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I'm not saying that the 6-speed sport option isn't a much better performer, but I've never heard an automatic owner say they are disappointed in their RX8 either.
But sure, some hills you just can't get up without snows...that's why I said 50% driver...and there are some hills that 12-wheel drive with chains and spikes aren't going to conquer.
It depends on your climate...if you live in Denver, maybe you don't even need snow tires except for the 2X a year that the snow doesn't melt in 6 hours...why bother? But Lake Tahoe...well, I'd keep the RX-8 in the garage on snowy days.
Ask Connor At Tire Rack Forum.
If I can find the dealers name I will let you know. If you have a second car and can wait until the snow melts to pavement you may be okay without snows. Otherwise I think you need to make the investment.
According to Edmunds 13,000 mile long term test report of the RX8, their fuel mileage ranged from a worst of 13+/- to a best of 19+/- with an average of 17+/-.
In 18,000 miles of driving a 2002 S2000, my mileage ranged from a worst of 18.5 mpg to a best of 32.1 mpg and an average of 23.1 mpg. At least 75% of this driving, including several 30-32 mpg highway trips at 75+ mph was done with the top down, not exactly the most aerodynamic setup.
That is a whopping 30% to 60% better for the S2000, with the performance advantage going to the S2000 as well. It causes me to think that uniqueness aside, the rotory engine is simply not an efficient alternative to a high performance piston engine. I asked a friend who owns a 2002 M5 (nearly 4,000 lbs and 400 hp) what his mileage is and it ranges from 13-15 mpg pure city to 25 mpg on the highway with an overall average of 18 +/- (i.e. also better than the 3,000 lb 238 hp RX8). I appreciate new and different technology that offers advantages - like the E320 CDI my marketing director just bought. It will outperform the former E420 V8 and get 35+ mpg on the highway. But it seems to me that rotary engine technology offers nothing to warrant its use in high performance sports cars or family sedans. Other than perhaps giving Mazda a marketing niche to differentiate itself.
And yes, the RX8 is a high performance sports car. Ask any of us who own one. Those of us who chose the RX8 over the similarly priced piston engined 350Z/G35c can attest to its capabilities over those cars.
The S2000 is a roadster, so it really is an apples to organges comparison...although, there are strong rumors surrounding a roadster version of the RX8.
Anyone buying any sports car putting MPG at the top of their list is really fooling themselves. I'm getting 18 MPG in the city, 19 MPG in mixed driving and hit 25 MPG on an "all highway" run recently.
The only other car I would want to move to in replacement of my RX8 would be the '05 Corvette. I woudln't want to move to a Nissan (or any other make that competes in the segment) in replacement of my RX8.
Best part of the RX-8 in my opinion, is it's "almost" a 3rd gen RX-7 in handling and looks, and it seats four comfortably. Oh, and it has a trunk! When it comes with more power it will be complete.
The S2000 is probably the best roadster in that price range.
The RX-8 is probably the best 4 seat sports sedan in its' price range.
Oh, and the Alberta (Canada) govt. calls the RX-8 a "4 door coupe". A "coupe" is a 2 door car with a fixed roof. Go figure.
Gas mileage--without the M flash and only 4K on the car, we got a hair over 24mpg keep the car under 75mph--not bad.
Plenty of trunk room for luggage for a weekend trip
Very comfortable ride, 5 hours in the car was a snap--just wish we hadn't gotten the sunroof, would like a bit more headroom.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I LOVE MY RX8!!!......I don't care if she has the "low power" Automatic....I don't care if she doesn't sip gas like a hybred....She simply is the BEST car I've owned.....she handles great....she stops great...she LOOKS great......she's easy to wash...she can carry my bike....she holds all my amps and guitars for gigs.....she's almost(let's not get crazy here!) better than a woman.....!!!
so, there is my 2 cents of happiness for the RX8. If she does me wrong in the future, so be it. I'll adapt and move on. For now, I will enjoy the best darn piece of automotive engieering you can buy for $27Kish....... :-)
on a side note - driving to work today I was stuck(yet again) in slow/stop traffic. In front of me was a 350z, to my left was a 911, in front of him was a G35 coupe, to the left of the 911 was a CooperS (with Union Jack on the roof!), and in front of him was a BMW6 (right off the lot!)...what a great time we live in for excellent looking and driving cars! Enjoy!
Better than a woman? Hmmm....need to ponder that one. But, my 8 definitely is a female. The chrome rotary accents are hard to miss. Besides, things of beauty, grace, and speed are generally refered to in the feminine gender. The RX8 definitely fits all three categories.
There's my peace,here's my query. I've managed to put a couple small scratches in the plastic face of the glove box and the steering wheel cover. Since I beat myself up pretty bad over things like this, do you have any suggestions as to how one might repair or hide the marks? The plastic covers on the door thresholds get a lot of scuff marks also.
Any input would be appreciated.
So you could have a 4 door coupe and a 2 door sedan...doesn't seem right to me either...
but ya gotta be carefull....when I had dogs with my old car, I always had to take special care of the plastics and even then, the puppies managed to scratch stuff up a bit....but, i guess that's why it's plastic and not, say, gold!!!
On my 1993 RX-7 dash (painted plastic with the paint peeling), I glued suede leather on top of the dash. It looks very nice. This also allows you to "pad" the parts, using polyethylene foam (ethefoam). Just glue the padding on, then fit and glue the leather. I use contact cement (latex type - water based).
I'm anxiously awaiting seeing the first '05 on the road.
I've been reading a lot on these boards about the oil consumption, mediocre to bad gas mileage, flooding if you shut off cold, etc...
The oil consumption and flooding is a little bit of a concern. I'm not that concerned about bad gas mileage since we drive pretty short distances. I'm worried if the RX8 is a little too high maintenance.
I want to get her a nice car in this price range that is relatively easy to own. Is the RX8 easy to own?
I guess I was just more concerned about weird rotary quirks. I've never had a rotary before so I just don't know much about maintaining one.
There was some post in the "owner's problems & solutions" board where a rotary veteran was saying how a lot of the problems new rotary owners are having is due to the lack of knowledge about owning and maintaining a rotary.
Some of the things he listed were if you drove it too low in the RPMs you might damage the engine longterm. He recommended driving it between 4K and 6K. We live in San Francisco, and there's a lot of put'in around here. Sometimes I go a whole day w/o driving past 30 mph. And if it's an AT it's a little harder to control the gear it's in.
So checking the oil is np, it's just these seemingly weird rotary rules I'm not aware of yet. I just don't want the car to die early cuz we didn't rev it high enough or some other weird rotary specific thing.
I just want a reliable car that we can maintain more/less like a regular car.
At one point we were thinking of a base Acura RSX w/leather. But the base Rx8 AT is only about $1500 more. The RX8 just looks way nicer than the Acura RSX which to me is just a fast Civic.
First, it's much smoother and quieter. So much so you may not realize how fast it's turning.
Second, you don't want to starve the engine of oil or overheat it. So you just check the oil level once in a while and make sure you don't block the rad. or run it after loosing the coolant. Any aluminum engine is sensitive to overheating - parts will warp and then not seal.
The engine does inject oil from the crankcase into the intake stream (to lubricate the "apex" seals - similar to the piston rings). This is no different than the oil that is lost in a piston engine that lubricates the rings. In fact, most piston engines are down a quart (litre) at oil change time. The rotary is just down a little more (maybe 1.5). They put in a large oil pan to allow for this.
As for starting it up and shutting it down after moving the car a few feet (to wash for example), you can still restart it immediatly, but if you don't warm it up before shutting it off you run the risk of entering a "zone of operation" that makes the engine prone to flood. The apex seals don't work very well below about 1500 RPM, so when you are starting the engine or it's idling it isn't very efficient at "blowing out" any unburned fuel. If it builds up enough it will coat the plugs and you can flood the engine. This is rare when it's warm, but not uncommon when the engine is cold. Any liquid fuel in the chambers makes the problem worse, as it dillutes the small amount of oil there that helps seal the chambers (fuel will pass right under the apex and side seals taking away the film of oil and allowing gasses to pass with low resistance).
I warm up the engine in less than 5 min. by running it at 2000-3000 RPM (let it idle for a few seconds before doing this so oil pressure will build up).
It's something that should be done for any engine (warming it up before shutting it off), it's just a little more important with a rotary. You soon get used to doing it and it becomes second nature.
Other than that, it's just an engine. Expect it to last 200,000 mi. or so if cared for (the second gen normally aspirated -non-turbo- RX-7s are now passing that mileage).
Problems it had were mainly due to the complex twin turbo system that very few understood. Dealers never got it. If there was a failure in that system, chances were you could damage the engine. The RX-8 doesn't have this problem!
Many owners couldn't handle the car - the young were too reckless (it was very unforgiving of recklessness), some of the older owners may have been too slow reaction time wise. The RX-8 doesn't have quite as much accelleration so is much easier to manage for the non-racer!
Most engine destruction events occured when the owners tried to modify the car - they overboosted and detonation would take out the apex seals - and often the seal pieces would take out the turbos as they were expelled through the exhaust! The RX-8 has an excellant detonation prevention system, so even if you modify the car it will protect itself!
The car is fast enough many got in too deep - no experience at those speeds. It was/is really a thinly disguised race car. The RX-8 is fast enough (speedwise) that some have had this problem, but because it can't reach high speeds as fast it isn't as big a problem.
I strongly suggest any who like to "drive crazy" sign up for a racing school. It's a lot of fun, and is safer than doing it on the street. It will do wonders for your driving record in the long run, not to mention your survival lifetime, whether you drive an RX-7 or an RX-8.
i always lusted after one of those since they were first introduced here (which is why i really wanted an RX8, too). I certainly couldn't afford them at that time, and all of these issues caused by owners we are talking about is what prevented me from ever buying a used one all these years. oh well, just another great car i'll never own.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The story of Mazda's reluctance to endorse synthetic oil is that the early synthetic was not compatible with "normal" oil products and caused serious problems in several cars. This was long ago and the synthetic now used is fully compatible. I'm talking of Mobil 1, Royal Purple, AMSOL, etc.
ah, ya know, maybe I read the same thing shifty did. here ya go:
http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/synthetc.htm
as they say, its not like there is definitive proof that it will cause a failure, but it is possible. Its enough to make me worry.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
it is, surprisingly from Ford, one of the BEST performing traditional oils available on the market.
- even though it has '4 doors' and '4 seats', in reality it's a 2+2 in terms of interior space and seating space. I was a little bit disappointed, but if you realize that you're not gonna get the same rear seating space as a traditional 4 door sedan, then it's tolerable. Definitely more comfortable than traditional 2 door 2+2 coupes though.
- there is very little foot room behind the driver's seat if I set the driver seat to the way I would normally drive in. Passenger side is ok as long as front passenger move up a little bit.
- no torque, or just there's a lack of that initial feel of acceleration because it's so smooth. Probably didn't help that, out of courtesy for a new rotary engine, I shifted at 6500rpm instead of near redline, so it was kinda tame, but I can tell the thing can go faster, no doubt.
- the driving position is PERFECT. everything is exactly where it should be, pedal spacing is perfect for heel-toe downshifts, shifter is perfectly placed next to the steering wheel, the steering wheel is perfect size and is perfectly weighted. And that big tachometer in the middle of the gauge cluster is just awesome, I didn't even notice the digital speedo until I was cruising down a straightaway, I was too busy staring at the tach needle going up and down, so much fun!
- handling is amazing, salesperson took me to a twisty backroad for test drive, the suspension balance was wonderful.
the car overall felt great. other than the lack of rear seating space than what I was expecting, it is exactly how I imagined the car would be like.
now i just need to convince myself that those rear seats are just fine for my needs.....
Probably similar to the_big_h, I am trying to convince myself and my wife that we can live with the back seats. We have a 18-month son and expecting our 2nd child next April. I actually test fit the car with my son's car seat. It will fit in the back while I am driving(I am 6'3" and have to slide the seat all the way back). The problem is he will be kicking the back of my seat all the time. The back seat on the passenger side should fit the rear-facing car seat without any problem. I will need both car seats because I am the one dropping the kid(s) to day care. I really like the car, but not sure whether I should get something more practical, maybe a Mazda6 or the Subaru Legacy wagon... I know it is a little extreme since they are very different cars. Any suggestions or opinions are welcome.
My daughter emphatically disliked the car for these reasons. I loved it. I averaged 14.5 MPG in mixed driving and the engined bucked and tried to stall every morning until it was completely warm (this in 80 degree weather), but I still seriously considered buying one.
I haven't posted for a couple months. I know that this thread has already been over the speculation of the '06 RX-8. Recently, I've read articles on how Mazda is really pushing the hybrid RX-8 (Hydrogen/Gas) technology. I wonder how that is going to fit with the possible plans of adding a coupe and convertible. My problem about having a coupe is that Mazda has worked hard in portraying the RX-8 as a superb sports car (that just happens to have a back seat / 4 doors). If you build a coupe, isn't Mazda saying that the RX-8 isn't sporty enough to some potential customers...thus contradicting their claim of providing a real sports car in the RX-8. I have always viewed the RX-8 as a true sports car so I'm wondering why you'd need two similar vehicles in the same lineup.
Also, from a previous post, someone mentioned that Chrysler increased the HP of the Crossfire from 215 to 330 in the SRT-6 version. Well, in doing that, the SRT version is about $15K+ more while the base is still 215 HP. If the RX-8 was to jump from the current HP to 300/330HP, the cost will hit $40K. The RX-8's interior is much better than the WRX Sti, but of course, the STI can get $30K+ since it has the HP. If the RX-8 should reach the same HP, they will obviously ask for much more than what the STI costs.
I don't even want to think of what the insurance will be on a 300HP+ two door coupe...somewhere near the Corvette range I imagine. Of course, the STi/Lancer EVO at least have the four doors.
Couple of comments about recent posts.....
--kid seats in the back....Don't quite know what to say, other than it would probably work. Having the back doors open will certainly make it easier than with a "normal" coupe.
--reat seat room....I regularly haul a couple in my back seat. While we don't go for long trips, it works great for around town stuff
Can't add anything about oil useage other than what Pathstar has said. As with any car, keep an eye on the oil level. Adding oil shouldn't be an issue between changes, for the most part, however. By design, it will use oil, however.
Regarding the person who said they drove one that "bucked" on them, you need a bit more instruction on how to drive a high performance car with a manual transmission. This isn't going to be your garden variety Civic, Accord, Celica. If you're "bucking" it, you need to refine your manual tranny driving skills.
Flooding? Mine has never flooded, no matter what. Simple words of advice, in the winter, warm it up either before you drive or while you're driving. Pretty simple (and a good practice for all cars).
As for the '06 model year, my dealer's GM said they will be brining out a 300HP version. Take that for what it's worth. Don't know anything about it other than he said it would be in the $35K range all loaded up.
After a year and 4 months of ownership, I'm as thrilled with this car today as I was when I first drove it off the dealer's lot.
Ciao!
I'd still be crossing my fingers on that 300HP coupe version; especially at $35K loaded up. The current RX-8 can reach that dollar figure loaded. However, the Pontiac GTO jumped 50HP in just one year and the price is staying relatively the same, so nothing surprises me. Boy, I'd be more than irrate if I purchased a 2004 GTO, only to find out that the 2005 version would have a substantial HP increase and modified exterior. I'll never by a GM sports car (that includes a corvette - though for different reasons). You just see too many Corvettes on the road for a sports car around the $50K mark.
I have driven the 6-speed as well, and despite your assertion, it shifts pretty much like your garden variey Civic, Accord, or Celica - which is to say that it shifts very well and very easiliy.
I think my problems would have went away if I had fully warmed it up before I left for work, but I didn't have to do that with a 1977 MGB, so why should I have to do it with a brand new sports car? In general, the drivability characteristics of this engine are no better than that of my long gone 1984 RX-7 (However, I do like the huge increase in horsepower.)
I saw a "new" Mustang at a local dealership. It may have been the color (dull blue), but I was expecting more. My sister works for Ford. She gets a new Mustang every year. Hers is supposed to come in before the end of the year (red). I can't wait to get some seat time in it. She's my younger sister so I'll have to pull rank and age to make her let me drive it alone (to do "proper" testing, of course).
Regarding the 300 HP RX8, we'll see. A HP increase of that magnitude would propel it (pun intended) into a whole new category. Needless to say, I'd be very tempted to trade my RX8 in for an '06 300HP version at a $35K price point. At $40K (with brother-in-law's GM employee discount), I'm headed over to the Chevy store for a new 'Vette. Other than that, I'm loving my RX8. It's provided more than I expected over the last ~1.5 years I've had it. I can't remember the last time I said that about any car ownership experience (although, I wouldn't mind some seat time in your S2000, either).
lemmer....can't comment about an automatic RX8, as I've never driven one. If "cheezeboy" is still hanging around these parts, he'd be the person to chime in.
I owned an MGB GT many years ago. I can tell you that my RX8 is a quantum leap above and beyond any driveability parameter compared to that car (and I have a real "soft spot" for the MG).
I would definitely agree here. I had a Triumph TR-7. It was a bit quirky, but no more so than any other British Leyland product. That car handled beautifully - like a slot car. But my RX-8 handles even better and blows it away in power. Not to mention having a big edge in creature comforts as a bonus.
Of course that is a whole lot more expensive than increasing engine power.
anyway, my question is this: anything I need to do to prepare for the colder temps? I am hoping that snow will not be a factor, so I am mostly concerned about fluids and stuff...things that you might have done for the late Fall months. Any tips? My wish is that from Florida to about Chicago it stays sunny and about 72...then cross the border to Canada...ah...oops...Wisconsin, and it drops to about 50....I can take 45...but if it goes lower, I might not leave my folks house! LOL!
Also, if anyone here knows of some good places to visit along the route (say Disney to Chicago), let me know!
As far as to the AT bucking - I have not had that experience. The only thing that would be termed close would be when I move from AutoStick to full AT, sometimes it will slightly 'lurch' trying to find the next gear....
A note: I've noticed too, that since the "M" flash, if I drive for an extened time, say on the interstate, at about 7000 to 7500 rpms, I've gotten better MPG.....before , you could almost watch the fuel gauge drop. Maybe PathStar can fill me in as to what the "M" flash really did.
and just remember, I will be leaving the Dolphins, passing the Bucs and Jags, going by the Falcons and the Titans, maybe sneak a peek at the Bears and then home to the Pack - good football driving with my RX-8!