I'm currently considering buying an RX-8, I've been doing lots of research and talking to several dealers about this car. I love the looks and style of the 8 and driving it was a lot of fun, I just want to make sure I can care for it correctly. I found a very nice 2004 8 in wonderful condition (carage kept, only 25,000 miles).

However, before I jump straight into buying this car, I want to be certain it's the right car for me. I'm a college student that drives back and forth to school every day, as well as work. I understand that the car requires a lot of care and maintence which is fine, I can handle that. But, I've also heard that with a rotary engine you can't just start up the car, drive it a mile, and shut it off, I was told that you have to wait for the car to get right between hot and cold. I don't want to buy a gorgeous car, and ruin it because I can't care for it right.

I'd love some feedback if anyone could give me suggestions, and more helpful tips about this car!
Thanks!

 

its not much different then any other car .. just be aware of the suv thirst

 

The engine is a little more sensitive than a piston engine. I wouldn't say the care required is too much to be asked though. I turn on my car and let it warm up to operating temps before I start driving it around. I redline it only after I've been driving it around for at least a few minutes and everything has had a chance to warm up. If you've been driving it hard, don't just shut it off, give it time to cool down a bit before shutting it off (rotaries run very hot). I believe there was a TSB to fix the easily flooded earlier models. If you have that done, I wouldn't worry too much about flooding the engine, just do as the manual says when you have to move it a short distance when it's cold.

Other than that, you just really need to pay attention to the oil levels (more than another car). Can't think of anything else really. If you like your car it will like you back

 

are you into keeping nice things? do you like to feel unique? is there a reason why caring for the car is unatractive?

one great tip: he who buys ordinary, lives ordinary life.

not to say that there is anything wrong with being ordinary, but if having to worry about oil level and always running the car for at least 3mins is a bit much then this car is better off in capable hands, plain and simple. There are other cars, but I will just tell you this, I have had several, and nothing, I mean nothing feels like an RX-8, sure there are faster ones, and even prettier, but to quote someone wise here

"I never knew how thrilling driving actualy was, until I drove my RX-8 off the lot... it is undescribable"

 

ok you can change your underwear now

 

I would never buy a nice car to go to college.

You will be disapointed at all the dings and dents from the parking lot.

 

It's a good point. Though, I suppose it depends on your own personal situation.

 

No..Your a student and need $$$$. The 8 is a gas hog.. Get a Toyota .

 

*sigh* not again. The car takes very little more care than a normal car. You might have to put a quart of oil every 2k- but then, you should be checking your oil on a regular basis no matter what car you drive anyway. And considering oil costs $1.50 a quart, at the most, big deal. Don't start it up, back down your driveway and shut it off. Again, common sense. All cars can flood, the 8 is just a little more sensitive than some. Don't redline it as soon as you start it up, but then, if you do that with ANY car, you're a moron.

As for whether you should buy it because you're a college student- only you can figure that one out. Don't ask people you don't know from Adam on the internet.

 

[Don't redline it as soon as you start it up, but then, if you do that with ANY car, you're a moron. ]

Agreed, but the ECU won't let you redline until warmed up anyway.