speeddemon32

I am thinking of buying an RX-8. i am a BIG RX-7 guy. but i am thinking of getting the 8.

i have a few questions and concerns first. i can't seem to find an appropriate place to post my questions, so this is the spot that wins.

Question # 1
if i go buy a new RX-8, will it already come with the "M" flash. this is not a big deal to me as i could always just drive it over to the service dept. if not.

Question #2
are there any "problems" i should know about, i am hearing about tranny problems, is this true? any others?

Question #3
i am sure this is the wrong place to ask but is there any CARB legal turbo kits coming out. i know there is a greddy kit, but is it carb legal. (reason for asking, see below)

question #4
why can't i find YELLOW on mazdas web site, did that only last one year?

Question #5
what does "sport package" mean? i went to the dealer to test drive them, and look at them, the one i test drove was marked as a sport package. i have tried to look on this web site for an explanation to the differant models, but have not found anything.

Question #6
is about the DCS, what is it? and what is this about turning it off? (and how?)

Question #7
anyone here done what i am thinking about doing? (going from 7's to an 8) and if so, are you happy?
______

like i said, i am a HUGE RX-7 guy, i have owned 7 RX-7's (second gens) and i am now thinking of moving to a 3rd gen RX-7, or an RX-8

there are 2 things stoping me from running out and buying one.


Concern #1
its a pretty hefty price tag for a car with low H.P.

Concern #2
exactly that, its a little low on power. i really expected more, when i went and test drove it, i was a little disapointed with the power. i seriously think my 2nd gen RX-7 would take it with no problems. (turbo)


if there was a turboed version of this car, i would be all over it. dont get me wrong, it has its advantages, and thats why i am interested, but the lack of power is the biggest thing getting to me.

I am sorry for the long post, but i would really like some questions answered, and some input before i go out and buy myself a $30,000 car. the last thing i want is to be unhappy with it when i could have just gotten a 3rd gen for a third the price.

yes i am aware that a third gen RX-7 has its flaws to.... this would be the reason i am looking into buying one of three cars.

1. another 2nd gen Turbo
2. a third gen (obviously twin turbo)
3. an RX-8

thanks again!

Icemastr

1. Most likely it will have the M flash, if not simple to do.

2. Just read the forum, no serious issues really

3. Development on any of the kits isn't that far along, CARB certification will be difficult, but possible.

4. Yellow was a 2004 color only.

5. Sport package includes: Xenon Headlights With Auto Leveling
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Front Foglights

6. DSC= dynamic stability control

7. Lots of people have, some have both, I am sure most of them are happy.

#1 concern: there are more cars that cost more than the RX-8 that are slower than there are cars costing more that are faster. Most will agree the RX-8 is a great value for what it offers.

#2 concern: If you want power get a 3rd gen, if you want refinement, ease of daily driveability, reliability, and great handling with a comfortable ride get an RX-8.

You can pick up a well loaded GT for 27000 or less, shop around. If you want reliability and driveability get an RX-8, if you want a project car thats nots running a lot get another turbo RX-7 you arecomparing two drastically different animals.

shaolin

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...468#post602468

All greddy kits are carb legal.

JM1FE

Search & read the sticky posts - it's all been asked and answered before.


If it's an '04, it depends on how late the VIN number is. They're SUPPOSED to have the flash on all in-stock vehicles, but usually don't.

O5's are at the "M" software level to begin with.

Read and search. It's all here.



2004 only, replaced by white in 2005.



www.mazdausa.com


www.mazdausa.com People turn it off who think that they're better drivers than the computer. There are threads on here about people who have subsequently totalled their car because they *couldn't* drive better than the computer.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/dsc-saves-lives-rx-8s-33267/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/my-rx-8-wreck-30222/


Can be partially disabled by touching a button on the dash, fully turned off by holding the button for (7?) seconds, and it reactivates when you restart the car.


Don't forget to factor in the cost to add 2 back seats, side & side curtain airbags, 2 more doors, tyre pressure monitors, xenon headlamps, traction control/stability control, electrically-boosted steering and a 6-speed onto that 3rd gen. That'll run the price up. Oh, and getting a 4yr/50,000 warranty on a 3rd gen with that much modification will be a real bitch.

Don't want all that stuff? Don't get an RX-8. Get a 3rd gen, revel in how much power/boost/whatever you have, and the rest of us will be happy with our poor, weak RX-8s.

Do want all that stuff? Get an RX-8 and love it for what it is, don't try to make it be something it isn't.

speeddemon32

I dont understand why you guys feel i am trying to bash the car?

I test drove an RX-8. and i loved it, it is a great car! i dont think i ever once stated that i didnt like the car. i mean come on, i like it so much i am seriously considering getting one. my only complaint was that it is low on hp. This will be my first big purchace (besides my house)

I also dont need you to tell me the flaws of the 3rd gen. i know all about them. i didnt ask for a comparison of them. i do realize they have problems, and i do know how to work on them. I am not exactly new to the RX-7 world.

I am trying to figure out weather i want a true sports car, that is insanly fast, and has endless posablilities, (with a high failure rate :D )
or weather i want a MUCH more relaxed, and refined car. (hopefully reliable )

This is why i asked specific questions. i dont belive my questions were all that stupid. and YES I DID TRY SEARCHING. i have been looking at this site for over 2 days now, and that was my first post. SO YES I DID DO A LITTLE RESEARCH. (hense the reason i know about the computer reprograming, and the tranny failures )

so i am sorry if i came off sounding like i was trying to dog the car, that was not my intent. i am simply trying to clear up a few things before i go running out and buying one.

so far between the race of the second gen turbo, the third gen turbo, and the RX-8. i have to admit the RX-8 is winning. my point was simply that the RX-8 would have already won if there was more H.P.

my intent is to understand what i am getting myself into, i know RX-7's, i do not know RX-8's i am the first to admit that.

markd

All '05s should come with the M flash.

There was a thread that brought out durability concerns of the Renesis engine. Read on: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/renesis-side-seal-discussion-38411/

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ehicleCode=RX8


There are definitely positives to the RX-8. I just hope other people will chime in because it's bedtime for me...

If nothing else, consider that the 8 is one of the better looking cars out there and you will revel in the positive attention you get while you're driving it, sitting at a stop light, pumping gas, etc. No joke; it'll happen.

speeddemon32

thanks for the help guys, i am a little upset that yellow is an 04 year only, because this is the only rx8 that i want, and i will not be buying untill jan or feb. so i am really really bummed about that. thinking of not getting it anymore thats how bad i want yellow!

one other thing i am reading about it the engine sideseals wearing out after 20,000 miles or so. (gap between corner seal, and side seal)

another worry for me. i hope these are not a problem with all rx8's, and just a problem with a select few.

Ike

Some people here get pretty huffy when someone brings up the lack of power, it's as simple as that. Though overall I think they went pretty easy on you :D

TODreamer

I'm sure you can locate a brand new 04 yellow that hasnt been bought... As good as it looked, it wasnt all that popular of a colour.... theres only about a handful here with a yellow 8 and I've never seen one on the road ever... see alot of Ti-Grey, reds and blues

JM1FE

My g/f has a yellow with touring package, and I agree that its the best colour on the car. I'm waiting to get a deal on a white/touring myself.

I know where there's a yellow/sport package and a yellow/gt/nav/appearance package at a dealer. on mazdausa.com do an inventory search in 19701 zip code and you'll find them. Your dealer can do an inventory transfer to get what you want if it's on a lot somewhere.

speeddemon32

yeah ill do that, i hope there is still a yellow one in the next couple of months.

Skywalker!

is 231 horse power powerless??????except if you talking for 191...

foxman

Here's a great 3rd gen vs 8 discussion, not the same as a 2nd gen but lots of good info regardless.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...=rx-7+handling

speeddemon32

i am pretty sure i didnt say powerless, nor did i say gutless, i belive i said it has less power then i expected, and that my Turbo II could run with it. i was more suprised then anything. i think i have gotten over that. i am more concerned with the engine problems i hear about now. and the fact that i might have a hard time finding a yellow one. i so wish i had enough money to go get it now!

now i am just upset that i am not ready to get it now.

also as far as the power is concerned, i have to keep telling myself that this is not a true sports car, it is a "family" sports car. and that no matter what i think, its still just a street car. if i want speed, thats what my race car is for. its just hard to tell yourself that sometimes. but the car itself is GREAT! :D

speeddemon32

Concern #2
exactly that, its a little low on power. i really expected more, when i went and test drove it, i was a little disapointed with the power. i seriously think my 2nd gen RX-7 would take it with no problems. (turbo)


ok i did say low on power :D sorry mabe that was the wrong phrase, but i did say i was a LITTLE disapointed with the power, and that i thought my turboII could take it.

sorry about wording that one wrong.

rx8wannahave

Good luck with your decision...it's a TOUGH one but the RX8 makes the choice seem very easy. I'm new to the site also and most people will be helpful and some will be a little sensitive, but I think the RX8 is a HECK of a sports car.

It does a good job in all categories (Price, HP, quality, fun to drive experience, handling, looks, etc) and you can still fit 2 people in the back...this makes it practical also.

Something I just don't understand (Ike...yes, I know how you feel...LOL) is that people say the RX8 is not fast. The RX8 is a fast car...no not the fastest compared to some others out there but most cars out there will not be able to touch you.

I still believe that in time...with some age on the Renesis...kits will be available to make it a killer on the street. Not that I race, but just so I know it can...is enough for me!

speeddemon32

thanks for the link, that helps a little. kinda what i expected. but still helps to hear other people say it.

speeddemon32

yeah i agree, i also need to tell myself that this IS a new car, and not everything is ready, and set in stone. as far as aftermarket is conserned, there is still a LONG, LONG ways to go!

like i said, i am used to an FC, so i am used to having parts readly available. not used to "waiting" for parts to come out

(although that isn't entirely true, as 5 years ago, there was noy much out there as far as main stream parts are considered. you FC guys know what i am talking about. but as of now, there are alot of parts ready to be shipped out.)

anyways, thanks again for all of your helpo guys, i think i have pretty much made up my mind on buying the RX-8. it just has to many advantages over an FC, and an FD.

StewC625

I for one, am glad they did aaway with the yellow ... don't want too many of those around ...

speeddemon32

you know as much as i love and want the yellow, i agree with you. it makes it so much more rare..... just hope i get one of the rare ones. :D

Kari

You probably will be able to find a yellow, just you won't be able to get too picky with the options and price. Good luck.

speeddemon32

hope your right.... thanks! :D

speeddemon32

well i got it! :p

Last thursday i bought my Yellow RX-8.

i must say, that the RX-8 has impressed me more and more everyday i drive it. i gave her a work out saturday night with some RX-7 buddys i know. (remember i am a big RX-7 person) and WOW this thing totaly kicks ***! when i test drove the car, i was not real happy with the power, but i was happy with the car.

but after the "run" saturday, i no longer think of this as my 4 door car, it is worthy of being called a sports car. the handling is awsome (traction controll ROCKS!) and if you turn the traction controll off, and drag race a second gen RX-7 Turbo II, it will beat it by about a half a car. not much, but inpressive. i didnt think it was as fast as my Turbo II. :D

anways, i just wanted to mention how much i like this car more and more everyday. no regrets buying it!

anyone want to buy a turbo II? :D

speeddemon32

oh yeah.... one more thing...

I searched Mazda's inventory, there was ONLY 1 Yellow RX-8 left within 150 mile radius of my house..... had to jump on it while i could!

Gambit

congrats man....i bought mine a month ago tomorrow, and I jumped on the last one i could find with the options I wanted. You made a good desicion, it's the best all around sports car (power, exterior, interior, useable back seat) you can get right now