Would you say that an rx-8 is a suitable daily driver? I don't care too much for gas prices, my main concern is reliability. I take public transportation to work, and I leave my car at the train station. And I wanted to know if you guys would trust your cars to work and back everyday.

Please note that with my job, I can not afford to miss a single day. No sick days no nothing. Only way to miss work is if I were hospitalized.

Or should I consider a different car?

 

if you already own it, I say use it. If you do not own it, there are more reliable vehicles out there.

The Rx-8 overall runs pretty well. Unfortunately it's luck of the draw and some people do have issues, while most do not. You will take a risk no matter what vehicle you choose.

 

That's true. I'm pretty mechanically inclined so fixing certain components won't be a problem. I'm looking for a RX-8 priced around 14k. What do you think?

 

In your situation, it depends on what kind of driving you encounter to the train station and the distance from your starting point. If the distance is short--like a few miles--I'd advise not using this car in that case. If the distance is at least say 10 miles or so and mostly open road driving with minimal stop-and-go, the car would be suitable--generally. But then you have the winters in NY. Based on the chatter on the forum, I suspect that you will definitely need snow tires (not all-season) in order to feel secure in driving the car in snowy conditions.

 

You should be able to find a good '04 or maybe even a '05 GT for $14K from a private seller. Dealers will likely want more $$$.

 

hmm. Yeah, it would be a short distance, maybe 4 miles? Basically just red lights and what-not. Not too worried about snow, all seasons will suffice. I've have two other RWD vehicles in the past and haven't had a problem.

hmm. I really love the rx8, but I don't want to potentially miss work or anything along those lines.

If I were to budget to even 12k, would you say its doable?

 

By the way, thanks for your help.

 

if you can afford the gas bill too :/

 

For the sake of practicality, that is providing reliable and affordable transportation, there are much better choices.

Practicality is thrown to wind when you add performance, styling, etc.

The RX-8 appears to have a loyal but limited following, and reasons involving practicality and performance are the reasons for the limit.

While I agree that there is more to a performance car than straight line performance, including the practical aspects of one, it's hard to argue value for money when looking at an RX-8 next to an Mazdaspeed3.

As much as I like the car, and have had no problems with mine (at only 10k miles), Mazda needs to improve the RX-8's performance and practicality IMHO to make it a more attractive option to the average buyer seeking a performance car at this price point.

 

I don't think it is because of gas prices, its more of a practical sports car........thinging..........uh yea

I'd have it and a 1975 corolla or something as a daily driver

 

I find the RX8 very comfortable and easy to drive in heavy traffic. The clutch is light so it does not wear out my foot and since the engine has no power in the lower revs, it is very civilized at low speeds.


The RX8 is a much better daily driver than my old Mazda B2600i 5 speed with had a heavy clutch and heavy shifter that would wear me out as well as very short gears (due to only having 120hp) so I had to constantly shift even at low speeds. With the RX8's huge rev band, there is less shifting in slow traffic.

 

My 8's my daily... I use to drive my 240sx all the time until I dropped an RB20DET in it...

 

i would say yes. But that's only because i don't drive all that much to begin with so it's perfect for me.

 

i would say Yes. i use mine for a daily driver.. and acutally mine is for sale. if you would like to buy it.

 

i got mine for 13,5
04 gt 37k miles.
but i got the hookups :D

 

I drive mine to work every day. Never give a thought to whether it will let me down. Sometimes I worry about the possibility of a wreck along the way, but never about mechanical ills.

If reliability is really that critical, you should be looking at a new car rather than something used. You rarely know what you're getting with a used car. Also get something with a spare tire - that's an option on the 8.

Ken

 

Mine is almost 4 years old and has 36,000 miles. It's had no major issues and been in for a water pump leak & 2 CEL's (minor). My wife's Honda has had bigger issues in the same time period. It's definitely a daily driver.

 

Sigh. It's either the RX8 or...... BMW 5 (e39) or BMW 3(E46). I have a 3 series right now and it's served me quite well. But its getting up there in miles and I want something newer. And the Mustang GT is a possibility as well. I'm all over the place! Gas prices are of no concern to me since its only going to the train station and I use my motorcycle for everything else.

 

rx8 never let me down! If I had a secondary car such as a track-day exotic, I would use rx8 as a fail safe to get to work in case the track day car failed to start up!

rx8 is the reliable cargo hauler for those who refuse to go truck or sedan.

I've even been in 35 degree IL mornings and left rx8 outdoor all night long, and shut down before the engine temperature needle started to budge. Started right up even better than usual! No flood.

I don't know about all these "flood" or "carbon - dead engine" folks. If you got a good engine like me and good habits, should be reliable.

 

Any car can break down, so if what you say about your job is true then you must already have a backup plan in place. In which case, enjoy the RX-8.

Hard to answer the poll because you've asked the question 3 different ways

- Is the RX-8 a daily driver
- Is the RX-8 reliable
- If I get an RX-8 will I NEVER be late to work, EVER?

Three different levels there. Personally, mine's been a daily driver for over 4 years and has never stranded me on the road. I did wake to a flooded engine one morning that was my own fault for moving it in and out of the garage about 4 times without warming it up, and on top of that I let off the starter too early. In that case it took me about 45 minutes to get it running.

 

This is more due to my driving, and in general with sports cars, get a good dry-cell battery or something. The only time my 8 didn't start was because of the battery. Hard driving reduces battery life because it splashes around the acid or something.

Make sure you get all the new anti-flood hardware and software. It's a hotter set of leading plugs, there's a different starter, and the injectors don't spray for the first few revolutions.

Worst case scenario, car doesn't start/blows up, invest in an all-weather suit and take your bike to the train station.

 

Buy new. Join RX-8 club, seek knowledge, take care of it (premix and oil), and drive like it is supposed to be driven. Then help others. It has not let me down.

 

^^+1.

i got new... never had a brand spankin new ride and i was gonna let the rotary be the first big investment after 3-4 hondas i've owned.

this is a special care type of car, so try not buying one from a owner who treats cars like its last years cell phone.

 

wow,

flopping nachos?

anti flood hardware? hotter plugs?

you got the dont spray for the first few revs right.

beers