Hi,

I'm considering getting a 2005 RX-8, and was hoping for some suggestions/clarifications about it.

* I know a friend who got one recently, and he said that the car was good, but high maintenance. While I understand that the rotary is different than regular engines, I'd like to know how extra care it needs. My friend in fact said he changes oil every second time he fills gas - is that required? And what kind of mileage would one typicaly get in a city? I've heard figures as low as 14 miles/gallon.

*There have also been some recalls with this car, more so in the 2004 model. Have you guys faced any major issues with the 2005?

* Any other tips on the rotary's handling, maintenance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

There is no way we can give you definitive answers. Every vehicle is different. Do what I did, I nosed around the forum for a few months before I bought, just reading what other people wrote. I learned a lot that way.

Plus, you may want to go out and drive one...

 

The term "high manitenance" is very misleading. There are only a couple of things that must be done that are different from any other vehicle.

First, rotary engines are a bit more prone to flooding than piston engines, so you should never shut the car down cold. That means if you start the car when it's cold, you let it warm up before shutting it down to avoid even the possibility of flooding.

Second, the rotary engine consumes engine oil as part of it's cooling/lubrication scheme--it's normal--so you need to check the oil level regularly. That's probably what your friend was referring to--CHECK (not change) the oil every other fill-up, at least until you get a feel for the amount of oil consumption. Most owners report using about 1 qt per 3,000 miles. Change the oil at 3,000-mile-intervals and that is more than adequate.

If you consider those 2 things high maintenance, than this is probably not the car for you. The 2005's are up to date on the few recalls that the 2004's had, and they are up to date on the PCM programming as well.

Mileage figures reported here on the forum vary from 11-24 mpg depending on the type of driving and the driving style. Personally, for 10K miles, I have averaged, just over 20 mpg with a 70/30, open road/city driving mix and somewhat spirited driving on the open road. If fuel mileage is a concern, this is probably not the car for you. For a sports car, the fuel mileage for the most part is respectable, but it ain't no economy car and you shouldn't expect it to be one.

Having pointed out the "negatives", you should know that this is, by far, the most fantastic, unique and exciting vehicle--like no other--in this price range. Go out and drive one, but be aware that you will be hooked and unable to sleep until you get one. As far as purchasing goes, you might want to wait until after the '06s come out in the next 4-6 weeks and you will probably find some very good deals on the leftover '05s.

 

Ditto on what Go48 said. My mileage on fill-ups has consistently been 17, with a mix of highway/city, with two exceptions: I got 20 once on an all-highway tank in the summer, and 15 this week on a mostly-local tank in winter. Oil consumption for me has generally been one quart between oil changes (every 3-4K).

 

everything they said, and the key things to know is watch for flooding, meaning don't shut the car off when its cold, and second, all you need to do is check your engine oil level using the dipstick after every 3 visits to the pump. Third usually i get around 19-20 on the highway, but i have M/T... I'm not sure if it varies from A/T to M/T.... your best investment will be buying an 8!!! have fun

 

I agree with the above comments from other owners. I really don't see my 8 as high maintenance...but do see it as being addictive. It has such nice styling, engineering and performance that it is such a pleasure to drive. I am so thankful that I bought it instead of a 350Z.

 

The car is great, I was going to buy a 350 z, but drove the 8 first and never looked back...plus good insurance rates because it is a 4 door! The little car you have to give this car is no where near what it gives back...just check the oil and no cold **** downs then enjoy!

 

I worked at carmax for a couple of months couple of years ago, if you are looking for a 05 rx8, expect to pay at least 500 below invoice, possibly even cheaper than that. dont get screwed by the dealership. Look at the total price, not monthly payment, if possible pay cash. and dont get screwed with a trade in, negotiate the deal first, dont let them know you are trading in. Then negotiate the trade in after the deal for your car is set.

 

Never having owned a rotary, I was put off when I heard oil needed to be added to the engine periodically. My last car was a Civic, which I had for 10 years and never had a problem with burning oil. But once you get used to it, it's not a big deal. Oil is cheap, and I've actually come to enjoy having little opportunities to take care of my 8.

 

That gets my vote as Freudian slip of the day.

 

I am NOT a maintenance guy, and if this car required undue maintenance it would be a problem for me.

It does not.

It requires a *little* extra attention, but hardly enough to be noteworthy. Keep an eye on the oil level, don't shut it down cold, that's really about it.

 

You may also want to buy used, you can get 2004 GT's with low mileage on ebay for 20k even.

 

I have one on order. If I thought it was too high maintenance I wouldn't be getting one. My high maintenance takes up way too much time for the car to be that way too!!! LOL

 

I would add that if you are in an area that receives snow more than once a year, expect to pay $800 - $1200 extra on new tires or tires/wheels. Either that or learn how to drive a slip-n-slide.

 

I've found that I need to add a little oil every 1,000 miles. I consistantly get 19mpg. This is not a high maintenance vehicle.