I've tried searching the forums but I haven't been able to find a post that answers all of my questions. I've read the "New and potential owners start here" thread, and while it was very helpful, it didn't answer my main concerns.

I've been wanting to get an RX-8 since I first saw one 6 years ago and I am finally in the position to be able to do it, but after doing some research I am having some concerns. I have a pricing budget (set by the wife ) that limits me to a 2005 or 2006 RX-8. My concern is mainly this: I know pretty much nothing about cars. I know how to do the basics, like check the oil, add oil, change a tire, ect., but when it comes to anything else under the hood I wouldn't have a clue. I usually rely on my Dad to do any car maintenance to my current vehicles because he knows all about those kinds of things, and in return I do any computer related things for him because I am a computer technician. This is another concern of mine: He doesn't know anything about rotary engines.

I really want to get an RX-8 because it has been my dream car since I first saw it, but I don't want to get myself into a mess with a car that requires me to have knowledge that I don't have. I'm willing to learn as much as I can, but will there be too much without already knowing the insides of a car? If I add oil at the regular intervals, change oil when it's needed, and do the things to avoid a flood, will I be alright with my limited car knowledge? Any help or suggestions that you all can give me would be greatly appreciated.

 

god forbid you would read more than 1 thread huh

 

If you feel you can afford the car you should never be afraid. As long as you do maintenance and you understand that mechanical things fail, you should be fine. Remember anything can be fixed, mind that you don't crash and total the car. It was a learning exp for everyone the first time we played with the rotary engine.

Also things are a lot better off since all the updates. Eng are lasting over 100,000 miles instead of 30,000 now. I have an original clutch, and will till my eng replacement at 95,000 miles. Other than that you shouldn't worry to much about what you don't know. Thousands of RX8 owners never see the forums and are driving around over 100,000 miles on there cars with no eng experiences.

 

rotaries arent magic. they use fuel and air and spark and coolant and OIL. thats it. keep them all topped up and/or good condition and you're fine.

 

+1
I know at times we make them sound very maintenance intensive & mysterious but they're really not.
Read the owner's manual from cover to cover. HONESTLY, this is very important.
once you do that, you should be fine.

Make sure to post up pics when you have an RX-8 sitting in your driveway.

 

The bits that are different between a rotary and piston engine I doubt your dad would touch anyway, unless he is a diehard and actually gets into the cylinders...

Other than that, all the other stuff works the same.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, except for the first guy. No need to be a dick. You guys have helped calm my nerves about deciding to buy this car.

 

Exactly right.

Milk - go for it. Things like "Where is the drain plug," "How the f*** do I get the air filter off," "Where's the power steering fluid reservoir," and "Oops...I plugged a front seat belt into a rear buckle" will be much more important in the maintenance scheme than rotary stuff.

But this site has a wealth of information. The DIY section will make your dad feel like an old pro when he works on your 8.

Ken

 

The Reverend is not being a dick, he is performing an initiation ritual for you...

 

So first off, plus 1 to this post above.

2) just make sure you have enough room in your budget for maintanance on the car otherwise you will start running into much more serious problems.

3)Rev isnt a dick hes actually really cool, he was just pointing out that you read one thread in your search process when their is MAAAAANY more you could have read as well to answer all sorts of questions/concerns because their is posts like these weekly of people asking our opinions. We dont mind helping people but at the same time it gets old and all you have to do is click search and you can answer almost any question yourself.

 

Its not Rocket Science ....................

 

Differences between a piston engine and our cars.

Top oil off every 3 fillups or so

Let it warm up before driving

Let it warm up before shutting down

Change coils/plugs/wires every 30K

Follow scheduled maintenance.

 

screw the wife, tell her this is a man's business, women should leave us alone.

when it comes to a man's business, its either my way or the highway.

 

I wish there was a 'likes this' button like facebook hahahaha.

 

@ rev. STOP BEING A DICK TO NEWBIES MAN

 

That was me! My previous vehicle I always took somewhere to get any maintenance done, but after getting this damn car I just want to DO STUFF to it! It really is an addiction like so many people here will tell you. I've never changed the oil in a car before but since I got the RX8 I've learned all KINDS of stuff from this forum. The knowledge on here is almost limitless, and the DIY's are really easy to follow for even the most novice people out there, like myself. Do it! You won't regret it I betcha.

 

If you have to ask... it's not for you.

 

Speaking as a guy who knew nothing about cars before getting his 8, I can say, go to meets, talk to people. from what I've experienced, us rotary heads tend to stick together, and if you treat your car well, it'll provide you with endless joy, (midnight runs around the belt parkway for me). I'm a computer tech myself, and I can tell you, it might be overwheming at first, but don't let that scare you. you'll understand, probably even enjoy working on it. I did, and I'm still learning.

PS. Tell the wife to get back into the kitchen :p

 

I take it you're single?

Ken

 

You can take care of the basics such as adding oil and you could always pay to have the other maintenance done like the majority of auto owners. As was stated the rotary is not magic. I doubt that every RX8 owner services there own vehicle. Furthermore, I have not had to pay for any maintenance on my 8. The only money I have put out is for mods and basic maintenance like plugs, wires, coils, and of course oil. I had my engine replaced this Summer and it was covered by warranty. While the engine was pulled I did have the engine mounts replaced because it seemed like a good time to do it. All in all I've spent very little on maintenance since I've owned the car. Just as with any car take care of it and it will take care of you.

 

buy the upgraded dip stick

 

There is nothing super complicated that needs knowing. Read these forums, you'll know what too look out for. If you can add oil, turn a screwdriver once in a while and know when to fold and take it to a professional (IF the need arises).. (and can afford it).... (and have a good mazda tech nearby), then you'll be fine.

 

Disagree!

Ask questions, search the forum, go buy an RX8.
That's the only way for some to do it.

 

my martial status still says "single"

but been dating for couple of years ...

at first when I say My way or the high way she will turn into her "rage mode" ...

but after a while I starting to have that "rage mode immunity" grow inside me ...

what that woman gonna do! Nothing hahaha

You follow what I say ! thats right ! :D

 

Your one mean CAT!

Once again if you have to ask some one is the RX8 for me... the car is not for you.

Get some ***** and make a choice like a man.

By the way... should I wear a Hawaiian shirt today or a RX8 T shirt?