2004 Mazda RX8 6 speed 1.3 Rotory

Summary:

Great car I would recommend

Faults:

The left rear tail light had to be replaced due to moisture getting inside. It was covered by warranty.

General Comments:

The car handles better than anything I have driven, including my brother's BMW's.

It could use an inch or two more legroom and have the steering wheel a bit closer. Otherwise, it is the perfect car. A blast on the back roads, but great as a daily driver.

Everyone complaining about the gas mileage (I average around 19-20mpg with mixed driving) and the tire wear needs to buy a Honda or Buick. It is a sports car and there are some higher mileage tire alternatives available. You don't have to replace them with what came on it (140 tread ware!!! 300 to 280 tread ware tires are available).

Also, I have a job where I have to move my car out everyday. I start it up, move it about 50 feet and turn it off. It starts up every time. I have not experianced the problem that some mention.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th November, 2005

2004 Mazda RX8

Summary:

Don't buy one

Faults:

Replaced headlights because they were cloudy inside.

Replaced left tail light because of scratches.

Replaced warped piece above the glove box.

Replaced black door strips between the front and back doors on both sides, because of scratches and dents.

Replaced complete wipers. Faded out.

Fixed dents and scratches that were there when purchased, but was told the car was in perfect condition.

Alignment bad when received. Fixed alignment.

First time I used the air conditioner, there was a burning smell. Burnt compressor replaced.

Gas tank recall.

Manual shift paddles would stick and not shift up. Worked intermittently. Replaced springs and contacts.

Not shifting down into first when in manual when it came to a stop. Replaced some trans switches.

Goes into 4th gear at 29mph when in automatic. They say that is good??? How can it be good to lug the engine. Manually I would be in 2nd or 3rd.

Makes 12 mpg!

General Comments:

When a company puts a sticker on a window stating 18 round town, and 24 freeway, that is what it should do. My old car a Mustang GT 2002 stated 16 around town, and that it what it did or better.

I bought car for 3 reasons.

1. Automatic (drove stick for 20 years).

2. To get better gas mileage.

3. The style and look of car.

I drive more in manual to see if I can make better mileage, but this doesn't happen. Bought the car for the automatic.

BAD, BAD, BAD GAS MILEAGE. RIDICULOUS!

I have gotten 10.91 mpg on a tank and once almost 15 mpg. I was thrilled with the 15 mpg, but that hasn't happened again. One long distance trip I got 19. Drive mostly around town. The average for this car is 12-12.5 mpg.. This is unacceptable!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th October, 2005

1st Nov 2005, 08:50

So let's resume: you bought an automatic, rotary-engined high performance (capable of at 8500 rpm) RX 8 to mainly use it in the city and save on gas?!

4th Nov 2005, 18:26

I'm a Mazda salesman and the gas mileage rating on this car is 18/24. It's not good, but better than 12. I agree, when I had my demo, I could fill it up at 150 miles a tank or 7.9 mpg. I disliked this car to a great degree just because of the oil consumption and gas mileage. As a Mazda salesman I say: "Don't buy one."

2004 Mazda RX8

Summary:

This car is beautiful, but not very reliable

Faults:

The first thing happened after two weeks of purchase. Apparently you can't turn the car off if the engine temperature is on cold, it floods the engine or something like that. I was told that you have to let it warm up first, usually this takes about 4-5 minutes. This was covered under warranty the first time.

Secondly, I have low profile tires and can only get 20,000 miles of wear before having to purchase new tires. These tires are about $300 each, so they are not cheap.

I had to replace the A/C condenser due to a rock punching a hole in it. This was going to cost about $700, but it was covered under insurance.

Gas mileage is not good at all.

Trunk space is way too small.

General Comments:

This car is a beautiful car, it turns a lot of heads.

I have had too many problems with it. I am a person that don't have a lot of time to deal with having my car in the shop all the time. I am about to trade it in for a more reliable vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st September, 2005

2nd Oct 2005, 01:42

Just brought my RX8 in for four (4) recalls... not very confidence inspiring.

Additionally:

Driver's seat it badly worn after less than 2 yrs.

Weather stripping is very worn on driver's side.

Plastic trim came loose from the front passenger seat.

Mileage MUCH worse than advertised.

Rear doors very hard to use in tight parking spots.

Steering is numb (though quite accurate).

These problems are unfortunate, as they detract from an otherwise good car. I'll likely sell mine soon.