spork

I hope I'm not violating any forum rules, if so sorry! It's my first post.

I was going to buy my Rx8, and was all ready to do it but then I found out that the extended warranty costs up to 3K. My mom pointed out that this probably means Mazda's not too confident about the long term quality of the car and since it's the first model year I had better play it safe and lease. So that's what I did. I got a Black/Black-Chapparal MT GT w/ Nav. I only kinda knew how to drive stick before getting this car, so I had to struggle for the past 2 weeks, but I'm getting the hang of it now (driving it pretty regularly now). Anyways this forum is scaring me and making me proud at the same time - but more scaring me. From this forum I'm starting to really worry about

1) Mileage problems. Since I don't know how to drive manual optimally, I'm hoping that eventually I'll be in the 19mpg range. I'm not going to be happy if it's really in the 14mpg range most of the time. But seeing so many people with their cars at 13 mpg is discouraging.

2) Oil consumption. On my old car (camry) I didn't worry about oil at all. Every 3-5K I would get an oil change. Apparently on this I have to check relatively often and add oil if I need to.

3) Engine Flooding. Yikes, I've only off handedly heard about this problem before. None of the cars I drove had this problem. Now I'm hearing that this car has an issue with it? Yikes. How serious of a problem is this? I haven't experienced it at all yet. I'm hoping that means I won't experience it in the future.

4) Air conditioning. Actually I've noticed this early on. At first I noticed that 3 of the vents would be cool or cold. The 4th would be.... HOT. Not even just warm, it was distinctly like a heater. But this only happened if I put the temperature on "moderately cold". The second I moved the temperature gauge to cooler, the heater vent would turn cool. The problem seems to be gone now though. But I do have the problem with the air con not being that cold.

5) Annoying brake squealing. Don't have that now. Hoping I won't in the future.

6) Engine durability.

Oh and I stalled once 2 nights ago at a left turn and normally I can start it up immediately so there's only tiny delay. But this time it wouldn't start until the third try. Anyone have any idea what happened there? It can't be engine flooding since I did drive it about a mile before I stalled. I was getting a bit worried (and embarassed, luckily no one was behind me).

I love my car but damn, I'm starting to think I made a mistake and that I should've waited for Mazda to iron out the issues. Someone convince me it's gonna be all right. :O

brothervoodoo

Mileage: If the majority of your driving is on the highway, then your number is very attainable. If you spend time rowing the gears in the city, some and I suspect few, can reach that average. It's a sports car and not a sedan, if mileage was a top concern, then you may have made a bad choice.

Oil: The rotary consumes oil as part of the combustion cycle. It consumes even more when the engine is new. So, keep a quart or two in the trunk and check the thing every couple fill-ups. After the engine breaks in it won't consume as much as before.

Flooding: It's happened to people here, seems to happen with much less frequency (problem solved) with the "M" flash (which you should have). Frankly, that issue never crosses my mind. Just make sure your engine is fully warmed up and then you can turn it off/on all day long without issue (that's what I do).

Air Conditioning: If you feel you have this issue there is a fix for it. Check out the "sticky" Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) in the Tech Section.

Squealing: 19K miles on mine, not a brake squeal in sight.


People discuss issues/problems on the board (it's what its for), don't let that spook you out.

gusmahler

I get about 15 mpg. Disappointing. But I also drive the hell out of the car, so it's not that surprising to me. I could shift at 3-4k all the time, and probably get better gas mileage. But what would be the fun in that.

The flooding issue is gone. It was only in older cars without the latest flash. If you bought the car fairly recently, it shouldn't be a problem for you.

I've have zero problems with the A/C.

Spin9k

Oh, on your 3K extended warranty, sound like rippoff, as most extended warranties are, IMHO, was it through Mazda direct or a 3rd party? Either way, putting the money in the bank (as self insurance) would likely be a more wise way to pay for any out of warranty costs, should they ever arise.

Bottom line, welcome to the club, enjoy the car, don't worry!

VikingDJ

Come on now, if you can't handle the "tell it like it is" approach, then don't read. Just because one worries about the problems of the rx8, doesn't mean they shouldn't own one. That is for them to decide, not for us. Once again, another defensive rx8 owner. For an every day daily driver car, there are certainly concerns about the rx8, which is why this car is not for everyone, and this will be a very common car to trade in. People don't expect these things from a brand new car, so naturally it worries them. The rx8 is basically an enthusiast sports car promoted and produced as a daily driver, so the diehards who bought this car have the ability to overlook the bugs. It's unfair to compare this to a Camry, because after all, Toyota reigns supreme in reliability. However, this is a mass produced daily driver sports car, so Mazda does need to fix these bugs and make the car more reliable, get better gas mileage, and fix the bugs. Rather then regret the purchase, I'd sell the car after warranty wears off, so you can wash your hands clean of worries. It does no good to worry now, so when you reach 50k miles or 4 years, then take the smart way out and let someone else worry about it. This is a first year sports car, and it is a rotary motor, which has failed in the past, so iMazda has it's hands full to make this car last a long time. I'm not sure they can ever wipe out the flooding potential, gas guzzling, and oil consumption, because those are just the characteristics of a rotary, which is why car is not suited for everyone. Unfortunately, for the rx8 to succeed in a mass scale, these things need to be corrected, or it will become like the previous generation, which will prevent your every day person form buying car. It does have a long way to go before it can be considered reliable/unreliable. Time will tell, and none of us know how this car will be when it approaches 80-100k miles. The best advice is to worry about the present, not the future, and enjoy car until the day comes if and when there may be a potential problem. If the car is still going strong in 2008, that means Mazda has made the rx8 a success. I went through that same regret when I bought mine, then entered this forum, but I got over it and told myself to just enjoy it, and if in the next 4 years I experience too many problems, to get rid of it, and move on. People: don't take offense to this post. It's a legitimate concern, and if we want this car to succeed these bugs need to be fixed, or people will shy away from purchasing the car. It's consumers like this who keep car going, so don't alienate them, because they hold the key to the future of the rx8. I'd imagine it's already hurt the rx8 in sales, due to the overstock of 04 models, and the below invoice pricing, but Mazda plans on increasing the sales of this car, and beating the odds, to bring the rotary engine to a level where people will not be afraid to own one. After this car has been out for several years, people will become less worried, as long as Mazda listens to the consumer, and does what it needs to do to keep car in demand for a mass scale of people.

#1Stunna

I bought extended warranty that covers me for 10 years and up to 100,000 miles for just 1,000 dollars.

WHealy

Check this kind of site for any car you consider and you will find the same info. Don't be lulled into another car ust because you think it's reliable when the reality is you don't know as much about it as you now do the RX-8.

jowettw

don't worry too much. it's a first year car and there will be problems. but enjoy the ride until the problems come up. it's not like you sit at home waiting for your TV to fry or your hot water tank to explode ...

does the US have the Mazda extended warranty program?!

i think it's called:
Mazda
Added
Protection
Program
M.A.P.P. in Canada.

it's $2300 canadian for 84 month / 160 000 KM coverage ... i was thinking about it myself.

Liquid Rhino

I'm sure many folks have had the concerns you're expressing. A little deeper research wouldn't hurt a bit here. But I'll try to give you my humble take on it as an owner.

1) Mileage problems:
While I'm sure there are many better cars out there in terms of mileage, there are 2 things I'd like to point out. First off, lets face it.. it's a sports car. And second, I used to drive a 2000 VW Jetta VR6 that only gave me about 15 miles more a tank than the 8 currently does at ~230mi/tank.

2) Oil consumption:
The oil issue is not so bad at all. Alhough some would rightfully suggest the old quart in the trunk trick, this car is hardly a maintenence nightmare (unless you blow a seal...) Honestly, you should check your oil somewhat more often than other cars, (That dipstick is on TIGHT the first time) and you'll be fine. 3 of my friends own 8's and they don't know the first thing about cars, let alone rotaries... and they love their 8's.

3) Engine Flooding:
While this has been discussed many times here, the general concensus lies in that it was more a problem due to faulty ECU software (now updated) or just the first batches of 8's in late 2003. I've (or my friends) have never experienced this as of yet.

4) Air conditioning:
While it's not the best or coldest A/C out there, there's nothing wrong with it and it's only forseable problem is that the temp. constantly changes inside the car... Here in Florida, we need these things to work top notch... and it hasn't disappointed yet.

5) Annoying brake squealing:
Some cars are experiencing this. None here or the 3 others. Bigger brakes cause more dust. dust & dirt caught in calipers while brakes glaze = squeal. This is only an issue when it's excessive or always.

6) Engine durability:
I know I'm gonna get creamed for this - No turbo - No problem! (J/K guys!) No, what I meant was, always keep the engine lubed, and warm b4 shut off.

You'll love the car... it's definately not for everyone, but it is a great ride!

takahashi

Hey now L&L, I drive a Camry as well as the 8, mate. What is wrong with that?!

There are potential problems out there and so as transparent as the problems with the RX-8 and these are the only 6 problems, which we have solutions for, I personally think they are not really qualify as a problem.

Nordic RX-8

My extended warranty was ~$1,000 ($997.99 I think): Made the total coverage to 9 years or 100,000 miles. I have no regrets and I drive mine every day to and from work. Actual MPG is 17.8 with 70/30 - city/highway ( lower MPG when I run up to 7,000 rpm shifts) :D

spork

You guys are lucky. They quoted me over 3k for the extended warranty. (+4 years, 50K i think). And after I said I didn't want it he actually showed me the paper work they had there and it was slightly lower than what they quoted me for. (Not much though). I asked multiple dealers and that was the price I was always quoted.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the car. And I'm glad I got it. Just reading all these problems was starting to freak me out. :D As for the mileage it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't listed at 19/24. If it's listed at 19/24 I expect the worst to be around 17-18, not 14. I'll be happy with it around 17-18. I wasn't going for a particularly fuel efficient car.

I just wanted some reassurance. And I got it (well from most people - wtf is about "deserving to own an RX8"? What makes you deserving to own an RX8? I'm paying for it, so I figure I'm as deserving as the next person.). Thanks to everyone else though.

truemagellen

there is a Technical Service Bulletin about the A/C problems just bring it into your service department and say the AC is **** and they will put a much higher power AC compressor in...it works GREAT cold from start up in 90degree weather I **** you not

plus they gave me a free rental

Grabitquick

No one should ever pay $3,000 for an extended warranty. Total profit for the dealer. There are several reliable extended warranty companies out there that should come in for much less, and you can get them on your own.

As for the other so-called "problems," don't worry, be happy. Adding oil now and then is not big deal, and not at all costly. Gas milage varies with all cars, depending on how they're driven and other factors. As for the engine, well-maintained rotaries can last practically forever, and even if you blow it out after the warranty expires, Mazda has replacing them at a reasonable cost down to a science.

Be nice to the car, keep it watered and fed, and it will never buck you off.

Ninja

Calm down spork, don't take it too personal. I think all L&L meant was if you're not willing to put up with the quirks then maybe you should have a different vehicle. Obviously this is a decision you have to make for your self.

I just want to throw in my two cents re your questions:
1) Mileage: As people have told you, if you shift at around 3K-4K RPM you'll get much better gas mileage, if you drive it like "you stole it" then you'll get noticibly worse mileage. My feeling is that I've never had so much fun being inefficient in a vehicle - my wifes Ford F-150 does about the same mileage, but it's not NEARLY as fun to drive!

2) Oil consumption: Is not an issue. I think Mazda makes a point of mentioning it because so few people really check their oil. Because of it's above average consumption, it likely *will* need oil in between changes. Honestly, if you checked your RX-8 oil as often as most people SHOULD be checking their non-RX-8 you'll be fine. I make it a point of checking every other tank and that's less than twice a month. In 800 miles I haven't seen a noticible drop from the middle of the high and low lines.

3) Engine Flooding: I don't have that much time on it yet, but so far it is completely a non-issue. When I move it from my garage to my front yard, I drive around the block before parking it just as a precaution, though. Will I always do that... Only time will tell. Some people would say that the fact that I drive it around the block before moving it to my front yard is an issue... I just call that an excuse to drive it before I clean it or add some new accessory, you decide if it's too much trouble.

4) Air Conditioning: I don't believe I have an issue here - I have always been able to make it cold enough to keep me comfortable, I've never yet had to have it on the highest setting with fans full on. To me it is plenty cold.

5) Brake Squealing: I haven't noticed anything here. I'm such a new driver that I usually drive with no tunes playing because I'd rather hear the engine sounds.

6) Engine Durability: Well, what can I say... This is an unknown quantity, you rolled the dice just like the rest of us. If you take care of it, you increase your odds that it will last longer, but no one can offer a rock solid guarantee. Even non-first year models of vehicles have a few that just never work right. My "gut feeling" is if it's running well now, it stands a good chance of running well later.

This is *THE* most fun car I've ever had the pleasure to own. Yes, it might require little bits of special care, but I consider myself more than amply compensated when I have a little room to step on the throttle and get it moving a bit. Then it's just ear to ear grin. :D

My advice: enjoy it, take care of it, and worry a little less. But DO stick around the Rx8club, you'll find LOTS of useful information here.

-Dennis

XUrotaryrocket

Please don't listen to all the BS on this forum. You have to take it with a grain of salt. This forum is sometimes more of a curse than a blessing...... which is why I only visit about once a month instead of everyday like I used to.......

There are some quirks to the rotary engine which ENTHUSIASTS knew about while all the rotary rookies did not. Consequently, all the fuckwads who can't deal with it get on here to bitch and moan. WAIT, did I just say that???? Um, yeah pretty sure I just called some of you FUCKWADS......(this is of course excluding all of you who are actually cool and are an asset to the forum)

Enjoy the car, it is great. There are MANY totally satisfied owners who do not belong to this forum.

I just turned 40k miles on 9-12-04 and no problems yet except for the squeaky brakes.......but apparently that is soon to be dealt with by Mazda.
The motor just keeps getting better and better and the oil consumption is within normal amounts........... no worries.

ptiemann

Items 1-4 .. I noticed those threads too.. luckily I never flooded in almost 1 year of ownership (day 362 now)

5) squealing breaks?
6) DURABILITY?

How could within the first year someone be unhappy w/ the durability? What threads would that have been? I must have slept on those days.

I'm very satisfied, always getting 20 mpg, never flooded, no problems whatsoever.
Better than my last car (2000 Firebird).

-Peter

8_wannabe

Guys, grow up. These are simple and straighforward questions by a sincere owner and newbie.

Question: I didn't buy the $3000 extended warranty when I got the car. Can I buy a warranty now that I've got 20K miles on my car? What would I expect to pay? I'd like a warranty say to 75K miles. My wife's bmw has a 50,000 bumper to bumper warranty. Guess what.. now she's got 60,000 miles on it and a cracked cylinder head. We're stuck with the bill. So extended warranties are lookin' real good to me right now.

Rob Tomlin

$3000.00 for an extended warranty is ludicrous.

When I last purchased a Mazda (less than 3 years ago- a Protege5) Mazda didn't even offer an extended warranty, it was through a third party (no thanks).

Is Mazda offering extended warranties now?

VikingDJ

Yep, there's too many idiots on this forum, and unfortunately they makes fools out of themselves by posting garbage like this. Just laugh these losers off. I think there is a find line between ISSUES and TENDANCIES. The rx8 has a tendancy to consume oil on regular basis, and it must be checked often. To your every day person, that is an issue, because there isn't another car out there that consumes oil like this, and to your average person, this is unheard of. Combine that with fact that it's considered a daily driver, it makes it worse. When it comes to something like that, you need to either accept it, or walk because that's a rotary, and it's why a rotary cannot and never will be a common engine in cars. It is after all, a racing engine. Since it's a first year model, it's has an engine with a bad reputation, and it guzzles gas and oil, naturally people will shy away from it, or be worried about it's long term reliability. I do not see the used market for rx8 improving any time soon, because there's more supply then demand. the 04 and 05 models will make or break the RX8, but I think the car is going to hold up veyr well, and prove that it's a durable automobile.

ptiemann

Rob,

not to hijack the thread's topic, but why is $3000 ludicrous? I paid $2000, bought it from the dealer, but the warranty is actually not from Mazda but some 3rd party.

When evaluating the insurance, you need to look at the terms (what's covered, deductibles). I have a one - time $100 deductible (only the first time I ever use the warranty) - kind of as if I had paid $2100 but I'm betting that there'll be no case in 5 years/ 100000 miles.

I thought for a first-year car such a warranty is a good idea. Also it's because I drive a lot (26k miles per year)

-Peter

cas2themoe

Do we not have a warranty from bumper to bumper for like 4 or 5 years? Or atleast thats what I was told, I may have to look through all the papers I recieved from the dealership. But I'm pretty sure is like (40,000 or 50,000) or (4-5 years), which every comes first. Well atleast something like that!

Rxdriftingaction

this forum is not scary.. the scary thing is 8. on the other hand. it's the happy part to own a 8. cuz that 'scary' make our 8 special.

RenoIV

Spork,
pay no attention to those who have nothing better to do than criticize others.
As for the 8,
Mileage: gets better after the engine is broken in. make sure your ECU has the M-flash (go to the tech garage for more info .. read Polak's thread)
Oil: check it every 3 or 4 fill ups and keep a quart in the trunk. Rotaries are supposed to burn a little oil. Not a problem just the way the engine works.
Flooding: get the M-flash. It has greatly reduced this quirk of the rotary. Warm the engine before shutdown and you will likely never have this problem. (never flooded my 8 or my 7)
AC: never had this problem. check out the TSB on the ac amplifier
Brakes: never had this problem
Durability: Normally aspirated rotaries routinely go 150-200k mi without major problems. I would expect the 8 to have similar longevity.

This forum brings issues to the table quickly and in detail to the benefit of all. There is an enormous amount of useful information about the 8 in the forum. Stick around.
Enjoy your 8 and Welcome to the Cult!

Rob Tomlin

I stand by my statement that $3000.00 for an extended warranty is ludicrous.

If you paid $30,000.00 for the car, you just paid 10% of it's value NEW for a warranty. Not to mention that you would pretty much need a catostrophic failure for the warranty to ever come close to paying for itself.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I dont believe in extended warranties. I have one on our Trailblazer (100,000 mile warranty) but it was through GM and it was only $850.00 after some negotiating.