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Scared to buy the RX-8

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Old 07-27-2008, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by kxl77

Strange.
Approximate Retail Price:
04: 13.5k
05: 14.5k
06: 20k

Any reason for the dramatic increase in price? Would the warranty replace things like ignition coils? Or accessories from the engine or is it purely just the engine.
Probably has to do with the 4yr/50K basic, and other warranties that are expiring for some 04's and 05's but not on the 06's for a year or two or more.
Old 07-27-2008, 10:34 AM
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Because most 04s, by now it should be all paid off + reach/close to at least 60K miles. I dont know why but it seems that most americans consider 60K+ miles an old car already. and wants to get rid of it.

I replace my coils every 15K miles. its not that expensive IMO, and its pretty easy to do it. I can go longer miles but I just want to be sure that my car is running @ its best (same thing for plugs)

Other maintenance stuff are pretty much the same as all other cars.
Old 07-27-2008, 01:20 PM
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Depending on trim level, you should be able to negotiate a low mileage '06 down to $16.5-18k. Maybe a little more for a fully loaded GT or Shinka, if you want all those options.
Old 07-27-2008, 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by nycgps
Because most 04s, by now it should be all paid off + reach/close to at least 60K miles. I dont know why but it seems that most americans consider 60K+ miles an old car already. and wants to get rid of it.
I like a vehicle, a model, not just a brand, to prove it can survive at higher millage before I just trust it. The car suddenly not starting could be the difference between me having a job or not. The RX8 just isn't new enough to have had to prove itself yet IMO.
Old 07-27-2008, 02:02 PM
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Never had a car that uses as much gas as this. Never had a car that makes me waste gas for no reason as much as this. I need the smallest excuses to go out for a drive. It's an amazing car.
Old 07-27-2008, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Telexen
I like a vehicle, a model, not just a brand, to prove it can survive at higher millage before I just trust it. The car suddenly not starting could be the difference between me having a job or not. The RX8 just isn't new enough to have had to prove itself yet IMO.
Im not sure about you. but I think there are lots of people with over 100K without any problems.

I drive in the city most of the time and I still get almost 14000 miles every year. thats a lot for city driving, and its probably the same as 28000 miles of all highway driving.

Car suddenly not starting could be a lot of factors. but humans had a history of "blame the others". So is it really Mazda's fault? yes, but not all.
Old 07-27-2008, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by nycgps
Im not sure about you. but I think there are lots of people with over 100K without any problems.

I drive in the city most of the time and I still get almost 14000 miles every year. thats a lot for city driving, and its probably the same as 28000 miles of all highway driving.

Car suddenly not starting could be a lot of factors. but humans had a history of "blame the others". So is it really Mazda's fault? yes, but not all.
You've got a lot of nerve on you. Did I ever say RX8's couldn't do 100,000 miles? No. Even if they do, so what? 100,000 is not a lot.

I'm saying there are a lot of cheap cars out there that are basically shot at 100,000 miles. For me to trust a car over that range I think the model needs to have proven itself. There are not a lot of RX8's over that range - and if there are they are '04s with new engines so you can't take that as proof positive either way. That's all I said. Quit looking to pick fights by shoving words in my mouth that have nothing to do with what I actually said. Not to mention your great math skills.

Good luck on losing the attitude that you're better than everybody with a lower postcount.
Old 07-27-2008, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Telexen
You've got a lot of nerve on you. Did I ever say RX8's couldn't do 100,000 miles? No. Even if they do, so what? 100,000 is not a lot.

I'm saying there are a lot of cheap cars out there that are basically shot at 100,000 miles. For me to trust a car over that range I think the model needs to have proven itself. There are not a lot of RX8's over that range - and if there are they are '04s with new engines so you can't take that as proof positive either way. That's all I said. Quit looking to pick fights by shoving words in my mouth that have nothing to do with what I actually said. Not to mention your great math skills.

Good luck on losing the attitude that you're better than everybody with a lower postcount.
I just said 100K without problems. no one even said that u said the car cant do 100K miles. What you cant read now or something Mr. Low post count ?

Of course 100K is not a lot. but its a starting point, consider this car is just like what, 4 yrs something old ?

Look who is losing the attitude now. Learn how to read.
Old 07-27-2008, 03:36 PM
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My 17 sports got me 23 OTT with no haggling *dumb, I know..* so you should EASILY get it much less.
Old 07-27-2008, 04:17 PM
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The car suddenly not starting could be the difference between me having a job or not.
Then you really should not be considering the RX-8. I'm not being a smartass. I bought my RX-8 because it was time for second childhood. My prior car - while I was an active parent and had a mortgage - was a Honda Accord. 208,000 miles, and other than pushing dead batteries too far a couple of times it never failed to start.

I won't lose my job if I miss a day because the car crapped out.

Browse through Consumer Reports and look only at recommended models with above average reliability. Make sure you pick one that has a spare tire, too, and not a pump and can of goop like the RX-8 does.

Ken
Old 07-27-2008, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by kxl77

Would the warranty replace things like ignition coils? Or accessories from the engine or is it purely just the engine.
Nope just the engine and internals. If you search on here you can pull up a PDF of the warranty extension from Mazda and it spells it out. Its mainly to take care of owners that need engine replacements due to lack of oil and to put peoples minds at ease if their engine should die.
Old 07-27-2008, 08:24 PM
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Hmm, the extended warranty is very attractive, and the fuel consumption issue I can certainly deal with. Going to test drive sometime next week, the rx8 and mazda 6 (v6). Any recommendations on any other vehicles?
Old 07-27-2008, 08:36 PM
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Mazdaspeed3 or mazda3 2.3. I love our mazda3 as well. The 5 door is also better for hauling stuff. I would get a mazda3 over a mazda6 it handles better and is more fun to drive.

Also another car that is getting great reviews is the Chevy cobalt SS. It topped Road and Tracks "Fast and Frugal" comparison this month. I would do a little reading up on that.
Old 07-27-2008, 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by kxl77
I'm a bit paranoid with cars. Every car I've bought has had problems. And I fix cars myself so its very t ime consuming and I just started my career so I can't afford much downtime.

Just wanted to find some type of justification out there.
You sound like the unlucky type. Please buy a Honda and give yourself a peace of mind. I have not had any engine problems on my 06 w/ 24k miles.
Old 07-27-2008, 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by kxl77
Hmm, the extended warranty is very attractive, and the fuel consumption issue I can certainly deal with. Going to test drive sometime next week, the rx8 and mazda 6 (v6). Any recommendations on any other vehicles?
It sounds like you should get a Mazda 6 instead of the RX-8.

Mazda6 is not that great on paper, its a V6 but does not have the horsepower anywhere near the level of the V6 Camry. but Mazda6 is more like a Bang for Buck deal. and you can get 0% APR for 36 months right now. (if u buy new)

Try to shop for a new car, there are a lot of 0% apr deals going on as they're trying to push inventory away for the 09 + crazy gas prices (I know it went down a bit for the past few days, but hey its still high, its like almost 80% increase of what we had last year at the same time, and over 200% of what we paid 2 yrs ago)

Last edited by nycgps; 07-27-2008 at 09:23 PM.
Old 07-28-2008, 04:49 AM
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Yeah, I would say the 6 and 3 are under consideration. I live in Manhattan so a car isn't necessary everyday and I could/would store my car at my parents house until I decide to buy/rent a place in the suburbs (queens).

It's just sad to hear that the 6 or 3 fits the bill better.
Old 07-28-2008, 05:04 AM
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I live in queens and i drive my 8 almost everyday.

well, if u still wanna look at the 8, pm me and we will work something out.
Old 07-28-2008, 12:17 PM
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Nothing is for sure. Any car can crap out at you. Hey, you can even get hit by a tractor trailer on the way to work. But if you live in Manhattan, do you not work there too? If so, take the transit and leave the rx-8 for special occasion... because it is a special car.
I've an 06 and I start the car like as I would with my other cars. there is no voodoo mumbo-jumbo about the Wankel. Just take good care of it, and it will take care of you like anything else.
Old 07-28-2008, 12:55 PM
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we all fell head-over-heels in love with the car too. just that simple.

the 8 is a unique, one-of-a-kind sports car. there's no other car on the market like it.

so, don't let paranoia get to you. the 8 is overall, still reliable and easy to care for. it fairs well as a daily driver as well- so long as u take care of it properly. u just need to be willing to deal w/ less-than-stellar MPG.
Old 07-28-2008, 06:25 PM
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Hmm, I live in Manhattan now since my job is in Manhattan, but it'll change in about 5 months, and then 6 months from then I will most likely relocate again. So I'll be scattered throughout NYC. And one of the problems is that being late is a very big problem for where I work. It's a very strict organization and punctuality is very crucial. And since this is my career (PLANNING to stickwith this employer until retirement), I'd a bit more "hesitant" to make any irrational dicesions.

So, right now I don't need a car, next month I will need my car to get to the train station. 5 months from now I might need it to drive to work and so on.
Old 07-28-2008, 06:36 PM
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Sounds like you're deciding against the RX-8. That's OK, not everyone can be as cool as us. BTW, if you get a 6, take a look at this thread to see the upper limit of cool for a 6:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/abandoned-chemical-factory-pics-152084/
Old 07-28-2008, 06:51 PM
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Meh, what I need is a test drive. Once I do that, and decide that WOW, this is what I want. Then there is no stopping me. It'll just be an impulse buy.
Old 07-28-2008, 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by robrecht
Sounds like you're deciding against the RX-8. That's OK, not everyone can be as cool as us. BTW, if you get a 6, take a look at this thread to see the upper limit of cool for a 6:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=152084
You sure that's not a 3?

Anyway, to OP, if you're this worried and don't even have the car, when you do get it, you're just going to spend more time worrying about it than enjoying it.
Old 07-28-2008, 07:09 PM
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I've got an '04 MT that I bought used 4 years ago with only 2,300 on it. The engine had to be replaced at around 10K. However, that was before I got smart. If you read various threads on this site, you'll find that the current wisdom regarding avoiding having to have a new engine installed is to assure that the engine has reached normal operating temperature for 5 or so minutes BEFORE you start stepping deeply into the throttle. This will give the engine block, which is really a sandwich of dissimilar metals, each with different coefficients of expansion, time to "tighten up." This helps avoid the internal and external oil and coolant leaks that require engine replacement.

To avoid apex seal problems, pre-mix seems to be the answer. (This is not necessary if you buy a new, 2009 RX-8.) Idamitsu is a favorite pre-mix at 1/2 ounce per gallon of gasoline. If you buy a case for around $55.00, it'll last nearly a year, depending on how much you drive.

As to fuel economy, I suspect the people reporting around 22 mpg are people who drive relatively long commutes on the Interstate. If you drive short distances, say 4 or 5 miles in stop-and-go traffic, your fuel usage will increase. This is my circumstance and I get 23 on the highway but only 13 to and from work.

Finally, if you are any kind of a driving enthusiast, I'd venture a bet that you can find no better handling sports car at even 3 times the price. The RX-8 is not only a pleasure to drive, but it is forgiving if you tend to get in a little over your head.
Old 07-28-2008, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by kvndoom
You sure that's not a 3?
No, not sure, maybe it's a really cool 3 instead of a really cool 6.


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