Hello,

I was debating on buying an rx8, but the forum now convinced me. I emailed my representive and told him charge the deposite.

So with that in mind, I'm completely lost with how to maintain the rx8. I'm young and stupid and probably don't deserve this car, But I can afford it. I want to keep it stock possibly just new rims if anything.

How ever, how can I maintain it well so it can last me a long time? Is there anything I need to know before driving it? I hear the gas is horrible. Since my father signed for the car, he told no me no rotary engines past 100k miles. He tried to convince me to get a 350z, but I'm a unique fella... Aren't we all?


I hear the clutch burns if you dont drive it perfect, and for the record I did ask the dealer these questions but they don't know about the cars they sell if they owned them personally.


So now with that in mind, I have nobody else to turn to.

Thank you
shazan

 

There are RX7s from the 80s with over 200k miles. There is no proof of that kind of longevity of the Rx8s since they started production in '03...but we can all expect our engine to last longer than pistons due to the lack of moving parts (less wear and tear) as long as it is taken care of.

You want to check your oil level every other fill-up. And follow the scheduled maintenance the dealer can tell you about. There's also a maintenance chart in your manual.

Driving at higher rpms will decrease your gas mileage, obviously. But I don't think it's a big deal. When you buy a sports car, you have to understand you're going to pay it's expenses.

The clutch should be just like every other car...if you're new to the stick don't worry about it, it'll take a couple days to figure out and then from there on it's just getting better and better.

 

As far as maintenance, you cant go wrong just following the owners manual. It is definitely not the best car as far as gas mileage is concerned, but not the worst either. The clutch doesn't act any different than any other manual I have ever owned; some people just dont know how to drive one (probably where you got that story from).

What you will end up getting is a sharp looking, unique car, with a RWD near 50/50 weight distribution, and easily one of the best handling cars in its price range.

 

As to the longevity concerns... The biggest issues seemed to revolve around the 3rd-gen rx-7s (FDs), which were often modified in all the wrong ways, which lead to high numbers of engine failures. The biggest weakness of the rotary design is heat. If the cooling/oil systems aren't functioning properly, or are being pushed too hard by a poorly implemented turbo system or something, then you'll start having problems.

But, as long as you make sure your oil and coolant are in good condition and topped off, I don't see why you'd have any problems at all. Not much can go wrong with just 3 moving parts. And , congrats on the new car!

 

Read the owner's manual, make sure you check the oil and change it on a regular basis, and give the car a proper break in. That's it, the car should last a very long time.

With due respect to your dad, he doesn't seem to know much about the rotary. There are tons of 1st & 2nd gen RX-7s with more than 100K miles. It's only the twin turbocharged 3rd gen RX-7 rotary that had some reliability concerns. The NA rotary is very reliable. In racing conditions, the engine has been called bullet proof.

Search this forum, you will find hundreds of posts on this very topic.

 

whats? "norotaries can past 100k miles"? wtf. i know A LOT of RX7 FD's (the 3rd gen. fastest rx7 ever. 13 B REW twin rotor twin turbo engine) that has gone OVER 100k miles some even modded but most stock. rotaries can relly be reliabile if you give them the right maintiance. i also know a few 1st and 2nd gen N/A rx7s that has gone 200k miles.

 

1) Follow maintenance schedule in the car (check the manual, use the "schedule II heavy duty). Bring your car to the dealer every 5K miles and either do an oil change, or if there's any other maintenance items.

2) Every 1000-1500 miles check your oil level. I've been filling about 3/4qts every 1500 miles to the "full mark."

3) Don't shut off the car while cold, or you risk flooding.

4) After break-in period (give it 1K miles of no revving past 5K and no full throttle), be sure to rev it to 8K-9K (redline it) at least once a week. Once a day is great. If you're young, chances are great that you will drive it quick and rev it nicely, so this will probably not be an issue.

Those are the only "rotary-specific" things. As you can see, the only true "extra" thing is to check and fill your oil beteween oil changes.

This will give you a car that will last a long time.

If you maintain it by going to the dealer and sticking to the schedule and doing other things I mentioned above, this car will last you well past 100K.

That's not the case, its like any other clutch.. you beat on it, you wear it faster, but it doesn't seem to be any faster than any other car.

 

Your father is wrong. My car is living proof that rotaries last long and sometimes longer than piston engines. My 2nd gen RX-7 N/A has 166k miles now and still runs really well. I don't see any reason why the RX-8's RENESIS engine should be any less reliable.

 

haha tell ur father that people on the internet forums said he was wrong and wait for the belt to come off



but seriously... dont worry about the whole longevity issue... should be nonexistent unless ur putting on a turbo and dropping ur clutch and such

 

My 85 RX7 GS has 180k miles on the origial untouched engine and transmission and rear end (save for a new clutch and changing the tranny oil the Redline). There are very few sports cars that can claim such relaibility. Actually, i think the RX-7 was called the most reliable sports car of the 80s- by some publication (?).

Anyways- just make sure to keep the oil changed, and watch the fluid levels. Rotary engined Mazdas have oil and coolant level warning lights (why all vehicles don't have these is beyond me). if one comes on- check the fluid pronto. Ignoring a fluid level warning light is the quick way to junk.


I love my Winning Blue RX-8, and I hope yours is as enjoyable for you.

 

Keep and eye on the oil, break the motor in correctly, change to all syn fluids after at least 5k miles, always warm the car up before you push it, make sure to visit that redline every few drives at least, so you can keep the motor carbon free.

Other than that, its just like any other sports car.

 

Man, you have alot of reading to do. But start with the owners manual FIRST. Read it cover to cover then nose around this forum. (SEARCH is your friend) Opinions abound here. Lotsa good information here, lotsa bad information. When in doubt, refer back to the OM or your local service manager. Good luck.

 

Just to add to the above:

NA = N/A = "Normally aspirated" (No turbos)

The owner's manual says "no break-in needed". A better bet (on the safe side) is to folow Astral's advice. For more detail, see the recommendation on the Racing Beat home page.

Owner's manual says 7000 miles between oil changes. Most owners on this forum change every 3000 miles (in addition to topping off between changes). Oil changes are cheap (sometimes free), and rotaries are hard on oil.

This is a wonderful car, well worth a little attention. Enjoy!!

 

All good advice and I honestly (I'm a first time rotary guy myself) I feel ALOT less worried about the engine because it only has 3 moving parts compared to my wife's I-4.

You will "hear" alot of things about the Rotary engine and from my ownership experiance, alot of it is hogwash.

My RX8 (THANK GOD) has been nothing but a great car for me and makes me smile with each drive and I couldn't be happier.

I LOVE YOU MAZDA!!!

The rx8club members here really helped me understand the rotary and I'm glad they helped me with I was looking to buy.

READ READ READ, and listen to the good rotary advice here (not life advice...lol) and your 8 will last as long if not longer than a piston engine.

Congrats...treat your 8 like the great car it is.

 

i also started with a RX7 first gen,then a ported 12A and then still the old RX7 series 2 but took the 12A out and slotted a 13B turbo series 5 motor in and never looked back.Now I have my RX8 and are so happy.i also found look at the oil and filter and no overheating! then it will go for ever.My 12A (stock one)was standing on close to (200 000km) 130k miles and was 24 years old !! the ported one had the same age and milage but ported with exhaust and intake mods and..no problems.
ENJOY IT !

 

hey how old are you anyways?

 

I'm 17, I just came back from the dealer I get it FRIDAY!!! Also, when it started, smoke was comming out of the exhaust the dealer told me that was common for rotories.... Is that true?

 

Nevermind the dead hookers in the trunk... thats common for rotories.

 

No, seriously. What kind of smoke was it?

 

I'm not sure.... It was smoke or smog or something but alot came out and he said it was just common for rotorary engines because they burn oil and when it happens it releases smoke...??

 

Not common for rotaries to smoke, generally. They will smoke alittle when cold, but not alot. If you flood the car and get it restarted the car will smoke like a mosquito truck. But dont worry about flooding the car either. Fairly uncommon unless you dont warm her up a bit before a quick shutdown.

The smoke is likely trapped manufacturing oils inside the new exhaust system. They burn off. My Racing Beat exhaust smoked alot for a few hours then puffed a little the next day. All gone now.

Also, inside my cabin I had some burning plastic and rubber smell for a little while. Normal, too.

Enjoy your new ride. I'm envious. You are really fortunate to have such a fine auto at your age. The car I had at 17.... well, lets just say it was not as nice as the RX-8
Treat her well, and she'll do the same.