So I test drove an RX-8 today after having my mind SET on a Ford Mustang (dealer pulled a bait/switch just to get me to come in) -- I just happened to drive to the Dodge dealership, and the Mazda dealer was right next door.. one test drive later, and I'm in LOVE!

I did some checking on consumer reports, and I'm a little nervous. I'll be 100% honest -- I don't know much at all about cars, and I'm currently driving a Ford Explorer (*ducks under the table for fear of getting laughed off the forums* ).. the only bad things I've read are fuel consumption (who CARES -- hello -- SPORTS CAR), and the car using oil. I'm dead set on getting an automatic, and all the reviews I've seen are for the manual version. Is it true that I need to check the oil after ever fillup of gas if I have the automatic version? Since I don't do that today with my Exploder, I'm worried that I might forget.. I don't plan on racing or modding it, either.. (I say that now, but I do plan on researching here in the forums). Anyone have any insight? I'll say thanks in advance, because after reading through some threads you folks REALLY know what you're talking about -- I'm a clueless newbie here.

-Dan

 

Hey Newbie
I love the 8......its a great car.....lots of great looks and handling is superb...Im sure you will agree.....I have the 6MT.....dealer told me to check the oil on every other fill-up...and about fuel consumption? it is what it is.....a sports car....I dont really pay attention to the exact mileage...I just fill it up and go (with premium that is).....

 

Welcome! shinka213 just about said it all. I check oil every other fill-up. Oil usage will depend on your driving habits as well. Can I ask why you chose the A/T over the M/T?

 

Also if you are looking at strictly A/T wait for 06'. Rumored to be a hp increase. Honestly this is not a car to get an AT in. It's lack of tq. is an absolute killer in terms of acceleration. The Mustang or GTO, or Corvette have massive tq, so that is not a problem, but on a car like an RX8 or S2000 (which really is MT only) an AT is not really a great idea.

 

Check around on the forums and do a few searches for topics you're interested in. There's a wealth of info here!

I'm sure the AT is still a fun car to drive, but it does not have as much power as the manual, so not sure if that's important to you. Personally, I check my oil once every two weeks. That's plenty unless you take it to the track often. Actually, what I did was check it weekly for the first few months I had it. Then, I recognized its pattern for oil usage and realized I only needed to do it every other week. Your mileage may vary.

Really, you ought to check the oil in any car you drive, not just a rotary. I know most cars today rarely use any oil, but it's still a good idea to check because if there is a problem, you'd want to catch it early. But with the RX-8, it is a necessity because the engine consumes small amounts of oil by design.

 

If you think checking the oil is a major project you should stick to something with pedals. I add a little oil every 1500 miles or so and since I change my own oil every 3K its not a big deal. You should check the oil regularly on any vehicle. Why are you deadset on a auto? Stick , 6 gears of pure fun. Make sure fuel consumption is really not a big deal because unless you are doing alot of highway driving you will visit the pump often. I think they are putting my name on one particular pump next week at the local station
All that being said, this being my opinion only, for the price I couldn't find a more fun car to drive and still be a viable daily driver. I can drive it on a long trip and it fits like a glove. It is arguably the sexiest car in its range on the road and I still enjoy getting in it and just driving nowhere more then anything I have ever owned.
You can get something faster redlight to redlight but once the thrill of getting 1/4 mile quick what are you left with? Mustang for example. I have had my 8 since Sept. last year. How long has the new Mustang been out? I have seen triple the new Mustangs, maybe even more then I have the 8 on the road. Going on a year with my 8 and its a major headturner and a topic of discussion everytime I get out of it. Sure, car enthusiasts would feel the same about Evos, STis, etc. but the average driver doesn't give them a second look. Lets face it, put them side to side, average driver talk and the 8 would win hands down no question in my mind. Unique, a blast to drive and not slow no matter what people say who think that driving fast is straightline acceleration only.
Just keep a few things in mind. Fuel consumption, winter tires not a option a MUST. Look for the thread titled the little things. It should give you an idea of the great things about this car that you probably wouldn't notice until you spent a little bit more time in it then a test drive provides. Also keep in mind that to go on a 8 forum you will find biased people like myself so you eventually have to make up your own mind.

 

If you get the 8, get a 6-speed unless you are physically incapable of driving a manual transmission.

As far as mileage goes, I think "most" people get pretty good mileage (some have disasters, no doubt.) I get 18-21 consistently.

I usually add a 1/2-1 quart between oil changes (~3000 miles) It's pretty easy to check the oil level.

Definately test drive the usual suspects, and then come back to the 8 and see what you think.

Good Luck

 

We just purchased a automatic, my wife drives in traffic and she did not want the mt .. as for as performance i'm sure the mt will do better , but the at is no slouch!!!!!! for oil we have abiut 800 miles on it and the oil is still on the upper end on the dip stick, a lot of people add so much stuff after they get the car so if you are going to do that get the mt.
The at will put you in the seat on getting on the gas . Get what you want
brillant black, touring package AT nice tint on the car , alarm, chrome fender strakes and synbols on the front and rear .... good luck

 

The honest truth is that I've never driven stick before! Maybe for the *next* car if I can find someone to teach me. I need to buy a car within the next day or two because my car is ready to die. I don't want to learn on a brand new car. :/ As far as changing it every 3000, that's fine.. honestly, I drive about 5 miles roundtrip every day to work and wherever I go to eat lunch, etc. On the weekends, I may drive a max of 4 hours roundtrip to the beach (live in Raleigh, NC). That will DEFINITELY change when I buy this car, but I think it'll take me awhile to build up to 1500 and 3000 miles. I probably fill my 20 gal Explorer tank once every two weeks or so. Now that I think about it -- checking it every fillup or every other fillup really is nothing at all. I've just never had to do it before -- probably because I never really had a vehicle that *I* bought for me (because of one anomaly or another, I've ended up owning cars that were my parent's -- 88 Oldsmobile (died in flood, and got FEMA money -- bought a) Bronco II, traded with my dad for a Ford Ranger, then traded with my dad again for the Explorer (so he'd have something a little more fuel economical than his F250). This will truly be the first vehicle I've owned that I picked out on my own. I look forward to researching and learning on these forums and getting to know you guys. Please don't think I'm a pansy because I want an A/T -- I just don't think I can learn to drive stick that quickly because I don't know anyone that can teach me, and none of my friends have M/T.

On a side note, I LOVE the red.. I was also looking at blue, but dang.. the red is HOT. I want the leather seats that are red and black too, and that makes me have to get the Grand Touring pkg (which is fine). This car is amazing the more I research it.

 

My 2005 MT gets around 18-20 mpg and uses a quart of oil every 3000 miles. I do NOT check the oil when I get gas. Why bother when I know that I don't need any. The car now has 15000 miles and the consumption has been constant.

My 89 Mustang 5.0 LX needed a quart of oil every 1000 miles. The dealer tested and confirmed it. Ford stated that anything over 800 miles was within specs.

Don't worry about oil. There is a warning light just in case.

 

Thanks guys -- you're putting my mind at ease. I just pictured having to check the oil every few days. Going to seriously look at the options tonight. How come I don't see a sunroof option through dealer? I keep seeing moonroof.. does that include sunroof?

 

It should take you less than a week to drive a stick, but you would need someone to teach you the basics.....maybe your friendly dealer could help.

BTW, Red DOES rule!

 

LOL, shameless plug! :p :D Besides, everyone knows black is sexier(and faster) :p :p :D

 

LOL! I do think black is great color, but I get in enough trouble from the wife as it is keeping the Red clean. If I had to keep black clean, I'd be divorced by now.

 

not to speak for the rest but sunlight silver has been chasdized conciderably in the past ,but **** I ain't one about to be jinked just because of a few jealous souls make your choice and don't listen to half the hype, its mostly B.S.

 

OMG.. unwritten rule #1: Mention color to get a rise out of RX-8 fans!

I *love* that spoiler in that pic.. that's definitely not the one I saw on the lot! Where can I find that one!?

 

ROFL! well I'm still single so let's just say I have more than enough time for washing and waxing. :D But I agree there difficult to keep clean especially after a typical Florida afternoon rain shower . . But when their clean and freshly waxed the richness of the black really comes out. Oh yeah, red's cool too. :D


Are we that transparent? :D

 

Nice!......I think the hood will save you from the curse, as now you can't be totally classified as Silver

 

Thanks , your a saint in my book.

 

Mazdaspeed...if you do a search, you'll see that there are many examples of the spoiler and bodykit in different colors. Check the vendors forum for the best deals.

Mazdaspeed is just one of the many options you have in terms of customizing/body kits. Then you have suspension, exhausts, HP upgrades, wheels, tires...it can go on forever :D

 

I already said I wasn't going to be doing mods and I'm already looking at MODS! DARN YOU, RX-8! I love you, but my bank account just made a sad face. :D

 

this is how I started out ......couldn't get it right , even skimped on the clips that should be holding my axles in place

 

I found that spoiler for $732 at arlingtonmazda.com ... I had no idea it'd be that high :D

 

I have the auto it's a great car. You need more power just down shift on the stering wheel. Sure the 6spd mt is more fun but its not for everyone. I bought and drove 11 mt rotary cars over the the last 35 years and now I need a "AT" with bad back. Get the car you wont be sorry!!!

 

hi dan, dont be to timid, (some) of the people here are pretty nice. the AT rx8 might be the car for you, its a good value, pretty reliable, and just make sure to check the oil every other time you gas up! the car is a blast