Hey guys, I just bought a beautiful new 2005 RX-8. After reading many posts dated 2003-2004 about the mileage problems, I was thinking what have I gotten myself into?! Before deciding on the RX-8 I was seriously looking at the 350Z; however, if you ever go to some of their forums, a lot of the talk is about tire-cupping/feathering...premature front tire wear. Well, only time will tell what my average mileage will be, but I can tell you this....this little RX-8 is simply beautiful, handles like a dream and has more utility than the Z since there's a lot more room. Heck, whatever the mpg turns out to be I will accept. At least I won't be worried about a new set of tires at 5,000-7000 miles! I look forward to learning a lot from you folks!

 

Welcome...what mileage problems?

 

Welcome.

I am a new owner as well.

So far, with my new '05 RX-8 6 Speed Manual Transmission, I am averaging over 280 miles per tank, at mile 1,300.

That's about 50% city and 50% highway.

I LOVE THIS CAR.

 

my mileage is not what i had hoped for. but ive heard that the renesis is designed to run really rich for a while and ur mileage will steadily increase over time. right now im at 1300 miles. so far im averaging 15 maybe 16 mpg. but i do quite often push this car to its limit and it has given me nothing but satisfaction so far. overall, i am extemely satisfied with this car.

 

How you drive is going to make a big difference.

I get about 15mpg with my normal around town hard driving. But I have gotten 24mpg on complete interstate travel- and that was 80-90mph traveling.

One thing- the rotary engine is an odd duck. It makes full power fairly efficiently at high rpm compared to piston engines (why it is a great racing engine), but it significantly less efficient in partial throttle and lower rpm power conditions. So don't lug the engine, and don't be afraid to take her past 4k rpm in normal part throttle driving.

Anyways- enjoy the drive. I would rather enjoy my drive than save a few bucks at that tank anyways. For the record- I have always gotten roughly the city EPA number for every vehicle I have owned regardless of where I drive- city or highway (which is why 15mpg is actually good for me- I was getting 12mpg in the horrid V6 Tundra I traded for this beauty).

 

^Exactly. For some odd reason, the car actually seems to do better if you keep the RPMs at a reasonable level, with the lightest possible throttle pressure (cruise control, if you have it) while cruising. It's something you get used to.

 

What problem?

 

Decent experience here. Getting 250-260 miles per tank except when using air conditioning, that does kill the mpg. Highway during the week, but in heavy traffic. More cruising on the weekends. Car has 2500 miles on it.

 

Congratulations on the new car, Barry! Here's to many happy miles in your RX-8!

 

Thanks for the responses! How often do you find yourself adding a little engine oil?

 

It's funny how perception alters our opinions. I don't perceive fuel; economy to be a problem, so I tend to drive the car as it is meant to be driven. Unfortunately, some people tend to obsess too much on fuel economy, as a result, they may be light on the throttle. I think that is denying yourself some of the fun of owning this car.

Good on you for your acquisition, I hope you drive the car as its meant to be driven. See ya on the road.

 

When it needs it!

No, seriously, I just check my engine oil level every third of fourth fillup, and add oil when it gets halfway between the two marks. That translates to about a half a quart every two months.

Enjoy the ride.

 

Anyone else getting worse mileage on the highway than around town? Cruising at 80-85 gave me under 20mpg, while I'm usually getting around 21 in mixed driving. Wind could have been a factor, though.

What you said about the efficiency at higher RPMs is interesting. Maybe that's why they didn't make a longer 6th gear.

 

Dang ya musta hammered that Tundra... I get 15-17 in town with my V8 Tundra, and 18-20 hwy... or 15hwy towing the RX7

 

80-85 mph is not an efficient speed for the 8. The second intake port opens around 3,750 rpm, drawing in more fuel. If you stay below 72 mph in 6th gear, you'll stay below 3,750 rpm and in the car's cruising sweet-spot. Your mpg should improve.

 

Thank you for answering my question before I could ask it, JonsToy. I was wondering what the ‘sweet’ spot was for optimal mpg was.

 

i dont have any problems, and I think youll find that most sports cars get about the same MPG in the 'real world'.