ovaltine

Just test drove this car for the third time and love it. My issue is that I drive approx. 38k miles per year. I've been told that the Wankel needs oil added or changed every 2500 miles, depending with whom you talk to. I know there is no data on the new RX8 since it is brand new, but I wonder if this car can do 200k+ miles. I am currently in a 3 series (inline 6) and that engine has been bullet proof (mobile 1 oil changes every 5k miles). Anyone have any thoughts? Perhaps there is data from the last RX7. Thanks in advance for your comments.

-O

livitup

The thing about this car is that it consumes oil. On purpose. Everyone runs around in circles screaming about oil an rotaries, but many people aren't really educated about it.

Mazda, in the owner's manual, recommends oil changes, I believe every 7500 miles, or 5000 on the extreme conditions schedule. But you have to check the oil much more often, they recommend at every fill up (which really responsible car owners do anyways). On average you may need to add a quart every 2500 miles or so. This is because oil is injected into the apex seals to lubricate the rotors as they spin.

There are plenty of RX-7s with very impressive milage totals on their engines. I drive my 8 100 miles round trip to work every day. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

---A

neit_jnf

Naturally aspirated Rotary engines are known to be extremely reliable when properly maintained and can reach well over 200k miles no problem.

VikingDJ

Not to say that the rx8 cannot reach 200k without a problem, but considering the amount of miles you drive per year, it might not be the smartest choice to buy this car. You really need something that is less maintanence and betetr gas mileage. I don't think many people who drive that many miles a year went with the rx8. Many on here drive 10-12k miles max, some even less, and many bought it as their fun sunday/summer car. With proper care it's definitely reachable, but you really need to keep up with the service intervals in the manual to have a good shot at 200k. On top of all that, you are seriously killing the value of the car, and in 4 years it will be worthless. My advice is to find a car that has been around a while, and gets better gas mileage. The car is really not designed for that kind of extended use, so you may find yourself spending a lot of money to maintain it. Bottm line is for someone who drives 38k miles per year, this is the wrong choice of vehicle. As great of a car that it is, it's simply not a smart move. I'm not waiting to find out how reliable this car is. When 50k miles hits, I will trade it in. Good luck!!

ovaltine

Thanks all for your replies. From a financial standpoint, whatever car I buy is trashed, resale wise, after 3-4 years. For me, it's just the cost of doing business (so says my wife). I guess i should drive a used accord V6, but that's not gonna happen. Oh well...the search continues. All input appreciated.

-O

mysql101

I think just because he's going to be on the road so much, he may as well have some fun on the road!

So even more reason to get an RX-8 than an econobox.

WTF no turbo

Buy what you want.From a milage standpoint i would say dont sweat it.I was worried at first because i was getting about 14 mpg but after flashes im around 22 to 25.I drive about 20k A year on my work auto and about 10 personal.My advice from a fellow car lover,buy a used bimmer every 2 to 4 years and have a play toy to.

neit_jnf

More miles more fun driving!!! Buy it if you really want it. Maintenance is not that different than any other car, just do it right according to the manual.

John Corbitt

I normaly put about 200k miles on my rotarys and never had an engine problem. I think the new engine will be the same way. I would reccomend changing oil on any car, including the rotary at 3000mi. I have not had to ad oil yet in this 8 since I change the oil so often. I also have run Ammeco clear of Chevron 93. They leave less deposits. My fuel burn is around 18mpg. I would get a car I enjoy if I put that many miles per year. I used to in the 80s

John

rx8ntexas

I have almost 200k on my Rx-7 and NEVER had an engine problem...had other misc. problems but never with the engine itself....I'm sure my 8 will outperform the 7

VikingDJ

Well hell, if you can afford it, why the hell not. You'd certainly have the highest mileage rx8 around that's for sure. It would be one hell of a nice commuter car. If gas mileage and maintanence costs don't bother you, then it's definitely a car to keep in mind. It would be interesting to see an rx8 that's only 4 years old to have over 150k miles on it. If you do get it though, definitely make sure they give you a set of all season radials on it. You'd be replacing the tires in 6 months or less if you stuck with the tires they give you, and they cost big bucks. After the tires that come with the rx8 are gone, definitely get a longer lasting tread tire. It's obvious with the tires they give you, it's all about performance, and not tire life. I could not imagine replacing tires on this car twice a year. The thought of it makes me sick to my stomach.

DjGO

ahh well im one of those people that drive 12,000 + my car is about 8 months old and i have 16,450 miles on it. So yeah i drive alot but it sure in hell is fun to drive it.:D

Also i did not buy my car for it to sit in my driveway i bought it to drive it and drive it hard. Unless they stop making rotary engines in cars i will buy rotary after rotary.:p

VikingDJ

That's a decent amount of miles, but nothing compared to this guy. You are on pace for about 24k a year. This guy drives 38k a year. Me personally I put about 15k a year on rx8 (30k total, I have a beater car to help reduce mileage and use for winter). 38k is just a boatload to average on one vehicle every year. I'll see how this car treats me for next four years, then decide. If all is well, MAZDASPEED RX8 here I come. I am counting the days til it comes out. I probably will not be able to stop myself, and will trade it in instantly

guy321

I don't see how people only drive 10 - 12k miles a year. I have lived less than 5 miles away from work for the last 3 years, and I don't really go alot of places. I average 25k a year.

VikingDJ

The national average is about 15k miles per year. Some go lower, some higher. You must have an awful lot of personal miles to live less then 5 miles from work and still put 25k miles a year on. That's lots of extra driving besides work. That woulds put you at about 3k miles per year going to work, and 22k miles per year driving to places other then work. How in the hell do you manage that? LOL

GiN

...I have 9000 miles since December 31st... So by the end of the year I should be hitting 27k. Woohoo!