Does RX8 live up to the hype?

sweet_tea · #1 04-01-2005, 05:08 PM

I currently have a 2000 Miata. I am looking for a new car that still has a sporty look, performs like a sports car but has a little more room. I have been reading about the Mazda RX8. Generally, the reviews sound positive but some of the individual user reviews aren't as much.

Does anyone out there have expreience driving an RX8? The main thing I'm concerned about is the rotary engine. Forgive my ignorance, but didn't Mazda have problems with rotary engines some years back? Is it risky to buy a car with a rotary engine? Also, does this car's lower torque make it slower? I would like it to be at least as fast as my Miata or faster. I've been reading that frequent shifting is needed in order to get good acceleration out of the car. Why is that?

(I'm female and my knowledge of cars is limited, so please don't get too technical.)

drftk1d · #2 04-01-2005, 09:59 PM

people have said the rx8 is like a bigger miata (as far as handling), its also faster.

rotary engines give no problems just do regular oil changes, dont drive hard till its fully warmed, dont shut it off cold, and if you get a new rx8 you need to break it in properly or else it will give problems. it takes a bit more maintenance than the average car, but its the same otherwise.

btw if you plan on driving it REALLY hard, you might break the transmisson, its the same weak 6 speed as the s15 silvia and miata. but only if you drive excessively hard.

rotary wonder · #3 06-19-2005, 11:56 AM

I think it does (or I wouldn't have bought one!). I've driven many MX-5s and I think the RX-8 compares very well. Yes, it is obviously bigger and heavier, but it is still a very agile car. I've been driving Impreza's for the last 5 years and the RX-8 is equally capable (in fact the handling is better). Build quality is pretty good and I've not experienced any problems with flooded engines etc - you've just got to be sensible.

They are a little thirsty, but they are great fun. I would find it a very hard car to replace right now. My advice would be to go for the 231 model and get a decent test drive (not the normal 20 min job) - they are quite different and you do have to adapt your driving style. They are closer to Honda VTECs and you have to learn to rev the engine

Chris

ccasmoe00 · #4 10-07-2005, 02:39 PM

Sure does. Everyone that drives one loves it. It's such a well balanced car. And have a 9000RPM Redline is fun as hell too!

gyros · #5 10-30-2005, 10:42 AM

I was very sceptic about the RX8 before i paid one.
Now, i am one of the happiest people on the world.

It is just a nice car.

carbuzzard · #6 10-31-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweet_tea

(I'm female and my knowledge of cars is limited, so please don't get too technical.)

Oh, just because you're female doesn't mean you can't understand cars. There are a lot of car ignorant guys out there who only think they know about cars.

That said, yes, Mazda did have problems with the rotary engines a while back. About 30 years ago or so. They've made oodles of them since then. Just like any other engine, keep after the maintenance requirements and you'll be OK. Note: there's an oil tank that has to be refilled from time to time. The engine needs a little oil at the rotor tips (I'm not talking dirty) and that's where it comes from.

Yes, the engine needs to be revved to get power out of it. But that's one thing that makes it so fun. Some people think they should be able to outdrag everything on the street. The RX8 won't do that, just as your Miata couldn't. It wasn't made to do that. Enjoy it for what it is.

You'll like the extra room in the cabin. The ride is probably stiffer than your Miata was, depending on which one it was. The transmission will hold up as long as you don't abuse it: no "power shifts," etc. Anyone can beat up a car. To go fast and smooth is the real talent.

Try it. You'll like it. For more opinions (lots of 'em), go to http://www.carbuzzard.com

mazdatekchubyninja · #7 11-11-2005, 01:42 PM

go get a S2000 if you want something like your miata with some spunk. You have to own one to see the problem with these cars. Wait till you flood one of this cars.

mazdatech177 · #8 11-15-2005, 11:26 AM

i see my chubby buddy has learned his lessons well

drftk1d · #9 11-15-2005, 06:01 PM

hahahh if flooding is a reason not to drive a car...

shnailpower · #10 11-15-2005, 10:11 PM

Hello, im really bored. RX-8 is a piece of shit... (not what i really think, but i am really bored. like uber-bored. wheee...

FDTT · #11 11-16-2005, 03:47 AM

WOW, you must know your stuff being 13 and all. Let me know what you think about the car when your balls drop mmm k.

mazdatech177 · #12 11-16-2005, 08:37 AM

well driftkid, flooding is a very good reason not to drive a car.... cause they wont friggin start. lol

drftk1d · #13 11-17-2005, 08:12 PM

its so easy to unflood a car

people have been doing it for ages

ccasmoe00 · #14 11-18-2005, 09:20 AM

I've had my RX8 for over a year now and it hasnt flooded. Some of you guys are living off of what you hear.

mazdatekchubyninja · #15 11-18-2005, 05:55 PM

lol you guys must live in warm weather area. we see one a week towed in for flood start. that's funny i don't own one but i do work on alot of them. starting to put motor in these pos for spark knocking now. oh by the way you use to flood start these don't work you will burn the cat up on the 8. it the same way as the old one but you have to unplug something first.

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD