I've had my RX-8 now for 12,000 miles and about 2 years. I've read so much commentary from people who were disappointed by their cars here, I just wanted to weigh in. I love this car. It's an absolute blast.

Thanks to this site, I've had the heads-up on things to look for that are potential issues, and I have a dealer who actually reads the TSBs that I bring them, and takes care of business. It's all amounted to a very positive ownership (lease) experience.

The handling, the balance, the power, the grip, the looks, the one-of-a-kind drivetrain, the interior, the back doors, the comfortable seats... it's all there.

That's right... I did say "power". I happen to think this thing's fast enough for driving on public roads and having a helluvalotta fun doing it. It's not like I'm not around quick cars - I drive an STi every other day. The RX-8 still has plenty of jump if you push it. My STi may be the best car all-around that I've ever owned, but half the time I grab the keys to the Mazda because in my opinion, it's that damn good.

So I love the car. I've got another year left on the lease. I've been on this forum the whole time I've had the car, and there's so many knowledgeable people out here who really have added to the positive experience for me... so thank you.

And this one goes out to Mazda... in a year, I'll be getting another car. I tend to like to try different types of performance cars because there are so many good choices out there... but if Mazda is offering an RX-8 with even more power, it will be an ABSOLUTE NO-BRAINER for me, and I'll be in another RX-8. I know I'm not alone.

 

I'm glad you're pleased with the car. I've only had mine a few weeks, but have had a great time with it. It's a blast to drive, drop-dead gorgeous, and just great to be in. Like you, I'm hoping that by the time I move on to another car, the 8 will be a "no brainer" to buy once again.

 

Good read "RevTo9K"! There are alot of people here that agree with you. We have many choices, better at everything the 8 does. The 8 with its exotic rotary engine and its overall balance of what it does is a good value and exciting car for the money. I too cant wait to see whats next....and I think it will be sooner then later......

 

damn! 12k in 2 years... i wish i could do that.

 

Really. 30k in 18 months here.

 

Yeah, I haven't had many problems at all with this car, but it's partly because my miles are low and spread out. The main thing is that I never got snow tires for it, so I almost never drive it in the winter. That may change this year though - I've got rims and Blizzaks for the STi that I oughta be able to just pop onto the 8 for a while. I may just try that.

I should also mention that this was my first RWD car, and an RX-8 with DSC seems like the perfect first RWD sports car to me. I've gotten really good at pushing the car through a turn without too much throttle, but early on, that DSC saved me embarrassment many times, and probably expensive wreckage at least a few times.

Another thing that blows my mind about this car... I absolutely love the feel of the clutch and the shifter. The shifter's like a switch, and the clutch doesn't take any more pressure than the gas pedal.

 

I have had mine for 2.5 years and going near the 30k miles and it has been a solid car which is sporty and practical (from having backseats).

I rank most things in the car highly except for 2 things:

1) Gas mileage isn't near Mazda's estimate and the initial estimates
2) Lack of performance -- It's not that the car is slow but it is slower than all the competing cars. There is a reason there are no kill threads and such on this board -- people will get killed in comparable cars.

I plan on keeping mine for another 1.5 years. I am taking a look at the 2008 cars since most of the specs are released. I am leaning towards the G35 myself. The G35 is a nice looking car and I personally like the inside better than the RX8. It also has a lot more torque and HP.

On a scale of 1-10 I would give the RX-8 a 7/10. If you throw in more HP (around 260 and some torque) it would be a 9/10. If you give it the HP and Torque with the advertised MPG then it would probably get a 9.9/10 from me.

 

I was at about 16k at my 2 year anniversary. My car is still a baby for all bits and purposes.

 

(Oy, not this bs again...) Check out a couple of the mileage polls here and you'll see that people get about what we should expect. I get 17-18 around town, 23 highway, and 10 at the track.

If you think the 8 is "slower than all the competing cars," check out how it did in B-Stock Autocross (8 out of the top 10 positions). On the other hand, anybody who bought this car to drag race their buddies down main street didn't do their homework. (BTW, there are no "kill threads" here because they're prohibited.)

The G35 is nice, but a bit heavy for my tastes. It's got a bigger gas tank than the 8 (grumble) but the fuel use is about the same (~1 mpg higher). It's 1/4 mile time is about the same as the 8 (what was that about "kills?") Based on your two complaints, you'd better steer wide of the G35 - it has more HP, but the extra weight offsets it. And if I'm not mistaken, -0- of them made it as far as the SCCA nationals.

 

ive had mine for a lil less than a year n i have 20k already

 

Good response, Paul. I'm amazed on this Board at all the negative comments about the 8's lack of power and performance. Yes, it doesn't have the power of a Corvette or a 911, but it wasn't intended to run like those cars. But it certainly wouldn't be "killed" by the likes of the stock S2000, Z4, or Boxster.

On a related subject, I'm also amazed at the girlish adoration a lot of people here give the EVO and STI. I'm sure those cars do well what they're intended to do, but the 8 is a completely different kind of car. It's like someone buying a fine wine and being upset that it doesn't taste like beer.

 

You like the 8 better than your old type R?

 

What about when you're drag racing to the next corner on a track? One of those ones that isn't made in the supermarket parking lot sunday morning

 

For this stage in my life, absolutely. But I absolutely loved the Type R.

Good things about the Type R:

- very rare
- rear seats folded all the way down (IMO EVERY car should have this)
- 24 mpg city/33 hwy, my experience
- near-racing suspension
- incredible handling, unbelievable for a FWD car. Neutral, could throttle-steer.
- good car in snow
- 8800 RPM redline

If it wasn't for the theft risk, it would have been the perfect all-around car. Plus, I wouldn't call it noisy, but it was loud. Mine was totally stock too.

The RX-8, however, is more refined, is RWD, rides better, and has the extra doors. The ride has become an issue for me... the Type R was so stiff that I developed some back problems when it was my only car.

 

I'd like anyone who wonders about the power of the RX-8 to do the following... take it out on the highway, accelerate up to 5000 rpm in 3rd gear, then floor it.

Few supermarkets have corner workers and emergency vehicles standing by on Sunday mornings. Maybe I should have specified street kills.

 

Paul,

I gave the car a 7/10 which is good. Why does everyone get so defensive about the MPG and Performance?

It is real simple, the RX-8 is slower than the cars it competes with.

I KNEW the RX-8 was a little slower when I bought it. I had accepted that. There are many factors in a car. I certinaly am not doing any 1/4 mile races in the RX-8 and this is the only car I have ever had that I DONT take to track. This is a business car plain and simple and it a nice looking car that does have power. good handling, and a very sleek look (Only in red IMO). However, it does not have that midrange grunt which is great for passing. There is very little torque even when you are going from 8-9 RPMs.

Paul, believe me I have floored the car in ALL gears and no it does not accelerate as fast as the competing cars. Also, this is the lowest HP car I have had. Maybe it is just below the Mendoza line for me but I think about 20-30 more hp and 40-50lbs torque and this would be the most popular car on the road.

As for gas mileage, I average 13-14mpg with combined.

As for the G35 which I have driven and chose the RX-8 over a couple of years ago, I am looking at the Specs of the '08 RX-8 and the '08 G35. The G35 is a bit heavier but it has a great deal more hp and torque and a very nice interior.

Let me close by saying taste in cars is all subjective. Everyone has different needs. If I just wanted speed, I would go buy a C6 vette. I am looking for the best combination that suits by tastes.

Dean