It's been about a month now since I bought my RX8, a brilliant black 2006. I just wanted to chime in and give my two cents on the experience thus far.

First and foremost, it is everything I hoped it would be. The interior is gorgeous, would love an aux input though. The sound of the car was something I never put much thought into before owning one, but after driving it everyday you really start to appreciate that incredible 'whir' sound. I get the low torque thing more now too - at low RPM it can take a couple seconds to pick up, but I'm completely okay with it because when you push it above 4k it goes like hell. I love the extra doors, the shift **** fits in my hand perfectly, I can fit my hockey bag in the trunk, and I'm going through about $50/week in gas, getting about 400km to a full tank. Satisfied customer.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/d1s21aq6l88hcdw/5t_B7OfQWP
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/04o3c1wkcj9rbdn/rtBpVyE6T-
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/ok4hszwjz0kuuhr/MD0R8qO0PE

I bought it with 87,500KM which now reads about 89,000KM. Had it compression tested (averaging about 7.8), plugs coils wires done about 5,000KM ago, oil change the week I bought it. Owner took great care of the car, but I find I can still get a little paranoid about flooding or compression if my car seems to make any minuscule stutter. Maybe I'll get a little more confident the longer I own it.

I've unfortunately had to prepare it for a winter, since I bought it this fall and don't have a winter car yet. I bought a set of winter tires and oil sprayed it at a friend's shop to try to prepare the best I could. Linked to a couple before/after pictures, which look a lot worse than it does in person.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/inzt5lxbd901hu0/qh87-5YOQv

I've also gotten to see how this car can cost you a couple bucks. This car has the smart key, which uses proximity for a lot of functions like door locks, trunk release, and ignition. This doesn't work 9/10 times. Not a big deal I guess, I can unlock doors and trunks with the buttons manually, but I also have to pull the key out of the car to start the car every time. Some threads have this issue pointing to a dirty sensor under the rear bumper, which I plan on cleaning to try to fix the issue. The sensor was already replaced in April 2012 for $500, as per previous owners files he left with me. I was also looking into a new smart key, to have a second....another $500. Just to get my car started everyday. Considering a viper system as an alternative.

I've also noticed a slight rattling sound when idle/first/second. The sound goes away when holding in the clutch, comes back when released. Seems to go away in third gear and up. A friend suggested it may be pilot bearing or input shaft bearing, need to investigate more. Feel like this one will cost me too.

I'm sure I've rambled a little, but thanks for reading.

 

Hey, I've had my black '04 for about a month now as well. 92k on my clock. I'm with ya on loving this car! It really does grow on you... seems like it adapts to your driving habits too.

A likewise satisfied customer and fellow newbie!

 

It's all downhill from here. :P

I'm still having a blast 8 months and 11.5k miles later, but it is getting old taking it to the shop.

Oh hey, look, and mine's a black one too. :D There's a theme.

 

The rattling is most likely the throw out bearing.

Glad you're liking it!

 

I did some reading about the throw out bearing, this thread specifically

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...bearing-78974/

It is as described by go48, when pedal is out in neutral (and faintly while in 1st/2nd gear). Although, it sounds a bit like this to me .

I've also noticed when I start my car from cold, once I let the clutch out the car drops about 50rpm and the noise begins. Doesn't seem healthy to me

 

That by itself is fairly normal. What's not normal is having the sound while in gear as we'll.

 

The rattling sound is normal. Just the sound of the tranny rolling over.

Nice wheels btw. Love me some OZ's

 

Glad you're enjoying your 8! As long as you're keeping up with maintenance, you're car will last much longer. I've owned mine brand new since 04, i'm at under 100k miles on my car finally prepping for a rebuild. I'll be honest, i'm surprised it lasted this long with many track miles on the car and for about 2 years, commuted 100+ miles every weekend to see my ex-gf. The crazy thing is the 8 hasn't really seen the shop/dealership in all the times i had it.

 

It's like a race car! My F2000 car made the same noises.

PS, kops the car drops 50 RPM because of the parasitic loss of the input side of the transmission beginning to roll.

 

Thanks flyinglizard, I love them too. Was very happy to find a 8 with that setup.

You guys have perked my interest about transmission roll, unfortunately Google isn't giving me much on the subject. Care to elaborate a little more?

 

Just means the gears spinning. In neutral, the input shaft is still turning, hence the noise.

 

Welcome...

Cannot agree more...

On the gear noise, might not hurt to swap the trans and diff fluids.. In a 06, they are likely old...

Also, when you get time, the $100 thread below is useful for an older one.

And, welcome.

 

That's a great thread! And the New Owner thread; all good write ups!

 

I bought my 07 in July an I get people none stop talking **** about it. I on the other hand am completely in love with her an would not trade her for the world.

 

Really? I don't find that many people have cars that even compare to these, at least not in my circle of friends. Those who do, still respect the unique factor of the rotary.

 

I'm interested in the **** people are saying?
What kind of cars do they have?

Maybe we can help you with some defending arguments?

 

History has proven the loudest people are the most ignorant, shove some facts in their face and enlighten them into silence. Then watch the smug grin on their face disappear.

 

When one of the drives a 6.0 gto an the other drives a mustang Salleen. I also have have 5 friends with 8 just in my region. The two guys with the American cars just think there better at everything. And refuse to have a track day with me.

 

True