there is a significant HP decrease with the '04 AT compared to the manual. I've had my '04 for 3 years and love it. I've put 35k on it so far, and haven't had any major problems, and its only flooded once.

Mendossa

I bought a '04 with low miles (10k) a year ago and so far I've been very satisfied of the reliability considering its a sports car. It only flooded once when an uncle did it almost on purpose (long story) and the minor issues I took to the dealer (2) were covered under warranty and not very scary (one bad spark plug and a headlight leveling sensor malfunction).

By the way, this is my first manual (had 2 AT cars before) and I strongly, strongly recommend you get the manual! It's not that hard and it is SO much fun, especially with an engine like this that begs to be revved! Why go without the free 40hp

ChaseRX8

i got ripped off then i payed 16,200 for my 04 auto sport with 40,000 miles

Groundrush

Agreed...see if you can find and test drive a 6-speed before purchasing the auto. The '04-'05 automatics had significantly lower HP numbers than the 6-speed. If you were impressed with the power of the automatic, you'll probably be even more so with the stick. Unless you absolutely have your heart set on the paddle shifters, the 6-speed is better.

As far as reliability goes, I have an '05 that I have owned just shy of one year (11k miles so far). I've had some recall work done (ECU reflash, replaced spark plugs), plus had the TSB on the squeaky brakes performed. I had a sunroof rattle I had to have fixed, plus occasional rattles here and there in the back deck, right A-pillar, the instrument cluster, and the rear view mirror. No major mechanical issues though.

Check here for a listing of known recalls and TSBs...might give you an idea as to the kinds of issues that may come up.

½mv²

Not to sound like some automotive Dr. Doolittle, but if an RX is right for you, it'll pick you.

I've had 2 RX7's & I now have my RX8. I hated my first RX7 until I actually drove it. I was about ready to decline the offer for my 2nd RX7 and wait for something better to come around, and then I got to take it on an autox. I was searching for an old used miata to turn into my weekend "monster", when I begrudgingly agreed to test drive the RX8...
Something about the extreme attention to detial, aerodynamics, unique response & feel of the cars makes them feel like they're kinda "talking" to you. If you "hear" them, then no other car on this earth will ever please you like an RX can.

Here's what I read in your first post:
I knew *of* them, but they didn't leave a big enough impression on me for me to look into them.
I just kinda happened to drive one.
I f**king loved it. I want it. I want it so badly that I'm willing to tollerate an AT rather than wait for a 6S.
I read up on rotaries and they sound like nightmares - I don't think I trust this car... but for some reason I still REALLY want it.
My brain says 'no', but my heart screams 'yes' - can someone here tell me that all the bad stuff I read is a lie so my brain will shut up? I WANT THIS CAR!



Get the car.

No, srsly - just get the damn car.

You're hooked.

Give in.

You wont regret it. Even if it floods every day, breaks once a week, gives you grey hairs, and drains your life savings, you will never find yourself regretting the purchase. Allow me to share with you the worst-case scenario circle of RX life:


*towing RX to shop*
"I hate this car. I'm going to fix it and sell it."

*hitching ride home from shop*
"I'm selling that car. That's final. F**k that car."

*At work the next day*
"F**king car. I can't even work I'm so mad/worried about that damn car."

*At the shop after work*
"Jesus I'm broke now. I don't even think I'll get that much when I sell the damn thing."

*Driving the car out of the shop*
"WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! OMG I AM NEVER GETTING RID OF THIS DREAM-MACHINE!!!!"

*As car breaks down*
"Don't you worry, sweetie - I going to fix you up good as new!"

*Waiting for tow truck*
"Actually... Maybe I should sell it... It...kinda... has been... pissing me off... a little...."

(repeat until financial situation forces you to sell RX)

TitaniumRenesis

^^^ That was interesting

rglbegl

Just Get It!!!!!

rglbegl

then show us pictures of it