So, I am absolutely in love with the RX-8 when it comes to styling and interior. It offers just about everything I am looking for. The two things that I am scared of is:

Engine proglems
Bad gas mileage

And I've heard these problems to be very common, and even having to replace engines.

What made you guys overlook these problems and purchase the car? I would be buying used...

 

Well the engine is now covered for 8yr 100k miles so that is good. I average around 20-22 mpg.

 

Even if I buy used? Like a 2005?

 

I have a 2005, I have no engine problems.

For gas mileage, you never buy a sports car for mpg. if u're looking for mpg, go somewhere else.

also if u're scared, dont buy it. look somewhere else, is that simple.

if u really like it, and need someone to look at the car for u, I can help ya out with that (but gotta arrange some time, pm me)

 

I'm a bit paranoid with cars. Every car I've bought has had problems. And I fix cars myself so its very t ime consuming and I just started my career so I can't afford much downtime.

Just wanted to find some type of justification out there.

 

Didn't read the last sentence thanks. If you'd be willing to help, I'll def hook you up

 

2005

No problems

Around 17 - 18 mpg city driving.

 

Problems? Generally overblown. When I bought mine, Consumer Reports rated its reliability as average (which is really good these days) and recommended it.

Gas mileage isn't really a problem - it's a fact to live with. You accept it or not. If you want a sports car with better mileage, and you're small enough to fit, look at the Miata.

IMHO, your plan to buy a used sports car entails more risk than the plusses or minuses of any particular model. But not buying a sports car entails the risk of leading a dull, unfulfilled life.

Ken

 

u fix cars? thats even better.

when it comes to buying a car, new or used, its really a "luck" thing.

cuz even new cars can have problems that you just can't fix (lemon car)

so, let me know where the car is at, maybe we can setup a time and I will check it out for you.

 

...psssht, gas mileage....once u drive off the lot and that gorgeous 8 is officially YOURS, you will have never been so happy to burn fuel. You will find excuses to burn it for no reason and you will feel totally justified in filling her up more often.

 

I just did that today.

oh wait, I mean almost everyday ...

 

I agree with the fuel burning.

I often go out just for joy rides.
If Id start worring about it, Id budgetise them.

July 10th 2008, 76$ joy ride
July 15th 2008, 50$ joy ride
July 19th 2008, 120$ joy ride
July 27th 2008, 45$ joy ride
etc...

Id cry.

So I just dont think about it... and enjoy the ride

 

I bought in 2003. Ignorance is bliss

 

Sometimes two or three times on Saturdays and Sundays. I even go to the grocery store to "help" the wife.

Rides to and from work also tend to be a bit more "joy"ful.

 

hmm, so if I pick up an rx8, all the major problems would be covered under this new extended warranty right?

 

the new warranty only covers the engine up to 100K miles. but prepare the dealership going to try to hit you with various of crap including "oh u need to replace the water pump, alternator, 2 belts, upper and lower radiator hose, engine mounts, new radiator, blah blah blah, total would be 3456 dollars including all labor"

 

As long as it has been properly maintained and kept IN the warranty by the prior owner, most of the major worries would be covered.

 

It's just the engine. Not periferals or powertrain like transmission or brakes/shocks. If you're concerned about how much you have to spend and downtime I think you won't be happy with this car. Just get a Honda Civic si and be happy.

The car is great but if you're going to lose sleep over problems or push your checkbook if you have repairs don't do it. Any used car is going to need maintenance and wear item replacement no matter what kind it is. And things like brake rotors and a clutch will not be covered under warranty. This car is no different in that respect than any other used car. If you aren't prepared to spend some money to replace wear items when you buy a used car I wouldn't buy or anything more than a year or two old.

My rule of thumb is plan to spend $500 in repairs/maintenance for every 2 years of age of a used car when you buy it. If you buy an '05 you should expect to spend about $1000 in replacement/repairs for whatever needs to be replaced or is worn out like tires, brakes, belts, etc. Any car will need it, especially sports cars.

My point is: make sure you set your budget around what you can comfortably afford. Don't stretch yourself on the monthly payments because when the maintenance and gas costs kick in you'll be unhappy because you're strapped for cash and can't do the things you want.

Hope this helps and best of luck.

 

invasion, do you have an automatic?

kxl77, don't think 20-22 mpg is typical with the RX-8. I average 18.5 mpg with almost no city driving and some would consider me fortunate.

I would recommend a late 2006 or later. That would assure you that the car was not run at all on a bad flash. Low mileage and well maintained are most important factors. But, an earlier car is probably fine as long as you're sure it was well maintained. Then you shouldn't worry about ever needing a replacement engine if you learn to premix, not overrev the engine when cold, change and top off the proper oil frequently, and definitely redline it at least once a day. NA rotaries are very reliable, perhaps even more reliable and long-lived, when well maintained, but they require more attention than those overly complicated piston engines.

Good luck, and make sure to report back! Once you've test driven one correctly, you'll be hooked and the mpg just won't matter that much and the extra maintenance will be a labor of love. Oh, and yes, the engine warrenty is extended on used cars as well: 8 years or 100k miles.

The only hesitation I would have, would be if you do not need a 4-seater, I would dearly love to wait and have a 2-seater with the new 16x in 2010 or 2011. Rotary engines are best in 2-seater coupes.

 

Thanks guys. Replacing wear and tear items aren't that big of a deal to me. I guess you could say that I am concerned about engine failure/ no starts. On my current car, I've gone through a crapload of problems including engine failure, and I'm just a bit worried to relive this nightmare.

 

What's your current car?

 

95 BMW 325is. It's got a lot of miles now hence me wanting to get into something newer, and I just got out of college so the RX-8 fits budget quite well.

 

Any reason why you need a 4-seater?

 

Well you're covered under warranty for a new engine but if you want to avoid having to replace it for sure get and '06 or newer.

 

Hmm, not really but yes. I like the ability to haul things and people. And my career may have me hauling certain equipment to and from work. (Not too sure)


Strange.
Approximate Retail Price:
04: 13.5k
05: 14.5k
06: 20k

Any reason for the dramatic increase in price? Would the warranty replace things like ignition coils? Or accessories from the engine or is it purely just the engine.

I'm trying to take it for a test drive, but a lot of places only have test drives for the RX-8 on weekdays, and unfortunately I work in Manhattan and it's tough for me to get out to the neighboring counties on the weekdays since I am so busy.