I am seriously considering purchasing an RX-8. I test drove one a while back and loved it. However, I am concerned with a couple of things about the RX-8. First, how easy or hard is it to maintain? I'm used to replacing sparkplugs myself on a piston engine, is it hard to get at the plugs on a rotary? Also, being the first year out for the RX-8, I'm also concerned with the reliability of the car. Have there been many problems with it in general? I've been looking through some of the threads, but I imagine people only post negative things when there is a problem, and don't when they don't have a problem, so I'd like to see a general sample of everyone's impressions.

Thanks a lot.

 

There are far fewer moving parts in the engine than what you're used to. The non turbo rotary engines lasted for a long time when properly taken care of. People who added tons of boost among other things found their engines didn't last all that long...

We have no way of knowing right now, but I expect my engine to last over 200,000 miles - just change your oil on a regular basis, and make sure it doesn't get too low.

 

It's way too soon to call it reliable or unreliable. I think engine wise car will hold up well, but that is an opinion, and we don't really know. Not sure about the other components on car like transmission, ect. In a few years, we will get an accurate reliability report on this car, and that will tell it all. This car is too new, so if you are looking for accurate reliability info, you won't find any. If you wan an rx8 now, you just have to accept the risk of a first year sports car, and hope for the best. Good luck!!

 

The plugs on the 8 are easily accesable from the engine bay or through the LH wheel well. Changing the oil can be a problem because there isn't much clearance under the car to fit a jack. You need a very thin jack or a pit.

Regarding reliability, yes it is a reliable engine. That has already been proved by previous rotaries. The oil seal/burning excessive oil consumption stories you heard about rotary engines are history. As stated above though, you do need to take care of them.

The RX-8 is a new car, and it has has teething problems. But to date I have not seen any problems appear on this forum that Mazda have not addressed in one way or another. They have done a lot to the car in the past 18 months, and I think what you see in the show rooms now is probably a pretty complete package, and will stay that way until the first facelift.

Another good thing about the RX-8 is that there is nothing radically new about the vehicle besides the engine, all the electrics etc. are carry-over technology from other current Mazda's so if there is a problem, the Mazda technicians know what they are working with.

Go ahead, buy one.

 

I'd say go for it. Naturally, not every rx8 will be reliable. Some people will get an absolute disaster when they buy. That will happen with any car, especially sports cars. Buying any new first year car is a risk, so you shouldn't let the unknown overall long term reliability deter you. Otherwise you'll never buy a new sports car. I think when it comes to it, proper maintanence and treatment of car will become the deciding factor for the rx8. If you take care of it, change oil often, and keep up with maintanence, and don't drive the hell out of it all the time, you will likely have a great reliable car for many years to come. This car certainly requires more tlc then most if you want reliability and long life, so keep that in mind if you make the purchase. It's not the type of car you just buy and drive, and wait until 50k miles before you service it. That's what a Toyota Corolla is for.

 

I change my oil every 2,500 miles, takes me all of 20 minutes, and reach the oil drain plug from under the passenger side without any jacking.

I have owned mine for over a year. This car has been surprisingly reliable for a 1st year model. So, go have fun with your new RX-8.

 

Agreed. Hardest thing about changing the oil is getting that darn filter off, but with proper tools it's a cinch. Worst thing I've had are burnt ignition coils, but it WAS my own fault for installing a piggyback unit in the car. And that didnt leave me stranded mind you, just with less power than normal. Other than that, at 22,000 miles and just under 1 year ownership, it has been very good.

 

Have you tried ramps?

 

I have 8500 miles on the car and only problems have been tech bulletin related ie. air bag relay, M flash and air conditioning fix. Dealer has been great and car has been great. Air works fine now and I get 18 to 20 mpg with mostly city type driving. So far, best first year car I have ever owned next to Acura TL.