Now, now Meowloud. I think you're just being catty!

 

I still haven't had an problems with mine. AC is fine. No flooding. Haven't lost any gears. Clutch hasn't exploded. Stereo sounds great! No smoke coming out of the exhaust.

I LIKE IT!! :D

 

Most peoples biggest headache with the RX-8 is worrying about getting door dings or rock chips.

I already have a chip from a rock in my front fender. Makes me want to cry... but then again, it'll be gone the moment I get a body kit, so I'm wiping away the tears.

 

My car has more chips than a can of pringles, but who cares?? If you baby it, it wouldn't be as fun to drive!!

 

Oh no maxwell, I'm your 'special', slow individual with problems :D

And even if your clutch 'explodes', can you imagine the gawkes and looks you would get then! WOW, you would be something! (And YES this is a joke... that clutch exploding thread is B.S. I CALL IT!! B.S.) Gosh people are 'tards when they don't use their BRAIN. Including a smackas* who has to ask strangers what car he should buy! If your asking questions.. I'm passing out answers! Try this brain numbing question:
As an answer to what Tampon to buy... please get Tampax Extra Absorbant. I should know, I'm a chic.

 

Is that the one that will fix a leaky boat? The first time I saw that ad, I thought it was a SNL skit!

 

Yep, for those extra-bitc*y, whiny types who can't make up their mind. :p (Gosh those commercials are funny!)

 

The reason for posting this thread was bc I wanted to see what RX8 owners would say...simple as that. Ive done the same thing in other forums. Obviously some people got pretty excited about the question but positive and negative feedback is encouraged. I understand that every forum will have horror stories and that people are more likely to talk about problems with their cars instead of good things... I appreciate the input from everyone. Thanks.

 

Oh yeah and Pidge1114... I think looking for the bad in things is the key to finding something great. Just my .02.

 

<jk> I thought that tampax extra came with the spare tire kit to fix blown apex seals and people who where seeing huge oil consumption had already installed it (extra absorbent remember) . </jk>

Re the original question, I think I have come to accept that there are things which have gone wrong for some owners and even I might have some problems down the line. None of the problems seemed very widespread so chances are low (I hope!)
Eventually I think I am willing to risk possible issues (note other cars will also have some issues over time) because I think this car is great.
Unique, has character (lots of it), awesome handling and fits my requirements just perfectly.

You should read up on all the posted problems and when you understand them / sick of them, relax for a bit then go read the professional car reviews and test drive the car. If you still want to buy the car you will a) Know this car is for you and b) be better able to care of this car ...
The only reason I bought this car is that the car makes me want to own/drive it (you know mind control and such ).

 

dont buy. But hey, how about an accord with a cool spoiler. Hey, now there is a car with no problems.

 

buy my FB.. no problems at all whatsoever.. was planning on using 51 ida carb on RENESIS, but school's a bug-a-boo right now

 

Wrong on the Accord! Mine was a lemon, hence me owning the awesome RX8. The problem RX8s are few compared to the rest of us, and all the other car makes have their problems as well! "Statisticly" like any car it's a chance deciding you get a problem free car or not. other than that this car is well made and engineered, but don't take my word for it, look at all the people who owned BMWs and made the switch to this car and compare it favorably, and I'm sure you heard of German engineering! This is a very high quality, and visualy pleasing machine, inside and out. It also happens to be unique compared to other cars today. But more importantly you should ask if you like the car before you even get to these issues!

 

Remember that people don't generally talk about their good experiences.
I also have an AUDI Allroad and on the Audi forums, you'd think the things blow up every week. Mine's been completly bulletproof.
I hope my RX-8 (comming next week) will be as good.
Just my $0.02 worth.

 

Understand that "every" manufacturer will have problems with their completely brand new 1st year production vehicles. The Rx8 is no exception. If your worried about the reliability, I suggest you wait a couple years for all the bugs to be worked out. To give you and example, in fit & finish the 94 Rx7 was much improved vs the brand new 93 model. Just give it time!

 

I bought one because

a) I had a great experience with my Miata
b) RX-8 reminded me of a Miata's big-brother. Retains the agility and adds some power.
c) 4-seat utility but still a sports car
d) styling
e) unique powerplant
f) the car instills excitement and promises to be what the Miata was in terms of building a dedicated following. This forum is evidence of that and a great resource for sorting out technical issues.
g) a great fit of form and function. Not using a rotary just for rotary's sake alone. The rotary engine makes this car possible from a design standpoint.
h) zoom-zoom

But really, don't even think of buying one :D

 

Check out the 350Z!!

 

I would recommend especially for you the Crossfire and the 350Z. After buying either car, you will become hooked on Lego Land, bewildering your family with lots of annual trips. Also, with the Z, good luck with the impending class-action lawsuits.

 

Don't buy one......very simple.

 

thanks for the input

 

you asked

 

I know I appreciate what everyone thinks. Thanks.

 

Well, I don't blame you for asking... it's the smart thing to do, especially when you're looking at a $30k purchase on a first year car model that happens to be the only rotary production car on the planet.

That said, most of the problems are overblown... considering the uniqueness of the car, it really is very reliable. I'm at 12000 miles and other than 1 flood, the car has been perfect in every way. With the new ECU flashes, flooding appears to be less of a problem now as well. I get about 20 MPG on the dot, mixed driving conditions. Lots of highway but lots of stop and go traffic too.

Assuming you love the way it looks and drives, I don't think reliability is a big enough issue to pass on the car. That said, if you're worried, the smart thing to do is hold out for the 2005 model, which will probably work out a number of the small bugs people constantly talk about here.

 

There are varying personalities on the forum - people who get a rattle in the door to people with a failed component wondering and asking others if they note the same problem.

I was always baffled when I owned a Lexus, had problems, and heard how they were supposedly the most trouble free car. Ironically I discovered two of my issues as design flaws that Toyota would not and did not care to fix - cyclops brake light bulb blown - no way to replace as per LEXUS Japan!!!! and Alternator charge cycling causing battery to need replacement EACH YEAR.

the point?

All cars have problems. The RX8 is actually doing quite well though as Mazda continues to tweak the car - like the M flash and the tranny heat shield and other minor issues.

 

htown, the new kia spectra's are badass! beats the 8 hands down, go for it!