I'm leaning heavily towards purchasing an RX-8 of one sort or another. So, rather than ask the standard newbie question "why should I buy an RX-8", I'd rather ask the less obvious question: Why SHOULDN'T I buy an RX-8, specifically a 2004? "Because the 2006 is so much better" is a valid answer, but I'd like to know why, if this were to be your answer.

I already know about the not-so-hot gas mileage, but that's about the only downside I know of. My mom owns one, and I've driven it plenty, so I know most things about the car, but I'm curious about what the downsides are, no matter how nitpicky and **** they may be.

Thanks!

 

Well as easy as it may seem, you shouldn't buy one cause your mom has one. Unless she isn't the jellouse type and doesn't care that here car isn't unique to the family.

 

Well, I may be buying theirs, or another one, were I to buy one. My mom's having some back problems that the RX-8 is making worse, so they're likely going to get rid of it. I don't live with them either way, so it's less of an issue.

 

why shouldnt you search? lol..

 

Been there, done that. Now I'm asking the question directly, because I've already gotten all useful info I can find from the search. ***.

 

nothing wrong w/ an 04 versus an 06. if they're manual. 06 does have some cool features if you're getting the higher packages though. (keyless entry + keyless start in GT)

aside from that, as long as all the recalls and flashes have been done to the 04, shouldn't be a problem.

 

1) Gas mileage: You know about it. Some people don't have this problem, I do, but it's not too bad.
2) Rattles: Might drive some people nuts. Doesn't happen at first, but you'll start getting rattles later I'm pretty sure.
3) Fast(er) Oil consumption: I have to fill a quart between every oil change. Not really a problem at all, but some people might get annoyed.
4) Weak air con: My air con sucks, but it's functional. Some people don't have this issue.
5) Lack of torque: I don't have an issue with this. People who want drag racers or to race people will find this a big issue.
6) Small trunk opening: Trunk is of a decent size. The opening is small though and difficult to put large things in.
7) Flooding: Never had it flood, but came close once.
8) Crappy Mazda Dealers: The two Mazda dealers I've been to, one was ok (decent), the other was shady and I never want to go back to them ever again.
9) Possible shaky reliability: No one seems to have any major issues, but a lot of people seem to have minor ones.
10)GPS: Maps are OLD.
11)Suicide doors difficult to use in more narrow areas: Like when you're parked between two cars.

Oh and is it an auto or a manual? If it's an auto, the auto is weak. (powerwise). Don't get an auto unless you really love them. I think the new auto has more power though.

To be honest, the only issue that I have an.... issue... with is #8 and a bit of #1. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks, spork, that's exactly the type of stuff I'm looking for. I knew about 1/3/5/6/7/8/9/11, some to more of an extent than the others.

10 is interesting. I'll have to look into that. I look up where I'm going 99% of the time anyway, so I'm not really concerned, but it's interesting nonetheless that they're that outdated. I remember my dad raising a fit about the GPS with the dealer and demanding an updated flash, I'm not sure if he ever got it though.

I'd only get the manual, autos are worthless, especially because I'd be planning on autocrossing the hell out of it.

I live in Seattle, so weak air con isn't much of an issue most of the time. It's definitely worked well enough for warm days in the one my mom has, so I suspect it's fine. Arizona might be a different story.

Thanks again spork!

 

tell me, what is it about these "1.3L Rotor" engines yall seem to love so much? is there something about rotors that make it some-what powerful or more efficient than a regular valve engine? I seriously do not understand, can someone please explain this to me?

Anyways, why shouldn't I buy an RX-8, when I could have a 6.0L V8, 400hp GTO!

 

becuase a GTO is a tank and looks ugly as hell and cant handle for ****... oh yeah and youre paying how much for a tank? and because the rx8 beats it in almost every way cept straight line performance even though its cheaper. and youre an ignorant trolll. thanks for ruining the reputation for fellow GTO owners. they must love you.

 

oh yeah btw. let me see you try to spank a stock RX7 FD on the 1/4. dont talk **** if you dont know anything. im done with you.

 

the "gto" is as much a real gto as the rx-8 is a gto.

 

Here I got one for you: ITS A GIRLS CAR!

 

wow,

great first post, you are going to be popular here...

go to google. type in rotary... read all the info on just the first page. then you will not have to ask that question..

you know how to get to google dont you? back to my space for you.

beers

 

Well let me give you my experiences as a RX-8 newbie, I just got my car last Friday.

When you get this car it will drive you nuts because you'll hear and feel all sorts of things that will make you worry that you got a lemon. Since you have experience with your mom's car, then I don't think you will have soo much of a problem with this.

You shouldn't get a 2004 model unless it's Certified Pre-owned by a Mazda dealership. Too many issues with that model that need fixin'.

Just the fact that you mom drives one should be the biggest reason not to get this car. I dunno, it's just wierd.

It is a really fun car though. All my relatives have gone googoogaga over it. Great handling, great brakes, very unique in almost every way. But you probably already know this.

My advice is just to stay away from the '04's and score a good deal on a new '05 still on the lot or a slightly used '05.

Good luck.

 

BS on that. Sharp steering, firm ride, low gas mileage, hot looks, loud engine, ect. don't make for a chick's car. Go back to driving your G35/WRX/350z whatever.

 

Alright I bought a Rx-8 04' used at a mazda dealership. My major concern would be if buying your mothers is if she has brought it in for all recalls. LoL I'm having some issue's with mine because aparently the previous owner didnt do this. All first year models no matter what maker always have issue's be they are major or minor. Looking back I should of done a bit more research and been much more of a A-hole to make sure the TSB's where done but 'eh a learning experince. I'd say aim for a 05' personaly since most or some of the 04' issues would of been resolved.

 

"becuase a GTO is a tank and looks ugly as hell and cant handle for ****... oh yeah and youre paying how much for a tank? and because the rx8 beats it in almost every way cept straight line performance even though its cheaper. and youre an ignorant trolll. thanks for ruining the reputation for fellow GTO owners. they must love you."

well sorry im such an "ignorant troll", had a serious question, thought i could be helped but instead i just get attitude. I didnt diss your precious little car, infact i even cosidered buying one recently. Oh and by the way it really doesnt matter wtf it looks like, its wuts under the hood, but you already knew that right?

 

no,
you are a stupid troll... if you have a question like that start your own damn thread... you imput had nothing to do with the topic.

so troll on back to my space.

beers

rude elder member

 

aon zack, don't worry about it. Some people are very sensitive and in a constant state of agitation on this board.

 

aight, no problem, im done. ill just let people think what they want to. ill move on to another board, thanks anyways.

 

rinkadink,
could you go with him... troll on back...


15mpg
Rinkadink

Today 09:13 PM
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Go to first new post What do you guys mean by smooth? ( Multi-page thread 1 2 )
Rinkadink

Today 08:46 PM
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27 421 RX-8 Discussion

help those that help themselves.

beers

 

could we go back to the first ? my answer if you are unsure dont buy.

this is not you i am a stupid troll car.... it has some quirks... i have not managed to flood mine in 51k miles... i have not tried to, but i have shut if off before warming it up all the way on many occaisions..

and this was way before we got updated plugs, reflashes, and the suggestion to rev to 4 k before shut down on a cold motor...

i also do not have squealing brakes, or rattles. the car is not perfect, but what or who is....

beers

 

yes whats under a hood eh? ok i think ill swap a LS2 in a yugo! omfg brilliant! i just turned a yugo into the worlds most awesome car!. gtfo troll. if you have nothing better to do the kill yourself because thats the only way you can contribute to society. i would love to hear what GTO guys think about your dumbass.


to the thread starter - sorry for the thread jack.

 

i dont see why you shouldnt buy a rx8 if thats what youre looking for and you know what youre in for.