Never thought I'd be back asking questions about this car but after looking over an R3 at a DE recently here I am.

We owned an early 04 model--that my wife dearly loved--but unloaded it in 07 after a number of mechanical problems.

Only had one flooding issue and the car didn't used that much oil--say a quart between changes, but the mysterious acceleration issues--which we though were tied to a stuck flapper valve in the intake and the totally trashed 6 spd tranny--at 30K driven mostly by my wife on the interstate--were the final straw. We traded the car on a Rav4 and then got a 328i sedan.

The BMW is a fine car--no problems in 20K miles, gets 33mpg on the road and is a fine highway car.

Having said that, I hear " I miss my RX8" at least one a month and when we see one on the road. Maybe if she was the one that had to take the car to the dealer she might feel differently.

Anyway, this blue R3 I saw at the track looked great, had all the pieces our car didn't have to work at the track and looked good going around it.

My question is:

has quality improved on these cars to make them something you can live with for a 100K without needing to move next to a dealer? IS this car worth another look?


Specific problems still occurring with:

--Transmissions failures?
--That flooding issue when cold?
--Still burning up apex seals?
--Interior heat in the summer?


thanks for any help

 

Not that I don't love my RX8, but if my car got stolen tomorrow and I get an insurance check and the chance to start all over I'd probably be looking hard at a WRX or the 135i. Twin turbo peak torque from 1200-5000 RPM? Yum :q

 

The 2009+ RX-8's have a new 6 speed transmission. It should be alot more durable.

Flooding is no longer an issue.

A 3rd oil injector should greatly incease longevity of the car by oiling the apex seals.

I live in texas with a black on black RX-8 and the RX-8 cools off faster than any car I've ever been in. The trick is to roll the windows down for the first minute or two of driving then roll them back up and crank up the AC. This trick works on all cars. Test it on your BMW if you don't believe me.

The newer RX-8s are alot more refined than the older models. The 2004 RX-8 was definitely a problem car.

 

Yeah. Have a look at this thread to see all of the subtle changes Mazda made to the Series II RX-8 (2009+) to improve reliability:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-technical-trouble-shooting-160/mechanical-changes-rx-8-series-i-ii-161665/

I love my 2009 RX-8. It's black on black as well, and the A/C works great. I will be looking into 3M window film to reduce heat transmitted into the car by the sun, however.

 

I also had an '04 and now I have my '09 R3. Honestly, I can't address your reliability concerns because I only had my '04 for a year. But if it helps, I'll give you my thoughts.

First let me say I love the R3 and I'm very happy with my decision to get another RX8. Honestly, I don't get any better gas mileage in my R3 than I got in my '04, and I really think this one uses more oil than my '04 did. I bought my R3 with 4,000 miles on it and I bought my '04 brand new with about 13 miles on it. I was overly fanatical about the break in on my '04 and I have no idea how this R3 was broken in. So that may be the reason.

On the plus side for the R3 I will tell you it handles so much better than my '04 did. I always felt the rear suspension was too soft in the '04. In the R3 it's not. The handling on this thing is dialed in perfectly. The ride is a little harsh, but I like that, so it doesn't bother me. You should be very happy with it on the track. If Mazda didn't offer the R3 edition I would not have gotten another RX8.

I look at it this way. I know I will pamper the heck out of the R3 to try to avoid any problems. Its quirky little needs are half the appeal. If something drastic does go wrong and I need a new engine I have an 8 year 100,000 mile warranty. I know I won't have it long enough to see the end of the warranty.

Also,

Just an FYI, I had a 335i (and a Mercedes C-Class) before I went back to the RX8, and I haven't regretted it for one second. It is just so much more fun to drive.

I say do it, but get the red, not the blue!

My old and new below:

 

weird choices as the WRX and RX-8, and 135i are in completely different price categories. A loaded 135i runs $40,000.00 +

Agree and disagree My 04' is more a problem woman, like a super model with a drug habit.


But honestly aside from RX22, I know four guys locally and one girl who owned 8's previously an got back into an 8 at a later date. Two of these guy drive R3's now. Go on a test drive and you will be hooked.

Actually I just realized all three of the VR R3 owners locally previously owned 2004 RX-8's

 

I had a 2004 for a couple years and sold it... and now have a 2009 R3. I love it.. it does handle much better than my 2004. And looks better too. Also cost me a hell of a lot less this time..

Nothing else could even compare for the money. The Rx8 isn't for everyone, but if the car is meant for you... you'll know.

 

Yeah the price drop is sickening for what you get. For what I paid for mine, I could get a brand new GT 6MT or R3. Some (not gonna mention any names) paid $30,000+ new and now you can get a barely used R3 for about $25,000.

 

Or as in my case, get a new 09 R3 for $25K. The prices have really taken a hit.

OP, in the past I've owned an S2000, M3, 328, Miata and the RX8 is right up there as one of the most fun cars to drive (especially at an HPDE).

 

Heh, yeah I paid MSRP for my loaded GT in 2004.

R3 cost me under $26K brand new.. Very pleased. Can't get this kind of handling for twice the price!

 

Over a year ago I made an offer to the only local dealer that had a Black R3 and they wanted like $34,000.00. They refused to work so I walked (wasn't really looking but I'm an impulse buyer) and that car sat until a little while back and I bet either another dealer bought it or they finally dropped the price. Unless some idiot walked in and just paid sticker.

 

Still looking for a black R3?

 

Ah come on, we know each other on here!

Was the black one you looked at over at World Car Mazda about a 8 months ago?. If so, I test drove it.

 

to the OP, I know the series I 8's have tranny problems... hell mine is going in again for 2nd gear starting to grind (****)... but ive also heard that the Series II have had some minor tranny problems as well, even grinds starting at 4k miles...

Also a problem with 09+ CAT's going out/clogging... make sure you keep an eye on it...

But I would totally go for it, Rotary is like nothing else...

 

I believe the S2 gearbox is from the NC Miata so it should be fairly robust. No problems with mine after 8K miles and 6-7 track days.