Hey guys, I'm currently on the hunt for a new car, well in a couple of months when I have the ready's available. Anyways, after hours of searching online at this and that, ive kinda set my heart on an RX8.

I just wanted to pick peoples brains and find out just how practical they are to live with, any issues people have etc. Ive read about the whole having to check the oil every 3 fuel fill-ups.. Are these things enough to say its too fussy to have a happy life with, without it becoming s drain on my time and wallet. Now the cars been out for a few years, is it easy enough to find a mechanic to fix odds and sods as main dealer prices are just out of the question, over charged for the same job, no thanks haha..

Any input or advice you could give would be fantastic, also 192 or 131??

Thanks

Gaz

 

1. The oil checking is only an issue for people who pops open their engine hood once every year or those that never done it before in their whole life.

2. The car is as reliable as any other car provided it has a history of well maintenance.

3. It is recommended to redline the car often to clear out carbons once the oil is warmed up.

4. If MPG crosses your mind, this is not a car for you.

5. Get a well maintained S2 with records of oil changes, they are more reliable, preferably with a manual transmission.

6. Don't make new threads about anything that goes through your mind after you got the car coz everything about the car has already been answered unless you are trying to bolt a rocket engine into the car in which case you are welcomed to start a thread on it.

 

I don't really worry about MPG, but at the moment, surly its just sensible to think about?? How many mpg are people getting on average for both models?? And S2?? Sorry if that seems very moronic to ask haha..

One thing I read about is warning of not making short journeys?? I only work about 10minutes drive from home, only just enough time for the engine to get warm I imagine, do you think this would be a problem?? I'm only basing these questions on what ive read on other sites..

Apologies for the starting a new thread, I was being lazy, its sunday..

 

This car is reliable as any. I put about a half quart of oil into the engine between oil changes only and the ten minute drive will have no ill affect on the car. S2 means series 2 Rx8 (2009+)

 

I live only 15 mins from work and I have no trouble. It's hot here in florida so I start my car about 5 mins before I want to leave, let the inside cool down, the car warm up. Let it warm up a little more while driving then run the hell out of it. Get to where your going and let it idle for a couple mins. to keep oil flowing and let the car cool down. Stock car with no mods your probably going to get 18-22k depending on driving habits, coil condition, and good spark plugs.

 

The rx8 is a fun car to own, if you ask me. Just take care of it, follow the routine maintenance and the preventive maintenance that comes with buying a car. Plus, you'll find a lot of useful informations on this website. Good luck.

 

Been driving since 1970. I've owned 8 cars before the RX-8, and the 8 is as reliable as any car I've owned. It's as reliable as my toaster, which is to say I don't give its reliability a second thought.

 

as long as you get yourself some aftermarket ignition coils.... saaay from esmeril racing or BHR perhaps? reliability isn't going to be much of an issue

 

Based on what you're asking, here are some real world unbiased response.

Pros:

- The car is fun to drive and handles as well as you have heard and read.

- Good looks, I still get the odd comments and stares when I drive.

- Ergonomics of the drivers seat are very good, controls all in reach and make sense. No BMW like silly controls here.

- Over all build quality is good and is holding up well.

- Very livable car, I now my driving habits and learn to check the oil maybe once a month which is fine for me. This is truely no big deal.

- Used RX can be bought cheap, if your buying used you can get a great deal.

- Back seats are very usable for people under 6'. Truck holds a good about of stuff for a sports car. Very livable.

- Ride quality is excellent for a sports car. Absorbs bumps well while still providing great handling dynamics. 370Z could learn a lot from this car.

- I drive the car year round and with the right tires it does OK in the snow.

- Insurance rates are low compared to other sports cars, it is rated as a 4 door sedan.

Cons:
- You do have to be careful about flooding the engine. This mean making sure the car is warm before shutting it down. This has not been a real issue for me but it is something you need to beware of.

- Engine power is weak for this class of car. The low torque means you have to gun it off the line or get smoked by a mom in a mini van. A little exaggeration but not much.

- Gas mileage is very poor. Stop and go in the city will get you 12 to 16MPG and Highway is 18 to 24 MPG. Not all RX get the same mileage and there seems to be a wide swing among them. I get 13/19.

- Although reliability for most the car is good, there is still a concern with the engine. There is failure concern with the RX engine, how big an issue this is is still a hot debate topic. Fan-boys will say it is not an issue but you definitely read more about engine failures on this board then other car boards, how big an issue it is is just unknown. Mazda has increased the engine warranty to 100K miles and 8 years so they are standing behind the engine.

So you have it the good with the bad. Now at the price the car sell for you really get a lot of bang for the buck and it is a fun car that is very livable but you need to come into it with both eye open so you don't get surprised later on.

 

Raptor75 is giving you a good description. Though I think you'll get mostly positive opinions about the RX-8 here. I'll add in my 2 cents about livability.

Basically, the car is a very livable sports car, and that's the main selling point in my opinion. The RX-8 gets bashed by some as too soft, not having enough power, and having more than 2 doors. But there aren't many cars that drive overall as well as the RX-8 considering primarily the handling, braking, and smoothness of the engine. All of those positives plus the fact that I drive mine in all weather conditions (snow tires), can haul kids, and can haul 3 adults on short trips make it amazing. (I'm getting 20 mpg with mixed city and highway driving, btw.)

I'm not sure what you need for transportation, but posting what cars you're considering would be a start for you to work through the thought process. For me, I need something that I can drive year round and use to pick up my daughter from day care. (We have an SUV for family trips.) What I want is a great handling, fun to drive, sports car that I can occasionally autocross. Being a former RX-7 owner, the RX-8 was an obvious choice.

 

Thanks guys for taking the time to reply to my questions, there's alot of information for me to go at there. I just thought hitting up the forums would be the best way to find out honest answers etc.

I love RX8's, ive kinda set my heart on one. It will be a couple of months till I have the money to buy one, used that is. I'm a 26yr old single guy, so no family to fit in, but I really love the suicide doors and the ability to have usable seats if needed, why I havent looked at more 2 seater cars, or ones with backseats that may aswell not be there haha..

I want something quick for a change, but havent got an endless pot of cash, looked at a number of other cars, mainly hot hatchs: Seat Leon Cupra R 225, Renault Megane 225, Hyundai Coupe SIII, Toyota Celica VVT-i etc etc.. But the RX8 is my first choice.. There just so out there on there own.

I dont do a great deal of miles, I'm currently monitoring what I do for a few weeks, so I can work out roughly what my fuel costs would be weekly. I know someone said if you have to ask mpg this isnt the car for you, but I see no harm in being aware these things before its too late. Its just practical in my eyes.

Do any of you find it difficult to get your cars serviced and maintained away from the main dealers..?? Now the RX8 has been around a few years, I assume it isnt still a tied to the main dealer job??

Thanks again for all your inputs, it really has helped reassure me on a few things, one being the tied to a can of oil 24/7 and worrying haha.

Gareth

 

From the cars you list we take it you are not in the US.....what's your location? You need to test drive the RX-8.

 

No, I'm in the UK, this isn't an American only forum is it..?? lol..

And yeah I defo will test drive some closer to the time, just don't wanna tease myself before I'm able to purchase, that would be torture haha..

 

Whats the major pro/cons between the 192 and the 231..

Obviously there is power. Is it that much of a difference??

 

We don't call them 192 and 231's in the America's

The major difference is the transmission ... automatic vs manual and yes there is a huge difference in the power especially in the early S1 series (2003-2006 IIRC)

Now you've been given more information and spoon feeding here than you deserve.

Go read ... and quit being lazy.

All your questions have been answered a million times.
Start here
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

Then here
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/

Then here
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/new-rx8-owner-faq-1-25-09-a-163824/

An for the love of all that's holy learn to search by using google. Type this in the google search without the quotes "site:rx8club.com YourSearchAgrugmentHere"

example:

site:rx8club.com New Owner FAQ

 

Stop being pissy.. lol. Its easier to just ask. I don't have the time to trawl through 20 pages on a forum, I have a life to live. I appreciate you replying, but a little less teenage girl attitude wouldn't go amiss

 

Really?
Really?
Ummmm well you better grow a thicker skin if you are going to continue to be lazy, not search, not read, and create stupid threads that have been done a thousand times.

My pissyness you call it nothing compared to what you'll get from others.

I've provided you with great links to great information and you continue to admit you are to lazy to read them ... because they are too big?

Well why should anyone go out of there way and help some lazy teen that won't do anything for himself. Get off your mothers tit boy, this isn't a day care center.

Furthermore your insulting those that do put the effort to build 20 pages of quality information ... is your time so much more valuable than theirs? I think not and yet you pollute our community with useless threads because you are too lazy ... boohoo

Good luck ... don't say I didn't warn you ... self admitting your laziness isn't going to buy you any salvation from the flamers here.

 

GOONIESnvrSAYdie you should buy an automatic.

 

I'm 25, definitely not a teenager, and Sunday is the only day of the week I have off, so forgive for me not wanting to spend the whole day reading page after page. I agree there is alot of great info on there, but I was only looking for a few answers. So it was just easier to ask. Working 6 days a week.. Very lazy that

 

lol i love how someone spent some time to give you some links, and you respond with i dont have time to do that... welcome to the club i guess, hope once you get your 8 it lasts more then 2 months.

 

Just do it!

 

In the US the 192(Auto) only had one oil cooler which contributed to engine failure, if it is the same in the UK I would avoid them.

 

Oh I wasn't meaning to sound ungrateful for the links, when I have the time I will surly check them out. I just didn't take kindly to being told off like a naughty little boy for asking questions in a new thread. After all, isn't that what forums are for?? Hardly a walm welcome etc, only ever going to get my back up a little.

I'm unsure if the 192's here are all auto box, I will look into that one, from what I recall, the difference here is between 5 and 6 speed boxes.

I do appreciate all the time and effort people go to trying to answer my questions and linking me to helpful threads I may not of been aware off. It had been a long week haha..

 

check the forum for the UK drivers and find your local club.

 

I have an idea......... buy a rx8