I'm currently considering a RX8, year 2003, 4AT , mileage 50,000km

Why a used RX8? I've to say, I'm staying in a country where automobile cost a bomb, costing me USD45,000 for a 2003 RX8. This is a huge investment for me and I do not want to make any mistake about it. I guess , you guys are the best people to assist me.

Your advise are very much appreciated.

 

AT is not for me!

 

+1. You'll have much more fun if you wait for the right 6MT to come along.

 

Well for starters, the earliest model you can buy will actaully be a 2004, with that being the first year it was marketed.

However, any more info on condition might prove useful. It sounds nice, but then again all we know is milage and tranny...which a forwarning, there are a lot of AT haters around here, so just be prepared.

try and beef up the details and i'll give you a more specific opinion.

 

I've had my '04 RX8 for 53K happy and relieable miles now. It's a great car that is a dream to drive. But if you are a really want the sport in sports car, get the 6 speed manual transmition. It's slightly more powerful and lets you do the driving.

 

Not every country does model years the same as the USA. My 8 in fact was built May / 2003. Some of those cars built in 2003 went to other markets and were sold as 2003's

 

I always wondered why the year of production was not the year of the car but thinking about it they need to create a backlog so when they market the vehicle it can be readily available.

When was the 8 first available in Japan?

Wouldn't it be less expensive to buy a new car in another country and ship it in?

45,000 US seems ridiculously priced even if it is tough to get a vehicle in your country there has to be a better way.
Is the cost because of import tax or is it considered a geographical oddity and is a million miles from everywhere?

Is it totally stock?

I would wait for a 6-speed manual 8 if I was in your position. Not a hater of the autos, just my recommendation being I have driven them both.

 

Thank you for all your quick response. I have a few areas of concerns that I may be able to find out the forum. I guess most of the members here are the "Expert" for RX8.

Year: 2003

Model: RX8 (JDM)

I've selected the AT model due to the fact that this car will be for my wife and she wants something sporty and traffic chaos in Kuala Lumpur makes AT my choice. Used to be Michigan for 2 years, traffic are never a problem , MT would be fun. Driving in the US is so much fun but 60mph speed limit to a little too low.


Areas of Concern

1) What are the components that breaks down frequently or needs attention?

2) Is the topping up of engine oil normal?

3) How reliable is the car....as compared to a Toyota Celica?

4) What is the average FC (Fuel Consumption) can we get from the car?

 

"The Expert," no, educated yes

RX8club rocks!

Topping off the oil is normal as at high load the oil metering pump sprays extra oil into the engine.

Depending on the quality of fuel and how hard it is driven a person should get 19-25 mpg with the auto.

As far as comparing it to the Celica I can't as I don't know the reliability of the Celica.

Not sure the concensus of what breaks down on the auto either, sorry.

Do a bit of searching to find that out. Knowledge is abundant on this forum if you know how to search you shouldn't have a problem finding answers.

 

The things I'd recommend considering:

- Make sure you have a very good mechanic expert in rotary engines close to you. The rotary is a unique engine, so not every shop can service it well.

- Gas mileage is poor. I don't know the rating for the Celica. I'd recommend driving the 8 you're considering for a full tank of gas and see what it averages.

- Make sure that all TSBs have been taken care of on the car. That is, make sure it's up to date.

- Some people complain about air conditioning (and some people don't). Malaysia is a hot country, so, again, drive the car and see how well it does in your climate. My experience is that the 8 does worse than average at idle, but does well when moving (especially above 3,000 RPM).

- I test drove an Auto 2004 and didn't like it at all. I ended up buying a 2004 manual, which is much more spirited. I'm not an auto hater: this is the first manual I've ever owned, although I learned to drive using a stick. The 2004 (and, I assume, 2003 in your country) auto was significantly less powerful than the manual and, with not enough low-end torque, it really shows. For this car, I'd recommend the manual.

- Have the car checked out before buying to make sure you avoid a lemon. I was once going to buy a car until I took it to a mechanic to inspect it. It had so many problems that I walked away. Before I bought my 8, I called the local Mazda dealership and spoke to the mechanic who most regularly serviced it. He confirmed that it was in excellent condition and had been well taken care of.

- Remember that the stock car doesn't come with a spare. You may want to opt for the spare, but it takes up some trunk space.

I think the 8 is more high maintenance than most cars, but I also think it's worth it. Although I've only had mine a few weeks, it's at this point the best car I've ever owned. It's fun, responsive, well made, gorgeous, and begs to be driven hard. If you make sure you get a good one, I think you'll be very happy.

 

Allow me a moment to dislodge my foot outta my mouth. There...that's better

 

I have a 4AT and enjoy it plenty. I would've preferred the 6MT, but if I wanted a free car, it was going to be an AT.

Besides, the transimission doesn't take away the part that is the MOST fun about the car - the handling/cornering. With Hymee's help in the future, the AT won't be too slow, either