2003 Mazda RX8 230ps review from UK and Ireland

Catalytic Converter crumbled (replaced under warranty)

Engine replaced due to dodgy seal (replaced under warranty)

Alloy wheels corroded (replaced under warranty)

Brushed Aluminium strakes corroded (replaced under warranty)

The RX8 is a beautiful car which drives like a dream. It has superb acceleration and handling that means you're confident of where the car is going and where it should be at all times.

Interior trim is great, everything fits and has maintained a good sheen after 4 years of use. I hadn't realised how great till I took a serious look at a new (non-RX8) car and realised how shabby some of them can get after only a year or two of use.

The sound system is great. Quality, clear sound. Again, you don't appreciate it until you listen to some basic sound system in some other car.

Storage space is limited, but with some creative packing I've transferred bicycles, massive suitcases, and even 4 people and a whole team's cricket gear.

Fuel economy is poor, but then everyone knows that. You just get on with it and enjoy the car instead. Lows of 18MPG and (rare) highs of 24 but averages between 20 and 21MPG.

The heavy oil consumption is just a myth. Some cars will use lots, some will barely touch it. I've had the car over 4 years and have used less than my old Fiesta of 2 years.

Ditto with the flooding. If you don't drive it 5 feet then turn it off, you won't have a problem. I've never flooded it once in 4 years.

Despite the problems listed in the faults section, I still feel that the build quality is great, and I regret my decision to trade it in soon, but with the increasing fuel prices I must downtrade to another car. I know whatever car I get won't be as good as the RX8.