Are you happy with your Rx8?

[Whizbang]

I am curious to see what Rx8 owners think. After tech school this summer, ill be in a position to be able to afford one, if i choose too. I love my rotaries and it would be nice to have a "newish" car for once.

Please share you experience and year rx8.

[sumdeus]

I love mine. Its a 2007 with 27xxx miles on it and have had no problems what-so-ever. It is a daily driver for me and it works great for that, but is still fun to go into the mountains on the twisties. Handling is quite possibly the car's greatest attribute.

Are you planning on buying new or used? If used, I would avoid 04 and 05 model years. Those are the years with significantly more engine and transmission issues.

[Whitey]

I absolutely love mine. It's an 06' model and as sumdeus mentioned, I would stay away from the 04 and 05 models because Mazda didn't quite get all the kinks worked out until 06 so a lot of your 04 and 05 owners either love their car and have worked through all the issues or they're so tired of it that they're ready to trade. (if they haven't already). There ARE some trouble-free early models out there......but I certainly wouldn't want to take a chance trying to find one.

[Herblenny]

I have mix feelings about it.. I have the 04 GT Lightning Yellow.. Car has over 112K, reman has about 42K. But looks brand new!

I been averaging 12-14 mpg.. But everytime I get inside, I drive it like I stole it. Since gas is cheap these days, I drive it worse than before :)

For the price, I think its a great car!! Its somewhat practical in sense that it has room for 4 people.. and a boot that holds stuff.

I'm an FD owner and in someways, 8 drives better than my modified FD. Power is not comparable but handling is great! I recently swapped out my stock rims for my Forgelines again and its like driving on rails on the street. Tires are 245/40 and 275/35 and I been using that for track days.

When the car is working.. I'm fine and VERY happy. If MPG could be better, I'll be even more ecstatic. Only issues I been having are random engine light (came on again 2 days ago), flooding, MPG, etc etc.. And when the transmission gets hot (like on the track) I had problem shifting into 4th, 5th, and 6th. ONLY when it gets really hot. I've changed it to different fluid and it still did it... Only on track though..

But like whitey said, I've personally thought about selling it and getting something else.. But there are days when I look at it, I'm like, "Why?? It looks great and drives so well!!". And for 10-15K for one of the best handling car, I say its worth keeping. I'll probably keep it... even though I need more reliable car.. but so far only major issues I had was bad fuel pump. Which stranded me couple of times until replaced... This might not be related.. but pump went bad after I started using pre-mix. At this point, I don't bother with pre-mix.

[SPICcnmFD]

I've heard alot of the guys around here that track 8s say the premix messed up various parts of the fuel system, so they just quit using it.

[afgmoto1978]

13B-REW swap. lol

[Herblenny]

13B-REW swap. lol

I'm debating about that.. Just waiting for someone to complete one and let me take a ride in it :)

[afgmoto1978]

I know Tony Angelo (pro drifter) and the boys at Gotham did it. Doesn't help you any though.

[Herblenny]

I think its very doable.. I saw couple of people do it but they all do it bit different.

My concern is hooking all the junk and getting the traction and abs.. I just don't know much to know if I need to keep the stock ECU and still run PFC or not. Mounting the engine and such, I have an idea.. but I need to do some more research :)

So, are you going to make it to DGRR 09??

[afgmoto1978]

I really want to, but it's looking like I won't be able to if I do all the Redline Time Attack races. Not enough vacation time for everything. I might be able to do it if I fly down there like I did last time and crashed at your place.

[Herblenny]

You know you are welcome to!! All you have to do is pay for new tires for my FD :)

[afgmoto1978]

LOL, what?!?!:driving:

[Whizbang]

i am contemplating an 09 R3 model come end of summer. I know the 09's 6 spd manual models have the 4.77 final gear (which is a nice touch). Plus i love the seats to death in the one i have sat in.

[sumdeus]

R3 seats are awesome. I test drove one and fell in love with those seats.

[Whizbang]

how was the actually driving experience.

[Herblenny]

i am contemplating an 09 R3 model come end of summer. I know the 09's 6 spd manual models have the 4.77 final gear (which is a nice touch). Plus i love the seats to death in the one i have sat in.

I do like the seats... But besides that, its pretty much the same car. Unless its now making 50+ more hp... which it isn't. I wouldn't spend 20K more to get an R3.. I would rather get an older 8 and get a daily or an FD :)

By the way, my engine light went off... Weird.. one day its on, one day its off.. Love the 8!!!

[lilring]

I love my RX-8... Its a 2004 AT mildly modded with 56K miles and on the 3rd motor. Like some people have said stay away from 04 and 05. Also if you get the 09 R3 that would be amazing.. those seats are just sick.

[Herblenny]

Someone explain to me what parts have been updated from 04/05 to 06+ to make it more... well, less trouble?? Is it the ECU?? what is it??

[Whitey]

Well I'm sure there are a few minor upgrades to work all the bugs out.....but the one that sticks out most in my head is where the 04/05 models have capped nipples on the intake manifold, the 06 models have tubes on those nipples that connect and run up to the oil fill tube. I've heard that this is another safeguard against flooding. I've had my 06 for almost 3 years now and it has never flooded (knock on wood)......and yes I've had one or two instances where I moved it without it warming up and shut it off cold. (Simply because I forgot)

This is is a good thread to see the changes each year-----> http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=143280

[Herblenny]

Hmm.. Do you mind taking a picture of this nipple and the oil filled tube? I wondering if we could just buy that part and add?? I personally had issues with cold start... Even revving to 5+k and shutting down..

[Whizbang]

i have also heard that the 09 models have a few other features like extra oil injectors.

[Whitey]

Hmm.. Do you mind taking a picture of this nipple and the oil filled tube?

No I don't mind, but it'll be saturday or sunday before I can post pics. I first noticed this difference when I looked into doing the "washer fluid de-flood" procedure.

[Herblenny]

i have also heard that the 09 models have a few other features like extra oil injectors.

The dealer master mechanic was telling me about that... But beside bit of difference out side the car and few add on on the engine (and the seat), I don't know if its worth it... Especially you know as soon as you drive out of the dealership, it will loose 1/4 of its value.. I mean, I bought my 8 in 07 and paid less than 1/2 of what the original buyer paid... As a person who owned pretty much all generation of RX7s, I say if you got 30+K to blow (unless you are financing it) I would get an FD. Its a completely different beast.. Unless you turbo your 8.. But I'm guessing you are not going to do that to an 09 R3.

No I don't mind, but it'll be saturday or sunday before I can post pics. I first noticed this difference when I looked into doing the "washer fluid de-flood" procedure.

That would be awesome! I would like to see what these small differences that makes the older vs newer more reliable... or if its just age on the engine or ECU.

[Whizbang]

im sure i can find a used R3 right quick. Either that or just just an 09 Rx8 wouldn't be about fine.

Then again i will have to test drive a Genesis turbo...

then there is always the "buy a bunch of older 7s" route i usually take...

[Rotarydave]

I know that I loved my Rx8 to death, literally, I only had it for a year and a half bought it brand new right off the truck no less it litterally had 7.8 miles on it when i bought it on 23 Dec 2004 (05 sport model) in a year and a half I put 47k miles, lets see where to begin, i saw 153mph that was awesom. i got nailed coming back from 7-stock at 110mph that was fun... not should have kept going. After she got hit the first time (hit and run) we installed a complete mazdaspeed body kit, down force was awesome( with stock suspension it will rub the nose at 130mph). Got rid of her after I stuffed it in the back of a Mazda 6, their fault but even after the repair she didn't drive right and I think that it did irreperable damage to the engine. Will I buy another, until I came on orders to Iraq I had a contract on an Anniversary edition, I plan on picking up a R3 model when I get back but I will probably order it

[3DZukini]

I love my 8, but I've never even had a ride in a FD so I can't compare the 2. I haven't had flood issues yet, but I know people that have and I try to avoid it :) I'm hoping you have some vendors at the meet that deal some good parts for the 8's, have you asked Fluid Motorsports, Vivid Racing or Racing Beat if they want to participate? That my be an obvious question so please don't flame me for being an idiot :)

[05whiterx8]

i absolutely love my rx8...its an 05 manual....the only major problem i've had is having the transmission replaced....had it for 3 years now. first 2 years i put 40000 miles on it..including a trip to the dragon, this last year has only been 6000 miles....been trying to preserve the warranty....i doubt i'll ever get rid of this car. I am going to get an FD eventually...white of course... and park that next to my 8.....but i love my car

[9G Redline]

I've loved my 8 ever since I got her off the showroom floor in May of 04. I plan to never let her go, and since riding in Proxy's 7, it sealed the deal on me getting an FD asap. However, my 8 will always be my first and primary rotary love.

[Kane]

My 8 > FD....

I know you are all going to get worked up - but yea I have owned both; built both and drove both. While the single turbo FD (GT35) is a faster car; everything else else about my 8 is better than the FD (looks is kind of subjective; the FD is def smaller, lower etc.).... but to drive them; I would pick the RX8 anyday.

Just need to give it some guts and it can compete easily.


Oh I will say working on the FD is a lot easier than the 8 because of the engine placement.

[Nutsid]

I think the car is absolutely fantastic. Mine has given me little problems in the year I've owned it (put 30,000 miles on it this year, though). It flooded twice. That is all the problems I have had with it.

Its just too bad that my job has slowed down so much as I'm going to need to sell it due to finances.

[bose]

I love it, no major problems here. And I have been premixing for the last 10,000 miles and have had zero issues thus far. Idemitsu FTW.

[Jedi54]

LOVE the 8, owned it since sept '05 (2005 model) and sure it's got it's weird little quirks but what you get in return is absolutely phenomenal.
I can't think of any car anywhere near its price range that I would take over it.

[Tuma Choyle]

05/61k. There are times I rue the day. But there are times I can't imagine driving anything else. That probably doesn't help. :/

[djmtsu]

I just saw this thread because it was bumped.

My 2004 GT has ALMOST 200,000 miles on it, second engine with 160K on it. :p

Beat that.

[Tuma Choyle]

^Man, that's the best thing I've heard in weeks.

[djmtsu]

Drive it everyday, and in temps over 95 degrees (today was about 110) for the last two months. No issues.

Everybody is just scared something is going to happen. Once I got over that fear, it makes it easier to own.

And I STILL give her a redline a day!

[Tuma Choyle]

You're in Murftown. I lived in Nashville for five years. When I first moved there, I pronounced it "Mer-FREEZE-burough". I was quickly but kindly corrected. Geez, now I'm homesick.

[Kentetsu]

Alright, I may be considering a purchase next spring/summer (especially since Respeed is starting to make suspensions for these things now), but I've got a couple of questions:

1. Why were the motors blowing on the early models?
2. When they replaced the motors in them, did that correct the issue or can you also expect the replacement to fail eventually.
3. Were the tranny issues on the early models related to the Manual trannies, Autos, or both?

Thanks guys! :)



.

[djmtsu]

1. Why were the motors blowing on the early models?
2. When they replaced the motors in them, did that correct the issue or can you also expect the replacement to fail eventually.
3. Were the tranny issues on the early models related to the Manual trannies, Autos, or both?


1. It was an oiling issue that lead to premature wear on the engine, lowering compression.
2. See my post above for the mileage on engine #2
3. The tranny issues are driver related. For manuals, it really is the fault of a weak clutch pedal assembly. I just replaced mine, and jfaplanet added some strengthening welds to it before we installed it.

IF you want a good, cheap RX-8, buy mine!

[diabolical1]

i have a 2004 GT. i bought it in 2007. well, i suppose my experience is similar to many. my car has almost 70,000 miles on it now (bought it with a hair over 31,000). as far as i can tell, the engine is just fine. however, i've had some issues over the years.

1. i had to replace my front main seal (and several alternator belts!).
2. my ignition coils crapped out on me causing the death of the cat, and somewhere in there i developed electrical issues. this was truly a nightmare, and i had my first occasion to interact with a Mazda dealer, an experience i found thoroughly off-putting. to be honest, i think they caused my electrical issues, the one that remains now is the car somehow thinks the passenger side door is always open.
3. i used to premix as well, but my fuel pump took objection to it.

all in all, i think the Renesis is a gem of an engine, but i think they should have taken more time developing the car around it. i also think they should have made it simpler because i have done 90% of the work the car needed, but i ended up having to pay someone to basically reset my PCM after the fiasco with the dealer. despite my issues, and the bad taste left in my mouth (after my dealership and MNAO experiences), most days i love the car. it is a joy to drive. there were times i felt trapped by it, and wished i had bought the 350Z instead, but i think i've come to accept all it's faults and i've resigned myself to live with it for a long time to come.

whenever the day comes for the engine to come out i will likely streetport it and give it a few reliability upgrades here and there and put it right back in there. however, i'm also thinking of maybe putting an N/A 20B in it, too. i guess we'll see ...

[willnordacgreen1211]

ive put over 30k of pure abuse on my rx8 in the past year without a single hiccup. coils didnt even go out or anything. just ad gas and oil and its good to go! im actually getting worried b/c i want to cash in on my warrenty (like very 8 owner wants to :P) but im creeping up on 65k and its still at perfect compression o_O we will see how the next 35k go i guess.

[Kompressorlogic]

i had been daily driving various rx7 over the last 8 years which was very fun. but with sports cars of that age 17-25 years old maitenence was ussually quite high. so i desided to get an rx8 as a more practical and reliable car back in august 10"

so i desided to pick up an 04 nortic green gt, with 56K miles on it
i tell you its very nice having a car that everything works in and is not all worn out! now ive been driving turbos rx7 the last few years and ill admit the rx8 doesnt have the oomph they do but it is a very fun n/a car decent power for daily driving and its a blast to rev it out that far the handling is quite amazing as well.

[Grimm0ne]

Drive it everyday, and in temps over 95 degrees (today was about 110) for the last two months. No issues.

Everybody is just scared something is going to happen. Once I got over that fear, it makes it easier to own.

And I STILL give her a redline a day!

this makes my mind at ease lol, i cant say yea-or-nah yet, its on a transport truck lol

[Sephitrask]

this makes my mind at ease lol, i cant say yea-or-nah yet, its on a transport truck lol

Why is it one the truck? someone shipping it in for you to look at, or is it already purchased? I love my car. I have had it for over a year and I still get out of it and stop and stare at it and smile. I have had some issues with it, but NOTHING would made me not love it.

[Grimm0ne]

Why is it one the truck? someone shipping it in for you to look at, or is it already purchased? I love my car. I have had it for over a year and I still get out of it and stop and stare at it and smile. I have had some issues with it, but NOTHING would made me not love it.

yeah, i went to NJ to look at one and almost bought it till i found the rear bumper zip tied on.... but got in it, and made sure i would be ok (6ft5) and started it up etc, but the guy wouldn't let me drive it so, i called the other dealer out of state and said i wanted it, and it was picked up and i should have it sunday or tuesday at the latest.

[Sephitrask]

yeah, i went to NJ to look at one and almost bought it till i found the rear bumper zip tied on.... but got in it, and made sure i would be ok (6ft5) and started it up etc, but the guy wouldn't let me drive it so, i called the other dealer out of state and said i wanted it, and it was picked up and i should have it sunday or tuesday at the latest.

before finalizing the deal, CHECK THE COMPRESSION. you want to make sure the motor isnt almost carbon locked. Also check the oil cooler lines, verify they are not leaking. Look at the oil coolers and radiator, make sure there are no holes, bad dents, etc. Also check out the exhaust bolts, to see if the have been broken loose recently. that one may be kind of hard, but if the bolts are scratched up the car may have been previously "modded" and then put back to stock before selling. There are alot more things to check, but that is were I normally start.

[Grimm0ne]

I would of loved too but thats a flight out and back and funding was short. I was told it was an older guys car and was spotless (pictures proved it) but i was going to pay for a post sale inspection but dam 350 bucks just for that, i passed, I got enough pictures and such...

I'm going to be calling the dealer in the morning as I've called the transport company and they say on there site there open but i've gotten nothing but answering machines so i'm going to be putting some bugs in peoples ears. Said monday afternoon for me to meet them at the truck stop about 20mins from my house but havent heard beans from anyone and it was picked up friday morning...

[Nutsid]

I've started becoming increasingly bored with my car. The lack of power really drives home after a while of owing the car. I need to have more power. Otherwise, the car is still every bit as good as it always has been.

[joewrx8]

So happy I own 2, one shinka and other GT both are fun and after 4 yrs they are still fun:biggthumpup:

[Archie]

I've started becoming increasingly bored with my car. The lack of power really drives home after a while of owing the car. I need to have more power. Otherwise, the car is still every bit as good as it always has been.

Would bolt-ons and a chip do the trick?

[lilring]

you cant "chip" an rx8. you have to get it tuned.. Bolt ons help a little bit but if you want a lot of power you need to go FI

[lilring]

I have now owned Rx8s for 5 years now. Everytime I drive it, I still smile. People always stare at the car. The Rx8s is the best car I have ever owned!

[Nutsid]

Would bolt-ons and a chip do the trick?

Not at all. Bolt-ons and a tune only realistically renders around 200 hp at the wheels, if you're lucky. If I am to keep my car I'm going to be doing an engine swap. What engine, well that is the real question.

More importantly, I want to buy another FB and have it turn into a huge money pit in re-engineering it in the way that only Brian (TTT) can do, and (hopefully) me.

[Archie]

you cant "chip" an rx8. you have to get it tuned.. Bolt ons help a little bit but if you want a lot of power you need to go FI

I meant basically using a Cobb map.

Dustin-- do a 20B half-bridge swap.

[Nutsid]

I meant basically using a Cobb map.

Dustin-- do a 20B half-bridge swap.

Not reliable enough, and the gas mileage would be killer. The engine swap has to be focused primarily on reliability. I could do a streetported 20B, but honestly I like the idea of doing a RE swap instead, keeping boost levels low, and have a tune for cruising that allows for better highway fuel economy. Not to mention cost.