thinking of what car to buy next
08-04-2009, 07:23 PM
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thinking of what car to buy next
I'm trying to decide what car to buy next.. the RX-8 always interested me.
Would any of you be so kind to tell me some pros and cons to rx-8 ownership? Are there any reliability/longevity issues etc I should be aware of before making my final decision?
Would any of you be so kind to tell me some pros and cons to rx-8 ownership? Are there any reliability/longevity issues etc I should be aware of before making my final decision?
08-04-2009, 07:36 PM
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Its a very different engine to what you have probably driven before. Rotary engine is high revving with most of the power in the upper rev range. Fuel economy is bad, no real reliability problems as long as driven how its supposed to (hard). Keeping engine oil topped up regularly is vital to healthy running of the engine. It is a sports car built from the ground up, and obviously will require more maintenance than your average sh*tbox.
It is extremely smooth and rewarding to drive, but the most fun comes in the corners. This car will out handle most things you come across with, even on the track. Seating position is brilliant for me, and i'm around 6ft tall. I find the short shift delightful and the clutch has a firm feel to it which I personally prefer. The braking system is excellent, as is the car's overall safety on the road.
Only downsides I have experienced so far are rust, corrosion, and poor fuel economy. No problems experienced in a years ownership and 40k miles.
It is extremely smooth and rewarding to drive, but the most fun comes in the corners. This car will out handle most things you come across with, even on the track. Seating position is brilliant for me, and i'm around 6ft tall. I find the short shift delightful and the clutch has a firm feel to it which I personally prefer. The braking system is excellent, as is the car's overall safety on the road.
Only downsides I have experienced so far are rust, corrosion, and poor fuel economy. No problems experienced in a years ownership and 40k miles.
08-04-2009, 07:38 PM
#3
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Yes.
Everyone should be aware, the rx8 will outlast any other vehicle. Its reliability is unsurpassed. There is a 75% chance of making it past 800,000 miles on original engine. Most should average 1.5 million before their first rebuild.
I cannot think of any cons to cry over. Other than it is sort of long and wide due to the bulging quarter panels and tends to scrape in narrow passageways.
Even with the high HP, range is pretty far at 200 miles. Fortunately, Mazda had the foresight to implement the low torque. Because of that the tires should last 15,000, which fills up landfills slower than the 10,000 miles that you'd get in a comparable high HP esoteric engine. Because of that, rx8 drivers should be able to reach 3 million miles on average, since there is 50% more landfill space to throw old tires into.
Everyone should be aware, the rx8 will outlast any other vehicle. Its reliability is unsurpassed. There is a 75% chance of making it past 800,000 miles on original engine. Most should average 1.5 million before their first rebuild.
I cannot think of any cons to cry over. Other than it is sort of long and wide due to the bulging quarter panels and tends to scrape in narrow passageways.
Even with the high HP, range is pretty far at 200 miles. Fortunately, Mazda had the foresight to implement the low torque. Because of that the tires should last 15,000, which fills up landfills slower than the 10,000 miles that you'd get in a comparable high HP esoteric engine. Because of that, rx8 drivers should be able to reach 3 million miles on average, since there is 50% more landfill space to throw old tires into.
Last edited by User24; 08-04-2009 at 07:47 PM.
08-04-2009, 07:40 PM
#4
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
08-04-2009, 09:39 PM
#8
You guys forgot the most important features:
Transmission = The auto is as fast, if not faster then the manual
Lighting = The boot light is VERY usable, even when the spare tire is fitted
Oil = You hardly need to check the engine oil. "What oil", l hear people saying.. That's how often you don't need to check!
Space = I don't understand why they don't market the 8 to the family market. While moving home, l was able to fit 3 large boxes into the car (Folded)!
And best of all
Quarter Mile Performance = I used to track modified commodores (v6-v8) and none match the traction my 8 has off the line.
We're a friendly bunch here
Transmission = The auto is as fast, if not faster then the manual
Lighting = The boot light is VERY usable, even when the spare tire is fitted
Oil = You hardly need to check the engine oil. "What oil", l hear people saying.. That's how often you don't need to check!
Space = I don't understand why they don't market the 8 to the family market. While moving home, l was able to fit 3 large boxes into the car (Folded)!
And best of all
Quarter Mile Performance = I used to track modified commodores (v6-v8) and none match the traction my 8 has off the line.
We're a friendly bunch here
08-04-2009, 10:14 PM
#11
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Would any of you be so kind to tell me some pros and cons to rx-8 ownership?
Really fun car to drive. Not much torque down low, but good power up high...like a sport bike. Loves to rev. Comfy, practical with the rear seats (small though they be) and suicide doors.
Poor mileage, but not really out of range for a sports car. Potential random engine failures - nobody here really knows the odds - but there's a 100K engine warranty.
Take one for a test drive on a twisty road. See how wide your smile is. Then decide.
Ken
08-04-2009, 10:19 PM
#12
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What cars are you looking at? Why? What uses are you looking to get out of your car? What features are important to you? Why are you looking at this car/others?
In all seriousness, search. You will find there are a lot of things said about this car, some true, some not so true.
Engines won't die on you at 30k or 60k or w/e. You will need to pay attention to maintenance on this car (as with all cars). Mods don't take well to this car. You can get power out of this car, but be prepared to spend a lot of cash and get FI.
In all seriousness, search. You will find there are a lot of things said about this car, some true, some not so true.
Engines won't die on you at 30k or 60k or w/e. You will need to pay attention to maintenance on this car (as with all cars). Mods don't take well to this car. You can get power out of this car, but be prepared to spend a lot of cash and get FI.
08-05-2009, 06:41 AM
#16
So.. here's the shake down:
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
08-05-2009, 06:45 AM
#17
So.. here's the shake down:
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
08-05-2009, 09:32 AM
#21
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was going to respond, but your driving a AT. if you where driving a MT, was going to recommend that you take it to mazda and find out why you are getting 16/22, instead of the 40mpg that us MT users get.
this is why i like reni, he speaks the truth in every post he ever makes.
this is why i like reni, he speaks the truth in every post he ever makes.
So.. here's the shake down:
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
08-05-2009, 02:21 PM
#22
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So.. here's the shake down:
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
RX-8 = very mod friendly, an intake will give you +50 whp, catback will give you +90whp.
Turbos = Direct swap from any RX-7.
MPG = The best, you get about 40mpg city and 60mpg highway because of its small displacement of 1.3 liters.
Power = Despite the 1.3 liters, it is a V8.
Community = Our 8 community is great, there are a lot of great people.
Search feature = Use that next time.
thanks for the great info! I never knew the hp potential of bolt ons on the 8.. and the direct turbo swap thing is awesome
08-05-2009, 02:23 PM
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What cars are you looking at? Why? What uses are you looking to get out of your car? What features are important to you? Why are you looking at this car/others?
In all seriousness, search. You will find there are a lot of things said about this car, some true, some not so true.
Engines won't die on you at 30k or 60k or w/e. You will need to pay attention to maintenance on this car (as with all cars). Mods don't take well to this car. You can get power out of this car, but be prepared to spend a lot of cash and get FI.
In all seriousness, search. You will find there are a lot of things said about this car, some true, some not so true.
Engines won't die on you at 30k or 60k or w/e. You will need to pay attention to maintenance on this car (as with all cars). Mods don't take well to this car. You can get power out of this car, but be prepared to spend a lot of cash and get FI.
I'm exploring all my options.. which I'm glad I'm doing. The hp gains from bolts ons on the rx8 are amazing
....<------for some reason i just felt like posting that