The following problems surfaced on my RX-8:
- Heavy oil consumption
- Poor gas mileage
- Premature wear of interior: Within 3 months the driver's seat leather was heavily worn. The dealer replaced the seat cover under warranty, but the replacement began to wear within weeks. Interior plastics not wearing well.
Good Stuff:
Performance easily matches (or exceeds) my previous car (2000 Porsche Boxster), and the utility of 2 rear seats is greatly appreciated. The navigation system is extremely useful (if a bit difficult to learn at first).
Bad Stuff:
The rear mini doors are difficult to use in tight parking spots. Also, as mentioned above, the quality of interior materials is completely unacceptable – especially for a car that costs over $30k. While I can live with poor gas mileage, and having to carry a quart of oil in the trunk, having to stare at a worn interior every day is an insult – I hate to think what it will look like a year from now.
While a stellar performer, I can't recommend this car. Mazda should have spent a bit more money on interior materials, and more thoroughly thought out the mini doors.
I have had my RX-8 for 18 months and 24,000 miles. The seat covers and rest of the interior look nearly new. I have seen the interiors of perhaps a dozen or so RX-8s of varying ages, I don't remember ever seeing any with interiors that looked worn.
Check the driver's seat for excessive wear. When I brought mine in to have the seat covers replaced, the service manager told me that this was a known issue. Later, a factory representative denied this.
I've heard varying stories concerning the interior wear. A major car magazine recently wrote that the interior wore well, but looked as if it was made of cheap materials.
If I had to do it again, I probably would pass on the leather option, as the cloth might wear better. (BTW: Replacement leather seat covers cost $1000 per seat!)
Erosion of seat cover material along the seatback/drivers door side is common with many cars. How does one prevent it? Simply move the entire seat back prior to exiting the car. Then when one wants to get in again, the seat is already back and one's posterior does not rub against the seatback material. I have had my RX8 for 12 months and 13,900 miles - absolutely no signs of the driver's seat material eroding - looks like new.
The seat wore on the entire front portion of the cushion and especially where the leather meets the stripped vinyl insert. The door coverings easily scuff as well. Never had these issues on any of my other cars.
Perhaps this is an isolated incident. However, if buying an RX8 simply be aware that the quality of the interior materials may be problematic, and if so, Mazda will not stand behind their product.
Given an opportunity to do it over again, I'd likely get an Infiniti G35 coupe... similar size/performance, but better built. Plus Infiniti has a much better customer service reputation.
Well, typical for for folks that have no clue on how a rotary engine works. I've had my Shinka for about 3 months now and I've probably added oil every 2nd or 3rd fill up. This is something minute and tolerabl.
No signs of wear on my seat or any other seat-- I have a 16 month old daughter and her car-seat behind the passenger. I check and clean every week to make sure there are no cookies or crackers in the crevices. I guess I treat my car the way I want to be treated--I drive her hard, but in return I'll take care of her.
I have had a Shinka 3.5 months/1100 miles and am distressed that I am getting only 13 mpg. Is this usual? The ride and steering are also "harder" than I expected. Otherwise, I am satisfied with the performance and finish out, but I am also glad I leased it rather than bought it.
As for the heavy oil consumption this is normal for a rotary engine, it's even stated in your owners manual. usage will also vary depending on how hard you run your car!! same for gas mileage, rotary engines have never been known for great fuel mileage and if you take advantage of the high revving performance of a rotary you can't expect to get 20-25 mpg.
I love my RX8 in many respects, other than gas mileage and interior quality. My 2004 has had fading on the passenger side of the dashboard (repainted at dealer) and constant scuffing on the interior doors that can't be wiped off in spite of lots of TLC. Otherwise this car is a dream to drive... great fun.
A rotary does consume a lot of oil, it's just the nature of the beast. Feed it when it's thirsty, and it'll be with you as long as you own the vehicle, that's the beauty of the Wankel rotary (renesis); what you burn on oil and gas you save on major engine repair. So think of it as a long term investment, not a quirk.
As for the seats, they were not designed for larger people.
Love my RX8, handles beautifully. It does need oil a little more than a regular engine but that's no big deal.
The sleek look of this pouter grey 2004 is very sexy, and the drivers seat fits my small frame perfectly.
Shifting is fun especially to 6th gear. You must hold on to the steering wheel with 2 hands (for highway driving) as it drives like I believe a race car would handle.
Love my RX8! A must to try driving one to see if this sporty little beauty is for you.
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