Farewell - Silverado replaces RX8
11-12-2006, 10:01 PM
#51
Guns, God, and Country
Wow, some people need to take a chill. Dan, I can see your logic. I myself can't imagine driving a truck because everytime I drive one I remember why I love my 8 but to each his own.
Let me just say that I love my RX8 and could list a thousand reasons why. But, coming from Nissan's and Honda's and one previous Protege, I can say that Mazda is way down on the list as far as the total owning experience is concerned.
I am still trying to get over the fact that I have a new engine at 27k. I researched the car a lot before I bought it and so the gas mileage is not an issue but the fit and finish issues, the mechanical issues, and the dealer issues (varies by location I know) have made it very unlikely that I will by another Mazda.
As much as I love the car, I regret not buying the A4. I know every manufacturer has its problems but the minute Honda makes a RWD or AWD sports car with four seats I will not hesitate to buy it. I will say that I'll keep my eye on the MSP6 and maybe Mazda will get my business again. But man, add 10 more MPG and The reliability and fit and finish of a honda engine and the RX8 would be the best car ever. But, opinions are like ******** right?
Let me just say that I love my RX8 and could list a thousand reasons why. But, coming from Nissan's and Honda's and one previous Protege, I can say that Mazda is way down on the list as far as the total owning experience is concerned.
I am still trying to get over the fact that I have a new engine at 27k. I researched the car a lot before I bought it and so the gas mileage is not an issue but the fit and finish issues, the mechanical issues, and the dealer issues (varies by location I know) have made it very unlikely that I will by another Mazda.
As much as I love the car, I regret not buying the A4. I know every manufacturer has its problems but the minute Honda makes a RWD or AWD sports car with four seats I will not hesitate to buy it. I will say that I'll keep my eye on the MSP6 and maybe Mazda will get my business again. But man, add 10 more MPG and The reliability and fit and finish of a honda engine and the RX8 would be the best car ever. But, opinions are like ******** right?
11-12-2006, 10:17 PM
#54
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Every car can have issues. My RX-8 which just turned 10,000 miles has been far more reliable (knock on wood) than my previous 2000 Toyota Celica which had to have it's unibody rewelded twice, sunroof replaced twice, CD player replaced once, water pump replaced once, and was grinding going into 5th gear at full throttle. I bought that Celica new and maintained it impeccably for the 25,000 miles that I had it. I loved that car, but it's engine certainly had a reputation for blowing up!
11-12-2006, 10:32 PM
#55
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yeah right
Raptor:
Get a clue. A V-8 truck (Silverado) isn't going to get better gas mileage. He'd be lucky to get 13 mpg on the highway and will get 10 -11 mpg regularly. You're just pissed because your mileage sucks. Obviously improper break in! How come I get 17-18 mpg and wind the **** out of it? Go back to driving a Ford Escort and get a little better mileage. Obviously money is a little tight with you and the few extra bucks savings on gas will help you with your daily latte purchase. Maybe you're getting too much caffeine? Anyway, sorry you're sore about your purchase but if it really bugs you then sell the car and go trolling on the red neck truck forums. Oh yeah, Git R Done!!!!!!
Get a clue. A V-8 truck (Silverado) isn't going to get better gas mileage. He'd be lucky to get 13 mpg on the highway and will get 10 -11 mpg regularly. You're just pissed because your mileage sucks. Obviously improper break in! How come I get 17-18 mpg and wind the **** out of it? Go back to driving a Ford Escort and get a little better mileage. Obviously money is a little tight with you and the few extra bucks savings on gas will help you with your daily latte purchase. Maybe you're getting too much caffeine? Anyway, sorry you're sore about your purchase but if it really bugs you then sell the car and go trolling on the red neck truck forums. Oh yeah, Git R Done!!!!!!
11-12-2006, 10:46 PM
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I 'm eminently qualified to comment here, since my wife and I own a 2000 silverado and an 05 rx-8. the silverado is fine, but like any vehicle that isn't built by honda or toyota has weaknesses. The starter for one - we just replaced it for the second time. they seem to be good for about 3 years because of how low they are placed. they get wet and wear out.
the leather on the drivers seat developed a tear on a seam after only 2 years. pretty lame.
the radio sucks. the original tires were a deathtrap.
overall though it's a great truck. it's paid off and we have a camper to tow.
if you get lousy mileage on your rx8, I would suggest royal purple in transmission, differential, and engine. I get 23-24 on the highway regularly, and 18 around town.
and I drive the snot out of it.
the leather on the drivers seat developed a tear on a seam after only 2 years. pretty lame.
the radio sucks. the original tires were a deathtrap.
overall though it's a great truck. it's paid off and we have a camper to tow.
if you get lousy mileage on your rx8, I would suggest royal purple in transmission, differential, and engine. I get 23-24 on the highway regularly, and 18 around town.
and I drive the snot out of it.
11-12-2006, 11:05 PM
#58
Originally Posted by danhilde
It's cool Vash137 .. they're not thinking long enough to understand what I posted. They are reacting emotionally instead of responding logically. I understand and it's not a problem.
Dudes .. I never intended to upset you. Have fun with your RX8s. To each his/her own.
Dan
Dudes .. I never intended to upset you. Have fun with your RX8s. To each his/her own.
Dan
each of their own, yep. I agree with that. but for everything else, nope.
Ok guess Im going to stop, or else this gonna turn ugly.
11-12-2006, 11:07 PM
#59
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I can stand beside
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Things I think are right
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11-12-2006, 11:08 PM
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Thank you LionZoo, for the very rational post. I yield to you with respect. I'm still a big fan of Mazda and my view is that if it can resolve the short list of RX8 problems that are known to the forum members here, the RX8 will continue to be a popular ride. I'm sure that I must have communicated that same sentiment in my original post even if it alluded some of the members.
One of the many pies that I have a finger in is a small restaurant that I own here in Chandler, Arizona. I took a calculated risk when I bought the 8 (gave my Tacoma to the wife and figured I'd just use her truck to do the hauling needed by the restaurant). Honestly, I use the truck to haul at least twice a week, sometimes more. I'm also a musician and occasionally haul my rig around. I won't even get into the Arizona life here where we haul a significant amount of branches and brush from our so - called desert landscapes to the city dump a couple times a month. So I share your contempt (my assumption) for the yuppie types who buy the big SUVs or trucks for no legitimate reason, but I do use it and love the "truck" ride.
Regards,
Dan
One of the many pies that I have a finger in is a small restaurant that I own here in Chandler, Arizona. I took a calculated risk when I bought the 8 (gave my Tacoma to the wife and figured I'd just use her truck to do the hauling needed by the restaurant). Honestly, I use the truck to haul at least twice a week, sometimes more. I'm also a musician and occasionally haul my rig around. I won't even get into the Arizona life here where we haul a significant amount of branches and brush from our so - called desert landscapes to the city dump a couple times a month. So I share your contempt (my assumption) for the yuppie types who buy the big SUVs or trucks for no legitimate reason, but I do use it and love the "truck" ride.
Regards,
Dan
Originally Posted by LionZoo
From an engineering prespective, the rotary basically allowed the RX-8 to happen. Without the rotary the RX-8 would be longer, heavier, more nose heavy, and quite simply not the car it is right now. It would be something like the G35 with less equipment, just not the same driving experience.
Quite simply, the rotary engine is a wonderful sports car engine. Not just because it's butter smooth and can rev so high, but (more importantly) because it's so compact it allows packaging options that are unavailable to conventional piston engined cars. Also, it's already one of the lighter engines out there; if Mazda gets the aluminum side plates right it would be one of the lightest engines. There is a lot more to an engine than horsepower, torque, and EPA MPG numbers.
Then again I guess I'm different from you. I buy cars for the driving experience, not for style. I also could never drive a truck; trucks are devices made for carrying stuff that American somehow believes is a good alternative to cars for daily transportation. With a sports car, it might be inefficient, but at least I'm having fun while driving; I can't see driving a truck as fun. Then again, I guess it's the image people want to project.
(By the way, if you have legitimate transport reasons to warrant owning a truck, then I understand. However, if you drive it basically to work and back then my rant applies to you.)
Quite simply, the rotary engine is a wonderful sports car engine. Not just because it's butter smooth and can rev so high, but (more importantly) because it's so compact it allows packaging options that are unavailable to conventional piston engined cars. Also, it's already one of the lighter engines out there; if Mazda gets the aluminum side plates right it would be one of the lightest engines. There is a lot more to an engine than horsepower, torque, and EPA MPG numbers.
Then again I guess I'm different from you. I buy cars for the driving experience, not for style. I also could never drive a truck; trucks are devices made for carrying stuff that American somehow believes is a good alternative to cars for daily transportation. With a sports car, it might be inefficient, but at least I'm having fun while driving; I can't see driving a truck as fun. Then again, I guess it's the image people want to project.
(By the way, if you have legitimate transport reasons to warrant owning a truck, then I understand. However, if you drive it basically to work and back then my rant applies to you.)
11-13-2006, 12:48 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by Tirminyl
Wow, another mpg thread. Go figure.
You just can't start a thread on this forum that has anything even slightly bad to say about the RX-8 without getting flamed. Dan was trying to tell a story of his experience with the RX-8 and along comes RX-8 owners who act like Dan insulted their girlfriend.
"If you are getting XX MPG, then its something wrong with you." is just not a valid response considering how many other owners have had the exact same problem. I might expect a newbie to deliver a comment like that but not forum veterans.
Once a long time ago, people could actually post their experiences and get an appreciative audience on this forum.
I'm not sure how many of those people are left.
-Mr. Wigggles
11-13-2006, 01:14 PM
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the 8's mileage really isnt that bad. Its comparable with a 350z or a mustang etc etc. The probably that people dont realize is the gas tank is only ..what, 12-14 gallons?
most performance sport cars get the same mileage, but they have 18-20 gallons.
most performance sport cars get the same mileage, but they have 18-20 gallons.
11-13-2006, 01:48 PM
#65
You bought an 8 to drive two kids around all the time.
Ja, I agree your choice of the 8 wasn't very practical.Glad your back to a truck.
But why didn't you buy a Ford?
Ja, I agree your choice of the 8 wasn't very practical.Glad your back to a truck.
But why didn't you buy a Ford?
11-13-2006, 02:00 PM
#66
Originally Posted by MrWigggles
Yeah, I knew it was going to go that direction as well.
You just can't start a thread on this forum that has anything even slightly bad to say about the RX-8 without getting flamed. Dan was trying to tell a story of his experience with the RX-8 and along comes RX-8 owners who act like Dan insulted their girlfriend.
"If you are getting XX MPG, then its something wrong with you." is just not a valid response considering how many other owners have had the exact same problem. I might expect a newbie to deliver a comment like that but not forum veterans.
Once a long time ago, people could actually post their experiences and get an appreciative audience on this forum.
I'm not sure how many of those people are left.
-Mr. Wigggles
You just can't start a thread on this forum that has anything even slightly bad to say about the RX-8 without getting flamed. Dan was trying to tell a story of his experience with the RX-8 and along comes RX-8 owners who act like Dan insulted their girlfriend.
"If you are getting XX MPG, then its something wrong with you." is just not a valid response considering how many other owners have had the exact same problem. I might expect a newbie to deliver a comment like that but not forum veterans.
Once a long time ago, people could actually post their experiences and get an appreciative audience on this forum.
I'm not sure how many of those people are left.
-Mr. Wigggles
Originally Posted by stylett9
the 8's mileage really isnt that bad. Its comparable with a 350z or a mustang etc etc. The probably that people dont realize is the gas tank is only ..what, 12-14 gallons?
most performance sport cars get the same mileage, but they have 18-20 gallons.
most performance sport cars get the same mileage, but they have 18-20 gallons.
11-13-2006, 02:07 PM
#67
There's certainly nothing wrong with saying bad things about the 8. Obviously people are free to say whatever they want. No one here doubts there are 8 owners who suffer poor gas mileage. If I averaged 13 mpg, I'd complain too. (I've already complained about the fake oil gauge, the fake mesh in the rear bumper, the mediocre Bose stereo and the not-ready-for-fog foglights.) So most people here have no problem with someone complaining about the car's little shortcomings.
But there's a difference between complaining about poor mileage or a bad dealer experience—and proclaiming the imminent demise of the rotary engine. I am so sick and tired of armchair automobile designers—people with virtually no professional experience in automobile design, engine design, or marketing—pontificating about what a huge mistake Mazda made designing the Renesis and deciding to build a sports car around it. I can't tell you how many times I've read—right here—how with only X,000 sales they'll obviously be no 2006 RX-8. Or 2007 RX-8. And my personal favorite, the "hypothesis" that if Mazda knew then what they know now, they never would have built their new sports car around this rotary engine. (Let's put aside, for the moment, the inconvenient truth that without the little Renesis, there could be no RX-8.)
Well there's just one problem with the "Mazda made a mistake" hypothesis… it's wrong—the president and ceo of Mazda has stated the rotary is alive and well. Reliability ratings for the 8 range from "average" (Consumer Reports) to "excellent" (R&T). And the car is loved—not just respected, mind you, but loved—by virtually every auto journalist who gets behind the wheel. Unfounded postings about the rotary's imminent demise only serve to scare away newbies researching the 8 as a possible next car. It's not just this forum; it's the downside of the internet. The opinion of the smallest pea-brained pinhead with an internet connection can carry as much weight as that of a respected, credible journalist. Opinions and rumors—often wrong. Sorry if I sound angry—I know I'm on rx8club.com, but sometimes I feel like I'm watching the Fox News Channel.
I'm so glad that the people who so glibly predict the end of the rotary are not the decision-makers at Mazda. Not that that would happen—that's more of a Ford way of thinking.
But there's a difference between complaining about poor mileage or a bad dealer experience—and proclaiming the imminent demise of the rotary engine. I am so sick and tired of armchair automobile designers—people with virtually no professional experience in automobile design, engine design, or marketing—pontificating about what a huge mistake Mazda made designing the Renesis and deciding to build a sports car around it. I can't tell you how many times I've read—right here—how with only X,000 sales they'll obviously be no 2006 RX-8. Or 2007 RX-8. And my personal favorite, the "hypothesis" that if Mazda knew then what they know now, they never would have built their new sports car around this rotary engine. (Let's put aside, for the moment, the inconvenient truth that without the little Renesis, there could be no RX-8.)
Well there's just one problem with the "Mazda made a mistake" hypothesis… it's wrong—the president and ceo of Mazda has stated the rotary is alive and well. Reliability ratings for the 8 range from "average" (Consumer Reports) to "excellent" (R&T). And the car is loved—not just respected, mind you, but loved—by virtually every auto journalist who gets behind the wheel. Unfounded postings about the rotary's imminent demise only serve to scare away newbies researching the 8 as a possible next car. It's not just this forum; it's the downside of the internet. The opinion of the smallest pea-brained pinhead with an internet connection can carry as much weight as that of a respected, credible journalist. Opinions and rumors—often wrong. Sorry if I sound angry—I know I'm on rx8club.com, but sometimes I feel like I'm watching the Fox News Channel.
I'm so glad that the people who so glibly predict the end of the rotary are not the decision-makers at Mazda. Not that that would happen—that's more of a Ford way of thinking.
11-13-2006, 02:08 PM
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The RX8 was meant to be a sports car, not the family soccer van. If you drive it hard and aggressively, the way it was intended to be driven , gas mileage wouldn't be an issue. Clearly if your biggest bitch is mpg you should have purchased a different car from the very beginning. It's like complaining about trunk space in a Vette. To many RX8 drivers wearing Buster Brown shoes instead of sandals. regards, manyhats
11-13-2006, 02:12 PM
#69
Maybe it would seem more rational this way:
Well I finally traded in my Silverado for an RX-8. The truck didn't come close on handling and braking and no rotary engine. It also had way too much interior space not to mention a big bed for haulin stuff.
Nope.
Well I finally traded in my Silverado for an RX-8. The truck didn't come close on handling and braking and no rotary engine. It also had way too much interior space not to mention a big bed for haulin stuff.
Nope.
11-13-2006, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
Well put, it dose seem we have our share of dim wits here.
The RX-8 tank is just short of 16 gallons. The car gets worst mileage then either of those cars by 2 to 6 mpg.
The RX-8 tank is just short of 16 gallons. The car gets worst mileage then either of those cars by 2 to 6 mpg.
11-13-2006, 10:12 PM
#71
Guns, God, and Country
Well, I bought the RX8 over similarly priced "sports cars" because of it's versatility and the fact that I have two kids to lug around. It works great for me. I would like a truck for a tow vehicle but I need to make a little more money before I can just have a truck sitting around waiting for race days. For now if I need a truck I borrow one.
It does annoy me how some people are so defensive. I drive the **** out of my RX8 and the gas mileage sucks. Period. There I said it, it sucks on highway and off. I knew that when I bought it but it does not change the fact that it sucks. If you don't like that I said it, tough ****. Good luck Dan.
It does annoy me how some people are so defensive. I drive the **** out of my RX8 and the gas mileage sucks. Period. There I said it, it sucks on highway and off. I knew that when I bought it but it does not change the fact that it sucks. If you don't like that I said it, tough ****. Good luck Dan.
11-14-2006, 12:01 AM
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Thanks guys, for putting this thread back on a civil path. Sorry I went a little negative. My apologies to everyone. Hey, stuff happens on the internet; it's cool.
Before I traded in my 8, I pulled the two RX8 bras out of my trunk and figured I'd rather make a gift to someone instead of trusting the dealer to make sure that they found their way to the new owner.
I'm going to keep it in my vehicle and surprise an 8 owner with it as soon as I run into one at a gas station or something. That'll be my official exit from the 8 world.
Take care ..... 10/4.
Dan
Before I traded in my 8, I pulled the two RX8 bras out of my trunk and figured I'd rather make a gift to someone instead of trusting the dealer to make sure that they found their way to the new owner.
I'm going to keep it in my vehicle and surprise an 8 owner with it as soon as I run into one at a gas station or something. That'll be my official exit from the 8 world.
Take care ..... 10/4.
Dan
11-14-2006, 12:24 AM
#73
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Originally Posted by danhilde
I'm going to keep it in my vehicle and surprise an 8 owner with it as soon as I run into one at a gas station or something. That'll be my official exit from the 8 world.
Take care ..... 10/4.
Dan
Take care ..... 10/4.
Dan
Stylish and gracious exit.
11-14-2006, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by danhilde
Thanks guys, for putting this thread back on a civil path. Sorry I went a little negative. My apologies to everyone. Hey, stuff happens on the internet; it's cool.
Before I traded in my 8, I pulled the two RX8 bras out of my trunk and figured I'd rather make a gift to someone instead of trusting the dealer to make sure that they found their way to the new owner.
I'm going to keep it in my vehicle and surprise an 8 owner with it as soon as I run into one at a gas station or something. That'll be my official exit from the 8 world.
Take care ..... 10/4.
Dan
Before I traded in my 8, I pulled the two RX8 bras out of my trunk and figured I'd rather make a gift to someone instead of trusting the dealer to make sure that they found their way to the new owner.
I'm going to keep it in my vehicle and surprise an 8 owner with it as soon as I run into one at a gas station or something. That'll be my official exit from the 8 world.
Take care ..... 10/4.
Dan
11-14-2006, 11:05 AM
#75
Mentalhealth is overrated
Originally Posted by danhilde
Well, I had fun driving my RX8 but I just traded it in today and am now thrilled to be driving a Chevy Silverado. I had actually been contemplating going back to a truck anyway (I had my 8 For Sale for 7-8 weeks on Cars.com and Craigslist with no bites); the RX8 is not quite the practical vehicle that I need with two young children. But earlier this week when my ignition coils fried suddenly and I had to crawl into the dealership and ride my motorcyle for 2 days until I got the car back, I realized that it was time (just prior to my 30k service) to say goodbye to this vehicle.
Now, a few words about the "sale" in case this can help anyone. Apparently it is not that easy to sell an 8. I had it for sale for more than 2 months with no real hits. I originally had it FS at $20K. After a few weeks, I went to $19K OBO. I finally put a $18K sign on the car. No bites.
So when I went to the Chevy dealer this morning to check out the Silverados, I fully expected to get a completely unacceptable trade-in offer from them. When they offered me 14K I walked ... they chased. Long story short; we got to 16K trade in offer and this was effectively 17.3K savings for me (because I now had to pay sales tax on the new price minus the 16K which turned out to be $1300 less sales tax). So I basically let the 8 go for 17.3K and I'm satisfied. I talked the dealership from $29.8 sticker to $25.2 so this, with the trade-in number, made it a smokin deal in my opinion.
My advice to Mazda re: this RX8:
* Tighten up the short list of problems that people are experiencing with the car so that the car is more reliable.
* Fix the freaking gas mileage problem; it's a disaster no matter how people want to rationalize it. When the EPA sticker says 18-24 and Iim getting 13-15, there is something very wrong; period. The fact that what mileage people are getting varies so widely is obviously an indication that there is a problem.
* This may sound extreme .. but I believe that Mazda should consider abandoning the rotary engine model and using a traditional engine model with this gorgeous style. I would like to see this happen. Let the rotary continue to be developed but in a more controlled market setting.
Take care all .. it's been fun.
Dan Hildebrand
P.S. I drove my Silverado 110 miles today, the needle is still above F. What else can I say.
Now, a few words about the "sale" in case this can help anyone. Apparently it is not that easy to sell an 8. I had it for sale for more than 2 months with no real hits. I originally had it FS at $20K. After a few weeks, I went to $19K OBO. I finally put a $18K sign on the car. No bites.
So when I went to the Chevy dealer this morning to check out the Silverados, I fully expected to get a completely unacceptable trade-in offer from them. When they offered me 14K I walked ... they chased. Long story short; we got to 16K trade in offer and this was effectively 17.3K savings for me (because I now had to pay sales tax on the new price minus the 16K which turned out to be $1300 less sales tax). So I basically let the 8 go for 17.3K and I'm satisfied. I talked the dealership from $29.8 sticker to $25.2 so this, with the trade-in number, made it a smokin deal in my opinion.
My advice to Mazda re: this RX8:
* Tighten up the short list of problems that people are experiencing with the car so that the car is more reliable.
* Fix the freaking gas mileage problem; it's a disaster no matter how people want to rationalize it. When the EPA sticker says 18-24 and Iim getting 13-15, there is something very wrong; period. The fact that what mileage people are getting varies so widely is obviously an indication that there is a problem.
* This may sound extreme .. but I believe that Mazda should consider abandoning the rotary engine model and using a traditional engine model with this gorgeous style. I would like to see this happen. Let the rotary continue to be developed but in a more controlled market setting.
Take care all .. it's been fun.
Dan Hildebrand
P.S. I drove my Silverado 110 miles today, the needle is still above F. What else can I say.
some of the best evidence yet of a person who just doesn't get it when it comes to a rotary/RX8