blackmount

I know 4 year's and 57,000 miles isn't alot compared to some of you who have been here for 10+ years, or the few that bought a Series 1 Brand new, but its longer then most people seem to give these cars a chance, and I feel my experience is a good example of what RX-8 ownership is like when you A: Do your Due Diligence and find a GOOD healthy Example, and B: Maintain the car fairly correctly, and don't just instantly mod the heck out of it, turbo it, engine swap it, etc, but rather just drive it, enjoy it, use it with a few tasteful mods over time.

I bought my 04 Velocity Red RX-8 back in 2017

Red On Red 6 Port 6 Speed w/ Sport Package, No Appearance Package. The Poster Child Car for the RX-8, 84,000 Miles, Rust Free, Mazda Reman at 5X,000 Miles in 2009, and a binder full of maintenance receipts from the first and second owner of the car dating back to the sales receipt in 2004, and most importantly a passing Compression test from the local Mazda dealer... Walked away with it for $4500. It needed basic TLC, a detailing, and new tires, but otherwise was a solid example I felt was fairly priced.

At the time It felt like a gamble based on the stigma surrounding the cars, though I felt alot of it was BS/Circumstantial/Owner Responsible, based on the positive experiences other people I had known with RX-8s before hand had.... I had always loved the RX-8 since middle school me had first seen the Concept on Gran Turismo 3, so I didn't care, if it lasted me till the end of the year, I was going to be happy.

Now at 141,000 Miles. I have absolutely no regrets. Car still Hot starts without any additional cranking like the first day I bought it, maybe even better, and never once failed to start for me, except for one time but it was completely unrelated to the engine (see below). For 2 years I actually drove it through out winter, one winter in particular it lived outside, and started like a champ in -30*F with -50* Windchill ColdStorm that had rolled through. I only tend to drive it in the winter when its relatively dry and sunny, and always run the car through a good car wash with a decent underbody spray before I park the car back in the garage.




It has become my all time favorite car I've ever driven, even over the 996 GT3, FD RX-7, and NSX. I've driven alot of other pretty cool stuff I could namedrop to try and flex with and provide evidence that I might have somewhat of a clue, but that seems unnecessary, and I hold those 3 at the top of my list as far as 90's-00's cars go.... The lack of power doesn't really bother me, the chassis is ever so impressive, it literally just feels like a big modern Miata (for obvious reasons) My best friend has had an AP1 and now has an AP2 S2000. On backroads and on track with the basic mods I've done to the RX-8 and both of us running the same tires, the cars seem inseparable even when we swap drivers. Unlike the S2000 the RX-8 is softer and more compliant, more notably its much more forgiving when you get it out of shape compared to the S2000, especially the AP1. I've also always been extremely impressed with how quiet the cabin is in the days when I was still rocking the stock exhaust.

The Borla is definitely one of the more livable exhausts for the RX-8, but on the longer drives and road trips it does start to feel a bit annoying. Interior space is extremely comfortable, I catch normal people checking out the car from a distance all the time when parked or moving, my girlfriend, who doesn't care too much for cars, also adores it, she loves driving it and despite knowing its reputation and how cheap it was, she says she still feels like she's hot stuff when she climbs in and out of the drivers seat, which she doesn't really say about my 3000GT so I don't think she's just being nice.

Speaking of which, coming from a backround full of 20+ year old turbo Mitsubishi's, and for a time working professionally on various German cars and a 911 GT3 Cup Car Program, I was presently surprised when I found how cheap (for the most part) the RX-8 is to service while still using OEM Mazda, and Quality replacement parts both stock and aftermarket. I have seen alot of people complain about the cost of maintenance and these cars being difficult to work on, maybe its just my backround but I don't feel that at all.

I've only had a small handful of issues with the car, which will happen to any car and any engine with age.
Rough Idle - Cured by replacing the at the time 15+ year old vacuum and PCV hoses (2018)
High RPM Misfire, - Cured by new Coils, Wires, and Plugs by NGK found on Rockauto (2019 I've replaced the plugs themselves every summer just as maintenance)
Neutral Safety Switch plastic spacer fell out, causing the switch to not engage, and the car to not crank (2019)
LCD Display above Radio sometimes becomes illegible like someone cranked the Contrast all the way up.
Rattle/Squeak where the Dash meets the windshield during cold days in the fall/winter. (2019-Current)
One of Two Factory Keyless Entry Remotes quick working, battery replacement didn't fix. (2019)

Care Habits:
10W-40 Non Snyth Oil, Changed with OEM Mazda filter every 3,000-4,000 Miles.
Check Oil once a week or every 500 miles, and always before heavily spirited drives
87-93 Octane Gas depending the day. 87 for lots of highway/Casual driving. 93 for spirited drives/sunny warm days.
OEM Mazda Air Filter replacement every Summer
NGK Spark Plugs replaced every summer
I don't premix.

Modifications/Other
All new Control Arms, Tie Rods, Eccentric Bolts, etc from Mazda front and rear.
New OEM Mazda Motor mounts
Typically running dedicated 300-400 Treadware Summer Tires, Falken Azenis currently
Hawk HPS Pads,
Raybestos replacement Rotors
Corner Balanced/Alignment within OEM Capability
KYB Replacement Shocks
RacingBeat Springs
RacingBeat Air Intake Duct
Borla Catback
Gutted Stock Cat
Lightweight Battery
Elite Aluminum Pullies


Driving Habits:
Mostly Spirited/Back Roads/Canyon
Occasional long road trips of 2-4 hours or more
Weekend Daily Driver usually, Groceries, Road America Events, Cars and Coffee, or Just because, etc.
Occasional chill track day at Road America and Blackhawk Farms.
I let my girlfriend borrow it from time to time.

Future Plans:
Continue to maintain it, love it, and drive it.
RacingBeat Sway Bars
Koni Adjustables
Lightweight Flywheel
New Clutch and Pressure Plate, OEM Mazda or a good Full Face, Sprung aftermarket replacement.
Rock the Stock Wheels till I die.

If and When the engine does finally near the end of it's life, I'd like to give the car to a reputable Rotary Shop such as Elite for a refresh/rebuild, and proper balance with whatever reliability based mods they recommend like RX-7 Apex Seals and look at maybe a streetport, but nothing more then that, as I don't want to sacrifice Drivability or Longevity for minimal gains, and I really take pride in keeping this RX-8 in a state where it still behaves and feels like a factory example.

Thank you if you read all of this.

apex1

Love it!

A lot of similarities to my recent purchase. Red on Red 04 6spd that had a reman done a few thousand ago. Like you I think these cars can represent a good value from a fun car stand point. I know the rotary fear out there in the sports car community. I bought good running, good looking sports car for less than what old, high mileage commuter cars are selling for nowadays.

I have had plenty of fun cars, Mustangs, Vettes, S2000 and the RX8 is definitely something special. A fabulous chassis paired with a unique and fun engine. I do wish it had another 100hp, but you could say that about any car. I cant wait to get it to the track.

Thank you for sharing your journey so far.

RX-8 40th Anniversary

Love the 94' GTO, That is one hell of a rarity nowadays.. And thats a first time I've heard someone prefer the RX8 over the RX7 FD.. but I have yet to really tell the difference between the two one of these days if its not too expensive

Glad to hear you love the car! Amongst a ton of other things there really isnt anything like the RX8. Would you have compression numbers if you dont mind me asking?
And that red looks very, very good.

DocWalt

Didn't know you had an RX-8, haha. Glad to hear it's been trouble free for you!

James Crisp

I mean, I think I think it's generally accepted that the chassis of the rx8 is far superior to the rx7, it just lacks in the engine department. For some there is more than just power to a driving experience.

blackmount

I honestly prefer the NA High Revving Renesis. A dream track car build would be a very lightweight street focused FD with a Renesis and RX8 Series 2 transmission.

Modest power keeps us humble.

Killawatts

I agree 100%, I have driven everything from 500 hp muscle cars to Porsche 911 and a lot in between, the RX8 has something about it that just makes it feel fantastic.

BrRx8

Completely agree, only issue i have with the car is the constant worry of an issue in the back of my mind. I'm currently on my second rx8 after the first reached ~120k miles.