oh nice you have an aurora blue r3? what are your thoughts on it? is it your first rx8? and do you have any pics?

 

Yes I purchased my first RX-8 on Labor Day at my local Mazda dealership. They had one blue, one red, and two black R3s...but I had to go with the Aurora Blue.

Initial thoughts? I knew the gas mileage would be bad, but it's really hard to fathom how a car of this caliber uses up gas as if it were a truck. Luckily it's a very fun car to drive, looks great, and the interior is very nice. After using the advanced keyless entry each time to lock/unlock doors, start the car, etc., I feel it should be mandatory on all cars. The car has many pros & cons, but most people that buy an RX-8 decide the pros outweigh the cons.

 

Congrats on the 8.
Btw that picture in better quality would make a great wallpaper.

 

Thanks, I'm definitely still a beginner with my DSLR. I'll take some more pics later & make a new thread.

 

i actually got a DSLR just for the car in a way.. ive always wanted one, but i guess the car was a good reason to finally get one, ill find some nice landscape spots and take some sweet shots

8 more days until my red r3 is in

 

Alright, so news has come in that the car has arrived! I have to drive up to Massachusetts to pick it up and drive it down 180 miles back home.

My question: Is it going to be alright driving a brand new rotary down 180 miles?

 

I drove mine 200 miles the first day, you shouldn't have any problems. Be gentle on the engine for the first 600 miles, instructions are in the condensed user guide the dealership will provide you. Use premium fuel, drive conservatively, and enjoy the Recaros. Also, don't get discouraged when your gas guage goes down pretty quickly.

 

yeah ive read reports that the mileage is horrendous during the break-in period and supposedly gets better afterwards.. but anyway, 180 miles straight without stopping will be cool? and should i change the revs or is it okay to just cruise down at the same speed?

 

Yes, I've been averaging about 250 miles per fill-up, with at least 1 gallon (out of the 16.9 max) of fuel unused each time. According to the user guide you need to avoid constant RPMs, so try not to use the cruise control for the entire ride home. Mazda asks you to be patient starting up the car (don't drive it till its at the recommended temperature) and ALWAYS rev the car to 3500 just before shutting off the engine to purge the system. Once you're home & the car's off, the fans will stay on until the engine is cooled off properly...so you have nothing to worry about. Hope that helps. -Brad

 

tomorrow is the big day, 4 month wait

 

I got 17 MPG during my break-in period. Now I average around 20-22. I get 300 miles to a tank before I fill up.

I also switched to mid grade 89 octane with no problems. I also think that contributed to my better gas mileage. And I run 5-20 Royal Purple ever since the first oil change. I use a Pella pump to change my oil.

 

on the r3's is the keyless already set up to auto lock when you get out and shut the doors. I know on my 06 I had to have the dealership turn it on. When I told them to do it they didn't even know what I was asking for till i showed it to them in the owners booklet.

 

No, it's not set up from the factory to automatically lock. According to the paperwork I received with the car, the owner has to request the dealership at some point in time to activate that option. Still, I find it convenient to just press the small button on the door handle when closing the door to lock the vehicle.

 

Hey if you guys dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for your r3's? Canadian or American?

 

$31k total including financing, down payment, taxes/tag/title, etc out the door.

 

I'd be interested in what prices people are getting on R3s also. I probably won't buy one but I'm getting quotes just for the heck of it. So far an R3 with MSRP of $32,600 the lowest quote I've gotten is $30,699 + ttl. One would not go below sticker with the claim that this is a very special limited edition car and all of that jargon. Whatever. I'll let it sit on their lot for a few more months and ask again in the middle of winter. See if they chance their tune then...or I'll at least wait what Mazda shows at the Nov. auto show.

 

$32,800 BEFORE TAXES

was also told by the dealer they wont go below sticker because the model is "rare"

 

The mileage is horrible. I look down every 5 mins and the gas gauge is down more and more... ughhh..

 

and you believed them?

and the rev to 3500 before shutoff is total BS ...

the gas mileage issue is well documented, it's the one thing you flaunt in the dealers face when bargaining for one on the lot

 

Sorry i haven't posted the pics up yet.. i've been having so much fun with the car. I can't keep away from it! I'm about to go for another drive.. =)

Anyway, i've hit 500 miles on the car yesterday and its been a week, 180 dont really count cuz i had to drive it down from MA to NJ.. but boy what a pleasure, the car is an absolute champ at handling, the stick feels great, and its just so attractive.

Every time I park the car, i walk backwards just staring at it.. unbelievably gorgeous, and one that must be seen in person to truly appreciate

 

This is what happens when... a) you settle, and b) you believe anything a dealer says. Short of pickup trucks and SUV's, RX-8's are one of the easiest vehicles to get for thousands below sticker.

 

You're right.. same here, its absolutely horrible.. i hope it atleast gets a litttleee better after break in, its a lil outrageous at the moment right now.. i'm about 110 miles into my tank and its already half gone.

 

that's normal

 

Congrats on the purchase!
and goodluck on the waiting

 

so will the mpg get better after break in? I know and expect it to be bad, but not THIS bad.. i have another quarter left and ive only driven 160 miles on this tank