23rd Nov 2005, 11:01

I have an RX-8. My brother has a Subaru WRX. He has driven my RX-8 and is envious. Once his loan is paid off, he plans to trade in his WRX and buy an RX-8.

After 24,000 miles, my transmission has always worked perfectly. Don't blame a car because of one person's experiences, that can happen to any model of any brand.

Now, if the dealer could only solve the hard starting problem in cold weather...

25th Nov 2005, 12:43

I love the rx8. it is so well balanced and so very unique. I have not had one problem with my 6-speed box. this is the only car that I have owned that is more fun than my old 93 rx7.

3rd Aug 2006, 20:52

That review is written strangely. Do you really have an RX8?

16th Dec 2006, 12:49

Have a 2004 Rx8 with 45,000 miles and had to replace the clutch. Of the 45,000 miles, 38,000 were expressway miles with little or no shifting. I was told that the warranty did not apply because of the “normal use clause” and it cost me $1,300. Anyone else having clutch problems with their 2004 Rx8?

25th Dec 2006, 21:47

I have a 2004 Mazda RX8 Grand Touring model and I LOVE it. I bought the car this year with 50,000 miles. I've had no problems with it. Before I bought it the engine was replaced by the dealership so when I bought it, the engine only had the miles I test drove on it. I have heard about flooding with this car, but it must've been with the old engine. The car corners like a dream, the heated seats are wonderful when it's cold, and you cannot find a car that looks like that for $15,000 (what I paid). I've never owned a mazda till now, but I think I would buy this car new when it gets redesigned. It sold me over the 350Z by a long shot. Oh and to the Honda S2000 fans is that car EVER going to get redesigned? It looks so plain.AND it's a Honda. They have the MOST boring cars in the world. If they ever got a fresh sports car that looked like the RX8 I might fall over from the shock of it. The RX8 looks new and fresh at any angle you look at it with. Did I mention this is the most loaded fun car that you can get for the money? Fuel economy is bad, but I'll pay it any day for the performance you get in return.

5th Jan 2007, 20:51

I'm glad you are enjoying your RX8 and I'm sure you feel that your problems are over and I hope so. I also hope you set aside some room for disappointment. I would also inquire as to why the previous owner traded in the vehicle. As far as the flooding, my vehicle was purchased new in January 2004 and three months later the engine was replaced and it has flooded several times at home, on vacation and at outings. The check engine light is a continuous problem, brakes squeal and the list goes on. It is definitely a nice looking car and it should be in one of the horror movies where someone is trying to escape the bad guy and the car won't start. The car's performance will definitely win an Oscar. Keep driving and I hope you are one of the lucky ones. This car is a nightmare.

17th Feb 2007, 08:15

I love my Rx-8! Yet, I hate the issues I continuously have in the cold. A leak every time I start the car in the cold. The dealership takes care of it. Mods are not a good idea, they tend to mess with the normal functioning of the car, and have spent and sold many of them, but refuse to get rid of the Greddy exhaust, I will just baffle it.

I have not had flooding issues, though my leading plugs needed to be replaced at 31,000 miles possibly from not revving the engine when needed. Though ignorant to that fact, I have not been stranded. Even after revving as specified, my air filter collects a lot of junk.

I paid 18,000 for the vehicle knowing it had an almost boring interior, but the car can run. I am just aggravated with the cold, as soon I am able to garage it, I will. It must be driven twice every day instead of sitting in the cold. Just a warning to those who don't know.

For those who have transmission issues, dropping the clutch is not a good idea in any vehicle, I have not driven an affordable car with better catching ability. I can almost shift unknowingly. I do know of someone with the same issue. His warranty was "Banned", (if that is the term), from a cool serviceman. When I have to pay for something with this vehicle due to the issues I have from the cold, that is when I will consider selling, ONLY then!

13th Mar 2007, 13:11

First of all, any Mazda with a rotary engine should not be owned by anyone who is not a true car enthusiast, because they take time and skill to drive and operate trouble-free, and second, anyone who buys a sports car (or any car!) should know whether it's an automatic or a stick. Especially someone who has had so much trouble with theirs.

17th Mar 2007, 22:57

True car enthusiasts prefer their cars on the road, not stuck in the garage with a flooded engine. All that handling prowess isn't worth a thing if you can't get your RX-8 out of the driveway.

Also note: poor quality materials, silly rear doors (actually more difficult to use than 'noral' coupe doors), and lack of torque.

I sold my RX-8 after less than two years of ownership due to the problems stated above.

20th Mar 2007, 04:38

Greetings.

I own a 2002 Mini-Cooper and am considering selling to purchase a used RX8.

I am considering a 2004 RX8 with 60K miles and it seems pretty loaded with a two tone interior (red/black), automatic and navigation system.

I have read this string of comments and seem to find very extreme comments about the RX8.

When considering this used RX8 what should I be considering before selling my Mini which has been pretty trouble free, but my wife can't drive (because it is a stick) and my kids can't get into without getting tangled up in the seat belt jungle.

Constructive help appreciated.

--Victor.

27th Mar 2007, 01:41

The RX-8 is an extremely well handling car, with excellent brakes, and a back seat large enough for adults (at least for short trips). While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I'd say it's very sporty-looking and definitely unique.

If you like high-rev'ing engines, you'll love the Renisis engine's character. Sadly, you won't like its gas mileage, nor its reliability. If buying a used car, an extended warranty would be wise. I'd also suggest you stay away from the earlier model years... later model years might be less problematic.

Finally, the automatic RX-8 is about 30 hp weaker than the manual, so don't expect stellar off-the-line performance.