The rx8 has always been one of my favorite cars, however, i had never drove one untill today. I test drove one for the first time today, and now i'm in love wit it.
It's truly an awesome car. Good power, great handling, very responsive; It seems like the complete package to me.
I know all of you guys here in this forum have an extensive knowledge on the '8'.
That being said, I need your help in my decision on whether i should purchase this car or not. I need more information on this car from actual owners. I would really appreciate it if you guys answered my questions. Here are my questions:
1. Is the MPG on this car really as low as everyone says it is? around 18 MPG?
2. Is it reliable?, because i believe it is the only rotary on the market.
3. Is it a good car for everyday driving?( I go to college and work, so i would put in around 80-90 miles per day.
4. Does the engine oil level go down quick?
5. Does it require premium grade gasoline?
6. Did the '04 model have any glitches due to the fact that it was the 1st year of production.
7. Is it a true chick magnet? lol

Well, that's about it. The car i'm interested in is an '04 with 28,000k and the touring package. Please reply. Thanks!!!

 

In a nutshell, you will go broke if you drive this car that much especially since you are going to school and work.
Now the answers to your ??
1. YES
2. YES
3. NO
4. YES YES
5. NO
6. YES
7. NO

Carlos

ps. finish school first, save your money and then get this car.

 

I have an '04, no glitches that make paying for an '05/'06 worth it. We're talking really small things like a new flash or two (or eight), a washer fluid tank that is opaque, and a recall for fireproofing around the gas tank. As long as you're buying from a responsible owner, an '04 is the best bang for the buck. Newer model years add things like satellite radio and keyless ignition as options, but '04 is still the best bang for the buck.

As for school... work hard, play hard. If you can afford it, go for it and enjoy your youth. If not, don't. But don't wait until you're 54 and the kids are done with college to kick back and have some fun. Just don't over do it.

-P23

 

The gas mileage if you search through the forums is a mixed bag right now I'm at the low end of the spectrum in mileage (re: kinda bad) but its my driving habits and my short trips which contribue to this. If most of your mileage is going to be Highway miles I'd assume you'll be getting the best out of your gas.

Flaws are the same a mixed bag, some have them some dont. For those of us who have them they are annoying and well we tend to make a huge fuss over them, those who dont are happy and tend to comfort us lol..

Your oil level will go down but not dramiticly, rule of thumb I've learned through reading the forums is ever 2-3 gas fill ups..check your lv. I always have a Qt of 5W20 in my trunk just incase. After the first 2 months doing this it will almost be second nature and no longer a issue of annoyance.

On the gas you mentioned. I put midgrade and once a month put the ultra or whatever the gas station I goto that time calls it. Once I put the regular stuff in and I noticed a difference, not a HUGE one but I did notice a slight attitude change in the way it ran.

On the chic magnet erm.. You'll get looks but primarily from car guys and women. I've yet to have a woman come up to me and be all "I want you 'cause of your car!" that shyt only happens in Penthouse Forum.

Only social side of this car is that its a great converstation peice. Wait till you have to explain to Mister Muscle Car Head that can name off the displacement of the 'cudas hemi in XX year look puzzled when you tell him "Oh no it doesnt have a V8 its a Rotary Engine!" I stll love that look haha. That and you have this forum be it good or bad at times we are still love/care about this car.

I myself own a 04' A/T and I've had a "few" problems but primarily because of the previous owner's lack of taking care of the car. So I suggest you do a few things which I wish I did!!! lol.. Get a Carfax, See if the person brought in the car for any recalls (there are a few mind you a FEW for our model year) not just for oil changes. I see this car has 28k miles if your savvy and evil (in a good way) get your 30k maintence done to your car now and free of charge before you buy it! I wish I did this mine had 31k miles and supposedly hasnt had it done.. for me its a $400 service grrr. If your really savvy like my mom of all people you can at times walk out a winner and them grumbling hoping to never see someone like you in awhile. Oh also, check the door sills by the suicide doors and check for some paint wear and possible rust, I had this and didnt realize it till after I bought the car.

Anyways happy hunting!

 

My personal response to your questions:

1. Yes. City you will not get 18 MPG, more like 15-16. With 100% (I mean, 100% and on cruise control) you can get just above 24MPG even at 70mph. I generally get around 22 mpg with mostly highway.

2. Yes, but we will have to wait and see how it holds up in the long-term, because it is the only rotary on the market. Be careful of turning on the car and turning it right off again. Do a searching for "flooding" and you'll find millions of posts about how "I hate this car, it flooded!" and replies about how this issue has been mostly resolved, etc. etc.

3. Yes. It is a sports car but like reviews say, doesn't beat you up. Does great on the highway.

4. No. About every 1000 miles I usually add a little oil. NOT a big deal - I was concerned about this before I bought my '8 too.

5. Most seem to agree it doesn't, but others swear that it does. Performance might suffer if you don't give it the good stuff.

6. All sorts. Biggest problem was flooding.

7. Yes!

So, I'd recommend the car IF as others said you can afford it. This car definitely has higher cost to own than most other cars. Needs more frequent oil changes, more gas (93 or not), pricey tires - it all adds up!