Looking to buy an RX8.
 

So, I'm interested in buying an RX8 around summer time, June or July. So, since these are the RX8 forums, I thought I would ask a few questions on here as everyone here will probably know the answer the best.

First, since I don't know much about the rotary engine, I would like to know if it's a reliable car/engine that won't break or continuously need maintenance. Also, I would like to find out how long the car usually lasts, mileage wise.

Second, I noticed that the instrument panel on the RX8 has a digital speedometer, which is, probably the only part I don't like about it. Wanted to know, is it possible at all to replace it with an instrument panel from a different Mazda or if there are after market one's out there.

Third, pretty much the cons and pros of the RX8. It would be great if you can list them from personal experience and not online sources.

Thank you and I hope you all can enlighten me!

* Looking into buying the 2004 or 2005 6-speed model.

2004RX8 - Black-$12.8K -Bethesda/Frederick,Md.
 

If you are close to this area I'm selling my 8. (46k miles) . It has all of the recalls done and starter, plugs and wires done due to the "flooding issue". No problem since then. Read up on some of the posts. This car is the same as others as you just have to take special care that's all. It is the smoothest and quietest car I've ever driven. The speedo can not be seen from the passenger seat which is good if you have a front seat driver co-pilot.

And if you have the really annoying kind who leans over to look at it, and you live in a MPH country, you can switch it to km/hour just to blow their mind. :)

I know this is a matter of taste, but I really like the digital speedometer. It's the one instrument where you want to know the actual number. It's also a great match with the cruise control, which will adjust in 1 mph increments if you tap the set/resume buttons.

Ken

People looking at my speed isn't the reason why I don't really like the digital speedometer, but I won't get into that because it's a minor thing.

But, I was recently talking to my friend and told him I'm interested in an RX8. He didn't say anything about the car that's bad, except that I'll have trouble starting it in the winter. Can someone fill me in on this, whether it's fact or just something some of the RX8's deal with.


Thanks for notifying me that you're selling your RX8. From the ones I looked at on sale, you have a good deal. But, I'm actually looking to buying the RX8 from a dealership for several reasons.

even though the "R" in RX8 is pronounced "aaaar", it's "a rx8" not "an rx8"

just a pet peeve, don't mind me.

Lots of people here live in cold climates, and don't gripe about winter starting, I suspect your friend has heard about flooding, and confused that with cold starting.

Flooding is a non-issue as long as you don't turn it off cold. It's also not much of an issue with the newer models with bigger starter and battery, and the latest ECU flash. Latest ECU flash is part of an emissions recall, and should be a freebie even if you buy a used 8 that's out of warranty.

As far as how long the RX-8 lasts... first model year was 2004 (2003 production) so it's not really old enough to know how long they'll last on average. Several here are over 100K miles, and there's a recent thread about one that just passed 150K miles.

Browse the FAQs and the thread "The little things" for pros and cons (mostly pros). All of those posts are personal experience.

Ken

Mazsport ignition will help that flood problem or an AP unit.