can anyone give me advice on maintenance issues on the mazda rx8. am looking at buying one second hand - great review on the honest john site ( : but unsure at repair costs etc ??? appreciate any comments on this...
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Speaking with no actual experience of these, however usual comment sense applies - ie buy from Mazda dealer network with warranty etc and comeback if things go wrong.
Car or Evo ran the Hi Power version as a long term test, and it did use a lot of oil and had some reliability gremlins.
Steve
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Check out the car by car breakdown.
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isnt this the one that needs its oil level checking every second fuel fill up, and is very sensitive to oil level
seems a lot of hassle to keep checking the oil
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am looking to buy mazda rx8..anyone know what what the maintenance on these is like- given the rotary engine? also, what alternatives should i be considering for a car with great performance and road handling ?
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This thread is relevant - not suitable for short runs apparently!
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=20897
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I would forget the RX8, with only 500 miles per litre of oil, and the chance of neglecting to top it up in time, it aint worth the hassle, especially when you could buy a Lotus Elise fitted with a reliable Toyota engine and legendary handling.
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I love the look of the RX8 - almost as cool as my MINI Cooper S and would have even considered buying one until I read the AutoExpress Long Term test report
www.autoexpress.co.uk/?usedcars_roadtest/usedcars_...8
They were concerned at the number of minor faults that their car developed.
However, their main concerns were appalling fuel economy - they couldn't get above 20 mpg, high oil costs and having to pay an eye watering £873.96 for a set of 4 Michelin Pilot Sports after 15,000 miles.
That is seriously expensive rubber - after 15,000 miles I have only had to replace two Pirelli Euforia Run flats on the MINI at a cost of £280.
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Have a look at the Nissan 350Z - similar type of vehicle but with a regular V6 engine. Looks good too.
Andy
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Rotary engines are good for long distance runs, but hate stop start journeys - little flywheel effect and the seals do wear out for this type of run even on Mazdas.
However, Mazda dealers are good and if you do drive long distance, its probably a great buy.
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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I ran an R100 and then an RX4 either commuting or with the pedal to the metal over fair mileages. Even on 50/50 petrol/paraffin. Perhaps that helped the seals, of course! No trouble apart from keeping the oil up. And that is better than it remaining undiminished until it is carbonized porridge.
They surely must be a lot better now, and I would only suggest that the lower revving but higher torque five speeder will not be significantly slower point to point and even easier to live with day to day.
I'd have liked one but SWMBO thought the Sonata better as her taxi!
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Ummm, interesting price on my tyre for same size & type is £ 171 each! and Michelin most expensive! Other top brands at around £ 150 each both prices include VAT & P & P.
Jim
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Toyota Celica?? Probably less room for rear passengers but more room in/better access to the boot I believe.
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Yep - just took a look at HJ's CBCB entry for the Celica (2000-). Makes very positive reading!
What's bad about the car? Very little apparently - seems ultra reliable and only recall listed is relatively minor. Can testify to the limited passenger space however, only good for 2 kids or small adults.
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I drove a 240bhp RX8 for a day and absolutely loved it.
The Rotary revs intoxicatingly to 9000 rpm, the 6 speeder is the among the best I have used (right up there with the Civic type-R) and the rwd handling balance is delightful. If you don't mind topping-up the oil frequently and are buying within the warranty period, I would highly recommend.
As for alternatives, it depends on your requirements. The RX8 is almost unique as a 4 -door, genuine 4 seater coupe. If you need the 4 seats, alternatibved s might include the BMW 330i coupe or Subaru Impreza WRX.
If you don't need 4 seats the most obvious alternative is the Nissan 350z. This has had universally rave reviews and there is currently a long waiting list.
Lucky you.
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