Looking to buy Mazda RX8 - opinions?

[Gregor Marshall]

I'm not sure if I can post in here reference a Mazda RX8 but I'm considering buying a 231 one and I wondered if anyone had any real world experiences they could share or any advice on what to look out for.
I was looking at slightly earlier BMW 3 series 330i saloon but they are all pretty high mileage (100,000 plus) but the RX8s I've seen vary from 40,000 to 70,000 and the RX8 seems to have cheaper insurance too.
I'm looking at 2004/2005 cars between £2,500 to £3,500 and it will be used for 10,000 miles a year motorway and 5,000 miles a year town driving.
I did my ARDS in one in 2005 (funnily enough) and I thought it was a great car (not sure if the Thruxton cars were 192 or 231s though).

[Gregor Marshall]

probedb said:

I'd head over to Mazda Rotary Club or the RX8 owners club.

Thank you, the RX8 Owners Club has been great, really put my mind to rest on all the horror stories and certainly no worse than any other car.
I'm definitely smitten, just need to work out the MPG implications as the official figures are pretty bad, but I want to talk to someone who has used one how I plan to - I currently have a v70 T5 and MPG is a little worse officially.
Resale value is not an issue as it's not that expensive to begin with, plus if they are as good as described I can't see my wanting to get rid of for a while and whe I do I wouldn't expect it to fetch a lot.

otolith said:

What would you suggest instead?

Good question - any ideas anyone?
I'm just after something that looks good, goes and handles well, has okayish MPG and doesn't cost a bomb to buy - dreaming I know!!

[Gregor Marshall]

Munter said:

S2000

Next!

Too small and not a huge fan of soft-tops but agreed great little cars.

[Gregor Marshall]

300bhp/ton said:

Really helpful stuff

Thanks for that Matt, exactly the sort of opinion I was after.
I've got a couple lined up to see tomorrow, so I will do that and then see if the head or heart wins.

[Gregor Marshall]

I doreally appreciate all the feedback, good and bad, exactly why I wanted to post on PH - I trust you guys!!
Out of interest, what is deemed to be the best model/year?
I wasn't really looking for anything in particular other than a 231 model that was about a '55 plate but am happy to be guided on this.

[Gregor Marshall]

cheesesliceking said:

Its very accurate and very helpful, you know what else is useful, the search function...

Edited by cheesesliceking on Tuesday 14th August 16:40

Not really when the search function doesn't work and seemingly hasn't for ages....

Thanks Phil - PM sent.

Edited by Gregor Marshall on Wednesday 15th August 09:57

[Gregor Marshall]

Well it looks like I've just bought a 2005 231ps with 42k on the clock and non-leather.
Am going to see and collect this week, fingers crossed.
Thanks for all your input so far guys - next update when collected!!

[Gregor Marshall]

Well I collected mine yesterday and the 70 mile drive home all seems okay but will have a play with over the weekend and feedback but so far so good (touch wood!!), really pleased with.

[Gregor Marshall]

V8 FOU said:

Can I assume this is THE Gregor Marshall? As in Gerry's lad?

Yep, well, I'm not sure I am THE Gregor Marshall though but I'm definitely Gerry's son - not sure what he would've made of the RX8!!

[Gregor Marshall]

Looks good Phil - I'll try and get some photos of mine and post them. I've ordered a few bits from the RX8 owners club too.
Halfway through my first full tank of petrol - so far so good!!