9th Mar 2009, 18:06
It's really sad to hear all the negative comments about the car. I own a 1986 RX-7 with 93k miles and it has been great, I've had no problems with it. I was considering upgrading to an RX-8 because I thought they were supposed to improve upon the rotary, but I guess not! Never have I had to have my car towed because of flooding, and I still have the original engine. Oh, and my factory CD player still works too. I really like the styling of the RX-8, but I am more than content with my RX-7 =)
13th Mar 2009, 20:49
Well the RX-8 is not like every other car. You need to spend a lil more time with the 8.
If you have an RX8, join the RX8 club, www.rx8club.com; they will tell you what you need to do. Like redlining the car at least once a day to keep the carbon level down, and also to check your oil level every other fill up. Do your research on this car. And like everyone says: "Drive it like you stole it"
7th Apr 2009, 05:59
I own a 2004 RX8 as well, except I've had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. In fact, I even get mid 20 miles per gallon with combined highway and city driving (averaging 24, but I've gotten up to 28). The cars just require a slightly higher degree of maintenance than the average car, but that is with all sports cars.
I've owned my RX8 for a year and a half, and put over 30,000 miles on it in that year and a half. I had a flooded engine once due to the battery dying on me while trying to start it. All that requires is pulling the fuel pump fuse, cranking it over for a few seconds, putting the fuel pump fuse back in.
It is sad to read such bad reviews of the car, and even worse knowing people have had such horrible problems with their cars; however, not all of the RX8s are that bad. Just be extremely picky about picking one out, especially from the first two production years.
15th Apr 2009, 21:07
I bought a used RX-8 and kept it for a year. I was warned about the engine flood issue after I purchased the vehicle. I did not have any issue with the engine flooding but had some other engine issues that cost a few hundred dollars. I was told by multiple employees at multiple Mazda dealers that the RX-8 is not a good vehicle. I love the interior and the exterior. I am expanding my family so I had to trade it in. I would not recommend this vehicle unless you are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on an unreliable engine.
4th Jun 2009, 10:05
I own a 2004 RX8. Bought it with 10,000 miles 3 years ago.
Love the way it looks and handles UNTIL 8 months ago (37000 miles). Yes, we too were products of it "flooding"...towed and "dechoked" for $500. Three weeks later..."check engine light". Failed compression test and they installed new engine. When test driving, new replacement failed. So #3 engine installed. (Dealer kept 2 months!) After driving only 823 miles..#3 engine blew. We are now on the 4th engine but only 200 miles to date. Can't trade it... not worth anything. Can't sell it... who wants a car after 4 engines (and counting). We contacted a attorney and they are pursuing. Mazda knows the RX8 is junk. That's why they extended warranty but who wants to buy a RX8 and have it in the shop more than it isn't. I wouldn't wish this ordeal on anyone! Still like the way it looks but would rather drive it then see it on a rollback!
10th Jul 2009, 19:37
MY YELLOW 2004 RX8 - WHAT CAN I SAY... I would never buy one again. Nothing but problems.
New motor, new transmission, unknown rattles, leaking tail lights, broken 6CD player, and continuously breaking visors.
My car spent at least 4 months during the first 2 years at the dealership (10,000 miles). Couldn't afford to lose my money, I still have it and it now has 30,000. Have not had any motor or running issues since I was rear ended and the muffler was replaced by the body shop.
If you are having compression issues or carbon build up, have someone check the muffler.
Still love the body style.
16th Jul 2009, 20:28
The car is a joy. Unique, yes. It does require more maint than an econo-car. This is the price you pay for an outstanding driving car that is a rotary. Flooding the car isn't an issue if you understand once again that you own a rotary and aren't turning it off/on on short trips from the driveway to the mailbox.
7th Apr 2010, 19:29
I own an RX8. They're great cars; you just HAVE to know how to take care of them.
The reason engines are replaced more often than they should be, is the fact people don't understand how to properly maintain this car!! The car must be warmed up before it is driven!! This prevents warped housing, and yes the coolant does need to be flushed; this is one of the most commonly abused things about the car. Coolant does turn acidic over time, thus it's hard on the coolant seals... will leak coolant into the engine, ruin the apex seal/housing...
Do your research. rx8club.com is a great site for those of you that hate your car; you should learn how to take care of it first...
24th Feb 2009, 04:15
My boyfriend also owns a 2004 RX8, that thing has been nothing but problems. I beg him all the time to get rid of it.
With less than 50,000 miles, the engine has been replaced due to the compressions going "bad," it has had to be towed to the dealer at least 4 times from a flooded engine, that costs at least $200 each time. The car cannot be towed using a dolly, it has to be towed on a flatbed truck because of the design of the car.
It has had about 3 sets of brakes, do not put aftermarket brakes on one unless you want squealing every time you stop.
Anytime you get close to needing a oil change, the car idles so rough you feel like it is going to throw you through the moon roof.
I could go on and on. DO NOT buy this car, they are pieces of crap!!!