Hi guys, I'm in the market now for an RX8 and I'd really appreciate your feedback on how the RX8 runs in the middle of winter in states /provinces with very, very cold weather and lots of snow (Chicago, Minneapolis, etc.)

I'm moving to Winnipeg (Canada) where winters are absolutely brutal, to say the least.

I've heard about flooding problems, stuck parking brake, etc. What has been your experience?

Thanks so much for your advice. Finally, am I better off waiting for the 2005, or should I get the 2004, hoping for great dealer incentives?

 

I too live in a nasty winter climate (central PA) and plan on buying an RX8 before the end of the year (aka '05 model). My plan for winter setup is to get a set of 17" Mazda 3 OEM rims and a good set of winter treads for them, then of course leave the OEM RX8 Rims/Tires in storage until spring/summer 05.

That takes care of the actual driving, so i'm also interested in any additional problems i should look out for when cold weather arrives.

 

Aw come on, Winnipeg isn't that bad in the winter! I grew up near Winnipeg, got my mechanical engineering degree at U of Manitoba, then fled to the warmer climes of Calgary (at age 22, 23 years ago!) :D

You should browse the older posts from last winter in the Canada regional forum section (and maybe some of the other cold-winter region sections). Lots of us drove our RX-8s all year. Flooding is no longer an issue (it wasn't a cold-weather issue anyway), as it's been eliminated by a recalibration of the ECU (Even then, it was easily avoided - my RX-8 never flooded). Parking brake won't stick any more than it would on any other car (I've never heard of this being an RX-8 problem). The only winter concern is that Mazda does not offer a block heater option, but some people have fitted an electrical resistance stick-on heater to the bottom of the oil pan, or an in-line coolant heater.

You will HAVE to get winter tires, preferably on separate winter wheels, to drive in winter. The OEM summer performance tires are useless and dangerous in freezing winter conditions.

There are no changes beyond a different ignition key for the 2005 RX-8 vs. the 2004. If you can get a good deal on an 04, go for it. You are buying a Canadian car, right? Not importing a US car?

Regards,
Gordon

 

Thanks guys very much. Yeah, I'd buy it in Winnipeg. Although I wish I was living in the US to pick up an RX8 there. Much cheaper, even after including the exchange rate.

MB has 14% tax on top of the $38,000 k (CDN) MRSP price of the 04 RX8 - base model- I was looking at 3 weeks ago in Winnipeg.

I would think there is probably room for at least a $2,000-3,000 reduction off MRSP when the 05s arrive.

I'm probably better off buying in Calgary (7% tax) and shipping to Winnipeg for $500.

Lastly, what would a new set of winter tires, rims and the battery heater modification costy me (worst case scenario.) Thanks!

 

Actually, last year the RX-8s were cheaper in Canada, option for option, by several thousand dollars after exchange was figured. This year, with the weaker American dollar, they are close to the same price. You wouldn't save anything by buying in the US. Also, we have standard features that they can't even get or are optional down there - there are no headlight washers on US RX-8s, and the standard-in-Canada in-dash 6 CD changer is an option down there. There's more, but that's the gist of it. Also, YOU have to pay the duty, GST, and PST on any car you import from the US, and YOU have to pay to bring it into compliance with Canadian safety regulations - that means refitting the stronger Canadian-spec rear bumper mounts and daytime running lights. It's definitely cheaper and a better deal to buy in Canada!

Same thing for buying outside of Manitoba - it doesn't matter which province you buy it in, when you go to register an out-of-province vehicle in Manitoba, you WILL have to pay the PST.

Search for threads here about "winter tires" or "winter wheels" - there was a Canadian group buy last fall, and several threads with extensive details about what to buy and where. Costs ranged from ~$1300 Cdn to ~2000 Cdn, depending on what wheels you got.

Regards,
Gordon

 

Sorry Gord, I hate to contradict you here but I was one of the people with issues on the e-brake in the winter.

There is a plastic dust cover on the e-brake that is part of the brake handle. When you get in the car look at the center console closest to the dashboard where the e-brake is mounted. You will see what I am talking about. Last year when the temps were getting down to -25*F here I released my e-brake and as I did it made a loud snapping sound. I thought that maybe cord that controls the e-brake snapped. I was wrong it was this piece of plastic cover. After that there was no problem getting it up or down. Before it snapped I had some problem keeping the e-brake all the way down till the car warmed up since this plastic piece that is usually very relaxed became quite stiff in the cooler temps.

I have since had the e-brake replaced and hope that it doesn't become an issue in the future but if it does it is a warranty issue.

 

No problem! I don't recall reading about that issue last winter - then again, I am getting older... :o

OK, RX8wanted, so some people did have a problem with the handbrake in very cold weather.

Regards,
Gordon

 

I didn't realize that I'd have to pay PST as well, thanks for the heads up.

I'll tell you though, after reading threads about some US buyers paying only $100 over invoice, plus little known rebates of $2,000-3,000k , I'm wondering if it will be possible to get the base model for $33,000-$34,000.

($38,000 MSRP - 2,000 (invoice of $36k) - any rebates offered to clear out the 04s when the 05s arrive.

Would be an incredible deal.

Thanks again everyone for the feedback above.

David