Rx 8
09-23-2008, 03:53 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Rx 8
anyone ever driven a 6speed RX8? I was thinking about test driving one and maybe picking one up like 2004-2006 in the next like 6 months or so
what is everyones thoughts on this car??
what is everyones thoughts on this car??
09-23-2008, 04:03 PM
#2
Drifting
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I haven't driven one, but i've gotten a ride at an auto-x event.
Handle great, smooth engine, decently roomy inside.
Outside styling is iffy IMO and they're gas guzzlers. Get an S2000 instead.
Handle great, smooth engine, decently roomy inside.
Outside styling is iffy IMO and they're gas guzzlers. Get an S2000 instead.
09-23-2008, 04:13 PM
#3
hmm...
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Most people who've driven one of these along with a 350Z or S2000 say take one of them instead. Based on looks, available mods, and feel from just sitting in all of them, I would agree. These also don't have the best reliablity, and since used FD3S RX-7's are STILL more expensive than used RX-8's even though they're 10+ years older, that might be saying something. But do what you think's best 
Def. test drive all of the comparable cars first though.
Def. test drive all of the comparable cars first though.
09-23-2008, 04:46 PM
#5
almost done...
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I hate those cars. s2k or 350z ftw!!!!!
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and burns a lot of oil too
but they are fun to ride in
!!
09-23-2008, 08:30 PM
#11
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I have owned two different models of rx-7. The first was a 1979 with the
12a motor(1.2 liters,normal aspiration) and a 1988 with the 13b(1.3, turbo.) Honestly the 79 was my favorite of the two, I could peg the tach out in a donut on gravel and it didnt blow. They do use alot of oil. The oil port does not completely seal before the rotor gets to the intake side. I have driven a rx8, they dont compare in fun factor to the old ones, they are too heavy and more tame. I would definitely take a 350z over one. Actually, give me an evo or wrx instead...
12a motor(1.2 liters,normal aspiration) and a 1988 with the 13b(1.3, turbo.) Honestly the 79 was my favorite of the two, I could peg the tach out in a donut on gravel and it didnt blow. They do use alot of oil. The oil port does not completely seal before the rotor gets to the intake side. I have driven a rx8, they dont compare in fun factor to the old ones, they are too heavy and more tame. I would definitely take a 350z over one. Actually, give me an evo or wrx instead...
09-23-2008, 09:11 PM
#14
where is....
09-24-2008, 09:02 AM
#15
I had an RX8 and hated it. Funny part is that I test drove the auto briefly, and liked it on the test drive.
Ended up scooping up a loaded 2004 6-speed, kept it for about 4-5 months and put maybe 800 miles on it and sold it for the same price I bought it for.
I just didn't like it. Handled like it was on rails... but no power, burned oil, terrible gas mileage and didn't like the tranny.
Now, everyone is different, but I personally wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Ended up scooping up a loaded 2004 6-speed, kept it for about 4-5 months and put maybe 800 miles on it and sold it for the same price I bought it for.
I just didn't like it. Handled like it was on rails... but no power, burned oil, terrible gas mileage and didn't like the tranny.
Now, everyone is different, but I personally wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
09-24-2008, 10:25 AM
#16
I drove an 05 6speed and liked most of it.
Interior is nice IMO, seats are comfortable and the it feels nice driving it.
Exterior is not bad either, it looks way nicer if the car is lowered.
Handleing is amazing but the power is not there. Torque is not there which makes the car slow. Once you hit 5000rpm car comes to life but that takes a while.
Interior is nice IMO, seats are comfortable and the it feels nice driving it.
Exterior is not bad either, it looks way nicer if the car is lowered.
Handleing is amazing but the power is not there. Torque is not there which makes the car slow. Once you hit 5000rpm car comes to life but that takes a while.
09-24-2008, 10:47 AM
#17
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
Love the 8. Can't deal with the crap gas mileage and other engine issues.
If you are looking at one, steer clear of the 04s. With each year, they managed to get a little better with flooding issues. As far as engine replacements, there are some out there, but really not as many as you'd think.
Id say lease one, if you really want one.
...and to the guy who said they handle like shit. What were you comparing it to, an Elise?
If you are looking at one, steer clear of the 04s. With each year, they managed to get a little better with flooding issues. As far as engine replacements, there are some out there, but really not as many as you'd think.
Id say lease one, if you really want one.
...and to the guy who said they handle like shit. What were you comparing it to, an Elise?
09-24-2008, 11:04 AM
#18
Safety Car
do not like one thing about it. although if youre not a fan of evo / sti, chances are you wouldnt want to be caught dead in them...which leaves you with S2K, 350? if you are capable of fitting in an S2K, i highly suggest you take one for a test drive.
09-24-2008, 11:13 AM
#19
GEEZER
It is rated one of the best handling cars out there right now. Please don't respond if you have no idea what you are talking about.
KTHXBYE
"The small engine made it possible for Mazda to design a double-wishbone front suspension that plays a big role in the RX-8’s excellent handling. Gas shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant ride with responsive handling.
The gas tank is mounted ahead of the rear axle to keep the weight toward the center of the car, and that too, accounts for added agility. "
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/
KTHXBYE
"The small engine made it possible for Mazda to design a double-wishbone front suspension that plays a big role in the RX-8’s excellent handling. Gas shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant ride with responsive handling.
The gas tank is mounted ahead of the rear axle to keep the weight toward the center of the car, and that too, accounts for added agility. "
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/
Last edited by 1killercls; 09-24-2008 at 11:16 AM.
09-24-2008, 12:16 PM
#21
Safety Car
It is rated one of the best handling cars out there right now. Please don't respond if you have no idea what you are talking about.
KTHXBYE
"The small engine made it possible for Mazda to design a double-wishbone front suspension that plays a big role in the RX-8’s excellent handling. Gas shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant ride with responsive handling.
The gas tank is mounted ahead of the rear axle to keep the weight toward the center of the car, and that too, accounts for added agility. "
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/
KTHXBYE
"The small engine made it possible for Mazda to design a double-wishbone front suspension that plays a big role in the RX-8’s excellent handling. Gas shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant ride with responsive handling.
The gas tank is mounted ahead of the rear axle to keep the weight toward the center of the car, and that too, accounts for added agility. "
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/
Very capable car, when it actually runs. My buddy has one that has left him stranded twice. How does the engine FLOOD on a modern fuel injected car?
09-24-2008, 12:24 PM
#23
Registered but harmless
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The shifter/clutch were among the best I've ever used and the handling was unbeatable, with a decent ride. The RX-8's interior was comfortable for me, the controls were easy to deal with and it was a pretty quiet car.
However, I decided to eliminate the RX-8 because there were a couple of recalls, including the ECU reflash, and there is little bottom-end torque. The car is capable of 0-60 in the 6-second range- if you drop the clutch and beat on the driveline up to redline. Otherwise, the RX-8 may feel like it's a slushbox TSX with a mid-8s/low-9s 0-60 because of the lack of torque in day-to-day driving. I'd say that the RX-8 is suitable to you if you like to stay above 4K RPM all day long (which I and most people don't, especially in congested traffic).
Also, a major complaint on the various boards and blogs was about the gas mileage- 18 mpg was deemed good, while many were seeing 14 mpg-17 mpg in daily use.
I haven't checked the repair history on the RX-8s; you might want to look at that to make a decision.
09-24-2008, 01:44 PM
#25
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
I loved the RX8 on paper, thought it was unique looking, but completely lost interest after I drove one. Having owned a TSX and now a S2000, I know what a car with minimal low end torque feels like, the RX8 redefined what no torque really means, it makes all sorts of noise and revs but doesn't really seem to go anywhere fast. Compound that by the reputation the engine has, between oil consumption, horrible fuel economy and good chance of expensive maintenance makes this a car I would never consider owning. I'd rather have a Miata, for similar money if I was stuck on Mazda. But as others have said, look into the 350z, S2000 and even an Elise can be had for low 30's and as a weekend only car would be my choice in that price range.
09-24-2008, 04:54 PM
#28
Disinformation Terminator
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09-24-2008, 07:06 PM
#29
I loved the RX8 on paper, thought it was unique looking, but completely lost interest after I drove one. Having owned a TSX and now a S2000, I know what a car with minimal low end torque feels like, the RX8 redefined what no torque really means, it makes all sorts of noise and revs but doesn't really seem to go anywhere fast. Compound that by the reputation the engine has, between oil consumption, horrible fuel economy and good chance of expensive maintenance makes this a car I would never consider owning. I'd rather have a Miata, for similar money if I was stuck on Mazda. But as others have said, look into the 350z, S2000 and even an Elise can be had for low 30's and as a weekend only car would be my choice in that price range.
Great car on paper, not so much in reality.I test drove one before I got my second TSX and I just could not justify the maintenance cost for the potential problems with the rotary nor could I really get the most out of the tiny trunk. Drove like a champ, but would have just been too expensive to own.
09-24-2008, 07:07 PM
#30
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I've driven the MT one. It's pretty fun to drive...
but don't get it, IMO. Get yourself a nice 350Z over it.
but don't get it, IMO. Get yourself a nice 350Z over it.
09-24-2008, 07:38 PM
#31
Safety Car
I loved the RX8 on paper, thought it was unique looking, but completely lost interest after I drove one. Having owned a TSX and now a S2000, I know what a car with minimal low end torque feels like, the RX8 redefined what no torque really means, it makes all sorts of noise and revs but doesn't really seem to go anywhere fast. Compound that by the reputation the engine has, between oil consumption, horrible fuel economy and good chance of expensive maintenance makes this a car I would never consider owning. I'd rather have a Miata, for similar money if I was stuck on Mazda. But as others have said, look into the 350z, S2000 and even an Elise can be had for low 30's and as a weekend only car would be my choice in that price range.
only justification i could see for purchase is if you are a die-hard rotary fan with a (running) RX7 in the garage, looking to have the full mazda collection.
09-24-2008, 10:48 PM
#32
It is rated one of the best handling cars out there right now. Please don't respond if you have no idea what you are talking about.
KTHXBYE
"The small engine made it possible for Mazda to design a double-wishbone front suspension that plays a big role in the RX-8’s excellent handling. Gas shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant ride with responsive handling.
The gas tank is mounted ahead of the rear axle to keep the weight toward the center of the car, and that too, accounts for added agility. "
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/
KTHXBYE
"The small engine made it possible for Mazda to design a double-wishbone front suspension that plays a big role in the RX-8’s excellent handling. Gas shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant ride with responsive handling.
The gas tank is mounted ahead of the rear axle to keep the weight toward the center of the car, and that too, accounts for added agility. "
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/
The one I drove was lowered, and possibly the setup wasnt great, so nexttime STFU before opening your mouth
KTHXKBYE
09-24-2008, 11:47 PM
#33
09-24-2008, 11:51 PM
#34
09-25-2008, 07:52 AM
#36
GEEZER
09-25-2008, 08:20 AM
#38
Trolling Canuckistan
So next time instead of just throwing out half the story and saying something that basically flies in the face of convention and common sense, maybe you should take your own advice.
09-25-2008, 08:24 AM
#39
Trolling Canuckistan
To the OP, I've driven one and really liked the car (don't know if I'd buy one, and I'm a rotary fanboy).
The 2 things I didn't like about the car. The triangular shift knob felt very uncomfortable in my hand. That is an easy fix with a new knob. I also wasn't a fan of the gearbox feel in general, maybe it's because I'm spoiled with the MT's tha Honda as provided me with for years.
The 2 things I didn't like about the car. The triangular shift knob felt very uncomfortable in my hand. That is an easy fix with a new knob. I also wasn't a fan of the gearbox feel in general, maybe it's because I'm spoiled with the MT's tha Honda as provided me with for years.
