Thinking of buying an RX-8
#1
![Question](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon5.gif)
Hey guys, I just sold my Eclipse GSX. I'm considering this car for my next. But I need some more detailed information from the users who own this car. Is it reliable? What is the engine dependibility? Did you have any mechanic problems since you bought it? I was told that mazda isn't a very well known name for reliability issues. Please help me decide on this. Any information is very appreciated.
#2
There are several things you might want to take into consideration.
1. The 238Hp as advertised by Mazda is not exactly true, people that have dynoed the 8 get an average of 180hp to the wheels. Thats about 210 to 220Hp to the flywheel.
2. The cars performance is 5.9sec zero to 60mph and the 1/4 mile is 14.5sec. But what they dont tell you is that you have to launch the car from 7500rpm!
That was a big shock for me actually! so really a street start is around 7 seconds
3. The car is a pig on gas, another thing that I didnt know about. I get about 15L per 100km. Which is 1.5times what said in the manual.
Overall its a great car, but it would be nice if I knew all these facts before I bought the car.
1. The 238Hp as advertised by Mazda is not exactly true, people that have dynoed the 8 get an average of 180hp to the wheels. Thats about 210 to 220Hp to the flywheel.
2. The cars performance is 5.9sec zero to 60mph and the 1/4 mile is 14.5sec. But what they dont tell you is that you have to launch the car from 7500rpm!
![EEK!](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
That was a big shock for me actually! so really a street start is around 7 seconds
3. The car is a pig on gas, another thing that I didnt know about. I get about 15L per 100km. Which is 1.5times what said in the manual.
Overall its a great car, but it would be nice if I knew all these facts before I bought the car.
#3
Originally Posted by vietdude
Hey guys, I just sold my Eclipse GSX. I'm considering this car for my next. But I need some more detailed information from the users who own this car. Is it reliable? What is the engine dependibility? Did you have any mechanic problems since you bought it? I was told that mazda isn't a very well known name for reliability issues. Please help me decide on this. Any information is very appreciated.
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
I came from a GS-T, by the way...
Check out the various threads on TSB's and RECALLS, as well as the various CPU FLASHES that have been released.
Bottom line though, IMHO, is as long as your car is up-to-date regarding TSBs, recalls, and CPU flashes, you'll be fine. My only problems in 10,000 miles have been squeaking brake pads (replaced for free), and a part on my console lid snapped off (replaced for free).
And make sure the idea of 18 miles per gallon (roughly) doesn't scare ya off
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Welcome
There are several other threads much like yours. Check these out for lots of opinions on all sides and good luck to you!
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/why-rx8-57992/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/noob-ready-buy-rx8-key-concerns-56747/
and for all positive fun stuff... the little things thread https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=things
an informal satisfaction survey https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=things
A collective effort of "top 10 things an 8 owner should know" https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=things
![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/why-rx8-57992/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/noob-ready-buy-rx8-key-concerns-56747/
and for all positive fun stuff... the little things thread https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=things
an informal satisfaction survey https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=things
A collective effort of "top 10 things an 8 owner should know" https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=things
#5
Originally Posted by vietdude
I was told that mazda isn't a very well known name for reliability issues.
For a small percentage of owners the 8 has had some teething issues but that's what the warranty is for. Buy one and if you don't like it, simply sell it.
#6
I was told that mazda isn't a very well known name for reliability issues.
#8
Originally Posted by vietdude
Hey guys, I just sold my Eclipse GSX. I'm considering this car for my next. But I need some more detailed information from the users who own this car. Is it reliable? What is the engine dependibility? Did you have any mechanic problems since you bought it? I was told that mazda isn't a very well known name for reliability issues. Please help me decide on this. Any information is very appreciated.
#9
Blue By You
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It has some issues such as noisy brakes (this seems to be common with Mazda), some grinding in the tranny, AC problems, regular reflashes of the ECU, and a few others. These hardly make it a reliability problem, but it's something to consider. There have also been more engines replaced in the RX-8 than I've seen on most new cars, but again the chances of this happening to you are slim, though longterm the reliability of the renesis is still unknown. Mazda is pretty middle of the pack when it comes to most reliability ratings, but most cars by most manufacturers are pretty reliable nowadays.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
#10
Originally Posted by mikefrombarrie
There are several things you might want to take into consideration.
1. The 238Hp as advertised by Mazda is not exactly true, people that have dynoed the 8 get an average of 180hp to the wheels. Thats about 210 to 220Hp to the flywheel.
2. The cars performance is 5.9sec zero to 60mph and the 1/4 mile is 14.5sec. But what they dont tell you is that you have to launch the car from 7500rpm!
That was a big shock for me actually! so really a street start is around 7 seconds
3. The car is a pig on gas, another thing that I didnt know about. I get about 15L per 100km. Which is 1.5times what said in the manual.
Overall its a great car, but it would be nice if I knew all these facts before I bought the car.
1. The 238Hp as advertised by Mazda is not exactly true, people that have dynoed the 8 get an average of 180hp to the wheels. Thats about 210 to 220Hp to the flywheel.
2. The cars performance is 5.9sec zero to 60mph and the 1/4 mile is 14.5sec. But what they dont tell you is that you have to launch the car from 7500rpm!
![EEK!](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
That was a big shock for me actually! so really a street start is around 7 seconds
3. The car is a pig on gas, another thing that I didnt know about. I get about 15L per 100km. Which is 1.5times what said in the manual.
Overall its a great car, but it would be nice if I knew all these facts before I bought the car.
![Cool](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/cool.gif)
#11
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
It has some issues such as noisy brakes (this seems to be common with Mazda), some grinding in the tranny, AC problems, regular reflashes of the ECU, and a few others. These hardly make it a reliability problem, but it's something to consider. There have also been more engines replaced in the RX-8 than I've seen on most new cars, but again the chances of this happening to you are slim, though longterm the reliability of the renesis is still unknown. Mazda is pretty middle of the pack when it comes to most reliability ratings, but most cars by most manufacturers are pretty reliable nowadays.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
all the things u initially listed have been dealt with...it isn't like your tin can didnt come out with some issues
also lots of engine replacements yea I don't think so...why do you hang out on this forum again?
#12
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
It has some issues such as noisy brakes (this seems to be common with Mazda), some grinding in the tranny, AC problems, regular reflashes of the ECU, and a few others. These hardly make it a reliability problem, but it's something to consider. There have also been more engines replaced in the RX-8 than I've seen on most new cars, but again the chances of this happening to you are slim, though longterm the reliability of the renesis is still unknown. Mazda is pretty middle of the pack when it comes to most reliability ratings, but most cars by most manufacturers are pretty reliable nowadays.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
#13
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Mazda is pretty middle of the pack when it comes to most reliability ratings, but most cars by most manufacturers are pretty reliable nowadays.
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Glendale, CA
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also, please realize that last year (04') was the first year of these cars. Most cars, the 1st year/year & half will experience most of the issues. After that (05'+) you will get more reliability. But this is true of every car. The Subaru STI's were blowing engines when they first came out, but it was corrected later on.
#16
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
It has some issues such as noisy brakes (this seems to be common with Mazda), some grinding in the tranny, AC problems, regular reflashes of the ECU, and a few others. These hardly make it a reliability problem, but it's something to consider. There have also been more engines replaced in the RX-8 than I've seen on most new cars, but again the chances of this happening to you are slim, though longterm the reliability of the renesis is still unknown. Mazda is pretty middle of the pack when it comes to most reliability ratings, but most cars by most manufacturers are pretty reliable nowadays.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
The biggest thing I would worry about if I were you is the modability and acceleration of the RX-8. If you're a bit of a speed freak the RX-8 isn't for you and you should look elsewhere. If you're not and you will appreciate a car for it's nimble handling and fun to drive aspects the RX-8 is a great choice.
#18
Blue By You
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Rotario
Spoken like a true non-owner.
#19
Blue By You
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by PaulieWalnuts
Based on whose reliability ratings?
#20
Blue By You
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by truemagellen
u are so full of **** sometimes
all the things u initially listed have been dealt with...it isn't like your tin can didnt come out with some issues
also lots of engine replacements yea I don't think so...why do you hang out on this forum again?
all the things u initially listed have been dealt with...it isn't like your tin can didnt come out with some issues
also lots of engine replacements yea I don't think so...why do you hang out on this forum again?
#22
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Consumer reports and JD power, but I suppose since they don't give Mazda shining marks they don't count. I suppose that consumer reports giving the RX-8 in particular poor marks discredits the magazine even further in many people on this forums eyes.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
#23
i may be a noob to the forum, but here's what i've noticed. Ike isn't a troll as many have said. rather, he's entrenched here having garnered a bit of e-popularity for himself by "putting the delusional rx8 owners in their place." many here can't stand him and argue with him, while others kiss his ***. either way, it's serving to inflate his ego, and he's living it up on this message board. i actually don't mind many of his posts as he can be informative at times, but there are a good handful like the aforementioned that make him seem pretty damn pompous.
cliffs notes: Ikewrx is here because he is enjoying his e-fame
cliffs notes: Ikewrx is here because he is enjoying his e-fame
#24
Blue By You
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by PaulieWalnuts
Touchy touchy. I was simply asking what the source of the information is. I took a look at the study and it ranks Buick as #2, Chevy #11, and scores Mazda below average like you said. It also says Subaru is ranked below Mazda so I guess if we're using studies to make a point, that means Subaru must be pretty unreliable because JD Power says so. ![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
I won't even bother commenting at your pot shot at Subaru because this is about Mazda and the RX-8.
#25
Blue By You
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by PPen131
i may be a noob to the forum, but here's what i've noticed. Ike isn't a troll as many have said. rather, he's entrenched here having garnered a bit of e-popularity for himself by "putting the delusional rx8 owners in their place." many here can't stand him and argue with him, while others kiss his ***. either way, it's serving to inflate his ego, and he's living it up on this message board. i actually don't mind many of his posts as he can be informative at times, but there are a good handful like the aforementioned that make him seem pretty damn pompous.
cliffs notes: Ikewrx is here because he is enjoying his e-fame
cliffs notes: Ikewrx is here because he is enjoying his e-fame