Im 22 years old. I just sold my PT Cruiser to my mom in order to buy a black 6M 8 with red and black leather, navigation, and 6 disc. Pretty much bought the car from the dealership at invoice. After driving the car for the week, i have noticed some things. Gas mileage is only around 16 MPG. Will this increase as the motor breaks in? I drive highway to and from work 20 miles each way. Steering wheel vibrates at a high frequency just like the shifter. Is this normal? Apparently i got a 2002 version DVD. Did anybody get the 2003? It has a hard time getting reliable directions (going wrong direction on one way street). It says in the manual to use 5W-20 oil, but could I use the 0W-20 Mobil One (it says on the website it can be substituted for 5W-20)?

Thanks,
Eric

 

I can't answer most of the RX-8 specific questions, but you shouldn't have any problems running the Mobile 1 0w-20. I run it in another high performance vehicle that needs 5w-20 and wouldn't run anything else.

Of course, the whole rotary thing is new to me (had the car just at 48 hours), so someone else may know of some potential issue. Just doesn't seem like there should be any differences.

--Rip

 

I thought synthetic was not advised with rotaries...

 

the dyno vs synthetic debate with rotaries will never die, some people swear by synthetic, others pray to the dyno gods. the manual doesnt make any distinction (at least not that i recollect) and the site says that thatll do. im willing to bet that youd be fine
________
WIKI VAPORIZER

 

The mileage issue has been discussed LIKE CRAZY elsewhere on this forum. If you accelerate hard all the time, 16 mpg might be normal, I'm not sure. Word is that the rotary doesn't like to run in hot weather, while idling, or in traffic jams. I drive pretty conservatively and I've gotten a bunch of 20.5 mpg's, an 18.6 mpg, an 18.8 mpg, and a high of 21.67 mpg. It's killing me that I can't seem to get 24 mpg on the highway (2300 miles on my car).

I'm pretty sure your steering wheel and shifter should NOT vibrate like that. Mine never do.

 

The steering wheel should NOT be doing that. MPG really varies. I never get that great of gas mileage, but when you're pushing 7k cuz you love driving it, you don't get very good gas mileage...

 

I seem to be getting a similiar gas mileage...around 16mpg. I hope this improves.....I have about 300 miles on the car. I heard a clunk when backing up and then braking....just heard that once and nothing since. Wonder if there is a problem? It's in the shop getting wet sanded and buffed.....guess I got some dried up rail dust on many parts of the car....particles are very tiny and you wouldn't notice unless you are picky like me or run your hand over the car and paint job is not smooth everywhere. I just hope the gas mileage improves to at least 19mpg.....it gets pricey! Other than that I LOVE the car!! I feel great every time I get in and out...it's a beautiful vehicle!

 

Who advised that?