Is the Mazda RX8 that bad?

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

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I really fancy one of these for a bit of fun. I had a Mazda 3 for two years and while you can compare the two. I quite liked Mazda, yes the interiors are tacky but pfft, it never missed a beat.

I know they drink oil and petrol, but it will be a second car to my mondeo. I won't be doing big miles in it.

After some brief research I'm thinking something around 05-06. The facelift in 09 is out of budget.

So, am I mad? You just seem to get so much your money, they're so cheap! And I fancy a proper RWD sports car instead of big slow FWD cars.

What should I be looking to spend on a decent one and any particular year I should be aiming for? I fancy the quicker version of the two 228bhp I think. Any performance mods for these cars?

Cheers.
 
I've seen mint ones go for sub 2k, got to be a bargain for a weekend warrior/trackday car.

Not sure on the usefulness of a weekend car though, I have one and I can't even remember the last time I drove it, waste of money and garage space tbh.
 
i wouldnt spend anything more than pocket money on one. they are so cheap for a reason

i think pistonheads ran a long term one which predictably blew up too

they make no sense for me
 
If you really want one, buy one that's just been rebuilt (or buy one with a failed engine and have it rebuilt) then sell it on again halfway through it's guarantee period. You just need to accept that it is cheap because it more than likely will break, it uses a LOT of fuel for the not so hot performance on offer and can use a good bit of oil.
 
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So all the 7-8 year old RX8's for sale with full dealer history have had their engines rebuilt? And every single one fails?

Looking at a lot of owner comments, it's a bit over hyped that they ALL fail. While I can see they can cause issues, I'm struggling to believe every car will blow up.
 
Buchanan0204 said:
Really? Why don't you use it?
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Much in the same vain as an RX8, it is mega thirsty. My every day BMW does nearly twice as many MPG so I need a compelling reason to take it out. That is pretty much limited to lovely sunny days where I can drive with the roof off.
I also use the BMW for track days because, like an RX8, the Z is not reliable enough that I can trust it.

I have given serious thought to selling it and getting another BMW that I could take a no compromise approach with for the trackday use. Running a second car is not exactly a cheap business especially when it's heavily modified. More cost effective for me to have a dual purpose car, even if it means having 2 4 wheel alignments every trackday.
 
No, but a lot of them fail - I believe the issue is exaggerated due to owners running them for a period of time unknowingly when initial issues develop.

You will have a much better time with an enthusiast owned car than you will with one picked up just randomly from autotrader but there are no guarantees. Given how many you see for £1-1.5k that have died and that a recently rebuilt one will go for £2.5-3k in otherwise very good condition it's a bit of a no brainer for me. Occasionally they go through auction and go for peanuts too, that could be a good way to pick one up for rebuild if you have someone who can quickly give a bit of confidence on the issue it has.

Of course you could buy one for £2k, keep £1200 in the bank just incase and see how you go.
 
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With my luck I'd by a lemon!

Might just stick to the CBR600 for my kicks. Don't fancy constantly worrying about oil levels and whether or not it'll go boom. Suppose you only get what you pay for.

Cheers all.
 
Buchanan0204 said:
With my luck I'd by a lemon!

Might just stick to the CBR600 for my kicks. Don't fancy constantly worrying about oil levels and whether or not it'll go boom. Suppose you only get what you pay for.

Cheers all.
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Indeed, they are cheap for a reason - if you have realistic expectations I don't see why you couldn't enjoy the car though. I'd probably have one if they were a bit quicker
 
My '08 one still going strong having bought it pre-reg with 300 miles on the clock. I look after it, get it serviced at the correct intervals and keep the oil topped up. Guess its either just luck of the draw or overhyped reliability problems.
 
The_Baron said:
My '08 one still going strong having bought it pre-reg with 300 miles on the clock. I look after it, get it serviced at the correct intervals and keep the oil topped up. Guess its either just luck of the draw or overhyped reliability problems.
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How many miles? 60k ish is when they see problems and nose dive in price
 
Stunning cars for the price.
If i did not had DC2 i would pick RX8 !!!!
My mate got 2005(or something) Prodrive rx8 one its gr8 never brakes.
Only things i dont like about RX8
MPG -> Hes doing like 21-22. I do same with my ITR abusing it all the time.
Road tax -> 420f pounds ......
And if you buy one with ****** engine you are ****ed.

Give us some options of comparable car around 2-3k ??
 
Lord_ZED said:
Stunning cars for the price.
If i did not had DC2 i would pick RX8 !!!!
My mate got 2005(or something) Prodrive rx8 one its gr8 never brakes.
Only things i dont like about RX8
MPG -> Hes doing like 21-22. I do same with my ITR abusing it all the time.
Road tax -> 420f pounds ......
And if you buy one with ****** engine you are ****ed.

Give us some options of comparable car around 2-3k ??
Click to expand...

eh?
 
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