Mazda RX8

Davey_2

Hey all
Im thinking about buying a Mazda RX8, the high powered 231 version. However I have heard rumours about engine reliability, I know that the renesis engine uses a little more oil than a typical 4 stroke and has a higher fuel consumption but people have mentioned that the engine tends to wear its rotor tips down. Is this the case or is this caused by the owner not checking the oil level and maintaining things correctly?
Also im unsure as wether to buy new or used, obviously i would prefer used as its cheaper but i want to make sure the engine will be reliable, regardless of how much mileage has been done hence the above question.
Anyone who knows anything about these cars or any owners want to share there thoughts on this issue or any other problems I might encounter, please do.

Thanks

vansboy

The Rx8 is proving to be EXCEPTIONAL value, used - it was underpriced, new, to beat Audi TT & Nisan 350 anyway!

There are discounts & 0%finance on new, currently, where at launch, you'd not got any 'deals'.

The highish oil consumption, hasn't proven too much of a problem, from the reports I've read, so guess most owners were aware of the need to check regularly.

It still is one of the smartest cares around & another Moneysaver, ordered theirs a couple of months back, but can't find the post for it now - wonder how the purchase has worked for them??

Things I DON'T like..

If you can find anywhere for your left foot, without the impossing lump of transmission tunnel either pressing, or rubbing your leg, you'll be lucky!!

Specify a sunroof & it'll be too far back, 'cos the roofline won't take it far forward enough.If that makes sense!

& you'll be looking at leather option, on your model & it doesn't appear to be wearing well, on used examoles. This is apart from my opinon that leather is for wraping cows in - not sitting on!!

Get the accessories brochure & you'll spend enough to buy another car!!

Worst thing about Rx8...you can't buy it in Lightning Yellow any more!! If you do a google image search for yellow Rx8 you'll see some stunning examples!

If you can afford it GET IT!!!

As usual http://www.honestjohn.co.uk The Backroom - for all things motoring!!

VB

Davey_2

Thanks for the info. However since I've posted my first message this morning I've just been out for a 100 mile run in my dads new Astra VXR and thats only just complicated things now, RX8 v. VXR.
I reckon the VXR will be a lot cheaper to run than an RX8, my dads getting about 34 to the gallon, I've heard the RX8 struggles to do 25. Another plus the VXR has is that we know the guys at the Vauxhall dealers near where I live really well and my dad got £2000 knocked off the price of his car, think he paid about £17.5K
Im planning on buying between June and the end of August/early September so i've got plenty of time to research and take some test drives. I also have the money to pay for either car outright but i'd much rather get a 0% finance deal and keep the cash in my savings account earning interest.
Bloody Hell should ave just stayed in this morning instead of going out for a spin, then the RX8 would have been a definate choice then but now im not so sure

Happychappy

Hi Davey

The RX8 is coming down in price, below is one going through auction next week, full service history and a lovely car, the RX8 is certainly the better car, Vauxhall Ars@=le is cheap, but as it says? everyone has one

RX8
Registration AE54XXX
Registered 07-09-2004
Colour BLUE
Mileage 11,570
Equipment Air Conditioning
Location XXXXXXXXX Auction
CAP
New £21,902
Retail £18,095
Clean £15,900
Average £15,400
Below Average £14,750

Good luck

Davey_2

Yeah I guess you're right after all, whats the point in getting the same car as my dad.
One thing that really dissapointed me with the VXR is the interior, it looks like something thats been put together on blue peter, where as from what i've seen of the RX8's interior it looks well built and expensive, haven't been in one tho just from what i've seen in pictures. I'd have to find one with the seats, door panels etc all the same colour cos the 2 tone look looks a little tacky tho. I could just do with finding a used RX8 at a Main dealer and then seeing if i can get it on a %0 finance deal

Paul_the_Painter

Looking out at an RX8 right now, (not mine my step dads) it is on a company fuel card so don't care about fuel (he gets charged back at the fuel cost for an average 1.3litre car - don't you just love people who don't know about rotary engines!) Driven "enthusiastically" you can get fuel consumption to under 15 mpg if you try, normally around 25mpg, engine is fantastic revs to 9000 easily.

Given a choice the Mazda is a no brainer, it will hold its value better than the Vauxhall, quite a low roof so I would not have the sunroof, gear change can be notchy and clutch control difficult if changing gear before 4000 rpm, remember the car revs 50% higher than a typical engine so your gearchange points need to be 50% higher as well (this took a lot of convincing to my mother, but she has converted)

Ours is 18 months old no problems with leather, sat-nav great- xenon headlamps great, my advice get a 1 year old fully loaded one. difference in cost between hi and lo power ones not just down to engines, hi power also gets xenon lamps and 6 speed box.

If you are leaving the car for longer than a week, to avoid possible flooding problems on return, rev engine to 4-5000 rpm for 15 secs and hold then turn off without moving foot from throttle, this is a known problem that mazda are working on, it is due to the tip seals loosing their seal when left dry for a prolonged period.

Never had another problem with the car, and switching off the traction control is great fun!

Also IT IS REAR WHEEL DRIVE!! what are you doing thinking of getting something front wheel drive????

Davey_2

yeah i'd be going for the higher powered 6 speed version anyway even tho i've heard the 5 speed has better torque and seems to accelerate slightly quicker at low speed.
I take it to what you are refering about the engine tips is the problem i'd heard of and if thats all it is then its not really a problem, from what i'd been told they were wearing the tips when the engine was running causing all sorts of problems, seems on your advice tho not the case.
Chances are i wont be purchacing one till the end of August due to an upcoming court case but i'll definately be heading down to the mazda garage in town and showing my interest in them. I'll probably go high powered in winning blue and try to find one with a sat nav

steve!_10

Davey, driving coupés is fun, but in terms of value, consider a Seat Leon Cupra/Cupra R. Especially consider it you're looking at the VXR. They come with a lot of extras, and the current shape of the Cupra R looks the badger's nadgers.

Davey_2

Nah im not into seats at all, drove a couple when i worked as a mechanic and they didn't impress me at all. At the moment the RX8 is winning the vote

david29dpo

my first car was a nsu ro80 which after 25000 miles was on its forth engine. there was problems at first with tip wear but have they cracked it now. then went on to mazdas. have nothing but praise to mazda for sticking with the rotary and making it the fabulous engine it is today. in comparison the piston engine seems crude! a little bird tells me mazda are running some mx5s with a smaller version of the rx8 engine without the superchargers at the moment, not sure if or when it will go into production.

vansboy

I would imagine the new Mx5 has to accomodate future engines, as it has now moved up market (slightly) to become more male purchasers consideration - rather than Hairdresser/lady drivers car ( Mrs V has one!!)

Certainly wouldn't be practical to adapt the Rx8 to top down motoring!!

VB