Newbie here, and I gotta ask the question...
05-18-2006, 11:06 PM
#52
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Originally Posted by BlueEyes
Is Milwaukee in Wisconsin? I think it is. You going to the ALMS/SWC weekend at Road America?
Especially when you buy a old house with a lot of "character".
05-18-2006, 11:09 PM
#53
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Originally Posted by dillsrotary
i gotta side with ike after reading all that nonsense, as for movie's da vinci code comes out in theaters tomorrow.
05-18-2006, 11:11 PM
#54
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Originally Posted by BlueEyes
Is Milwaukee in Wisconsin? I think it is. You going to the ALMS/SWC weekend at Road America?
05-19-2006, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by HolyCross05
People are doing "hunger strikes" to protest this movie. They say they would "fast unto death" unless the movie is pulled out of theaters.
Oh well, a world with a few less religious crazies is a better place to be.
Fast away people!
05-19-2006, 12:13 AM
#57
I'll snap his neck.
Which option package are you getting with that offer? Reason I ask is that my sticker was about 31 for a 05 AT GT, and I got it for 24200. This was 3 months ago. So I would think you could get one with a sticker of 29 for even less than what they are quoting you. But I'm in the midwest, so perhaps the prices are a bit different. And perhaps the incentives were different back then.
05-19-2006, 04:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Chrisbert
I think you'll find that after driving the 8 you will see the difference between a sporty luxury sedan, and a sports car.
05-19-2006, 05:27 AM
#60
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Originally Posted by jeffD
Sorry gang, I was just trying to find out about any major issues with the 8 before I traded my G in on it. Didn't mean to start a fire here.
05-19-2006, 06:27 AM
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Go drive one several different times. Try it in traffic, at highway, and definitely try to find some twisty backroads. Coming from the G, be sure to try the amenities and compare them to your G. The G will probably have automatic climate control; not sure. The 8 does not. If your G is a manual, you'll find the 8 much easier to deal with in rush hour traffic.
If you can't find some good twisty roads, take the 8 to a vacant parking lot and make some abrubt manuevers and hard turns. It's a hoot. I was stuck in traffic the other day and wanted to turn around to go the other way. It was a 4 lane road with no turning lane. I flipped off the DSC / TC, checked for oncoming traffic, turned the wheel hard left, and went from my left lane to the other left lane by sliding the tail in a controlled manner. Just plain fun.
If you can't find some good twisty roads, take the 8 to a vacant parking lot and make some abrubt manuevers and hard turns. It's a hoot. I was stuck in traffic the other day and wanted to turn around to go the other way. It was a 4 lane road with no turning lane. I flipped off the DSC / TC, checked for oncoming traffic, turned the wheel hard left, and went from my left lane to the other left lane by sliding the tail in a controlled manner. Just plain fun.
05-19-2006, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Ike
It doesn't matter which one should or shouldn't, the Evo does. The Evo is VERY different from the WRX handling wise. The RX-8 handles great, it's also handles very different, but if you want the most steering feedback, the quickest steering, and more grip the Evo has it over the RX-8. But this is stupid, not need to get all your panties in a bunch, I was just point out what a funny thing it was to say since the guy was making it sound like the Evo was some drag car.
Otherwise, I’m with missinmahseven here, calling out anyone who talks that much trash gets my respect. Though having raced karts myself for three years, my money is on Ike - if he ain’t talking **** about his karting…no better way to develop skills. Still, don’t get YOUR panties in a bunch Ike when you get passed by real experts in much slower cars…oh, but you’re busy anyway…can’t make it…
05-19-2006, 10:38 AM
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What's so funny about the Evo and Subura folks who post on here is they just don't get that despite the very nice performance their vehicles get, virtually no one who chose to buy an RX8 would be caught dead in an ugly econobox.
Even if it zipped me around like a Formula One racer, cooked me dinner, gave me a b.j. and tucked me into bed at night, I STILL WOULDN'T LET ANYONE SEE ME IN SUCH A SHITBOX!
Granted, aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder - but there are sports cars and there are rally cars. Typically, folks into sports cars have no interest in rally cars because they look like your mom's commuter car modded and pimped out.
Even if it zipped me around like a Formula One racer, cooked me dinner, gave me a b.j. and tucked me into bed at night, I STILL WOULDN'T LET ANYONE SEE ME IN SUCH A SHITBOX!
Granted, aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder - but there are sports cars and there are rally cars. Typically, folks into sports cars have no interest in rally cars because they look like your mom's commuter car modded and pimped out.
05-19-2006, 10:39 AM
#64
Originally Posted by jeffD
OK, got it..it's an RX8 site. That's why I'm posting here. Maybe I should have started with a less philosophical questions like...
1) I am reading about alot of problems with the RX8's. Is it limited to the 04's or more?
2) Are the tranny issues primarily with the stick, or with the autos too?
3) The window shows higher hp on the 05 than the 06...why?
4) do you have to do strange reving things to keep them all from flooding?
5) Bad gas mileage from all?
6) Are they quoting a good price?
1) I am reading about alot of problems with the RX8's. Is it limited to the 04's or more?
2) Are the tranny issues primarily with the stick, or with the autos too?
3) The window shows higher hp on the 05 than the 06...why?
4) do you have to do strange reving things to keep them all from flooding?
5) Bad gas mileage from all?
6) Are they quoting a good price?
1) There are problems but as you already pointed out 04 was the 1st model year with some cars built in 03. The 1st year of a completely new model is going to have teething issues. I own a 05 late year production and have had good reliability with it so far. Consumer Reports has also rated the 05 as Average for problems. Most problems seem concentrated on early manual transmissions, poor fuel economy, weak paint and flooding. This car should not be bought with an auto the Rotary is far better suited to a MT.
Another potential problem is the Rotary engine failing in hot climates. There have been a number of reported failings in NV and it is generally believed to be caused by inadequate oil cooling on hot days in traffic. The Automatics are especially prone to it because they have a single oil cooler. If you’re in hot climate use synthetic oil (this advise is not universally accepted on this form.)
2) Transmission issues are with the manual.
3) This was due to re-rating of HP under a new system, Almost all manufactures had to restate the HP. In reality the engines are the same from year to year and produce the same HP.
4) Flooding is an issue with all rotary engines by their design. Mazda has installed a stronger battery and starter with hotter plugs that has done a great deal to resolve this issue. It still can happen but if you are aware of it you should have no problems.
5) This is the big issue for me. The Rotary is less thermo efficient then a piston engine so more energy is thrown away as heat. The result is poor fuel mileage. Average mileage for city is 14 to 17 MPG with stop and go dragging you down. High way is 19 to 24 MPG on average. Now you also need to know that there are a number of RX-8 that get significantly less mileage then that. Mine is one of them. I get 11 to 12 city and get about 20 Highway. It is a crapshoot if you get one of these really poor fuel mileage cars, pray you don't.
Here is the real kicker, Mazda refuses to acknowledge this problem and blames the driver. They will run normal tests and tell you the car is fine, live with it. I have just read about a guy who had a RX-8 getting 9 to 10mpg, Mazda said this was normal and would do nothing to fix it. He got rid of the car and bought a new RX he is now getting 18mpg doing the exact same driving. This is the biggest problem with this car and it goes beyond mechanical, Mazda has a big problem with a number of their RX-8 and has chosen to ignore the problem and force the owner to accept it. Mazda’s support of this car is very poor and coming from Infinity you may be very shocked with the lack of customer service and support.
You don't even get a loaner car from Mazda, they make you rent a car and reimburse you if they decide the work was warranty work. I consider Mazda one of the poorest car companies in regards to taking care of the owner and supporting thier product.
6) It could be good depending on the trim level; I bought a 05 at the start of 06 and got it for several thousand under invoice.
I was looking at the G35 before I bought the RX-8 and found the RX-8 to be a far more responsive car in all aspects except low-end torque. It is a joy to drive and very well laid out. Seats two in the back better then the G35, truck is good. Looks is a subjective matter and I really like both cars. Price is significantly less then the G35. The only real problem is the gas mileage and Mazda's **** poor support of the car and its owners. Mazda is more concerned with making a quick buck off this car then making it run right. I was looking at replacing our Subaru with a C7 but after experiancing Mazda's support we are buying another Subaru.
Last edited by Raptor75; 05-19-2006 at 11:32 AM.
05-19-2006, 10:47 AM
#65
Glitchy Rotary Madness
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^ I think that's more a MNAO thing (the ****-poor service depts.) Mazda Japan, tho, has failed to keep MNAO in check. Gorgeous product in the past 4 years, but the dealer and service network is still stuck in the 90's. And yeah, I let MNAO know in no uncertain terms. If they really wanna stand up to bat against honda, toyota et al, they'll have to make sure the dealer and service network is looked at. They're building new dealers, exclusive dealers.. that's a start. I think in a couple more years it'll be better.
The MT issue (from what I can gather from this forum) was... a few cars left the factory with incorrectly-torqued flywheel bolts, causing them to back out.. and then, of course, ker-blammo. Seems the torque wrench used for this had slipped out of calibration, and wasn't caught till after those cars left the factory.
The MT issue (from what I can gather from this forum) was... a few cars left the factory with incorrectly-torqued flywheel bolts, causing them to back out.. and then, of course, ker-blammo. Seems the torque wrench used for this had slipped out of calibration, and wasn't caught till after those cars left the factory.
05-19-2006, 11:37 AM
#66
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
You don't even get a loaner car from Mazda, they make you rent a car and reimburse you if they decide the work was warranty work. I consider Mazda one of the poorest car companies in regards to taking care of the owner and supporting thier product.
MAZDA SERVICE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION
While we strive to make every Mazda service department waiting room as pleasant as possible, we’re aware that there's probably some place you’d rather be. That's why we created the Mazda Service Transportation Solution, where participating Mazda dealerships provide loaner cars at no charge to you while your vehicle is having warranty work performed.
Every 2001 - 2006 Mazda comes with the Mazda Service Transportation Solution for the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Program is subject to dealer participation and availability; ask your dealer for complete details.
While we strive to make every Mazda service department waiting room as pleasant as possible, we’re aware that there's probably some place you’d rather be. That's why we created the Mazda Service Transportation Solution, where participating Mazda dealerships provide loaner cars at no charge to you while your vehicle is having warranty work performed.
Every 2001 - 2006 Mazda comes with the Mazda Service Transportation Solution for the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Program is subject to dealer participation and availability; ask your dealer for complete details.
05-19-2006, 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Raptor75
As one who has a love/hate relationship with this car let me take a stab at your list.
1) There are problems but as you already pointed out 04 was the 1st model year with some cars built in 03. The 1st year of a completely new model is going to have teething issues. I own a 05 late year production and have had good reliability with it so far. Consumer Reports has also rated the 05 as Average for problems. Most problems seem concentrated on early manual transmissions, poor fuel economy, weak paint and flooding. This car should not be bought with an auto the Rotary is far better suited to a MT.
Another potential problem is the Rotary engine failing in hot climates. There have been a number of reported failings in NV and it is generally believed to be caused by inadequate oil cooling on hot days in traffic. The Automatics are especially prone to it because they have a single oil cooler. If you’re in hot climate use synthetic oil (this advise is not universally accepted on this form.)
2) Transmission issues are with the manual.
4) Flooding is an issue with all rotary engines by their design. Mazda has installed a stronger battery and starter with hotter plugs that has done a great deal to resolve this issue. It still can happen but if you are aware of it you should have no problems.
I was looking at the G35 before I bought the RX-8 and found the RX-8 to be a far more responsive car in all aspects except low-end torque. It is a joy to drive and very well laid out. Seats two in the back better then the G35, truck is good. Looks is a subjective matter and I really like both cars. Price is significantly less then the G35. The only real problem is the gas mileage and Mazda's **** poor support of the car and its owners. Mazda is more concerned with making a quick buck off this car then making it run right. I was looking at replacing our Subaru with a C7 but after experiancing Mazda's support we are buying another Subaru.
1) There are problems but as you already pointed out 04 was the 1st model year with some cars built in 03. The 1st year of a completely new model is going to have teething issues. I own a 05 late year production and have had good reliability with it so far. Consumer Reports has also rated the 05 as Average for problems. Most problems seem concentrated on early manual transmissions, poor fuel economy, weak paint and flooding. This car should not be bought with an auto the Rotary is far better suited to a MT.
Another potential problem is the Rotary engine failing in hot climates. There have been a number of reported failings in NV and it is generally believed to be caused by inadequate oil cooling on hot days in traffic. The Automatics are especially prone to it because they have a single oil cooler. If you’re in hot climate use synthetic oil (this advise is not universally accepted on this form.)
2) Transmission issues are with the manual.
4) Flooding is an issue with all rotary engines by their design. Mazda has installed a stronger battery and starter with hotter plugs that has done a great deal to resolve this issue. It still can happen but if you are aware of it you should have no problems.
I was looking at the G35 before I bought the RX-8 and found the RX-8 to be a far more responsive car in all aspects except low-end torque. It is a joy to drive and very well laid out. Seats two in the back better then the G35, truck is good. Looks is a subjective matter and I really like both cars. Price is significantly less then the G35. The only real problem is the gas mileage and Mazda's **** poor support of the car and its owners. Mazda is more concerned with making a quick buck off this car then making it run right. I was looking at replacing our Subaru with a C7 but after experiancing Mazda's support we are buying another Subaru.
Hot climate? Such as the NJ Turnpike in rush hour and not moving more than 2 miles in 2 hours with it around 100 degrees? If so, I better re-think this.
I take it that the atomatic is limited to 7500 rpm and that's why the hp is rated so much lower? I must also assume then that the performance is much worse. Please refer to the statement above for why I would even think of an auto.
05-19-2006, 11:58 AM
#68
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the heat related issue is on 4speed autos 4 port cars which have only one oil cooler- and yes i have seen one from jersey but they are mostly in nevada utah arizona and texas. get a new 6speed auto 6port which has 2 oil coilers and it wont be an issue. just do yourself a favor and use the paddle shifters and rev it to redline a couple times a week.
05-19-2006, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by missinmahseven
Or get a 6MT -- this is a beautiful gearbox, same unit as a 6-speed miata. Aisin, yes?
Light clutch. Light everything, actually.
Light clutch. Light everything, actually.
05-19-2006, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Transam kid 01
Where from NJ are you? If you are close enough, ill let you drive with me
05-19-2006, 12:29 PM
#74
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http://www.aisin.com/product/auto/drive/index.html check teh automated manual 
05-19-2006, 12:46 PM
#75
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Clutch is indeed very light, lighter than the NA/NB miata's, much lighter than something like a mid-80's sports car. Quite lighter than a new Mini. (that one shocked me with how heavy the clutch feels.)
Automatic adjustment of it, as well, I think... no more having to set pedal lash. (I read this somewhere, but right now can't remember where.)
Automatic adjustment of it, as well, I think... no more having to set pedal lash. (I read this somewhere, but right now can't remember where.)