I really want to buy an rx8 but all i keep hearing about is how many problems they have. my dad works at a mazda dealership and told me that the engine floods alot and they have recalls on the engine. Are these cars reliable or will they break down all the time. and by the way im looking at buying a 6 speed not an auto. Thanks everyone and please post!

 

Well, I just got one on Sunday.. It's an auto.. But it's 6 speed.
I haven't had any problems.. Great car. Test drive it. See how it feels..

 

The 8 is not for you, stick with the Olds 88.

S

 

I've had that name since i was 16 as an inside joke. Right now i have a 2001 camaro ss. but thanks.

 

tell me, what do you like about your camaro SS, and what would you change on it? this will in your decision. Cuz the RX and the camaro are opposite ends of the sports car spectrum

 

the 8 requires only slightly more attention than a typical sports car. so, unless u have really bad luck and get a lemon and/ or abuse the crap out of it, u shouldn't have any issues. just (a) make sure to educate yourself on how to care for it by reading the quick start guide or dvd video that comes w/ the car and (b) use good common sense.

 

Buy an rx8 6MT. You will love it.

Before I bought my 8 in april I test drove a bunch of cars. 350z, srt4, wrx, evo. When it came time to make a purchase, the 8 won hands down for me. Insurance is much cheaper. a 5 star (or whatever is the best) rollover rating and a bunch of airbags makes a difference in price.

Handling----the rx8 is the winner. There is ample HP. It may be lacking a bit in torque compared too your SS.

Most of us went through this same process for purchasing our 8's. All it takes is a test drive and you will be sold. Make sure too take it through some tight twisties.

 

Ah....... your dad and his dealership needs to be informed.

Flooding was an old issue on the 04's and has been fixed.

Recalls Bullshit. A couple of ECU flash updates.

One of the best cars built. Relable. Smoother than any other car.
Handles and brakes like a Ferrai but slow stop light to stop light.

 

^^What he said...

Mine has never flooded.

The 1 engine recall I had was a software update that took probably no time and provided me with a free full tank of gas and a brand new CX-7 loaner while this was performed.

Mine has never broke down.

The auto is a 6spd in the newest one but I would go for a manual coming from a Camaro SS even though the auto RX-8 probably shifts more percise than any manual Camaro.

If your used to head snapping torque than go elseware. If you can appreciate all the other qualities that make up a true sports car than you will like the RX-8.

 

If you dad is a wrench monkey and fixes problems all day then all you're going to hear from him is what is wrong with every single car that he sees. CAPICHE?

If you're looking to buy a car then drive it genius, and use your own brain. Oh, and do a damn search for "reliablility" and READ. Thank you for putting more than 5 minutes of work into your car buying decision.

 

I like the rumble my camaro makes and how it throws you back in the seat. But i want a car that handles better and you can customize because i don't like the fact that i have a car that looks the same as everyone elses. If i would of had more money when i got my camaro i probably would of just bought an rx8.

 

I too have been looking into srt4's and 350z's. i want to get away from my camaro and get a car that can handle way better and when i test drove this i knew this is what i wanted but i have just heard that they break down quite freqently. thanks for your input

 

I have my 04 6 MT 8 for almost 2 years now and I have 43,000 miles on it.

Have never broken down, just got a flat tire once.

I to have had the recall performed, but my engine had to be replaced. From what I found out it has more to do with a PCM/ECU issue, and driving it with the incorrect flash for a long period of time.. Most people only need reflashes to correct it and they should be fine... I had the car for a long time and my engine was damaged.

But other than that the car has been fine.... Even though my engine had some problems idling and stuff like that it was still very drivable.

You shouldn't regret your descision, the car is very good. I always enjoy driving my 8.

 

The 2001 Camaro SS are not bad cars, matter of fact, they are faster than the Z and the RX-8. It doesn't feel as good.

 

Well if you like the rumble and the way it throws you back in the seat, stay away from the RX. It is a 1.3 litre, so no rumble. Quick acceleration, but not like an SS. And as for customizing. Looks wise, you can make some huge changes. Power wise, you need forced induction to get anything big out of them.
If you get an 8, you will not regret it. They are a great car. If taken care of, they are the most reliable car on the road. (rotarys were designed for airplanes, those pilots like reliability for some reason) But it is a relationship, not an ownership.(unless you meen the car owns you)

 

Of course your dad going to see nothing but *flooded* *die* *problems* 8 because .... thats what his job is all about ! Fixing Automobiles !

Most of the recall was just a simple reflash and CAT check. Hardly any engine replacement.

U think someone who has no problems will come up to your dad and say *Hey, my car has no problems, bite me !*

8 is very reliable but u just gotta pay a little more attention to it then other standard cars.