RotaryPower7

just wondering because my gf wants the an rx8 and since gas is gonna be going 4.00 for reg soon i dont want her to get the 8 if it needs 93 since i know she wont be able to afford that.

superglue

I think you already know the answer to that question.

Scroll down to where it says:

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

expo1

93 is recommended, but it will run on 87. But what happens if/when gas goes to $5.00+?? You should inform her that unless most of her driving is Hwy. she will get under 20 MPG. in this car.

superglue

^^^^

It'll run on 87 in an emergency, but it won't handle tank after tank of the stuff.

RotaryPower7

but how many people use 87? i know my pockets going to be hurting after my rebuild, gonna have to get a motorcycle

delhi

Mazda3s are great fun little cars that will run 87 all day. Look into it.

superglue

Don't use 87 on an RX-8 for daily use. The minimum requirement is 91 octane (because California doesn't have 93).

Fortunate Few

iTrader: (2)

+1 for the mazda 3^^
if you have to worry about gas prices then this car isnt for you or in this case her.

expo1

Is use 89, I only used 93 for track events. My 8 runs fine on 89, I have almost 120,000 miles. But the fact that I drive over 400 miles a week and the current price of gas did make me get a 2000 Saturn SL for work. I can get 38 MPG from that and it will cut 10,000 miles a year off my 8. Filling the 8 up twice a week at current prices caught up with me.

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

it's only 30 cents more per gallon for 93 then it is for 87... you don't think a 30k sports car is worth that much?

rddragoness

The recommended fuel by Mazda IS 91 or above...Do you want a reliable vehicle or one that sits in the shop all the time because the wrong fuel is being used....or even worse sits in the driveway because it can't afford to be driven.........OR even worse having to listen to your g/f when she looks at you and says WHY did YOU let me buy this thing????

Choice is yours.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I also agree. I got my wife a Mazda3 and she loves it. And its great on gas mileage.
Have her test drive one... she won't be disappointed.

RotaryPower7

30 cents more adds up in the total cost tho.. my friend took me for a ride in the mazda 3 or 6 speed i forgot.. it was fast but yet it was getting like 30+mpg.. ..

To be named later

Sounds like you are already convinced that the 3 is the way to go, so go for it.

DaveCM203

After Hurricane Katrina, I ran 89 octane as it was all that was available. I got less gas mileage with it. When I did the math, I was not saving money with the 89 because of the less gas mileage. It was a wash. I doubt I would have continued to use 89 regardless.

Jasonawojo

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, they really are very good considering the market that they're in.

I run 89, and have done so for the past few months, including at autocrosses, without problem. No difference between that and 93 for me.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

i've had numerous techs from different dealers say rotaries run just fine on 87. i think others have supported that also. surprised to hear so many are die hard 91+ fans.

and yes, before the flaming starts, i know what the manual says, but when the service manager tells u as your pulling of the lot after buying it that they fill up all their cars, even 8's, with 87 octane, it's hard to pull up to station and justify buying 91+.

and yes, it's only a few more dollars per fill-up, but it is still money, and it does add up, so it will end up making a significant difference over the life of the car. if u don't think so, i'd hate to see what your investments looks like, b/c a few dollars here and there over years does add up...sorry, i'm a small business owner, so i'll penny pinch anyway i can i wouldn't do it if i knew, for a fact, i was hurting my car, but no one can say that with any certainty that i've seen, and on the contrary, many respected rotor-heads on this forum support the use of 87.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

Ive used 87 octane in my 8 for FIVE YEARS with zero problems - WITH HARD DRIVING.

Go ahead, waste your money on premium.

Deathwatch

Well Said.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

worried about gas= find a different car.

sad but true.

4me2

Premium is a waste of money. If it doesn't knock use reg.

of cource Mazda will say use Premium. Just to cover warranty issues. They play it safe at our expense.

RotaryPower7

well i have a 3rd gen and that gets pretty dam good gas mileage better than my first car dodge neon. i showed my gf the speed 3 online and now she likes it (she had the slow 3 before but someone hit her) and wants to check it out, i know they get decent mileage so that shouldnt be a problem

Eight

iTrader: (2)

91 or premium is "required" for the current rx8.
Although the new minor changed rx8 is "now" compatible with regular grade gas in japanese standards (which is around 90 octane 96+ being premium) because of a new knock sensor, it doen't affect which gas we(USA) should use= premium.

but I'm guilty of using 89 or under when I cant find any premium, but then again its only a couple dollars differnce and it won't really matter if gas goes above 4 dollars, I'll just car pool with my roommate

Flashwing

Any high compression 10:1 motor I've owned has called for premium fuel. There's no reason a rotary can't handle 87 octane but Mazda has tuned the PCM for 91 octane.

I know some drivers have been able to get away with running 87 octane in colder climates. I've seen one or two posts where people didn't experience any knocking after doing the throttle body coolant bypass.

I've considered getting an 87 octane tune when I get the accessport. Anytime I get gas outside of Phoenix I get nasty pings when in WOT.

I guess if it works, use it. If you experience any detonation then use 91 as that's what Mazda designs the cars to use.

reaper1

Anybody who's # 1 concern is gas , should'nt get one.
Stop bitching and get a civic for you DD , like I did.

The car calls for premium and it will continued to get it . If I can't
afford the extra buck , well it's time to turn it in.