RX8 - Really Impressed
Discussion
I had a go in a friends Low Power RX8 yesterday and was really impressed.
I am now thinking of looking at a used High Power Example. I am really surprised what good value they are.
I would probably get one from a dealer (unless anyone knows any specialists out there). Is there anything to be looking out for, I have seen some young high mileage examples but also some low mileage ones too (Spet05 only 7K). Does milage matter with these engines? Would it be better to go for a younger car with more warranty left on it.
Petrol isnt an issue and I realise that consumption is poor.
I am now thinking of looking at a used High Power Example. I am really surprised what good value they are.
I would probably get one from a dealer (unless anyone knows any specialists out there). Is there anything to be looking out for, I have seen some young high mileage examples but also some low mileage ones too (Spet05 only 7K). Does milage matter with these engines? Would it be better to go for a younger car with more warranty left on it.
Petrol isnt an issue and I realise that consumption is poor.
Rusty brake hubs and corroded alloys on a few, certainly my dads 04 plate suffered from this. Oil consumption a bit high, but thats what they are meant to do. Always carry a spare litre or so.
High power doesnt really mean it, it just means higher than the woefully underpowered one. Was always distinctly underwhelmed when coming from the 944T, so i suspect you would also be.
Handling on the raggedy edge a bit iffy, but beyond the line it has some excellent electrickery to save your behind.
Overall 6/10
High power doesnt really mean it, it just means higher than the woefully underpowered one. Was always distinctly underwhelmed when coming from the 944T, so i suspect you would also be.
Handling on the raggedy edge a bit iffy, but beyond the line it has some excellent electrickery to save your behind.
Overall 6/10
Loved my hipower, was the fastest car I'd owned but not driven, IMO an excelent compromise and stunning value, nothing close to it untill you get to the 330ci and thats far heavier.
If you want 4 seats and handling as close to an elise like car its about the only thing new that'll do it(affordably).
Needs to be worked to get the best out of it, CAT's can go on em, engines are fairly sound, know several apraching 100k (150k rebuild likely). Oil use isnt too bad, 1 liter every 1-2k depending.
Ran mine for 3 years/35k miles never missed a beat, one of the first in the country. Tho I did have the CAT replaced and the clutch sorted.
Check out the www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk for more info.
If you want 4 seats and handling as close to an elise like car its about the only thing new that'll do it(affordably).
Needs to be worked to get the best out of it, CAT's can go on em, engines are fairly sound, know several apraching 100k (150k rebuild likely). Oil use isnt too bad, 1 liter every 1-2k depending.
Ran mine for 3 years/35k miles never missed a beat, one of the first in the country. Tho I did have the CAT replaced and the clutch sorted.
Check out the www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk for more info.
No extra torque in the lo-power version I'm afraid, just less fun.
The engine generates 5% more torque, 500rpm lower sure, but the gearing is longer because it only has a 5 speed box, the 230 has a closer ratio 6 speed box and torque at the wheels is always higher. Add on to that the xenons etc the hipower is well worth the little extra.
It will do marginaly better mpg but hardly much.
The engine generates 5% more torque, 500rpm lower sure, but the gearing is longer because it only has a 5 speed box, the 230 has a closer ratio 6 speed box and torque at the wheels is always higher. Add on to that the xenons etc the hipower is well worth the little extra.
It will do marginaly better mpg but hardly much.
As Rob said, the torque's always higher at the wheels. There's a graph on the owners club that shows the torque at the wheels for both cars on the graph to prove the fact.
The wheels will corrode. Under warranty these will be replaced with no quibbles (it's dubious if they will be under the extended warranty though). The "rusty hubs" issue mentioned is actually the bell of the brake disc. Dealers will quite often paint them up if you ask when prepping for sale or servicing to stop them looking so ugly. Recent PCM updates have apparently helped with the flooding issue you might hear about (if the engine is shut off before warming up, so still running with warmup enrichment, it could make it difficult to restart ).
The engine is designed to use oil - there's actually a metered oil pump that injects it into the engine for lubrication. Join the owners club and you get a massive discount on oil from Opie. Some dealers also offer a discount on servicing and parts.
The only thing I'd disagree with that's been said so far is "Handling on the raggedy edge a bit iffy, but beyond the line it has some excellent electrickery to save your behind." I've found it to handle really well on the limit. Admittedly, with the traction and stability switched on, the intervention can cause understeer where I was expecting oversteer so if purposely driving on the limit it all gets switched off. Then it's supremely balanced - the reason for using the Wankel after all.
<blatant plug>Take a look at this vid for an idea of the fun you can have</blatant plug>
Edited to add, I'm only just up the road from Reading myself (just off the A4074 towards Oxford, near Fox's Diner if you know it) if you want to come and have a chat and a run out in my 231.
The wheels will corrode. Under warranty these will be replaced with no quibbles (it's dubious if they will be under the extended warranty though). The "rusty hubs" issue mentioned is actually the bell of the brake disc. Dealers will quite often paint them up if you ask when prepping for sale or servicing to stop them looking so ugly. Recent PCM updates have apparently helped with the flooding issue you might hear about (if the engine is shut off before warming up, so still running with warmup enrichment, it could make it difficult to restart ).
The engine is designed to use oil - there's actually a metered oil pump that injects it into the engine for lubrication. Join the owners club and you get a massive discount on oil from Opie. Some dealers also offer a discount on servicing and parts.
The only thing I'd disagree with that's been said so far is "Handling on the raggedy edge a bit iffy, but beyond the line it has some excellent electrickery to save your behind." I've found it to handle really well on the limit. Admittedly, with the traction and stability switched on, the intervention can cause understeer where I was expecting oversteer so if purposely driving on the limit it all gets switched off. Then it's supremely balanced - the reason for using the Wankel after all.
<blatant plug>Take a look at this vid for an idea of the fun you can have</blatant plug>
Edited to add, I'm only just up the road from Reading myself (just off the A4074 towards Oxford, near Fox's Diner if you know it) if you want to come and have a chat and a run out in my 231.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 28th June 10:34
LexSport said:
The only thing I'd disagree with that's been said so far is "Handling on the raggedy edge a bit iffy, but beyond the line it has some excellent electrickery to save your behind." I've found it to handle really well on the limit. Admittedly, with the traction and stability switched on, the intervention can cause understeer where I was expecting oversteer so if purposely driving on the limit it all gets switched off. Then it's supremely balanced - the reason for using the Wankel after all.
Fair enough comments on mine, and quite appreciate the distinction. I was coming at the car from an old Porsche, and most of the time when pushing it was expecting it to do what I thought it would, thus the understeer came as a bit of a surprise. Agree about it with the systems off, though - great fun. Did the driving day with my Dad when he bought it, and will admit to being highly impressed with the systems in extreme conditions.Test-drove one before getting the S2000 and was reasonably impressed. Power delivery was too subtle for my liking (completely linear...couldn't tell you were doing big speeds until you looked at the speedo), and the steering feel was lacking (so's the S as standard though), but otherwise thought it was competent. Tail seemed a bit 'loose' though...might just have been my lead feet!
If you don't need the extra seats and a little more boot space, look at an S2000 too. IMHO it's a slightly* more polished overall package, certainly from a build-quality and a driving perspective. It's also quicker (feel and real-world), and it sounds better.
If you don't need the extra seats and a little more boot space, look at an S2000 too. IMHO it's a slightly* more polished overall package, certainly from a build-quality and a driving perspective. It's also quicker (feel and real-world), and it sounds better.
- I do mean slightly...the RX8 is a good car in it's own right.
I went through some twisties quite fast in the lo power I drove and it felt very secure. I am used to a 968 CS with lots of torque and no traction control so I know what a loose rear feels like.
I would be looking to get one from a dealer so I would hope the issues with hubs and starter motor would have been cleared up.
I like the S2000 but need the rear seats for the kiddies.
I would be looking to get one from a dealer so I would hope the issues with hubs and starter motor would have been cleared up.
I like the S2000 but need the rear seats for the kiddies.
I've run a Hi power RX8 for the last 2.5 years. Bought mine after owning several Scoobs (hence the name 
). I wanted something a little bit different and I certainly found it in the RX8. I've really enjoyed mine and have had relatively few problems in 45K miles. My cat was also replaced, but a lot of this happened because they were damaged when the cars were brought of the ferries - the cars were run for a short time, many flooded which led to raw fuel passing into the exhaust. Cats + unburnt fuel don't mix.
Apart from that it's been great. The car has several really strong points: the layout RWD, LSD and effectively front-mid engined because the engine is so small and placed well back in the engine bay. Combined with a sweet chassis and suspension setup and you have the recipe for a very good car. The suspension is a work of art - if you can be bothered, get underneath and have a look at it - it wouldn't look out of place on a car costing twice as much. The RX8 also has the best set of standard brakes I've experienced on a car - they may only be monoblock, but they really stop well.
I've never found the car to be untidy at the limit and I've not found the steering to be uncommunicative either (try a Scoob for that!) - in fact I'd say the opposite. The steering gives you enough feedback to know what the car is doing. Combined with decent traction control that doesn't cut in too early and you can have a lot of fun without burying the car in a bush. Take one out on track if you ge the chance - they really are very good.
If you are looking for a muscle car, then the RX8 isn't for you. It doesn't win traffic light grand prix, but it is quick and rewarding where it really counts (don't forget it lapped the Top Gear track in exactly the same time as an M3 (with 100 bhp more).
Engine-wise, the hi power is slightly different. There is a 3rd air inlet that opens at 7200 rpm to boost power at higher revs. Oil use is not a problem. As has been mentioned earlier it is meant to use oil and all it requires you to do is check the dipstick once a month. The upside of the oil use is that you always have fresh oil circulating in the engine - which is no bad thing. Fuel consumption isn't great - expect low to mid 20s at best.
If you appreciate cars such as the Elise and MX5 you'll get what they were trying to do with the RX8 - it responds to a light, controlled touch, rather than ham fisted brutal inputs. I'd love to see Mazda do a version of the MX5 with the rotary engine, but I don't think it will happen.
). I wanted something a little bit different and I certainly found it in the RX8. I've really enjoyed mine and have had relatively few problems in 45K miles. My cat was also replaced, but a lot of this happened because they were damaged when the cars were brought of the ferries - the cars were run for a short time, many flooded which led to raw fuel passing into the exhaust. Cats + unburnt fuel don't mix.Apart from that it's been great. The car has several really strong points: the layout RWD, LSD and effectively front-mid engined because the engine is so small and placed well back in the engine bay. Combined with a sweet chassis and suspension setup and you have the recipe for a very good car. The suspension is a work of art - if you can be bothered, get underneath and have a look at it - it wouldn't look out of place on a car costing twice as much. The RX8 also has the best set of standard brakes I've experienced on a car - they may only be monoblock, but they really stop well.
I've never found the car to be untidy at the limit and I've not found the steering to be uncommunicative either (try a Scoob for that!) - in fact I'd say the opposite. The steering gives you enough feedback to know what the car is doing. Combined with decent traction control that doesn't cut in too early and you can have a lot of fun without burying the car in a bush. Take one out on track if you ge the chance - they really are very good.
If you are looking for a muscle car, then the RX8 isn't for you. It doesn't win traffic light grand prix, but it is quick and rewarding where it really counts (don't forget it lapped the Top Gear track in exactly the same time as an M3 (with 100 bhp more).
Engine-wise, the hi power is slightly different. There is a 3rd air inlet that opens at 7200 rpm to boost power at higher revs. Oil use is not a problem. As has been mentioned earlier it is meant to use oil and all it requires you to do is check the dipstick once a month. The upside of the oil use is that you always have fresh oil circulating in the engine - which is no bad thing. Fuel consumption isn't great - expect low to mid 20s at best.
If you appreciate cars such as the Elise and MX5 you'll get what they were trying to do with the RX8 - it responds to a light, controlled touch, rather than ham fisted brutal inputs. I'd love to see Mazda do a version of the MX5 with the rotary engine, but I don't think it will happen.
Done it.
Gone for a used Hi Power example with 10K miles and it is 18 Monhts old. I am really pleased and it is as new.
Cant wait until I get it on Thursday.
I could notice the difference between the hi and low power straight away and I didnt really get near the upper limits of rev counter (didnt want to scare the female sales person).
Gone for a used Hi Power example with 10K miles and it is 18 Monhts old. I am really pleased and it is as new.
Cant wait until I get it on Thursday.
I could notice the difference between the hi and low power straight away and I didnt really get near the upper limits of rev counter (didnt want to scare the female sales person).
Nice one - best colour too! If you've bought it from a Mazda garage - make sure that it has had the latest engine management software upgrades. There have also been a couple of recalls (nothing too major) - but it is worth checking that too. If there is any sign of spidering / lifting of the lacquer on the alloys - point that out too. Mazda is aware of the problem with them and is replacing the wheels under warranty.
Might be worth getting the garage to swap the wheels over too - 10K is pretty much the norm - this will ensure that you get even wear between the fronts and backs.
Then get yourself over to www.rotechniks.co.uk/ and order a Racing Beat exhaust - you won't regret it (they do some nice mesh grills to protect the radiators too). Don't bother with induction kits - waste of time on the RX8. Most just fit a standard one or use a K&N washable filter.
Think that is it! Enjoy :-)
Chris
If you've bought it from a Mazda garage - make sure that it has had the latest engine management software upgrades. There have also been a couple of recalls (nothing too major) - but it is worth checking that too. If there is any sign of spidering / lifting of the lacquer on the alloys - point that out too. Mazda is aware of the problem with them and is replacing the wheels under warranty.Might be worth getting the garage to swap the wheels over too - 10K is pretty much the norm - this will ensure that you get even wear between the fronts and backs.
Then get yourself over to www.rotechniks.co.uk/ and order a Racing Beat exhaust - you won't regret it (they do some nice mesh grills to protect the radiators too). Don't bother with induction kits - waste of time on the RX8. Most just fit a standard one or use a K&N washable filter.
Think that is it! Enjoy :-)
Chris
Edited by scoobybloke on Wednesday 4th July 21:27
Cheers for that. Picked it up this morning and had a great drive back to Reading.
First impressions are excellent and it is suprising how quick it is and how fast you are going when you look at the speedo. I wouldnt mention this on the Porsche section but it would leave my old 968 standing on the twisties. Cant wait to get it on my fav roads.
I have noticed that the engine doesnt like heavy inputs on the accelerator though and this seems to give a lumpy delivery from the engine. Is this normal? Lighter prods of the loud pedal give a better result.
First impressions are excellent and it is suprising how quick it is and how fast you are going when you look at the speedo. I wouldnt mention this on the Porsche section but it would leave my old 968 standing on the twisties. Cant wait to get it on my fav roads.
I have noticed that the engine doesnt like heavy inputs on the accelerator though and this seems to give a lumpy delivery from the engine. Is this normal? Lighter prods of the loud pedal give a better result.
See my earlier post about ham fisted inputs The RX8 will over time learn your throttle inputs and driving style and it will adjust accordingly. I have heard people say that it is quite hard to drive it smoothly, but it comes with practice. You have to learn to rev the engine more (it's what it's there for!) - when changing up this makes a big difference. It does take a while because we've all been conditioned to driving 'normal' piston engined cars. Stick with it though.
The RX8 will over time learn your throttle inputs and driving style and it will adjust accordingly. I have heard people say that it is quite hard to drive it smoothly, but it comes with practice. You have to learn to rev the engine more (it's what it's there for!) - when changing up this makes a big difference. It does take a while because we've all been conditioned to driving 'normal' piston engined cars. Stick with it though.Message Board | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff