I have a few questions about the rx8.
First, how many spark plugs do these cars have, and are they difficult to change?
Also, is it hard to do general maintanence on it, like change air filters, do tune-ups and oil changes?
And whats the average monthly insurance quote on this car?
Finally, does flooding occur frequently?
Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Before all the search guru's jump on you I figured I'd answer some of your questions,
1- 4 Spark Plugs, 2 leading and 2 trailing, not the easiest to change, not the hardest to change, if you are used to doing your own maintenance you should have no problem.
2- Again if you are used to doing your own maintenance you should be fine, the only decided difference in this car maintenance wise from any other car is the rotary engine, all the other stuff is still there, and still pretty much the same.
3- My monthly insurance with me being 22 and having a few minor tickets spanning 6 years is about $230 a month with Allstate having a $250 deduct.
4- I have had my car for a year and a half, no flooding. Keep in mind just about anyone on this board who floods their car will post about it, and who posts about not flooding their car? I think it is a minimal thing to worry about. One thing you DO need to realize is that this car is thirsty for gas and oil. The esitmated MPG's do not come close to what people are actually seeing. And I go through adding a quart of oil about every 1,250 miles. Breaking in your engine properly is what will help better gas mileage and longevity.

 

There are 4 spark plugs, 2 per rotor. A leading plug, and a trailing. The trailing is mainly in place to try to effectively make a "complete burn" of the gas. Emissions. They are extraordinarily difficult to change on these cars...you have to take off the left front wheel, and pull back the wheel well to access them.

General maintainence (besides the spark plugs) is very easy. This is one of the easiest cars I've seen to do an oil change to..

The air filter is easy to change, also. There is a clip on the underside of the box, but if you pull it in the just the right way, it will come undone by itself.

Average (6) month insurance quote, I believe, is around 800-900, with no tickets, violations, etc.

Flooding doesn't occur often, unless you have a problem with your engine. Chances of flooding are high if you start the engine completely cold, and shut it off.

To avoid flooding in this situation, Mazda reccomends completely their special anti-flood ritual. :-D

 

A lot of people will disagree with you on this :-X

I don't disagree with the longevity part (a lot do), but the gas mileage part...ehhhh...just because you break in your engine one way..the ECU has set fuel injection maps, no matter which way you break in the engine. It's going to inject the same amount of fuel into the engine who got raced for the first 5,000 miles as it is in the one who got babied for the first 5,000 miles.

 

All new RX-8s come with Mazda's new spark plugs to prevent flooding. They're also under TSB for 04 and 05s, so they come free under warranty. Flooding is no longer an issue.

 

I'm over 25, married with a child, have two cars insured for two drivers and have a discount because Allstate also insures my house. I have not had a ticket in over 3 years. The insurance on the RX-8 is $514 for 6 months. My STi was $620.

 

I could add: at the other end of the scale, my insurance is $39.50/mo $500 deductable, otherwise full coverage, comprehensive, etc. Prob dif to above posters, I'm older, plus 3 car/house discount. I agree w/the comments about the (lack of lots of) flooding. Even for those who experience, Mazda has addressed their situations w/various fixes. Mileage is variable, 17-21mpg.

 

Check these out. All are somewhat difficult the first time, but after that no problem. Insurance is pretty low due to 4 doors, not a V8, etc. I have never flooded in 42,000 miles. Average right at 20 mpg.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-rx-8-oil-change-dummies-12455/ Oil Change

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-spark-plug-change-31872/ Change Plugs

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hlight=air+box Air Filter

 

General maintenance is simple.

My insurance is $450 every 6 months with $250 deductable (through USAA).

Over 40k miles, never flooded.