Hello, this is my first time posting on this forum, or any other forum for that matter.

I have been looking into purchasing a new car, something with a little more power than my current Mazda 3 Sport. I have come across the Mazda RX8, researched a little into the basic mechanics of the rotary engine that it uses but I am a little scared by some of the statistics and the comments some people have made about these cars, thus I need an expert opinion.


First thing is first. I am a student, I can afford the car, I have been looking at the 231 engine. The insurance is a little steep but I can just about cover it.

The statistics say that the MPG will be around 17-20. But I have also heard reports of people only getting 13-15 MPG. Is it possible to get above the 20MPG mark, altering driving style, treating the engine right ect.


Basically, what I want to know is EVERYTHING. Best way to treat the engine, how to get best MPG, although ill only be driving 6-10 miles a day. What type of oil to use to prevent the apex seal breaking down. What to look for when buying the car and all the rest.

Im sorry if this has been posted before, which im sure it has. Any help is greatly appreciated.


Cheers

 

Good choice coming here before committing to a purchase. Start reading

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

Long story short: if buying this car means you'll just just get by financially, don't do it. Same goes for any other car.

 

Stick with something like the Mazda 3. I wouldn't suggest this car for anyone on a budget or someone that might need a high mileage car in the long run. It is kind of a geeks car though girls do like it.

 

Welcome.
There is a yin & yang to the gas mileage.
You can possibly get 20 mpg, but that style of driving is considered to be bad for the rotary as it is believed to contribute to carbon buildup, a leading cause of engine failure.

We say "Drive it like you stole it!".
I get about 14 mpg with very enthusiastic driving.
Also, premium gas is a must.

Also, high RPM driving/ high heat breaks down oil viscosity quickly.
If oil changes every 3k miles seems unreasonable, then you don't want this car.
That's a small sample of ownership.

 

I honestly don't think it is a good idea while in school. I would focus on saving money while in school, so that you can payoff loans quickly. Especially keeping up with the maintenance, fuel costs, repairs, etc can be rough with this car. If you are really adamant, and want to purchase something with more power then your 3, then I would look at maybe a speed 3 or speed6.

On the fuel consumption, the commute for my job requires me to travel 75km (~47 miles) each way. Its about half highway half city and I have to fill up twice a week. I average about 22 mpg, but i have to really tone it down from my normal driving. My normal driving style gets me roughly 17mpg. I know that driving style affects fuel economy, but this is the first car that I have experienced the effect so drastically. I used drive my old protege like i stole it all the time and i still averaged 33MPG.

 

J Olive. Hey I just wanted to comment because i'm a student as well. I actually got my 8 when I was 16 and have had it into university. I want to let you know that it's doable. However, there's a number of things you should consider:

If you are going to be "close" affording it then I highly recommend against it. This is a car you have to be ok with throwing money at. I was lucky to have had very good paying work ever since I was young.

If MPG is a concern for you then this is not the car for you. Yes the 8 is capable of over 20 MPG but you will not enjoy driving it. It's about the Smiles Per Gallon not the Miles Per Gallon

If you do decide to go ahead with it though you should know that the RX8 is very quirky and just about anything relating to it will be.

For example, my 8 is currently in the shop with a blown engine getting repaired under warranty. I've been without it for close to a month now and being a university student it's been a brutal struggle trying to deal with not having a car.

On the better side of things you should know that the 8 isn't just a car and I think that goes for a lot of the owners here on 8 club. It's honestly therapy for me. Having a stressful day I often go for long drives at night which get me through uni. Which translates to major withdrawal having it in the shop right now. Hopefully that gives you an idea of just how amazing the 8 can be, more than just a means from point A to B.

Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough reading RIWWP's New and Potential Owners thread. I have relied on it heavily since the day I decided I wanted an 8. Do your research, there's plenty of info here on 8 club.

Also GET A COMPRESSION TEST. And not just a good or bad. Get the numbers and compare them to the compression vs RPM graphs.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

Oh and I'm literally about to get her back in about 2 hours, I should be studying calculus right now but I'm way too giddy to focus.

 

Hey, welcome to RX8 Club. From my personal experience I'd say, just stick with something like you currently have. Unless you have extra cash to spend on preventative maintenance. Also, keep a little reserve piggy bank for surprise expenses. Other than that if you are stubborn like me, take a deep breath and go for it. It might get a bit too painful at times but you will never regret the decision (i hope !)