Tymanj

I found this forum and for the most part it seems like the people here know what they are talking about and are passionate about the car. So I feel good about asking for some advice. I am thinking about an 8. What type of maintenance will I be looking at on a regular basis and what is the cost? I would be looking at an 04-06 and it would be a daily drive car. I will be getting an automatic for that reason becuase of stop and go city traffic. I understand there are costs of having a sports car and I am not a person who can do work on my own. But I love to drive and I have a good time doing it. I have to take many long car trips for buisness and personal reasons so I want a fun car. I have test driven the G35 coupe but wasn't super impressed. Any advice or tips?

Are-Ex-Eight

iTrader: (1)

Get an 07 or later to avoid most of the engine issues, even then your not guaranteed.

Maintenance is really a non issue, add oil every month or so. You would be surprised at how much work you can do on your own with great sites like this one to help you through it.

Also may I suggest a manual, my first 8 was an auto and while fun it was there really is no comparison. The sound alone from the extra 1500 rpm's before redline is worth it.

My 2 cents.

DarthRX8

Welcome!

Maintenance on the RX8 is no more than any other sports car. It s only difference is that it has a rotary engine that naturally uses oil by design, therefore you have to add some every other fill up. I only use about a 1/4 of a quart every other fill up.

I have had my 05 for over two years now and have had only one issue (condensation in the tail lights), which mazda fixed (gave me new ones) for free.

Are you looking at new or used? If used how many miles are on it?

G/L

rx 8speciale

iTrader: (3)

i love my 04gt zero problems right now

RufusVonStorm

Yeah don't get an auto, you take a huge power hit, especially on one of the 4-port autos.

9k + 6-speed is the personality of this car, if you can't do the gearbox I would look at something else.


Maintenance: need to redline once a day, change oil every 3k.

Tymanj

I appreciate the replies so far. Helpful. I am already set on an auto transmition because I dont wanna mess with a stick in the city. The power hit wont bother me. I am not taking it to the track and also I have been driving a 03 Bonneville so it's a huge upgrade already.

My price range is more in the 04 or 05 used with 40k mi range

DarthRX8

If you are dead set on an auto then I would ask you to test drive both before you decide.

IF the auto then still makes you just as happy then go for it. My two cents.

DRFTGTO

Yes i agree with darth, test drive both then decide, plus to be honest its not THAT much of a bother in the city at all.

If you never learned how to drive stick then feel free to say so
would explain a lot

Are-Ex-Eight

iTrader: (1)

The 8 is an easy car to learn on. Go go R3 for my first stick. Takes about a tank of gas then it's all thrills.

Tymanj

I have driven a manuel. Not in about 8 years though. I had an S-10 stick as my first car. But I only drove it for a year and then got a different car. I drive about an hour each way to work and I am drinking coffee and messing with cd's and the radio and I just don't want to deal with a stick again. Plus my girlfriend needs to be able to drive it and she can't drive a stick nor can my friends who would be DD's most of the time.I know its not the traditional "enthusiest" answer and that most want a stick. I just don't.

Are-Ex-Eight

iTrader: (1)

I just won't want you to regret it dude because I felt the exact same way with the wife, DD's, certain road favors that need not be mentioned and are harder with a stick but it in the end of it all I did regret the auto.

If you are 100% deadset on auto, test drive an 06 then and 07 or later because in 07 they went from 4 to 6 port autos and increased the horsepower to 212. (This may be on some 06 models as well I'm not 100% sure)

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

i think the 06s had the 6 port someone confirm please but yea if you feel like the auto man go for it ... i have an auto and i did regret it till i got my 2010 camaro ss and now i have the manual to drive when i want and my 8 coz i love it ... its really not that bad and mine is a 4 speed (again i know the manual 8 feels alot better have driven them alot too 3 of my buddies have manuals) so yea its a whole different car but if your not gonna drive fast or track it youll be fine with the auto ...

adamwzl

iTrader: (3)

Please go with an 06+ model then if your going for an auto. The 6port with the paddle shifters make it a hell of a lot better than the 4 port. the 04-05 auto only comes with the tip-tronic auto shifter that goes into 4 gears for manual mode very boring..

When you get the 6port you will have the paddle shifters and 6 gears to shift into during manual mode, it at least brings some of the fun factor of the car to life for the AT.

Good luck on your search and keep us updated.

adamwzl

iTrader: (3)

Oh and Are-Ex-Eight when was the last time you drove that Sky lol?

Are-Ex-Eight

iTrader: (1)

Took the sky to work today Top down of course.

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

the sky is a really sexy car!

adamwzl

iTrader: (3)

It's not my cup of tea... And I'm starting to see as many Sky's around as Corvette's it seems these days.

DRFTGTO

How do you like the camaro?? im considering getting one next summer as my next car, its one of my top 3 choices?

and can you post some pics please?
They are beautiful cars

RXEY

My personal opinion...you are going to need to really love the car. You will need to get a new engine (it will most likely break down). Especially if you are looking at a car in the 04-06 range with 40k mileage. Chances are you will be on your 2nd engine when purchasing it. Even though the warranty is extended 8 yrs/100k mileage it does take more care than a standard piston engine. So just be mindful of that happening. Doesn't always. I don't recommend an A/T either, but people already beat that horse.

Listen, for similar prices you can probably get a car that doesn't have as many engine issues, flooding, low compression, etc. Maybe the 06's are better, I don't know. You really need to want it, and take care of it, no exceptions, otherwise you will hate the car and regret it.

I'll sell you my 8 (6sp though).

swoope

iTrader: (5)

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx8-faq-new-owners-116484/

beers

Eish

Biggest costs

1. Fuel
2. Tyre replacement

Advice for you:

1. Manual transmission
2. Models from 2006 or later.
3. Don't ask for advice, when you are already set on your decision

Oil : I top up when half oil is left, usually after 5000km. Car has given no problems so far (06 six speed manual)

Redline: did it may be three or so times over the space of three years.
The only mod I have is a sound upgrade (speakers, tweeters, amp, sub).

Tymanj

I haven't made a decision. I never asked advice about the transmission. I stated I was getting and auto. I understand redlining it to get the gunk worked out. Why would I need another engine already? I was under the impression they are very reliable. I wouldnt drive the car on the track or anything....would that prolong the engine life? If it has that many issues perhaps a 350z is a better option. Appreciate the input though.

Razz1

the car is reliable the highest maintence cost is gasoline

RXEY

Regarding the engine. I'm just warning you. I'm on my 2nd (maybe even third as I bought used). Do a check on engine replacement, new engine in google etc. You'd be surprised. Even on here you'll see how many people received new engines. The good news Mazda replaced them free, until 8 yrs or 100k. Doesn't matter if you track it or not. These engines often need to be rebuilt/replaced.

The torque on the car is pretty bad. Thats another thing you need to realize, but you're buying an auto anyway so I guess thats not a factor.

DRFTGTO

In your case(and if you dont need the back seats) a 350Z would be a far better choice. Also try to get an 07or above Z, huge differencs between the two.