Just graduated college and am looking for an RX-8 for my potential next car. It's a 2005 with only 15,000 miles and used as a weekend cruiser by a local old man. It's been in one minor accident (just enough to have the front bumper and headlight replaced). The questions I have for this forum are:

Are there any apparent problems with the Renesis motor?

Any expected problems with the 2005 Mazda RX-8 in general?

How is this car as a daily driver?

Needless to say I have not driven one of these cars yet, but the slick shifter and rev happy motor appeal to me on a great level. I intend on autocrossing this car a little as well, so I know for sure this is the car that I want. Sorry if this is in the wrong section, but I didn't see an FAQ section for the forum.

 

Here's the FAQ section.

The 8 is great as a daily. 21k on mine in 14 months, and I love it.

The 05 should be fine. Stay away from 04 AT, but any model year MT should be fine.

No major issues w/the renesis, tho some can have problems if they're in really hot climates. Look around a bit and read up on mpg, recall, tsb (technical service bulletins), and search, search, search. If you've got some more detailed questions you will get better answers. This post will prlly earn you some BS from some members - thick skin is your friend. Each of these questions have been dealt w/a bunch, and are a little too general.

GL, and welcome.

 

People like to badmouth the rotary due to it's high fuel / oil consumption, and lack of low end torque. But it's uniqueness and high rev ability really apeal to others (like me). Be sure to take it up to redline (8500+ RPMs) on a daily basis.....doing this will not negitively affect the engine.

Have an '04 MT with 55k miles. Still runs great. You should have no problems whatsoever with the car if you take care of it (check the oil level once every 1,000 miles, etc).

 

Mine is a daily driver, 60000km and two winters (winter tires)
This engine loves to rev! Get the http://axialflow.com short shifter if you want a great shifter.

 

not many engines will break if you dont beat the crap out of it. i love it.

 

DarkBrew, I was actually just thinking I would like a shorter throw to my gearbox. I used to love the way it felt, but now I think a shorter throw is exactly what I need. Does it really make a big difference?

 

Huge difference! It takes all the rubbery feel away. Many people describe the feel as rifle bolt. It's the best and easiest mod you can do and the one that you'll always notice. Everyone who tries it wants to buy one.

To be fair, it does allow more noise through if you leave your hand on the **** and that bothers some people.

I added the Voodoo **** which lowers the throw even more.

 

exactly what I wanted to hear. I think I'm going to pick one up.

I'm not that skilled in installing auto parts. Is it something I can possibly do myself? What's the approximate installation time?

 

There's a DIY for the install but you should be able to do it in well under an hour with basic hand tools. If you know someone with one then get them to help; that's what I did.

 

ah another jersey guy, congrats on finishing school. Only advice i could give is if you plan on driving it in the winter get some snow tires, if not then get some nice summer tires.

 

Cool. Thanks for the info, Dark. Definitely gonna purchase one.

P.S.........shouldn't axial flow be giving you commission for this sale?

 

I'd settle for a discount on the super charger!

Hey, Richard, if you're counting I sold my brother on one as well!

 

Really, do some searching first.