1andonly

hi im looking at geting a rx8 soon. Just a vew things i would like to know before buying the car.

1. Is there alot of mat. u have to do to it? Ive heard alot of great reviews and then completly the opposite, some very nasty words where involved in some reviews that i just find hard to beleave about the rx8. someone plz help me, give me your advice and what you think about it! thank you

BigOLundh

iTrader: (1)

WHAT?

rddragoness

By "mat." I have to assume you mean Maintaince.....If I am right, then It just depends oh your perspective as to what "alot" means. Remember an 8 is rotary, NOPISTONS. It is oil injected, which means it squirts oil every time she is cranked. This means she must be checked at regular intervals for oil levels because she uses oil, but not in the same sense that a conventional engine would, If you are thinking of a clunker........... If you are willing to make a habit to check your oil every other fill up or every 500-1000 miles depending on your driving habits,(reccomended) then I'd say go for it. The dealer will tell you that the break in is 600 miles, and then you can have fun. Being new to the rotary world I took it fairly easy for the first 1000, just in case, but that only took me 2 weeks. ..(dont ask).During the break in dont run the car at a steady rpms for long periods of time..Besides the oil, the only constant thing you have to remember is that you cant just jump in it when the engine is cold, back it out of the garage or move it a few feet and then shut it off. You will foul the plugs and they have to be replaced. YOU HAVE TO LET IT WARM TO NORMAL TEMP DRIVING LEVELS, no matter the climate outside. Check the tire pressure often too, as is recommended. I havent exactly been told why, but I do it, and have no problems. The manual says have the oil changed every 5k miles I think.Do it every 3k religiously.

My tech told me that, as well as every member on this forum and others. When it is changed there are reservoirs that do not completely drain, so you arent getting a complete oil change, thats why the techs reccommend 3K instead of 5K, or at least why mine told me that. Get in good with the tech at the dealership and ALWAYS take it too the dealership.

Unfortunately you have to pay for scheduled maintaince, but they stand by their warranties if you do...and if not Mazda North America Operations will help you. I've had mine 3 1/2 months, and have had no problems. I've driven different types of sports cars all my life,Im 42, and I've never found anything within this price range that has the comfort levels,agility and options that the 8 has. My reccommendation....go take one on a test drive..preferrablly a manual....DO not be afraid to put it through its paces. If the salesman wont allow you too, go to another dealer. I scared the dog mess out of the salesman that took me out. I got sideways at 90 miles an hour doing a u-turn in heavy traffic, and had no problems.. I never lost traction...lol and in case you havent noticed.I'm a lady..My tech told me "drive it like you stole it and dog the sh** out of it. These are racing engines. They can handle it." They have more problems with carbon build up, because people dont do that than anything else.

I'm sure if you have been doing research, you have read about the recalls. Mazda is pretty good about those too. I have an 06 SHINKA, so luckily I have not had any problems, and I drive a Manual (most of the problems are coming from older models and some newer auto trans), but they did a PCM recalibration, and checked the CAT just in case, for free, he took me out to show me what the rev limiter beep sounded like, and told me to hit it at least once a week. IT is addicting to be able to rev a car like this one and not have to worry about breaking it!..LOL and all I had to do for the service was mention that I would like them to check and "see" if there were any TSB's or Recalls of late," while they had it. They knew I knew because I asked, and were not about to tell me that there werent any. I had no problem.

If you love the pure joy of driving, and can create some habits with this baby...buy it. You wont find anything better. I traded in an 05 MT Mustang GT for mine. I have NEVER regretted it, and although she doesnt have the same kind of torque or horsepower, she makes up for it in class and grace. I chose it over the 06 Z4. The 8's are beautiful cars. Well constructed inside and out. The SHINKA has 8 airbags and side air curtains combined. I would have liked a deeper base quality in the Bose system but you cant beat the clarity that I have heard. If you can find an 06 you can get a deal this time of year most likely. Mine has every option available,( navigation was not available on the SHINKA'S to my knowledge), 6 disc, heated seats, sirius satelite free for a year, rotary accent package, spoiler, sunroof, the entire package. In July I paid 34,500. I saw here where a guy found a SHINKA for 28K. IN a nut shell....If you take care of her, she'll definitely take care of you. I took out the extended warranty, and Mazda just sent out letters extending their powertrain warranty on all 8's from 04-06 I believe.I'm covered either way.

I hope this helped to ease your mind about some things........ENJOY!

Laura

Paul_in_DC

The RX-8 is a terrific car. I've had it for two years and the honeymoon continues. See the "Little Things" sticky thread in the RX-8 Discussion forum.

1andonly

wow! yes laura you hit every area that i needed to know about. i app. your time and effert in telling me everything i needed to know about the car. I am going to test drive a manual hopefully today. The US doesn' have the great models that you guys have over there * im guessing you live over seas* ive never seen a shinka in the stats yet. i know im probly wrong lol. But owell. Thank you again.

If anyone else has any input and any information that you think laura left out plz let me know. Thank you guys <3 rx8club :D

calaloco

I have my RX8 for 5 months and I tell you is the best car I have in my whole life!!! Follow rddragoness instructions (That's what I'm doing, too!) and you are OK.

1andonly

awsome! question thow does anyone know how much harder it is if any to install the greddy turbo kit?