Hi there again. I've discovered that researching the RX-8 over the past few days has led to an effect similar to Internet research for health problems: everything is "cancer" online. While super helpful, as a new owner I'm having a hard time separating real from perceived issues.

• The car takes a second or two to start up, seems to be the same for hot starts.
• It needs a bit more coolant and oil to top it up after getting it from the dealer and its a "little sluggish" under 4K RPMs vs the WRX I used to have or my V6 Cherokee.
• The AC isn't brilliant but is cold, and with it on the acceleration before higher RPMs is a bit slower, I think.
• The idle seems fine, but does drop below a consistent level intermittently when the AC is on. Never 'stalling low' just lower than what seems typical

I've talked to 2 Mazda techs (including one who used to have an RX-8) in addition to the non-Mazda dealer I bought from and they've told me not to worry. But all the forum posts have me second-guessing my decision.

Anyone have any 'positives' they can help me out with? I am glad I read into this stuff and I know a lot more now than a few days ago, but I do feel like I'm too nervous and looking at every little issue like I've made a huge mistake right now.

 

Drive the car....have fun.

Change the oil. Do the maintenance and chill.

The car won't have the same take off as a 6cyl piston engine. It has less torque...especially at low RPM

The car is meant to be driven. It's joy is in its handling and the smooth pull to redline.

Any small engine will idle different with the A/C on. It is quite a large load..
And when it cycles on and off the motor will fluctuate.

I don't see anything too alarming in your post

Have fun

 

All of that sounds normal, except topping up coolant. It should definitely keep level, but it will boil off if over full, so depends what level it is dropping to.

 

Thanks for the info. To clarify, I don't think the coolant is burning off per se. It had the upper tank replaced and hoses checked 2 months ago befor it was traded into the dealer. Presumably flushed at that time, but either way it's been at the dealers for a bit. I didn't notice a light but didn't check the coolant levels when I picked it up, wasn't until I stopped for gas I noticed the light came on at first then goes off after it warms up. Checked the level and it's a little below the L mark (above the 'seam' in the tank middle) so went to Mazda to get some more FL-22 and tech said just top it up and keep an eye on it.

 

In my opinion if you have done the research necessary before purchasing then your on the right track. Make sure to read this thread in full! This will have all the info you need: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

The biggest issue in my opinion is that people buy the RX8 nowadays because they are cheap and don't do the due diligence before purchasing, which includes service history investigation, performing a compression test, etc. If you are doing your research and are aware of what you are getting into you should be fine.

Keep in mind also, it is rare for these engine to just grenade like people seem to think. They can lose compression and fail, but this is in most cases a gradual decline and you will know that the engine is starting to go. Have some money reserved for a rebuild if your concerned.

Its a great car, very unique and you wont see many people around with one. Most importantly have fun!

 

I think everyone here pretty much touched on your concerns. So, stop worrying so much and drive it and have fun! One thing you might want to check is your cabin air filter. If it is dirty that would have some effect on your AC quality by it restricting air flow.

 

Thanks for the cabin air filter tip ECS, I'll have a look at that. Chirshoky, I have that link bookmarked and will keep reading it for sure! It's what got me started looking into things about the RX-8 when I started thinking about getting one last week.

Update: added coolant, added a 1/2 quart of oil and there's no sign of either light now. The dipstick was definitely looking low (lower than the last 'nub' on the stick) so I'm checking it again after taking it for a spin and letting it cool for 10-15 minutes and will add the other 1/2 quart of necessary. I drove it 'with spirit' down to the dealer to get my extended warranty signed and had a blast!

The only niggling issue remaining in my head now is that when its idling with the AC off it does seem to drop in revs a bit (not perfectly smooth, drops a bit then comes back) but it doesn't stall out at all. So once my nerves are less shot (life changes galore the past few months) I'll settle down, but I appreciate easing a nervous first-time RX-8 owner's mind!

 

The RX8 inst really known for having a smooth idle. Having said that, if you experience this problem, clean the MAF sensor. That should help a bit.

 

Clarified. Though typically ignored on this forum, there's a world of difference between "having an engine fail" and "having an engine fail a compression test". One stops working; the other, as Chrishoky notes, continues to work, albeit at less than spec performance levels. All of those billions of Renesis "engine failures" you read about here are, in fact, engines that failed a compression test but continued to work. Mazda made a decision early on to replace rather then repair these engines. Easier and cheaper to simply replace.

 

I'm sure your research revealed this, but just in case: the engine requires oil to be burned as part of normal operation, so monitor and top up about every other tank of gas. And DO drive it with spirit, it's good for the engine.

 

Thanks again for the advice everyone! It's really helped me get past the initial worry stage

Took my new-to-me RX-8 for a real spin today on a highway, then a few twisty bits and even stop/go traffic (lol). Ran like a champion, hit the redline once even! Even in the stop and go after a half hour of spirited driving there wasn't a point I thought it would stall when idling and I had a pretty big smile on my face quite a few times cruising. Great little one-hour drive to get used to the car.

(Yes I did read about the oil consumption, and after adding coolant then checking the oil again after adding a 3/4 quart in total it's good to go. No more lights and it's all full for now.)

 

So glad you're enjoying it! It truly is a special car, unlike any other.