Scared to buy the RX-8
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Somewhere
So..I'm so bored to read all comments...but here's a lil sumthin to encourage you..or make you interested more.. 
I have a 04 .....bought it about 2.5 yrs ago at 10K miles. Never really had any major power train issue. There're sum a few common minor issues..such as having to replace starter, battery, gas cap, etc,.. ofcourse these were all covered under warranty...
I'm now at 42K.......and the car still runs like a champ. and my power train warranty doesn't expire til 03/2009 or 50K (it's a fact cuz I had Mazda send me a print-out explaining what expires and what not). After that...there's this engine core warranty... So you ask me, if I'm happy, well......I bloody am! :P haha
I have a 04 .....bought it about 2.5 yrs ago at 10K miles. Never really had any major power train issue. There're sum a few common minor issues..such as having to replace starter, battery, gas cap, etc,.. ofcourse these were all covered under warranty...
I'm now at 42K.......and the car still runs like a champ.
and my power train warranty doesn't expire til 03/2009 or 50K (it's a fact cuz I had Mazda send me a print-out explaining what expires and what not). After that...there's this engine core warranty... So you ask me, if I'm happy, well......I bloody am! :P haha
Last edited by Deathcraft; Jul 28, 2008 at 07:16 PM.
Grand Chancellor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Home of the NIMBYs
Hmm, I live in Manhattan now since my job is in Manhattan, but it'll change in about 5 months, and then 6 months from then I will most likely relocate again. So I'll be scattered throughout NYC. And one of the problems is that being late is a very big problem for where I work. It's a very strict organization and punctuality is very crucial. And since this is my career (PLANNING to stickwith this employer until retirement), I'd a bit more "hesitant" to make any irrational dicesions.
is adjusting valve lash
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From: hollywooood!
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.
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.
example: what valves are there to adjust? timing belt....? oh, and replacing the water pump would be not much more difficult than taking off the alternator belt...
what you cut out in savings for this motor will simply go to making sure it can get the best motor oil you can provide it, and that its frequently monitored.
and for kxl, if you're considering being a mechanic by trade, this will help you alot as working on ur own car become tiresome after a long day fixing other people's mess.
as long as you choose your mods very wisely... this car actually turns itself into a low maintenance car due to its simplicity. the small things that needs to be checked just becomes "frequent".
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...
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...
and mostly because I wanted to drive a RE before I settle down with a minivan somewhere down the path.
Good thing your cautious and thinking about these negatives, since there are alot of people that dont get rotarys and jump on it and have a terrible experience just because they weren't up for it.
I'd stay away if your not willing to throw in some extra cash and time like for, gas, maintenances, fixes, and mods that you'll be craving to do when you buy one...
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: New York
OK, fine. I work for the city/government and it's pretty strictly regulated.i think one thing you forgot to mention to kxl is the simplicity of repairs on this car for someone with some mechanical skill.
example: what valves are there to adjust? timing belt....? oh, and replacing the water pump would be not much more difficult than taking off the alternator belt...
what you cut out in savings for this motor will simply go to making sure it can get the best motor oil you can provide it, and that its frequently monitored.
and for kxl, if you're considering being a mechanic by trade, this will help you alot as working on ur own car become tiresome after a long day fixing other people's mess.
as long as you choose your mods very wisely... this car actually turns itself into a low maintenance car due to its simplicity. the small things that needs to be checked just becomes "frequent".
example: what valves are there to adjust? timing belt....? oh, and replacing the water pump would be not much more difficult than taking off the alternator belt...
what you cut out in savings for this motor will simply go to making sure it can get the best motor oil you can provide it, and that its frequently monitored.
and for kxl, if you're considering being a mechanic by trade, this will help you alot as working on ur own car become tiresome after a long day fixing other people's mess.
as long as you choose your mods very wisely... this car actually turns itself into a low maintenance car due to its simplicity. the small things that needs to be checked just becomes "frequent".
I overlooked these problems because the styling and performance out weighted them. (although gas price is starting to become a pain)
and mostly because I wanted to drive a RE before I settle down with a minivan somewhere down the path.
Good thing your cautious and thinking about these negatives, since there are alot of people that dont get rotarys and jump on it and have a terrible experience just because they weren't up for it.
I'd stay away if your not willing to throw in some extra cash and time like for, gas, maintenances, fixes, and mods that you'll be craving to do when you buy one...
and mostly because I wanted to drive a RE before I settle down with a minivan somewhere down the path.
Good thing your cautious and thinking about these negatives, since there are alot of people that dont get rotarys and jump on it and have a terrible experience just because they weren't up for it.
I'd stay away if your not willing to throw in some extra cash and time like for, gas, maintenances, fixes, and mods that you'll be craving to do when you buy one...
I guess my best bet is to do some more research and test drives before purchasing, but so far I am leaning towards buying one. Perhaps even new, I guess we'll see.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Northern Virginia
But I'd think that he'd need something with a bigger trunk.
Ken
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From: New York
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