Hell all, I'm new around here.

I currently drive a '95 BMW M3 and considering selling it pretty soon as I need a 4door/4 seater. I've been looking around at Mazda RX8s and Lexus IS300s (both used). Not really sure where to start since I have not driven neither of two, but for some reason I keep hearing from people that both cars will feel a little slower than my M. That doesnt bother me, as I dont street race, except I may autocross once in a while.
Now, obviously this is a RX8 forums so I know I will get more suggestions on getting a RX8 vs IS300. But I would also like to know about how reliable are rotarty motors, how long would they last, what too look for when I got out and test drive a RX8.

Thanks.

 

rx8 will be better for auto xing.
but would you rather have more room for people or more fun at the track?

 

My dad has an IS300. Has anyone tried lifting the bonnet on an IS300? Let me tell you... it weighs a ton! IS300 is good for a family with small children. The rear leg room is not much more than an RX8. It has the advantage of carrying an extra passenger. Going around corners you can really feel that heavy nose biased handling. However, with the grunt it's got you can make the back end help the turn in. Overall, with the luxury based suspension, you feel very isolated. Steering has no chit chat to tell you what's going on. Overall, it's a quite comfortable cruiser.

RX8 on the other hand is like heaven! Nimble, brakes well, lightweight, comfortable suspension tune, in fact at cruise speed the rotary is so much quiter in the engine department and also smoother (but then again I've been spoilt by the nature of a rotary), linear power delivery and as a bonus revs to 9500rpm which is perhaps the highest revving non modified production engine. Ohhh, best of all the RX8 will fit like a glove. You will become "one" with the car.

One thing to note when you test drive an RX8 is not to think that the engine can pull at low revs and then compare it to a reciprocating engine with higher displacement. After all this is a tiny engine. Rotary engines are meant to be revved and over time you'll get used to revving. Initially change gears purely based on "feel". Gearbox is perhaps one of the best out there for shift speed and feel. Even if you think you are over revving the engine don't worry about it... the way this engine revs you will be amazed on how smooth it is. This engine smoothness is phenominal!

IF you are coming from an M3... I guess revving an engine hard will be no problem for you. Seriously I never ever considered buying an RX8. Looking back... it is the best buy I've ever had!

Ohhh... my car has been very reliable (no issues at all). Rotary engines on theory should be more reliable than piston engines (3 moving parts). Have not heard of engine failure from where I am from. I am sure there is. My Rx8 is AUS spec model. I also believe we have a different flash code compared to the US model. Correct me if I am wrong. I don't even know what flash I've got ! AS I have said, my car has been reliable. "Don't fix it if it ain't broke!".

Goodluck with your choice! In the end... whatever tickles your fancy is the car for you. Who cares what other people say about your choice. Afterall, you are paying for it.

NB: It is just my subjective opinion although there is heavy bias towards the RX8.

 

Get a new M3

 

Get an M6... I would say.

I have been looking at the Coxster (ahhmmm) Caymen for a while.... I am sure I should test drive that and call my stock broker. It is due to arrive early next year.. which is not long

 

A Caymen Taka? Hope you can give me a demo on the track next year.

 

Rotary-engined vehicles require a bit more care than a boinger. For example, you need to check the oil level frequently because the engine consumes oil, ~1 qt/3K miles, as part of it's lubrication/cooling scheme. Another important thing is to not shut the car down cold in order to avoid a potential engine flood. That is, if you start the car you should let it fully warm up before shutting it down. For some that is unacceptible due to their time management requirements.

On the positive side, this car is a unique and exciting vehicle in it's own right. It is a reasonably fast car and one of the smoothest running, road hugging vehicles you will ever drive. Go for a test drive, but be warned, you may get hooked and once that happens, you will not be happy driving any other car.

 

wow. those are exactly the same two cars i was looking at. but last week, i ended up choosing the rx-8 :]

 

I had a pretty big list before I got my 8, and a used IS300 was one of its competitors. The IS300 is a pretty good car that does a lot of things very well but it gives you less excitement then you would think by looking at it. It’s quick but not as fast as the 8. The good thing is you get more space and more knee room in the back seats. A fine car…

I decided on the RX8 over (GTO, 05 Mustang, 350Z, WRX, EVO, G35c, G35 4-door, SRT-4, Scion tC) the competition for different reasons with each competitor. I needed rear seats, I did not want FWD, I preferred a sports car look, and I like a light and nimble handling sports car.

The RX8 was my choice and I’ve loved every mile in the car. It won’t be as fast (I think?) as your M3 but it’s plenty fast enough. The fun to drive factor, it’s sexy looks, it’s unique engine (and the benefits it brings to the overall driving experience), it’s quality construction, it’s rear seating space with extra half doors, interior design, standard features, and safety (4-star crash rating in everything) sold me on the car.

If you read about it, mag after mag loves the RX8 and the ownership satisfaction (here or otherwise) is through the roof. The RX8 is truly a car that aims to please its driver and it does a great job at that. Sure there are faster sports cars out there, the Rotary needs a bit more attention, it has a small trunk opening, it does not have a lot of torque, it’s fuel economy is just OK, but it does such a great job at so many things that it offers a great driving experience that few cars out there can even come close to.

If Mazda would have found another 50HP and gave it better gearing (or a higher six gear) the RX8 would be a perfect execution of a 2+2 sports car. Nope…I’m not afraid to say that…

As it’s sold now, it’s a very good 2+2 sports car that will give you smiles from ear to ear whether it be on a daily drive, taking it to 9K heaven, or on a track. For me…this was the perfect choice!

 

Rotary engines are very very reliable in N/A form. The RX-8 hasn't been out long enough to know how the engine will do in the long run, BUT, it's N/A predecessors can eclipse the 200k mile mark with ease. The RX-8 should be no different.

Rotaries require different maintenance from pistons, not necessarily 'more'. Rotaries will consume a little more oil, you will need to check your oil level at every other fillup, add oil when it gets low but do your oil change per Mazda's recommendation. You will need to redline it every other time you drive it, keeps carbon out of the engine. Flooding should be your biggest concern, but if you have half a brain you can avoid it completely. You will need to rev your engine for 10 sec before shutting your engine down if the engine is cold; this procedure will prevent flooding.

Good luck.

 

Well I would do the 8 based on one fact, The LExus is a glorified Corolla, same frame and all , So if it was an 8 or that I would do an 8, BUT if you are looking at the 06 IS I like those, depends on what you want, your 8 will have good insurance rates because it is a 4 door, yes State Farm lists it as a true four door

It is a special breed of car...the 8....I love mine..gets looked at all the time!!!