If it sounds like there’s a lot to look out for in the engine bay of an RX-8, the rolling chassis is much less of a concern. The front suspension uses a double wishbone design, while the rear is a multi-link arrangement with limited-slip differential. It’s hard wearing and only the front suspension anti-roll bar drop links are likely to show any significant wear. This is easily noted by a clunk as the car travels over bumps, and new bushes are not expensive. A recall for potentially cracked lower front suspension ball joint sockets was dealt with by Mazda free of charge by replacing any affected suspension arms with a new part.
Ventilated disc brakes are used front and rear, with 323mm discs on the front and 302mm at the back. With a kerb weight of 1,373kg for the 192PS model and 1,379 for the 231PS version, the RX-8 is light compared to most rivals and quite easy on brake discs and pads. For fast road and track use, EBC Yellowstuff pads are praised by many owners.
Nimble handling is an RX-8 trait
Electric power steering is trouble-free, but the RX-8 is sensitive to the tyres fitted. The original 18-inch alloy wheels were shod with Bridgestone RE040 225/45/18 tyres which are ideal in warm and dry conditions, but many owners report they offer poor grip in the cold and wet. PHer and regular RX-8 hillclimber Peter Locke recommends Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tyres as the best all-round rubber for the Mazda.
Early RX-8 five-spoke alloy wheels seem more susceptible to corrosion than other contemporary wheels, especially around their centres, so inspect here and budget accordingly for any refurbishment. The Evolve special edition has unique 18-inch dark silver alloy wheels, while the PZ edition has Prodrive badges on the OZ-supplied 10-spoke alloys. Only 800 of the PZ RX-8 were made and they featured Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs and a 15mm lower ride height.
Mazda revised the RX-8 in mid-2009, updating the suspension and front strut brace for a better ride and handling balance, and there was a new five-spoke wheel design. The R3 was added, coming with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers and a foam-filled front crossmember for better rigidity.
Owner's view
"I had the Prodrive PZ special edition which had unique lowered Bilstein/Eibach suspension, different steering geometry and lovely OZ 18" alloys. It was compromised though: it was a quiet and refined motorway cruiser and also a lot of fun at ten-tenths and 9,000rpm, but sometimes felt a bit flat when between those two extremes."
Stephen Millband
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior