RX-8 Safety Issues in snow/ice.
#26
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I think what people are referring to when they call the R32 "used" is that this is the last year they will be available for a while since the Golf IV with the V.
#27
"...I'm a Dapper Dan man"
Satan666
Sorry for the inconveinence you endured with your 8. But it is not a reason to start spreading hate!
First...I do not know what tires your car was delivered with but if it was the Potenza 040 then the issue you endured with the tires was brought on by yourself and has nothing to do with Mazda. It is clearly stated and well known that the Potenza RE 040 is not an all season tire It is not designed to drive on snow and ice. It is designed for SUMMER USE ONLY! Someone that has owned performance cars in the past should have had the smarts to figured that out before you drove it off the lot! There is a switch to shut off the DSC. Just like people complaining what is on the TV. If you do not like what you see just shut it off! Simple!
Two... I will never own another VW/Audi product for as long as I live.
I have owned the following consecutively so I can speak from experience:
'95 Passat GLX VR6
'99 Passat GLS 1.8t
'01 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8t
'02 Passat W8
The latter two were repurchased under the auspices of the Virginia Lemon law. The A4 was in the shop 10 times in 12 months for electrical problems with 7 times because the interior lights refused to work. The W8 was in the shop 14 times with 32 job orders and out of service for 60 days in the 13 months that I owned it. During the last 6 months that car had to go into the shop almost every week....for electrical problems.
See these threads from clubB5 and VW Vortex:
Number of warranty jobs
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=725295
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=916694
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=907714
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=869873
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=942240
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=839434
Good luck with the R32 but I would never pay that kind of cash for a friggin Golf! No matter what was on the damn thing. With till the coil packs start going out or the loose gas cap starts triggering a CEL!
Sorry for the inconveinence you endured with your 8. But it is not a reason to start spreading hate!
First...I do not know what tires your car was delivered with but if it was the Potenza 040 then the issue you endured with the tires was brought on by yourself and has nothing to do with Mazda. It is clearly stated and well known that the Potenza RE 040 is not an all season tire It is not designed to drive on snow and ice. It is designed for SUMMER USE ONLY! Someone that has owned performance cars in the past should have had the smarts to figured that out before you drove it off the lot! There is a switch to shut off the DSC. Just like people complaining what is on the TV. If you do not like what you see just shut it off! Simple!
Two... I will never own another VW/Audi product for as long as I live.
I have owned the following consecutively so I can speak from experience:
'95 Passat GLX VR6
'99 Passat GLS 1.8t
'01 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8t
'02 Passat W8
The latter two were repurchased under the auspices of the Virginia Lemon law. The A4 was in the shop 10 times in 12 months for electrical problems with 7 times because the interior lights refused to work. The W8 was in the shop 14 times with 32 job orders and out of service for 60 days in the 13 months that I owned it. During the last 6 months that car had to go into the shop almost every week....for electrical problems.
See these threads from clubB5 and VW Vortex:
Number of warranty jobs
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=725295
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=916694
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=907714
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=869873
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=942240
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=839434
Good luck with the R32 but I would never pay that kind of cash for a friggin Golf! No matter what was on the damn thing. With till the coil packs start going out or the loose gas cap starts triggering a CEL!
Last edited by Rotary Nut; 02-06-2004 at 03:49 PM.
#28
Administrator
Originally posted by satan666
What possesses the likes of you to be so rude to somebody you don't know? Is this the latest American thing?
What possesses the likes of you to be so rude to somebody you don't know? Is this the latest American thing?
#29
Administrator
Originally posted by satan666
[BHowever, I am trying to do you all a favour by publically pointing out that the RX-8 is not a safe car on anything other than perfectly dry roads. [/B]
[BHowever, I am trying to do you all a favour by publically pointing out that the RX-8 is not a safe car on anything other than perfectly dry roads. [/B]
#30
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Thanks for pointing that out - snow and rain are two different beasts. For rain, tires need to be designed to channel water away from the point of contact. For snow, tires need to be able to bite through the snow to make contact with the road. I think these tires, while not specially designed for rain (how many are?) should not have a problem on wet roads. I have not seen any complaints on the board about problems on wet roads, but the "Top Gear" review (a British show) did mention that it felt twitchy on the wet roads. Maybe this subject deserves its own thread, or a poll.
#31
Administrator
actually, search for "tire siping" you'll find some talk there abotu wet weather traction. i had mine done. not because they needed it as i have had no traction problems. but since it also prolongs the life of the tire and gives a little smoother ride i went for it. any extra traction is always nice. and in light snow it will get you home.
#32
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Re: RX-8 Safety Issues in snow/ice.
Originally posted by satan666
UK observations:
I bought a HiPo (231BHP) late 2003 - sold it after 7 weeks because it has major flaws. My initial reactions were "WoW". The car had all I dreamed of after 30 years of ONLY running performance cars (mainly RWD such as TVR's, Porsche 944 Turbo etc). Performance was adequate, handling superb & the smoothness of the powertrain was a dream. However, in the UK gas is hyper expensive at approximately $6.70 a gallon! My first complaint to my dealer was why were Mazda UK putting stickers on their showroom cars claiming a "combined" mpg of 24.8? The most I ever achieved was 20.82 - & this using a pussyfoot & avoiding 6th gear (there's a good reason for this). Dealer connected car to Mazda "Worldwide Diagnostic Computer" & said no problem. Technician who carried out the test spoke to me privately & said that there WAS a problem as he'd worked on RX-7's since '88. He decided to disconnect the battery to reset the ECU to factory defaults. That was when my mpg went from 17 to 21mpg. - Still not good.
On 28 Jan it snowed heavily in UK. On 28 & 29 Jan my RX-8 got stuck on icy flat & level roads several times. It was severely embarrassing to be slewing around, getting nowhere & blocking traffic in both directions in a brand new "state of the art" performance car fitted with Traction Control. Mazda's traction control is crap. On ice/snow it MUST be switched off or you will just get horrible judders from the rear end & the rear wheels won't even turn. The stock Bridgestones are totally unsuited for "all weather" use. They are great on a dry road but even with a slightly damp surface they cause the ole' ticker to suddenly go hot/cold when you realise that you're not in 100% control of the car.
I have many other issues e.g: Heated seats are pathetically lukewarm - try a German car! Without the A/C on the heater is pathetic - the A/C costs mega mpg... In damp weather the interior windows mist up immediately & actually have running water inside. Front & rear lenses mist up - illegal with xenons (HID in US?). Build quality is suspect - after 7 weeks in UK weather my wheels (rims) were corroding.
I traded the car immediately I had the safety problems on 29 Jan. Bought a new Golf R32. I smile every time I fire this car up, it leaves the RX-8 for dead, the quality is better, I can drive safely (4WD) anytime & I'm getting 32mpg.
Don't let love be blind. The RX-8 is seriously flawed. Just visit WWW.RX8OWNERSCLUB.CO.UK & read the comments. - Clutch problems, serious engine flooding, new engine needed on the day of taking delivery, nasty smells for 3500+ miles, catalysts breaking up, undriveable (unacceptable in 2004) in slippery conditions & totally unacceptable fuel economy in the UK where fuel is expensive.
I lost a lot of money on this car but I'm now happy with my R32. All you people should approach your dealers or Mazda USA about these issues, 'cos they won't go away & when word gets around, the residual value of your RX-8's will plummet when nobody wants to buy them. Mazda UK 'phoned me 2 days ago & expressed their concern at the wet/snow/ice problems & said they were discussing the issues with Mazda Japan. I have no faith 'cos commercial interests (profit!) apply above safety. Bet the RX-8 is taken off the market very soon though & I also bet that Mazda will abandon the rotary engine..........
Regards to u all
Satan666
UK observations:
I bought a HiPo (231BHP) late 2003 - sold it after 7 weeks because it has major flaws. My initial reactions were "WoW". The car had all I dreamed of after 30 years of ONLY running performance cars (mainly RWD such as TVR's, Porsche 944 Turbo etc). Performance was adequate, handling superb & the smoothness of the powertrain was a dream. However, in the UK gas is hyper expensive at approximately $6.70 a gallon! My first complaint to my dealer was why were Mazda UK putting stickers on their showroom cars claiming a "combined" mpg of 24.8? The most I ever achieved was 20.82 - & this using a pussyfoot & avoiding 6th gear (there's a good reason for this). Dealer connected car to Mazda "Worldwide Diagnostic Computer" & said no problem. Technician who carried out the test spoke to me privately & said that there WAS a problem as he'd worked on RX-7's since '88. He decided to disconnect the battery to reset the ECU to factory defaults. That was when my mpg went from 17 to 21mpg. - Still not good.
On 28 Jan it snowed heavily in UK. On 28 & 29 Jan my RX-8 got stuck on icy flat & level roads several times. It was severely embarrassing to be slewing around, getting nowhere & blocking traffic in both directions in a brand new "state of the art" performance car fitted with Traction Control. Mazda's traction control is crap. On ice/snow it MUST be switched off or you will just get horrible judders from the rear end & the rear wheels won't even turn. The stock Bridgestones are totally unsuited for "all weather" use. They are great on a dry road but even with a slightly damp surface they cause the ole' ticker to suddenly go hot/cold when you realise that you're not in 100% control of the car.
I have many other issues e.g: Heated seats are pathetically lukewarm - try a German car! Without the A/C on the heater is pathetic - the A/C costs mega mpg... In damp weather the interior windows mist up immediately & actually have running water inside. Front & rear lenses mist up - illegal with xenons (HID in US?). Build quality is suspect - after 7 weeks in UK weather my wheels (rims) were corroding.
I traded the car immediately I had the safety problems on 29 Jan. Bought a new Golf R32. I smile every time I fire this car up, it leaves the RX-8 for dead, the quality is better, I can drive safely (4WD) anytime & I'm getting 32mpg.
Don't let love be blind. The RX-8 is seriously flawed. Just visit WWW.RX8OWNERSCLUB.CO.UK & read the comments. - Clutch problems, serious engine flooding, new engine needed on the day of taking delivery, nasty smells for 3500+ miles, catalysts breaking up, undriveable (unacceptable in 2004) in slippery conditions & totally unacceptable fuel economy in the UK where fuel is expensive.
I lost a lot of money on this car but I'm now happy with my R32. All you people should approach your dealers or Mazda USA about these issues, 'cos they won't go away & when word gets around, the residual value of your RX-8's will plummet when nobody wants to buy them. Mazda UK 'phoned me 2 days ago & expressed their concern at the wet/snow/ice problems & said they were discussing the issues with Mazda Japan. I have no faith 'cos commercial interests (profit!) apply above safety. Bet the RX-8 is taken off the market very soon though & I also bet that Mazda will abandon the rotary engine..........
Regards to u all
Satan666
Sorry big guy, one can't judge the Traction control on the RX8 by using it in the snow with "summer" performance tires.
#33
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Originally posted by satan666
"Used cars". Hmm a hint there I think.
BTW I dont represent anyone except myself.
I dont mind honest opinions or due criticism of the rx-8 , but you just rant. No car is perfect, else we'd all be driving that car instead of any other car.
For me the R32 is to lardy, 4wd and front heavy, and every fast VAG i've driven (including the 225tt) has been teribly dull to drive.
Each to their own I guess.
Says it all really. If you are ignorant enough not to read what I said previously about "pre-registered" R32's then you deserve what is coming to you in the way of rock bottom secondhand values of the RX-8. This car is going to be (is?) a salesmans nightmare.
However, I am trying to do you all a favour by publically pointing out that the RX-8 is not a safe car on anything other than perfectly dry roads. I am both old & bold enough not to give a poo for disparate comments made personally against me. Do yourselves all a favour & READ the first comment of this thread. There will be no more observations by me as my complaints are being dealt with by Mazda.
In the UK there are a couple of sayings: "Charity begins at home" & "Don't **** on your own doorstep". From the replies I've had today to this post I think that the good 'ole boys of the USA just shat on their doormats. Nothing against Uncle Sam except that he did'nt help me when I needed air support over BiH in 1993...
Mazda do not want to address what are quite obvious problems & unless you complain to your dealers nothing will be done. Quid pro Quo.
"Used cars". Hmm a hint there I think.
BTW I dont represent anyone except myself.
I dont mind honest opinions or due criticism of the rx-8 , but you just rant. No car is perfect, else we'd all be driving that car instead of any other car.
For me the R32 is to lardy, 4wd and front heavy, and every fast VAG i've driven (including the 225tt) has been teribly dull to drive.
Each to their own I guess.
Says it all really. If you are ignorant enough not to read what I said previously about "pre-registered" R32's then you deserve what is coming to you in the way of rock bottom secondhand values of the RX-8. This car is going to be (is?) a salesmans nightmare.
However, I am trying to do you all a favour by publically pointing out that the RX-8 is not a safe car on anything other than perfectly dry roads. I am both old & bold enough not to give a poo for disparate comments made personally against me. Do yourselves all a favour & READ the first comment of this thread. There will be no more observations by me as my complaints are being dealt with by Mazda.
In the UK there are a couple of sayings: "Charity begins at home" & "Don't **** on your own doorstep". From the replies I've had today to this post I think that the good 'ole boys of the USA just shat on their doormats. Nothing against Uncle Sam except that he did'nt help me when I needed air support over BiH in 1993...
Mazda do not want to address what are quite obvious problems & unless you complain to your dealers nothing will be done. Quid pro Quo.
Maybe uncle sam had heard about his repugnant, satan driven, personality, and decided not to give him air support. Face it, hero, there are people who didn't want you to come out of that armed conflict alive. That is what happens when you put your trust in the devil!
#35
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OK, I went to the UK forum that "satan666" offered. Its a nice forum, similar to this one, good comments, and ideas. I didn't see posts that made a compelling case for "seriously flawed". They are also sorting out the summer tires in the snow problem. I pointed them to a related thread here.
#36
Re: RX-8 Safety Issues in snow/ice.
Originally posted by satan666
UK observations:
I bought a HiPo (231BHP) late 2003 - sold it after 7 weeks because it has major flaws. My initial reactions were "WoW". The car had all I dreamed of after 30 years of ONLY running performance cars (mainly RWD such as TVR's, Porsche 944 Turbo etc). Performance was adequate, handling superb & the smoothness of the powertrain was a dream. However, in the UK gas is hyper expensive at approximately $6.70 a gallon! My first complaint to my dealer was why were Mazda UK putting stickers on their showroom cars claiming a "combined" mpg of 24.8? The most I ever achieved was 20.82 - & this using a pussyfoot & avoiding 6th gear (there's a good reason for this). Dealer connected car to Mazda "Worldwide Diagnostic Computer" & said no problem. Technician who carried out the test spoke to me privately & said that there WAS a problem as he'd worked on RX-7's since '88. He decided to disconnect the battery to reset the ECU to factory defaults. That was when my mpg went from 17 to 21mpg. - Still not good.
On 28 Jan it snowed heavily in UK. On 28 & 29 Jan my RX-8 got stuck on icy flat & level roads several times. It was severely embarrassing to be slewing around, getting nowhere & blocking traffic in both directions in a brand new "state of the art" performance car fitted with Traction Control. Mazda's traction control is crap. On ice/snow it MUST be switched off or you will just get horrible judders from the rear end & the rear wheels won't even turn. The stock Bridgestones are totally unsuited for "all weather" use. They are great on a dry road but even with a slightly damp surface they cause the ole' ticker to suddenly go hot/cold when you realise that you're not in 100% control of the car.
I have many other issues e.g: Heated seats are pathetically lukewarm - try a German car! Without the A/C on the heater is pathetic - the A/C costs mega mpg... In damp weather the interior windows mist up immediately & actually have running water inside. Front & rear lenses mist up - illegal with xenons (HID in US?). Build quality is suspect - after 7 weeks in UK weather my wheels (rims) were corroding.
I traded the car immediately I had the safety problems on 29 Jan. Bought a new Golf R32. I smile every time I fire this car up, it leaves the RX-8 for dead, the quality is better, I can drive safely (4WD) anytime & I'm getting 32mpg.
Don't let love be blind. The RX-8 is seriously flawed. Just visit WWW.RX8OWNERSCLUB.CO.UK & read the comments. - Clutch problems, serious engine flooding, new engine needed on the day of taking delivery, nasty smells for 3500+ miles, catalysts breaking up, undriveable (unacceptable in 2004) in slippery conditions & totally unacceptable fuel economy in the UK where fuel is expensive.
I lost a lot of money on this car but I'm now happy with my R32. All you people should approach your dealers or Mazda USA about these issues, 'cos they won't go away & when word gets around, the residual value of your RX-8's will plummet when nobody wants to buy them. Mazda UK 'phoned me 2 days ago & expressed their concern at the wet/snow/ice problems & said they were discussing the issues with Mazda Japan. I have no faith 'cos commercial interests (profit!) apply above safety. Bet the RX-8 is taken off the market very soon though & I also bet that Mazda will abandon the rotary engine..........
Regards to u all
Satan666
UK observations:
I bought a HiPo (231BHP) late 2003 - sold it after 7 weeks because it has major flaws. My initial reactions were "WoW". The car had all I dreamed of after 30 years of ONLY running performance cars (mainly RWD such as TVR's, Porsche 944 Turbo etc). Performance was adequate, handling superb & the smoothness of the powertrain was a dream. However, in the UK gas is hyper expensive at approximately $6.70 a gallon! My first complaint to my dealer was why were Mazda UK putting stickers on their showroom cars claiming a "combined" mpg of 24.8? The most I ever achieved was 20.82 - & this using a pussyfoot & avoiding 6th gear (there's a good reason for this). Dealer connected car to Mazda "Worldwide Diagnostic Computer" & said no problem. Technician who carried out the test spoke to me privately & said that there WAS a problem as he'd worked on RX-7's since '88. He decided to disconnect the battery to reset the ECU to factory defaults. That was when my mpg went from 17 to 21mpg. - Still not good.
On 28 Jan it snowed heavily in UK. On 28 & 29 Jan my RX-8 got stuck on icy flat & level roads several times. It was severely embarrassing to be slewing around, getting nowhere & blocking traffic in both directions in a brand new "state of the art" performance car fitted with Traction Control. Mazda's traction control is crap. On ice/snow it MUST be switched off or you will just get horrible judders from the rear end & the rear wheels won't even turn. The stock Bridgestones are totally unsuited for "all weather" use. They are great on a dry road but even with a slightly damp surface they cause the ole' ticker to suddenly go hot/cold when you realise that you're not in 100% control of the car.
I have many other issues e.g: Heated seats are pathetically lukewarm - try a German car! Without the A/C on the heater is pathetic - the A/C costs mega mpg... In damp weather the interior windows mist up immediately & actually have running water inside. Front & rear lenses mist up - illegal with xenons (HID in US?). Build quality is suspect - after 7 weeks in UK weather my wheels (rims) were corroding.
I traded the car immediately I had the safety problems on 29 Jan. Bought a new Golf R32. I smile every time I fire this car up, it leaves the RX-8 for dead, the quality is better, I can drive safely (4WD) anytime & I'm getting 32mpg.
Don't let love be blind. The RX-8 is seriously flawed. Just visit WWW.RX8OWNERSCLUB.CO.UK & read the comments. - Clutch problems, serious engine flooding, new engine needed on the day of taking delivery, nasty smells for 3500+ miles, catalysts breaking up, undriveable (unacceptable in 2004) in slippery conditions & totally unacceptable fuel economy in the UK where fuel is expensive.
I lost a lot of money on this car but I'm now happy with my R32. All you people should approach your dealers or Mazda USA about these issues, 'cos they won't go away & when word gets around, the residual value of your RX-8's will plummet when nobody wants to buy them. Mazda UK 'phoned me 2 days ago & expressed their concern at the wet/snow/ice problems & said they were discussing the issues with Mazda Japan. I have no faith 'cos commercial interests (profit!) apply above safety. Bet the RX-8 is taken off the market very soon though & I also bet that Mazda will abandon the rotary engine..........
Regards to u all
Satan666
I wonder who is more pissed off at this jackass, me, my fellow americans, or the fine citizens of the UK being slandered by this trollish twit...
#37
Originally posted by Elara
Satan666: Perhaps you do not understand internet etiquette. You've arrived on a forum where most people like their cars, and you slam it for what appear to be pretty silly reasons (you use SNOW tires in SNOW & ICE- NOT performance tires. We've all gone over this repeatedly- take a look at the search button). And then you attack members who have been making valid contributions for months. You don't have to like the car, but you do have to be polite. Your points are valid, your approach is not. Please refrain from the attacks (this goes to all of you), whether personal, country-wise, or any other such.
Satan666: Perhaps you do not understand internet etiquette. You've arrived on a forum where most people like their cars, and you slam it for what appear to be pretty silly reasons (you use SNOW tires in SNOW & ICE- NOT performance tires. We've all gone over this repeatedly- take a look at the search button). And then you attack members who have been making valid contributions for months. You don't have to like the car, but you do have to be polite. Your points are valid, your approach is not. Please refrain from the attacks (this goes to all of you), whether personal, country-wise, or any other such.
#38
VW coulda had it...
Well, everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I cannot comment on the effectiveness of the RX8's traction control, as mine doesn't have it. I guess the fact that my car handles the snow and ice just fine WITH WINTER TIRES FITTED just contradicts all that is reasonable and logical.
Yeah, the rear tires take a bit to hook up sometimes, but handling and braking have been predictable, and accelleration on slippery surfaces has been pretty good. I don't think my WRX would have done very well with summer performance tires in our winters; Subaru fitted it with marginal all-season radials, thus compromising handling in dry conditions.
Yes, everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Unless they are wrong.
Yeah, the rear tires take a bit to hook up sometimes, but handling and braking have been predictable, and accelleration on slippery surfaces has been pretty good. I don't think my WRX would have done very well with summer performance tires in our winters; Subaru fitted it with marginal all-season radials, thus compromising handling in dry conditions.
Yes, everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Unless they are wrong.
#39
An RS32 with 32 mpg? Yeah, right. The RS32's V6 is a known boozer. It averages 14 liters per 100 KM on sporty driving. If you push it to the max, easily more, according to various Volkswagen boards and their RS32 owners there, that I've been reading the past 8 months. That's 17 MPG (if using 3.8 liters per 'US liquid gallon' .. as a metric person, I'm never sure what you use in these MPG figures). An overall average on the Rs32, with a lot of sensible highway driving etc, is around 12 liters/100 KM, i.e. 19 MPG. 32 MPG would equal 7.5 liters/100 KM, a value a 130 hp diesel engine approaches. There's absolutly no way you get that with an RS32. You may get it to 11-12 l/100KM, if never reviing it up and never going past 120 KM/h or so .. but certainly not, if you claim not to be '***** footing', which I assume, giving the negative term used.
The RS32 is a good car, fun to drive .. but 32 mpg? In your dreams.
The RS32 is a good car, fun to drive .. but 32 mpg? In your dreams.
Last edited by voon; 02-06-2004 at 08:46 PM.
#43
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Your kind Responses
"Troll" here.........
Firstly I apologise for my any comments that caused offence to the US. They were made to provoke a response, which they clearly did. Thankyou. I have no axe to grind against what, in hot climates, is a fantastic car. The first post on this thread clearly laid out my observations on the RX-8 flaws that need to be FORCED to be addressed by Mazda. My initial responses were directed at those who chose just to directly personally attack me without even discussing the issues I raised. Secondly, several postings were made by "RobDickinson" of the UK RX-8 Owners Club inferring that I "knew nothing", "had never owned a RX-8" & "didn't own a R32, because VW stopped selling them in Nov 03". This has been dealt with. Mazda are selling a superb performance machine, but with serious limitations to everyday RELIABLE use & NOT properly adapted to all worldwide markets.
1. Fuel consumption: In the UK showrooms, Mazda salesmen are EXTREMELY happy to point out a "combined" i.e. overall figure of 24.8 mpg. My average was about 19. The best I ever achieved was 20.82. Some UK owners (see WWW.RX8OWNERSCLUB.CO.UK are only getting 17mpg!)
2. In the UK it is totally unheard of to buy a separate set of winter wheels/tyres unless you are wealthy enough to spend 3 months skiing in the Swiss Alps. It just does not happen. A UK buyer of ANY car expects the tyres to cope with dry/wet & ice/snow conditions. Bridgestone RE040's are dry tyres. Mazda UK are aware of this now (I hope) & discussing it with Japan. To address several comments on this thread: My last car was a BMW Z3 2.8 on Michelin Pilot Sports. Whilst they were not the best tyres for wet/snow conditions, they coped admirably. My NEW Golf R32 (4WD) has Michelin Pilot Sports & without exageration I feel safe at over twice the speed on ice of the RX-8.
3. Most (older) people think that if you can get into the highest (6th) gear at the earliest opportunity & reduce the revs, you will improve mpg. - Wrong!!!! With modern engine management systems the ECU will recognise that when u accelerate from 30mph in 6th the engine is labouring & therefore enrich the mixture. I experimented this week with my R32. If I did not use 6th gear I got 31.58mpg from a tankful. Using 6th at low speeds in slow traffic I got 18.34!!!!! (I am 47 by the way)
4. The number of posts worldwide ( I will stress that I did not look at a RX8 forum until after I purchased my car) claiming flooding problems frightened me. The RX7 clearly suffered this problem.
5. Other issues: In damp air conditions the RX-8 drips water on the interior windows unless the A/C is on full (reduces mpg dramatically). Headlights & tailights mist over - Headlights misting in the UK is illegal on Xenon lights, hence the mandatory fitment of headlight washers(?) to UK cars. RATTLES to interior trim.
The bottom line is that Mazda (Worldwide) have made extraordinary claims for this car but the car is totally unreliable for personal use. It's OK if it is a company car & u can get a hire car when it won't start (flooding). Within 12 months all these complaints will have reached the motoring press & none of u will be able to even get a decent trade-in price 'cos nobody will want the car - just like the RO-80.
Remember the Edsel?
I wish you all the best ( even those who resorted to abuse - for whatever strange reason)
Satan666
Firstly I apologise for my any comments that caused offence to the US. They were made to provoke a response, which they clearly did. Thankyou. I have no axe to grind against what, in hot climates, is a fantastic car. The first post on this thread clearly laid out my observations on the RX-8 flaws that need to be FORCED to be addressed by Mazda. My initial responses were directed at those who chose just to directly personally attack me without even discussing the issues I raised. Secondly, several postings were made by "RobDickinson" of the UK RX-8 Owners Club inferring that I "knew nothing", "had never owned a RX-8" & "didn't own a R32, because VW stopped selling them in Nov 03". This has been dealt with. Mazda are selling a superb performance machine, but with serious limitations to everyday RELIABLE use & NOT properly adapted to all worldwide markets.
1. Fuel consumption: In the UK showrooms, Mazda salesmen are EXTREMELY happy to point out a "combined" i.e. overall figure of 24.8 mpg. My average was about 19. The best I ever achieved was 20.82. Some UK owners (see WWW.RX8OWNERSCLUB.CO.UK are only getting 17mpg!)
2. In the UK it is totally unheard of to buy a separate set of winter wheels/tyres unless you are wealthy enough to spend 3 months skiing in the Swiss Alps. It just does not happen. A UK buyer of ANY car expects the tyres to cope with dry/wet & ice/snow conditions. Bridgestone RE040's are dry tyres. Mazda UK are aware of this now (I hope) & discussing it with Japan. To address several comments on this thread: My last car was a BMW Z3 2.8 on Michelin Pilot Sports. Whilst they were not the best tyres for wet/snow conditions, they coped admirably. My NEW Golf R32 (4WD) has Michelin Pilot Sports & without exageration I feel safe at over twice the speed on ice of the RX-8.
3. Most (older) people think that if you can get into the highest (6th) gear at the earliest opportunity & reduce the revs, you will improve mpg. - Wrong!!!! With modern engine management systems the ECU will recognise that when u accelerate from 30mph in 6th the engine is labouring & therefore enrich the mixture. I experimented this week with my R32. If I did not use 6th gear I got 31.58mpg from a tankful. Using 6th at low speeds in slow traffic I got 18.34!!!!! (I am 47 by the way)
4. The number of posts worldwide ( I will stress that I did not look at a RX8 forum until after I purchased my car) claiming flooding problems frightened me. The RX7 clearly suffered this problem.
5. Other issues: In damp air conditions the RX-8 drips water on the interior windows unless the A/C is on full (reduces mpg dramatically). Headlights & tailights mist over - Headlights misting in the UK is illegal on Xenon lights, hence the mandatory fitment of headlight washers(?) to UK cars. RATTLES to interior trim.
The bottom line is that Mazda (Worldwide) have made extraordinary claims for this car but the car is totally unreliable for personal use. It's OK if it is a company car & u can get a hire car when it won't start (flooding). Within 12 months all these complaints will have reached the motoring press & none of u will be able to even get a decent trade-in price 'cos nobody will want the car - just like the RO-80.
Remember the Edsel?
I wish you all the best ( even those who resorted to abuse - for whatever strange reason)
Satan666
#44
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666
The RX* is the best car I've ever owned and oozes with personality. It's exotic. different and unique. It would appear the car has more personality than you do. Some people just hate anything different or new. Your one of them. I find none of your claims valid. I love this car. Hope you stay happy with your little Golf thing. VW is not a reliable car, and ugly to boot.
The RX* is the best car I've ever owned and oozes with personality. It's exotic. different and unique. It would appear the car has more personality than you do. Some people just hate anything different or new. Your one of them. I find none of your claims valid. I love this car. Hope you stay happy with your little Golf thing. VW is not a reliable car, and ugly to boot.
#45
Re: Your kind Responses
Originally posted by satan666
The bottom line is that Mazda (Worldwide) have made extraordinary claims for this car but the car is totally unreliable for personal use. It's OK if it is a company car & u can get a hire car when it won't start (flooding). Within 12 months all these complaints will have reached the motoring press & none of u will be able to even get a decent trade-in price 'cos nobody will want the car - just like the RO-80.
The bottom line is that Mazda (Worldwide) have made extraordinary claims for this car but the car is totally unreliable for personal use. It's OK if it is a company car & u can get a hire car when it won't start (flooding). Within 12 months all these complaints will have reached the motoring press & none of u will be able to even get a decent trade-in price 'cos nobody will want the car - just like the RO-80.
We'll see.... I trust you'll be back here after those 12 months have gone by and your predictions haven't come true?
#46
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Folks
I know it's difficult when provoked but it really is best just to ignore this guy.
He appeared on the UK Owners forum a while back under the name "Turn n Burn". He was just as offensive there then as he is being here now.
(Said we were a "bunch middle aged, clueless losers" if I remember correctly!)
Initially people tried to discuss his claims but it quickly became clear that the guy is just 100% troll.
When I read his parting claim on the UK Owners forum to be an ex RAF pilot who was off to buy a Porsche GT3 to replace his RX8 my bullshit meter went off the scale.
I know it's difficult when provoked but it really is best just to ignore this guy.
He appeared on the UK Owners forum a while back under the name "Turn n Burn". He was just as offensive there then as he is being here now.
(Said we were a "bunch middle aged, clueless losers" if I remember correctly!)
Initially people tried to discuss his claims but it quickly became clear that the guy is just 100% troll.
When I read his parting claim on the UK Owners forum to be an ex RAF pilot who was off to buy a Porsche GT3 to replace his RX8 my bullshit meter went off the scale.
Last edited by Murphy; 02-09-2004 at 03:49 PM.
#49
Re: Re: Your kind Responses
Originally posted by loco4rx8
We'll see.... I trust you'll be back here after those 12 months have gone by and your predictions haven't come true?
We'll see.... I trust you'll be back here after those 12 months have gone by and your predictions haven't come true?
it calls itself SaTAN 666.....but I have coated it with preperation H, AND prep I and J. that should shrink his swollen head, and releive the itch I feel when he talks..
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Oh wow - you got this guy !
He's a bundle of joy dont you think ?
As Murphy says , ignore him.
Hopefully he will either
a) Go find an R32 forum and contribute something positive
b) His mum will ban him from using the computer.
Gotta say though , as Trolls go he is determined....
He's a bundle of joy dont you think ?
As Murphy says , ignore him.
Hopefully he will either
a) Go find an R32 forum and contribute something positive
b) His mum will ban him from using the computer.
Gotta say though , as Trolls go he is determined....