Mazda RX8 - What should I know?

[Bluehawk]

Afternoon All,

Been toying with the Idea of replacing my Alfa 156 with a Mazda Rx8, it would be my daily car.

Seem to be able to pick up a reasonable condition RX8 for less than £2k at the moment.

Before I start looking too seriously, What do I need to know about these cars? I've done a bit of reading about the "hot start problem" which is apparently common.

But anyone care to share personal experiences of ownership? What do I need to look for?

Thanks

[trickywoo]

Get a compression test done if all is OK you should be fine a a few 10,000 miles before the next rebuild.

I think aside from the (possibly overblown) reliability issues most peoples issue with them is that the mpg to power ratio is very poor. In other words they do 20 mpg and feel as fast as a warm hatch.

Have you driven one yet?

[Bluehawk]

trickywoo said:

Have you driven one yet?

Not Yet, I haven't got too serious with the idea of buying one just yet.
I just quite like the look of them, interiors don't seem to shabby and appear to be able to pick them up pretty cheaply!

So wanted a few opinions on them before I get too cosy with the idea.

[ExPat2B]

You really, honestly shouldn't bother.

They are neither unique enough or special enough to put up with the problems of that engine. I really applaud Mazda for trying something different, but at the end of the day it was just too watered down as a driving machine, too low on power, and the implementation left a lot to be desired.

Instead Honda S2000, BMW E36 328/M3 etc.

[Bluehawk]

ExPat2B said:

You really, honestly shouldn't bother.

They are neither unique enough or special enough to put up with the problems of that engine. I really applaud Mazda for trying something different, but at the end of the day it was just too watered down as a driving machine, too low on power, and the implementation left a lot to be desired.

Instead Honda S2000, BMW E36 328/M3 etc.

Interesting you mention the S2000 as that is also on my "maybe" list... But insurance seems quite high on them

[Axionknight]

Yes, it really will use "that much" oil.

Fuel, too.

[Ali_T]

RX8, especially in PZ, Anniversary or R3 form, has a far better chassis than the S2000. People saying you shouldn't bother have never driven one in anger. It's not that quick but has a chassis to die for. Just make sure you get a compression check done, that the oil line recall was carried out, consider replacing the coil packs and buy from someone that can answer "how do you go about cold starting and stopping?". Because if they can't, they'll have flooded it at some point and the catalyst will be buggered. Check the auto levelling on the xenon headlights. That's a common MoT fail and the part is really expensive for some unknown reason. Also check for corrosion on the sill where the doors meet and the wheel arches. If it's a 231PS, make sure it revs cleanly right through to the redline and that there is no hesitation or flat spot around 7500 when a third port actuator should open. Early ones had a habit of sticking.

Brilliant cars. I had two and still miss them. Sold the last one to move up the performance ladder then realised that performance and fun are very separate things. Figured Mazda would build a new rotary I could get back into but I'm still waiting!

[300bhp/ton]

Bluehawk said:

Afternoon All,

Been toying with the Idea of replacing my Alfa 156 with a Mazda Rx8, it would be my daily car.

Seem to be able to pick up a reasonable condition RX8 for less than £2k at the moment.

Before I start looking too seriously, What do I need to know about these cars? I've done a bit of reading about the "hot start problem" which is apparently common.

But anyone care to share personal experiences of ownership? What do I need to look for?

Thanks

1/2 the info on the net is BS. But there is some good info too. But the RX-8 is one of those cars that draw hysteria and nonsense. So research well before you commit.

This is probably a good place to start:
http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/


One thing if you plan to use it as a daily is MPG. They seriously drink, we are talking hardly any better than a 1970's big block muscle car. So make sure you are happy fuelling it and don't delude yourself that you'll only be ok if it gets it's highest mpg all the time.

A good trade off is, driving it hard vs gentle results in similar mpg, unlike conventional piston engines. So at least you can rag it and not worry about it using more fuel.

[Ali_T]

As above. I averaged 18-20mpg. Best ever result was 27mpg driving like Miss Daisy's chauffeur, though it's at least able to rub fine on 95 RON unleaded. No need, or point, in using 97+. The oil use is, however, grossly exaggerated. Around 1 litre per 2000 miles was my average. Less than my Civic Type R used and it only needs bog basic mineral oil. In fact they really don't get on with expensive synthetic oils. Later R3 models use more oil but that's by design. They had a third oil injector for the rotor tips.

Edited by Ali_T on Tuesday 18th August 14:49

[ReaperCushions]

350Z (Although not for £2K) would be a better shout.

Lovely engine / noise as well.

Same MPG as the RX8 but with a super reliable chain driven engine.

I have an Infinity FX35 with the same engine (detuned to 280BHP though) and its on 150k miles and still as good as new.

[Ali_T]

I tried the 350Z, Monaro, Evo VIII, S2000 and a few others. Still bought the RX8.

[FD3Si]

Ali_T said:

As above. I averaged 18-20mpg. Best ever result was 27mpg driving like Miss Daisy's chauffeur. The oil use is grossly exaggerated. Around 1 litre per 2000 miles was my average. Less than my Civic Type R used. Later R3 models use more oil but that's by design. They had a third oil injector for the rotor tips.

This. My DC2 used more.

Fabulous cars with underdeveloped engines.

For the price you can pick them up for, there is nothing like them.
The chassis is fantastic, the engine is Marmite. They are quicker than they feel.
MPG is rubbish, and if you get one with decent compression that has had the ignition system looked after, then they are actually pretty solid cars.

The main issues are ignition system failure leading to engine failure, rust, and BS on the internet. Oh, and fuel usage.

[300bhp/ton]

ReaperCushions said:

350Z (Although not for £2K) would be a better shout.

Lovely engine / noise as well.

Same MPG as the RX8 but with a super reliable chain driven engine.

I have an Infinity FX35 with the same engine (detuned to 280BHP though) and its on 150k miles and still as good as new.

Depends what you want though.

Personally I quite like the 350z too, but it's a very different car. 2 seat heavy weight coupe vs well balanced light weight 4 door saloon coupe.

I personally liken the RX-8 to a more driver focused and petrol heads choice over something like a Focus ST MK2. Still has the seating & boot, but much better handling, right wheel drive, better balance, better looks and a drivers engine (i.e. you get the best from it when you drive it hard).

[omgus]

Bluehawk said:

Interesting you mention the S2000 as that is also on my "maybe" list... But insurance seems quite high on them

Shop around, some companies really don't like them, some don't seem to mind. They do not do well on comparison sites, you might need to use a broker or go oldschool and actually call around.

But what a cracking fun they are and the engine is a stunner.

300bhp/ton said:

A good trade off is, driving it hard vs gentle results in similar mpg, unlike conventional piston engines. So at least you can rag it and not worry about it using more fuel.

Best mate discovered that he did 2mpg over a tank better in his if he took the main road to work over ragging the st out of it through the little roads.
19mpg vs 21mpg. After that it lived a hard (but short) life. Check the tips, compression and ask about oil usages. All things he failed to do.


Also there is a lot of stick for them being slow, they aren't they just don't feel balistic because of the power delivery.
Don't get me wrong a mondern hot hatch will slaughter one in a straight line, but they are not drag cars and that is the point. Cross country they are superb fun and quite silly speeds can be acheived.

[xstian]

There was a buying guide in PPC mag a few months back.

There consensus was, buy the nicest car with a knackered engine for around £1000. Get a rebuilt engine fitted for around £2000, which comes with a 2 year warranty. 2 years of trouble free motoring for £3000.

I'm sure there is more to it than that, but that doesn't sound bad for the money.

[Bluehawk]

Thanks for all the information guys, I think I will do a little more homework on them.

And it sounds like the only way I'm going make my mind up is if I take one for a reasonable test drive.

[SirSquidalot]

https://mega.nz/#!Y4RUhRyS!V0oUo7y2ogiynbj5FRHe0fc...

Might be of use, i looked into buying one and did a lot of reading and research. It's all in there.

[Garybee]

Absolutely loved mine. It's the only commuting car I've owned where I wasn't constantly looking for something to replace it with.

As a few have said above:-

- Doesn't feel fast
- uses too much petrol for the power it makes (but so cheap to buy it pays for it's excessive fuel use).
- Endless people who've never owned one will tell you how it uses huge quantities of oil. All while that 1 litre can for topping up you left in the boot will last for thousands of miles.
- handles beautifully

[JM]

I'm also considering one, so this thread is good.

Cons have been mentioned, as well as pros, but main one compared to some of the other options (S2000, 350Z, Z4, Boxter) is the 4 door/4 seats. I would only use the 3rd or/and 4th seats on a few occasions per year, but it's good to have the option when required.

I really need to get a decent one out for a good test drive as well.

[WarnieV6GT]

I looked into these and really fancied one but I couldn't live with the little things you had to do to avoid the compression issue. Such as not being able to turn it off straight away after, for example just moving it off the drive. Those issues plus the mpg and the oil usage put me off despite them being so so cheap and I'm an alfa man so it takes a lot to put me off ...

Op you can get a 3.0 GTV for a couple of grand, I know where my money would go.