RX8 Reliability

  • Thread starter Thread starter DQuaN
  • 77 comments
  • 7,210 views
hm. Autotrader tells me that in Cali, one can get 80k mile RX-8 manual for 8500 or even less.
 
You want a quick Mazda? Get the Mazdaspeed6. Our RX-8 is basically an annoyance as most real life owners my wife and I talk to agree.

It's one thing to lose a bit of oil but having a quart or more gone on every oil change is retarded. Car runs very hot with the A/C on, and turning the A/C on saps WAY too much performance . On top of that we've had issues with all the fluid level sensors. Gas mileage is horrendous. And lastly, you are stuck taking it to a Mazda dealer or a specialist shop that deals with rotaries specifically.
 
JCE
You want a quick Mazda? Get the Mazdaspeed6.
Click to expand...

Or just get a Honda Civic Type R because its pretty reliable because, well its not just Japanese, its a Honda, and its not just a Honda because its a Honda Civic which'll hold its value WAY BETTER than the RX8 but your gonna have to fork out £5k+ for a decent one that hasnt been abused :P
 
JCE
You want a quick Mazda? Get the Mazdaspeed6. Our RX-8 is basically an annoyance as most real life owners my wife and I talk to agree.

It's one thing to lose a bit of oil but having a quart or more gone on every oil change is retarded. Car runs very hot with the A/C on, and turning the A/C on saps WAY too much performance . On top of that we've had issues with all the fluid level sensors. Gas mileage is horrendous. And lastly, you are stuck taking it to a Mazda dealer or a specialist shop that deals with rotaries specifically.
Click to expand...

Sounds like someone should have done some research before they bought the car. ;)

It should be well known that:
  • Most Rotarys have an oil injection system, they burn oil on purpose
  • Rotarys get semi-horrible gas mileage
  • They require a mechanic that specializes in the Wankel engine (or just do it yourself, like me)
 
AzNTypeR
Or just get a Honda Civic Type R because its pretty reliable because, well its not just Japanese, its a Honda, and its not just a Honda because its a Honda Civic which'll hold its value WAY BETTER than the RX8 but your gonna have to fork out £5k+ for a decent one that hasnt been abused :P
Click to expand...

If I was part of the car decision process for it maybe but it is the wife's car.

R1600Turbo
Sounds like someone should have done some research before they bought the car. ;)

It should be well known that:
  • Most Rotarys have an oil injection system, they burn oil on purpose
  • Rotarys get semi-horrible gas mileage
  • They require a mechanic that specializes in the Wankel engine (or just do it yourself, like me)
Click to expand...

I know all about the pros and con of rotaries, however, this is the wife's car originally so it was her decision ultimately not mine. She almost bought an '07 Mustang GT which would of been a billion times more reliable and faster. She decided on the RX just because of the aesthetics... Blah, she's regretting it now.
 
Edit: ^^^ :lol:

JCE
I know all about the pros and con of rotaries, however, this is the wife's car originally so it was her decision ultimately not mine. She almost bought an '07 Mustang GT which would of been a billion times more reliable and faster. She decided on the RX just because of the aesthetics... Blah, she's regretting it now.
Click to expand...

Not the best reason to buy a car, but although I do agree with you on the Mustang I'm a Rotary guy so I know the negatives and learn to live with them. 👍
 
Toronado
Women.

AMIRIGHT GUYS?
Click to expand...

:lol: Seriously!

She loved the Mustang's speed too...

R1600Turbo
Edit: ^^^ :lol:



Not the best reason to buy a car, but although I do agree with you on the Mustang I'm a Rotary guy so I know the negatives and learn to live with them. 👍
Click to expand...

You know if you've always wanted something it's hard to change your mind. She's always liked the RX-8's aesthetics so it was hard for me to change her mind. :)
 
JCE
You want a quick Mazda? Get the Mazdaspeed6. Our RX-8 is basically an annoyance as most real life owners my wife and I talk to agree.
Click to expand...

From what I understand the reliability of the Mazdaspeed 6 was about equal to, or worse than the RX-8. I've heard a lot of not-so-great things about the performance of the AWD system as well as the turbo engine.
 
^ +1, I've heard the same stories.

Mainly from silly geese who get a hold of the MazdaSpeed 6 (and 3) and decide to turn the boost up on the stock turbo. Neither model likes that very much at all.

Have you looked at a 350Z at all by any chance? Dunno if they're within your range in terms of price but its been one of the "spiritual rivals" as such of the RX-8. About as quick and the VQ35DE is a fabulous engine.
 
The only Mazdaspeed with a major issue is the MS3 with the grenading engine mount (which literally drops the engine out of the bay), but that's a recall issue, and should have been addressed on a secondhand car.

The issues with MS3s and MS6s are mostly with modified cars. These direct injection turbocharged cars are very sensitive. Cold-air intakes wreak havoc with the MAF sensor, which leads to leaning out and a check-engine light or a very unhappy engine. This happened even with the factory Mazdaspeed intake... which was embarrassing for Mazda. Then there's the guys who turn up the boost...

Direct-injection turbos usually run leaner than regular turbocharged cars. Modify them the wrong way and you risk making them run too lean.

Learn to live with having "only" around 250-276 hp, and the cars should serve you well.
 
JCE
It's one thing to lose a bit of oil but having a quart or more gone on every oil change is retarded. Car runs very hot with the A/C on, and turning the A/C on saps WAY too much performance . On top of that we've had issues with all the fluid level sensors. Gas mileage is horrendous. And lastly, you are stuck taking it to a Mazda dealer or a specialist shop that deals with rotaries specifically.
Click to expand...

JCE
You know if you've always wanted something it's hard to change your mind. She's always liked the RX-8's aesthetics so it was hard for me to change her mind. :)
Click to expand...
As you knew of the "drawbacks" before you got it, you cannot blame the RX8 in this instance. You knew beforehand that it uses oil and gets poor fuel mileage, so you then cannot complain when you find it uses oil and you get poor fuel mileage.

Murcie_LP640
Have you looked at a 350Z at all by any chance? Dunno if they're within your range in terms of price but its been one of the "spiritual rivals" as such of the RX-8. About as quick and the VQ35DE is a fabulous engine.
Click to expand...
It's a good bit more expensive to buy. You can get a 2004 RX8 for about £4-5,000 here, yet an older 350Z will cost you at least £2,000 more. And I don't know if DQuan plans on carrying passengers, but try and carry 3 folk in a 350Z...

------

You all know the old, "You're not a true car enthusiast until you've owned an Alfa Romeo" statement? I do think that should be amended to, "You're not a true car enthusiast until you've owned an Alfa Romeo or a rotary."

I can put up with the "bad" bits because, A) I knew about them before I started and, B) the good bits are so damn good.
 
Last edited:
My mate has one has had a few issues including a recall problem with the oil coolers.

It has a warped engine mount apparently caused by excess heat

The dealer servicing costs are astronomical !

Oil level is always on his mind.

He has flooded it a few times and not been able to start it.

It is one of the worst cars for fuel economy for its performance i've ever seen.

Even after all that I still like them and he loves it ! Great car to drive and great car to be in !
 
YSSMAN
From what I understand the reliability of the Mazdaspeed 6 was about equal to, or worse than the RX-8. I've heard a lot of not-so-great things about the performance of the AWD system as well as the turbo engine.
Click to expand...

Murcie_LP640
^ +1, I've heard the same stories.

Mainly from silly geese who get a hold of the MazdaSpeed 6 (and 3) and decide to turn the boost up on the stock turbo. Neither model likes that very much at all.
Click to expand...

niky
The only Mazdaspeed with a major issue is the MS3 with the grenading engine mount (which literally drops the engine out of the bay), but that's a recall issue, and should have been addressed on a secondhand car.

The issues with MS3s and MS6s are mostly with modified cars. These direct injection turbocharged cars are very sensitive. Cold-air intakes wreak havoc with the MAF sensor, which leads to leaning out and a check-engine light or a very unhappy engine. This happened even with the factory Mazdaspeed intake... which was embarrassing for Mazda. Then there's the guys who turn up the boost...

Learn to live with having "only" around 250-276 hp, and the cars should serve you well.
Click to expand...

As I mentioned above, I've put 80k on my Mazdaspeed6 and haven't had a single problem. I haven't installed any performance mods because, well, 276 hp is more than enough for a daily driver. I did install springs and aftermarket wheels and a stereo system though.

Most of the bad reports about mazdaspeeds, as mentioned, have pertained to the MS3 and aside from the engine mount breaking (which was recalled I believe) those reports are almost always from tuners trying to push the car beyond the limit. The Mazdaspeed Protege was the same way. It was a great car that gave you a little boost and superb handling...but when overtuned the engines would explode.

In any case, stock-for-stock, the Mazdaspeeds are going to be far more reliable compared to the RX-8.
 
daan
As you knew of the "drawbacks" before you got it, you cannot blame the RX8 in this instance. You knew beforehand that it uses oil and gets poor fuel mileage, so you then cannot complain when you find it uses oil and you get poor fuel mileage.
Click to expand...

I or we have every right to complain just like you have every right to state your opinion. THANKS! 👍
 
I'm late to this but I'm going to make the best suggestion that has been made ever regarding the RX-8.

Buy an M3.

It basically has more of everything. Especially torque. And better MPG on average. And it is an engine you can work on. And can move the car around your driveway without flooding it.


JCE
I or we have every right to complain just like you have every right to state your opinion. THANKS! 👍
Click to expand...

It is just rather obnoxious to see someone that was informed on all the problems the car would have precede to complain about those very problems after obtaining the car.
 
Azuremen
Buy an M3.

It basically has more of everything. Especially torque. And better MPG on average. And it is an engine you can work on. And can move the car around your driveway without flooding it.
Click to expand...
For the price of a 6 year old RX8, you could have a 14 year old M3...

Torque is over rated anyway. Who needs it? :dopey:
 
daan
Torque is over rated anyway. Who needs it? :dopey:
Click to expand...

Pickup truck drivers!

sevenStock2009-104_mazdaREPU.jpg


Oh, wait...
 
Azuremen
It is just rather obnoxious to see someone that was informed on all the problems the car would have precede to complain about those very problems after obtaining the car.
Click to expand...

Again, this was the WIFE'S car and it was ultimately the WIFE'S decision to get it. She understood the pros and cons and decided she wanted it for the style and the way the interior was laid out over potential problems and reliability concerns. If it was MY choice I would of bought the Mustang GT or something else much better--which is every other RWD coupe on the market.

I am the one doing most of the complaining, rightfully so. She just makes comments here and there about the reliability to other RX-8 owners or anyone who asks about our experience with it. Seeing how I also drive it regularly I have the right to voice my opinions and facts about our ownership experience so others can decide if they want this slow unreliable wheelie-bin. I'd rather own a MX-5 then an RX-8, yea, I dislike them that much--ironically the Mazdaspeed MX-5 is probably faster too. If only I could convince her to drop a small-block V8 in the RX once it's paid for to solve these issues we'd probably keep it.

Thanks. :)
 
Azuremen
Buy an M3.
Click to expand...

daan
For the price of a 6 year old RX8, you could have a 14 year old M3...

Torque is over rated anyway. Who needs it? :dopey:
Click to expand...
I'd rather have an RX8 because the car is much more unique and interesting. They're newer yet retain all the good bits of "sports car" that I like. They also have attention getting looks which I've always thought were great. It's definitely Japanese, that's for sure.
 
That and older M3s over here tend to be driven by cocks. Or are a 318 or 320 with a badge...
 
Keef
I'd rather have an RX8 because the car is much more unique and interesting. They're newer yet retain all the good bits of "sports car" that I like. They also have attention getting looks which I've always thought were great. It's definitely Japanese, that's for sure.
Click to expand...

Ditto.

I never really liked the styling all that much, but lately they seem to be catching my attention a bit more. A 20B swap would make it a whole lot better... :drool:
 

Latest Posts

Back