Thinking of getting a Mazda RX8

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ThaStig

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#1 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts
So I'm thinking of getting an RX8, but I heard there is problems wtih getting one. I'm planning on getting a used one btw, and I have some questions if anyone knows about it. Is it really that hard to work on an RX8 because of the rotary (oil changes, service, is it expensive too?) How is the fuel economy? Are they reliable, cuz I know the RX7 had reliability problems. Would it be out of the question to get engine mods for an RX8? (I heard it was underpowered) Is getting a certain year better then others because i heard of a recall for certain RX8's? Basically, is it a good idea to get an RX8? My budget isn't too high, I'm spending 20K on it at the most. If you don't think it's a good idea...suggestions for other cars?
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Wizz46

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#2 Wizz46
Member since 2006 • 2386 Posts
I kinda prefer the MX 5, and I think it's cheaper too
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mark4091

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#3 mark4091
Member since 2007 • 3780 Posts

Wait for an Evo X.

rx-8 is kindof blah imo.

Still a far better car than most though, but if you're going for a really nice car there are definitely better options.

Edit- whats you're questions?

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#4 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts

Wait for an Evo X.

rx-8 is kindof blah imo.

Still a far better car than most though, but if you're going for a really nice car there are definitely better options.

mark4091
I don't have anywhere near enough money for an Evo X. If I did I would get an Evo right now.
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mark4091

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#5 mark4091
Member since 2007 • 3780 Posts
[QUOTE="mark4091"]

Wait for an Evo X.

rx-8 is kindof blah imo.

Still a far better car than most though, but if you're going for a really nice car there are definitely better options.

ThaStig

I don't have anywhere near enough money for an Evo X. If I did I would get an Evo right now.

Yeah, I just read that you wanted used.... uhm well ask me questions about the Rx and I'll try and answer them, but I would also look into a used g35, very nice car.

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ThaStig

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#6 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts
[QUOTE="ThaStig"][QUOTE="mark4091"]

Wait for an Evo X.

rx-8 is kindof blah imo.

Still a far better car than most though, but if you're going for a really nice car there are definitely better options.

mark4091

I don't have anywhere near enough money for an Evo X. If I did I would get an Evo right now.

Yeah, I just read that you wanted used.... uhm well ask me questions about the Rx and I'll try and answer them, but I would also look into a used g35, very nice car.

The questions are in the original post.
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#7 Dopemonk736
Member since 2006 • 2731 Posts

rotaries tend to have maintenance problems, and have fun replacing the engine in 4 years or so......personally, I like the cars, it's just that they are high maintenance, that's why I lean more towards japanese cars. what kind of things are you looking for in a car?

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#8 Dopemonk736
Member since 2006 • 2731 Posts
[QUOTE="ThaStig"][QUOTE="mark4091"]

Wait for an Evo X.

rx-8 is kindof blah imo.

Still a far better car than most though, but if you're going for a really nice car there are definitely better options.

mark4091

I don't have anywhere near enough money for an Evo X. If I did I would get an Evo right now.

Yeah, I just read that you wanted used.... uhm well ask me questions about the Rx and I'll try and answer them, but I would also look into a used g35, very nice car.

yes, what he said. the g35 is a very nice luxury car, that has power, and the body just looks so awesome.

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ThaStig

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#9 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts

rotaries tend to have maintenance problems, and have fun replacing the engine in 4 years or so......personally, I like the cars, it's just that they are high maintenance, that's why I lean more towards japanese cars. what kind of things are you looking for in a car?

Dopemonk736
Basically speed, looks and reliability. But I don't want a honda civic if you know what I mean. Btw Mazda is japanese isn't it?
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#10 rohver
Member since 2005 • 11848 Posts
that car is hawt :D
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#11 worthyofnote
Member since 2007 • 21896 Posts

Mazda is, but correct me if I'm wrong, they are partially owned by Ford too.

The only issues with the Rotary are they high maintanence.

Why not find a decent Eclipse? Those are always nice. And I understand by what you mean when it comes to Hondas, everyone and their mother owns one anymore.

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Headbanger88

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#12 Headbanger88
Member since 2004 • 5023 Posts
Honda Accord ftw. Nothing ever goes wrong with the thing and they have great mileage.
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#13 Dopemonk736
Member since 2006 • 2731 Posts
[QUOTE="Dopemonk736"]

rotaries tend to have maintenance problems, and have fun replacing the engine in 4 years or so......personally, I like the cars, it's just that they are high maintenance, that's why I lean more towards japanese cars. what kind of things are you looking for in a car?

ThaStig

Basically speed, looks and reliability. But I don't want a honda civic if you know what I mean. Btw Mazda is japanese isn't it?

DUH! I am an idiot :P for some reason I was thinking german.....my bad.

anyways, test drive an STi, G35, S2000, or a 3 series BMW

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mark4091

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#14 mark4091
Member since 2007 • 3780 Posts

So I'm thinking of getting an RX8, but I heard there is problems wtih getting one. I'm planning on getting a used one btw, and I have some questions if anyone knows about it. Is it really that hard to work on an RX8 because of the rotary (oil changes, service, is it expensive too?) How is the fuel economy? Are they reliable, cuz I know the RX7 had reliability problems. Would it be out of the question to get engine mods for an RX8? (I heard it was underpowered) Is getting a certain year better then others because i heard of a recall for certain RX8's? Basically, is it a good idea to get an RX8? My budget isn't too high, I'm spending 20K on it at the most. If you don't think it's a good idea...suggestions for other cars?ThaStig

As far as oil changes I see no problems, but if you need you're engine worked on you will need to bring it to somebody with experiance with wankel engines

The vehicles were recalled because mazda said they had more HP than they actually had and that was in 2003

You can get aftermarket for the rx-8 I don't think it would be out of the question b/c I know car enthusiasts that own them and have put work into them.

I would say get after 2003, but then you would be paying more thank 20k

The fuel economy is less than what I expected at around 18 total.

I would reccomend looking into the infinity g35, I have heard nothing but good about them, and I have heard some problems about the RX, either way good luck.

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#15 Magna_Man109
Member since 2005 • 5527 Posts
Honda Civic SI... thats the car im getting next year.
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#16 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts
Honda Accord ftw. Nothing ever goes wrong with the thing and they have great mileage. Headbanger88
Everyone has one ftw. And for my career choice, a Honda Accord will get me nowhere.
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#17 deactivated-5f9e3c6a83e51
Member since 2004 • 57548 Posts
It does have that rotary engine/Wankel engine which probably makes it harder to service. I don't know about its reliability.
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#18 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts

Mazda is, but correct me if I'm wrong, they are partially owned by Ford too.

The only issues with the Rotary are they high maintanence.

Why not find a decent Eclipse? Those are always nice. And I understand by what you mean when it comes to Hondas, everyone and their mother owns one anymore.

worthyofnote
I was thinking about an Eclipse, but they are FWD, and I have a big problem with FWD. (Yea, I know, I'm picky)
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#19 Dopemonk736
Member since 2006 • 2731 Posts
[QUOTE="worthyofnote"]

Mazda is, but correct me if I'm wrong, they are partially owned by Ford too.

The only issues with the Rotary are they high maintanence.

Why not find a decent Eclipse? Those are always nice. And I understand by what you mean when it comes to Hondas, everyone and their mother owns one anymore.

ThaStig

I was thinking about an Eclipse, but they are FWD, and I have a big problem with FWD. (Yea, I know, I'm picky)

is car space an issue? if not, check out the S2000, lots of power in a little car for a cheap price.

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#20 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts

[QUOTE="ThaStig"]So I'm thinking of getting an RX8, but I heard there is problems wtih getting one. I'm planning on getting a used one btw, and I have some questions if anyone knows about it. Is it really that hard to work on an RX8 because of the rotary (oil changes, service, is it expensive too?) How is the fuel economy? Are they reliable, cuz I know the RX7 had reliability problems. Would it be out of the question to get engine mods for an RX8? (I heard it was underpowered) Is getting a certain year better then others because i heard of a recall for certain RX8's? Basically, is it a good idea to get an RX8? My budget isn't too high, I'm spending 20K on it at the most. If you don't think it's a good idea...suggestions for other cars?mark4091

As far as oil changes I see no problems, but if you need you're engine worked on you will need to bring it to somebody with experiance with wankel engines

The vehicles were recalled because mazda said they had more HP than they actually had and that was in 2003

You can get aftermarket for the rx-8 I don't think it would be out of the question b/c I know car enthusiasts that own them and have put work into them.

I would say get after 2003, but then you would be paying more thank 20k

The fuel economy is less than what I expected at around 18 total.

I would reccomend looking into the infinity g35, I have heard nothing but good about them, and I have heard some problems about the RX, either way good luck.

I am gonna look into the G35, but they are out of my price range kind of :?
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#21 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts
[QUOTE="ThaStig"][QUOTE="worthyofnote"]

Mazda is, but correct me if I'm wrong, they are partially owned by Ford too.

The only issues with the Rotary are they high maintanence.

Why not find a decent Eclipse? Those are always nice. And I understand by what you mean when it comes to Hondas, everyone and their mother owns one anymore.

Dopemonk736

I was thinking about an Eclipse, but they are FWD, and I have a big problem with FWD. (Yea, I know, I'm picky)

is car space an issue? if no, check out the S2000, lots of power in a little car for a cheap price.

Nope. I will look into that too.
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#22 serjitup
Member since 2007 • 1049 Posts
its a decent care but man those Rotary engines and be a real pain, if i was in the postion to get a car i would defently get a honda, honda's are very well built cars and you dont have to worry much about it failing on you.
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#23 deactivated-5f9e3c6a83e51
Member since 2004 • 57548 Posts

Honda Accord ftw. Nothing ever goes wrong with the thing and they have great mileage. Headbanger88

that's a very reliable car and a great package, but also a little boring. He may be looking for something a little more exciting.

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#24 Headbanger88
Member since 2004 • 5023 Posts

[QUOTE="Headbanger88"]Honda Accord ftw. Nothing ever goes wrong with the thing and they have great mileage. ThaStig
Everyone has one ftw. And for my career choice, a Honda Accord will get me nowhere.

Are you getting your first car? If so you don't need anything flashy, you need something with good mileage that's cheap and reliable. And what is your career choice? Real Estate? Marketing? Either way if you're young you won't be expected to be driving a nice car.

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#25 deactivated-5f9e3c6a83e51
Member since 2004 • 57548 Posts
Actually, if you want honda reliability but want some more flash, get an Acura TSX or Acura TL. Acura is Honda so they're generally made well, but they are also a little more geared toward performance and luxury.
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ThaStig

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#26 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts

[QUOTE="ThaStig"][QUOTE="Headbanger88"]Honda Accord ftw. Nothing ever goes wrong with the thing and they have great mileage. Headbanger88

Everyone has one ftw. And for my career choice, a Honda Accord will get me nowhere.

Are you getting your first car? If so you don't need anything flashy, you need something with good mileage that's cheap and reliable. And what is your career choice? Real Estate? Marketing? Either way if you're young you won't be expected to be driving a nice car.

Trying to start a career in racing. Which takes me to club racing. I can't really race with a Honda Accord. :?
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#27 chisoxrule
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So I'm thinking of getting an RX8, but I heard there is problems wtih getting one. I'm planning on getting a used one btw, and I have some questions if anyone knows about it. Is it really that hard to work on an RX8 because of the rotary (oil changes, service, is it expensive too?) How is the fuel economy? Are they reliable, cuz I know the RX7 had reliability problems. Would it be out of the question to get engine mods for an RX8? (I heard it was underpowered) Is getting a certain year better then others because i heard of a recall for certain RX8's? Basically, is it a good idea to get an RX8? My budget isn't too high, I'm spending 20K on it at the most. If you don't think it's a good idea...suggestions for other cars?ThaStig

First of all where do you live? When I lived in Chicago, my friend's brother bought one and got rid of it after one of our nasty Chicago winters. I live in Florida now and I know someone who has a red one and he's happy with it. He hasn't had reliability problems with it yet, (he bought a new one about a year and a half ago), but thats a risk you take with any used car and maintenance will cost more money because of the rotary and unless you can find a specialty shop in your area, you'll have to get it serviced at the local Mazda dealership. As far as modifying it, I'm out of the ballpark on that one. Personally I drive an 03 Honda Accord coupe and I love it.

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ThaStig

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#28 ThaStig
Member since 2006 • 707 Posts

[QUOTE="ThaStig"]So I'm thinking of getting an RX8, but I heard there is problems wtih getting one. I'm planning on getting a used one btw, and I have some questions if anyone knows about it. Is it really that hard to work on an RX8 because of the rotary (oil changes, service, is it expensive too?) How is the fuel economy? Are they reliable, cuz I know the RX7 had reliability problems. Would it be out of the question to get engine mods for an RX8? (I heard it was underpowered) Is getting a certain year better then others because i heard of a recall for certain RX8's? Basically, is it a good idea to get an RX8? My budget isn't too high, I'm spending 20K on it at the most. If you don't think it's a good idea...suggestions for other cars?chisoxrule

First of all where do you live? When I lived in Chicago, my friend's brother bought one and got rid of it after one of our nasty Chicago winters. I live in Florida now and I know someone who has a red one and he's happy with it. He hasn't had reliability problems with it yet, (he bought a new one about a year and a half ago), but thats a risk you take with any used car and maintenance will cost more money because of the rotary and unless you can find a specialty shop in your area, you'll have to get it serviced at the local Mazda dealership. As far as modifying it, I'm out of the ballpark on that one. Personally I drive an 03 Honda Accord coupe and I love it.

I live in sunny California. So hopefully it won't be a problem. I'm thinking of going test driving soon
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mark4091

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#29 mark4091
Member since 2007 • 3780 Posts
[QUOTE="mark4091"]

[QUOTE="ThaStig"]So I'm thinking of getting an RX8, but I heard there is problems wtih getting one. I'm planning on getting a used one btw, and I have some questions if anyone knows about it. Is it really that hard to work on an RX8 because of the rotary (oil changes, service, is it expensive too?) How is the fuel economy? Are they reliable, cuz I know the RX7 had reliability problems. Would it be out of the question to get engine mods for an RX8? (I heard it was underpowered) Is getting a certain year better then others because i heard of a recall for certain RX8's? Basically, is it a good idea to get an RX8? My budget isn't too high, I'm spending 20K on it at the most. If you don't think it's a good idea...suggestions for other cars?ThaStig

As far as oil changes I see no problems, but if you need you're engine worked on you will need to bring it to somebody with experiance with wankel engines

The vehicles were recalled because mazda said they had more HP than they actually had and that was in 2003

You can get aftermarket for the rx-8 I don't think it would be out of the question b/c I know car enthusiasts that own them and have put work into them.

I would say get after 2003, but then you would be paying more thank 20k

The fuel economy is less than what I expected at around 18 total.

I would reccomend looking into the infinity g35, I have heard nothing but good about them, and I have heard some problems about the RX, either way good luck.

I am gonna look into the G35, but they are out of my price range kind of :?

I've seen a few for about 23k Cad, and that was a 2004 I believe, you can get them a bit cheaper in the states, and I would also agree with the s2000, if you're getting into racing.