psychodad

Highly satisfied except for the auto transmission, but that is more my fault than Mazda's.

New Yorker

I've had my '05 for fifteen months, 10K+ miles, ZERO problems. I only drive on weekends, but even if I drove every day I'd choose the RX-8 as my daily driver, without for a second worrying about its reliability.

• Yes, it does use oil—by design—but it uses very little. If I add a quart between oil changes (every 4 months), it's a lot. I check the oil every other fill-up, but I've done that with every car I've owned, so that's not extra work for me.

• Based on what I read here, it seems early RX-8's could flood a little too easily if you weren't careful. But since then Mazda has switched to a more powerful battery, stronger starter motor, and reconfigured the ECU to address that. I've never flooded my car and never will—I don't give it a second thought. The ONLY thing I remember is to never: a) start the car when the engine's cold, b) and then turn it off right away, before it warms up. (You might do this in the morning, for example, if you need to move your car in the driveway). That's the only way the car might conceivably flood, so I just remember to never do that.

• Many here think it's wise to push her to redline at least once a drive, to help prevent possible carbon buildup. So I do that, too.

That's it! No big deal, no worries.

Hikago

Thanks new yorker! ^^ Makes me feel more confident about getting an RX-8. I'm probably gonna end up babying it to make sure it lasts. (i.e. warming up the engine before i start driving it anywhere and check the oil often) I do plan to make this my daily driver.

Rotator

Flooding? Not an issue.
Oil Usage? Not an issue - no more than some piston engines. 1-2L between oil changes - every 6000-8000km
Warming it up? Not an issue - start and go.

As with all things mechanical, it is nice to be sympathetic to cold components - meaning no 100% throttle until the oil gets a chance to warm up - usually a few minutes past when the water temperature is at steady state.

Best way to warm up a car is by driving it.

After the fluids are within operating temperature - Drive it like a RENTAL!

Beep - Shift - Beep - Shift - Brake, Repeat as necessary.

I would think that CARBON build up on a rotary will be your demise far sooner than driving it like you stole it all the time.

Mileage may not be that great, but I doubt many people are going to be asking to get a ride in that new TDI, or hybrid whatyoumacallit.

I am doing my part for the environment - I walk to work, I don't have any 2 stroke oil burners in the shape of lawmowers, motorcross bikes, etc. - I only have one oil burning vise - and it's best at experienced above 9000rpm, with tires screaming.

Buy the 8 - Welcome to the club

filterban

As RX-8 owners, we all bought impractical cars. But I doubt anyone bought one thinking it would be practical, so there's nothing wrong with being highly satisfied with it.

The RX-8 is the best car I have ever driven, and I am proud to own it.

Mazdaspeed 88

Completely satisfied! You have my vote! ;-)

Honestly, I wanted RX-8 ever since the X-men movie and has been looking around and working hard to earn for one and finally got the limited edition mazdaspeed. Remember guys, we are driving one of the most unique engine in the world! And as well as the unique and sexy design of it too...

- FC (Fuel consumption) is fine with me as any sports car will not have a 15km/l type of FC.
- Speed/Power/HP/PS etc, 250hp with a top speed of 240km/h+ is enough for me, how fast do you really want to go. It is in fact faster than majority of the cars and at the end it is also depends on the driver not just the car for speed.
- Handling, one word for it, Superb!
- Daily use, comfortable and enjoyable!
- Maintainance, not an issue as I always like to check oil, clean engine, no leak etc to mainatain the great performance and condition of all my cars.
- Road tax, it is one of the cheapest that you can get in Malaysia (as road tax arise according to the cc of the car here) only USD20 a year.
- Design, unique and sexy babe!
- Space, big enough for my family of 3 to sit in comfortably.

This is my personal opinions

JasonHill

I must revise my satisafaction level to somewhat extremely dissatisfied as I have just learned that they will not honor my warranty because I participated in a track day.

Go48

Time to call the Mazda customer service 800 number and calmly plead your case with them directly. The number is in your owners manual. Sometimes that works. They sometimes overrule dealer warranty decisions.

JasonHill

I must revise my satisafaction level to somewhat/ extremely dissatisfied. Mazda just told me they will not honor my warranty because I participated in a track day.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Why would Mazda want to cover your car ?

Give me a good reason.

Your track ur car without any additional cooling or whatsoever.

Yes this is a sports car, but not a race/track car. its not build for track/race, at least in stock form. and you're complaining now ? weird.

psychodad

How would they find out you tracked it anyway? Did you tell them or did you break it on the track?

takahashi

We have 20 cars run these days regularly.

Most of them are in stock form.

Never seen one die.

Our cars are stronger?

And you have a bloody 2nd oil cooler. That is cool enough mate! I track so many times that my oil temp is never over 125 degree C with a 2nd cooler.

Winfree

The Blue 8 is now celebrating it's first year with us! Only problems, weak battery - replaced with a really great battery by dealer, and smells from a rodent that picked the air conditioner as a final resting place - gross - cost of cleaning covered by comprehensive insurance....

This has been a very good car, and we will award her with some triangle jewelry!

Leesha

I just love my car! Don't car how much gas prices are, I just go for drives even if I have no where to go. I find somewhere to go!!
...LOVE IT< Just Love It>LOVE IT!...

Bad_Bob

Well, Since I only had the car for 13 hours and I have less than 75 miles in the car, I am sure this does not carry much waight, but I LOVE it. It sure is a worlds better than the 01 Miata that I traided in.

boffam

iTrader: (1)

I've had my car for 6 months now, and I can put myself sqaurely in the highly satisfied camp.

The car has some flaws, like road noise and interior rattles. I'd like a firmer brake pedal, as well. All these can ultimately be rectified, though, and none of them outweigh the immense fun this car is and how just plain cool it is. I only wish I'd left myself a little more cash for some mods (suspension, brake pads, intake, exhaust).

Next week I'm driving myself and 2 tall friends to Indianapolis for the USGP (10 hour trip)...not too many pure sports cars you can attempt THAT in.

C-130toRX-8

Why? - High Speed Low Drag!

cr55ztopher

i purchased an 04 rx834,xxx miles!!! LEMON (haha lol) the dealer stated that the previous owner was jsut **** about the car so MAZDA decided to buy back the car.

within 6 months i had taken the car in 10 times.
it is on its 3rd block
rear tailights repalced
clock spring (has to do with airbagspelling)
breaks replaced
rotors resurfaced
rotten egg smell (dealer stated it was normal) bs
replaced washer jets
1st and 2nd gear replaced with all the little things inside
driver visor

not to mention recalls that were made!!!!

help
the car wants to stall but doesnt (drops to about 300-500 rpm)??
i have a clunk when i shift into 1st??? dealer stated it s normal the n replaced a deformed bushing, but it still clunks??????

my car idled at 2500rpm had knocking sound then jumped to 3000rpm then idled at normal around 800-900, NORMAL???????

im goint to court and mazda is saying "SINCE HEKNEW IT WAS A LEMON, HE SHOULD EXPECT PROBLEMS" IT STATES ON THE CONTRAFT THAT MY CAR SHOUDD BE PROBLEM FOR 1 YEAR AND ITS BEEN SIX MONTHS AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOCK AT 39,000 (3RD BLOCK)

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

CycloneSTL

Bought a 2005 AT with 12,000 miles on it. Pristine condition in the dark gray. My wife really loves the car

POSITIVE: I think that it's the best looking car on the road, hands down for me. I simply love the way it looks. Handling is very well-mannered, nimble and pretty smooth for a sporty car.

NEGATIVE: Overall, straightline acceleration. A kid in a backwards hat driving an ALTIMA 3.5 totally dusted me at a stop light. This car is a lamb in wolf's clothing to me, bottom line.

I got a great deal on low mileage 2004 WRX STi and I am going to drive them both for another month and figure out which one I want to keep for the long term. Right now, I have to admit I'm leaning toward the STi while the wife is leaning toward the RX8.

Cheers

C-130toRX-8

Shinka Package- The "Only" brand new 2006 Shinka left in the country.. just broke in the 600 miles this week, had the car for a week and half now. Gas Mileage 20.8mpg highway...city is "to be determined" June 07. So far, satisfied buyer!

petemahaf

I am highly satisfied. I have a winning blue 231HP black leather version. Performance is exceptional - All of the negatiev feedback is about the fuel consumption - If you want good fuel consumption buy a Toyota Prius or use a bicycle.

joel levine

19,000 miles on my 04 auto. GT. No issues thus far, Did all the updates and drive it somewhat easily. I've gotten as high as 26.3MPG on a trip. Like it so much I purchased it at lease end which was only three weeks ago. My dealer "Mazda of Wellesley, Ma." has made owning this car a pleasure.

Cromax

I would say I'm somewhat satisified, based on the fact that my dealer isn't really the most helpful when it comes to warranty issues ... AND FOR THAT REASON ALONE!

The car itself is wonderful for value for the price.

yz007

I Love the car!!! I was my hubby's when we got married now I have taken over it It is a great car!! Sexy has enough oomph (really good with the turbo kit) and the only sports car I can easily carry 2 babies in!! RX8 Rocks!!!!

Rich Linder

Or just about any other automobile with a piston engine.

Wankels are not (and never were) noted for good fuel consumption.

If they were, there would be more than one car model still being sold worldwide with a Wankel in it.

Wankels are noted for smooth, fairly reliable power. For some, that's quite enough.

Today's fuel prices are taking a toll on the total number of Wankel fans, I'm afraid.

Even Mazda can't change that.