I really want to buy one of these cars (most likely a used '05 base model) but I just don't think I could stomach too much unreliability. You see, I'm a student, who commutes 22 miles to get to school, and I need a car that will never fail me in that regard. I don't want to be stuck at home on the day of a final because of my car. And now, I know some of you fellas will say "Then just get a Camry!". Well, I've already got a reliable car, a '99 Nissan Altima with 125k miles on it that starts up everyday and all the time and runs regardless of how hard I'm on it. My reason for wanting an RX8 is that I want something that's fun to drive, but also practical and reliable. Plus I just love how unique it is.

So I dunno, share you experiences with me and if you can, give me some advice.

Thanks.

 

Too much trouble??

I have had this car 1 1/2 years and 14,000 miles and I have had a sun visor crack and it was replaced at the service managers booth.

That is the list of problems I have...

It has been a lot of fun... just change the oil!

 

Its good to hear that. It's just that if you go to www.carsurvey.org, the horror stories there are pretty scary!

 

Don't read that crap! Those that have something to squawk about usually squawk the loudest.

There are plenty of folks here who have 50-60k miles and no problems. Mine's been flawless since day one. And I couldn't be happier with it. Do a quick search for "reliability" and you'll see what I mean.

Proper maintanence and basic knowledge of the rotary engine and it's little quirks is all you'll need.

 

Everything you'll ever wanna know about this cool car is here at your fingertips. There are many threads like this one questioning it's reliability. Just take a few moments to read them and I'm sure you'll feel much better about it.

 

The car is reliable, it's getting late in production and the kinks have been unkinked so to speak. I would be more concerned with fuel costs. If that's not an issue I say go for it and get the manual transmission.

 

buy a honda hybrid... please and search for the honda forum...


beers

 

Couldn't have said it better myself! Same idea behind the "1 wheel of 4 squeeks...no one notices the 3 doing their job".

There really is more than a handful of people out there that have fluently and consistantly had no problems whatsoever...and even more that may have had a problem, but not serious.

Search it out and save yurself a lot of waiting. Likely, it'll also save you some flaming from the firing squad.

Best of luck in yur search...I'd imagine you'd love the 8

 

Well fuel is somewhat of an issue. I hear the RX8 gets 19-21mpg during normal driving, and sub 17 when you push it. I guess I'm fine with that, but wish it were higher. My '99 Altima gets about 24mpg during normal driving and its got a weak 4-cylinder that barely makes 140hp I believe. But still, gas is expensive but I guess so is fun.

 

if u dont sell your nissan, you would have 2 cars. if the 8 happens to fail you (knock on wood), take the nissan. get the 8.

edit: 19-21 mpg if you are lucky... really lucky
17 if you are lucky... really really really lucky when driving it hard

 

Now swoope, I'd have no problemo with the Honda Accord hybrid, but I know that's way out of budget. I'll pass on the Civic hybrid, though, I'm a car enthusiast whose been reading and dreaming about sports cars since I was a little boy. It's time I finally got to drive one.

 

eeek! well i'm also looking at '05 WRX's.

 

eeek is right my friend, eeek is right

 

well,
i hear you should buy a vowel vanna...

get a clue... pick up consumer reports....

take off that special hemet, you can do it...


beers

 

??? Any particular issue you have in mind that deals with the RX8?

 

Nice thing is if it is under warranty the majority of Mazda dealers give a loaner car. Ahhem...most need the driver to be 25 years old though.

 

Ah, well that's a problem since I'm 20 in a few months.

 

make sure you have a second car then. don't take a chance. or u can get the WRX.

 

yes,
mine works fine... and over the life of the car right now i have averaged ~ 21 mpg...

my brakes dont squeall.... my ac cools the car fine and i know what google is....

and what is your issue with the rx8??? that has not been searched????

beers

 

second car is not a option. My Altima will be going to someone else (little sibling). WRX is plan B, but I'm gonna do all the research I can before I got to plan B.

 

Sorry, miscommunication. I was talking about which issue of Consumer Reports you had in mind that I should pick up.

 

the 05 was rated silly high...

beers

 

but really if you are asking these ??? it is to much car for you!!!!!


YES REALLY I MEAN IT!!!!!!!

beers

 

Anyone notice the picture for the 8 in the last consumer report with the 8 (not sure which month but it was the '05)?

It had the Mazdaspeed body kit...

 

Gotcha, thanks for your input.