Mazda RX-8

[shiva73]

Guys...I need to know the good & bad side of RX-8 . I would really apreciate for any input especialy if you are driving one . I ask this as it a rotary type engine and what are the diff from other makes in term of spare part availibility , fuel consumption and performance.TQVM in advance.tc

 

[aidilj]

I don't drive one. But through my research last time, the renesis will by design sip engine oil to lubricate and seal the rotor.

Manual trans one is more powerful than the automatic.

Due to the low compression of the rotary engine, fuel consumption is worse than similarly powered piston engines.

Good weight distribution since the engine is small and light.

LSD come as stock

Do a compression test before getting one, low compression means rebuild of the engine is needed which is costly

 

[jeffreyewe]

Low compression issue wt the RX8 is the main problem, once that occures either a rebuild or change will be the only option. Another problem to look into is the steering rack as its electronically controlled compared to the common power steering pump.

 

[shiva73]

ok guys... i got some pictures now. look like its not a straight forward car for a daily ride from bangi to damansara everyday . More of a weekend car i guess.TQVM for the inputs so far.

 

[pussy]

also, the power will weaken after sometime.. this new rotary engine is very sensistive to it's seals and frequent oil change is necessary..some more if the seals go, no rebuild stuff, just change the engine...

 

[shiva73]

Damm.. it sounds way complicated than our UDM. TQ Pussy.

 

[shiva73]

Guys..

How about Fairlady ? Is it as complicated as RX-8 ? I found these cars are priced reasonably compare to its brand new price .

Innitialy , my plan is Z4 , its a sweet car and problems are quite know for us. But , for me the downside is the 2 seater.So i am looking for other make.. but look like i have to turn back . Otherwise , pls suggest a two door car that is reliable . TQVM in advance.

 

[V-Man]

Many rotary enthusiast are adamant the RX-7 FD3s is better than RX-8. I personally like the FD3s as well. Owning a rotary can be a nightmare if you're not ready to accept and spend on the mentioned above. Basically not for the faint heart. Hehe. If you're asking about Z33 Fairlady, its has 3.5L engine, roadtax will be heavy.

 

[V-Man]

Since you like rotaries, go check out their concept Mazda Furai. Triple rotor but runs on ethanol. Some cool videos on youtube. Check out the one tested on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

 

[docrayboy]

If I were you, and don't want the hassles of maintaining and repairing a post-warranty sports car. Wait for the Toyota FT86- FT stands for Future toyota, 86 because it's a throwback to the famous 1986 Toyota Corrola Levin Coupe. The FT86 is very much like our BMWs-rear wheel drive. Front Boxster engine..... And cheap-we estimate circa MR180K brand new. Watch this space....

I still remember, I had a poster of the car in black on my uni hostel's front door (on the outside of the door)...looked gorgeous-still remember the pop-up lights! Hopefyully they will reincarnate it- at the moment still a concept, but rumours are it will go into porduction very soon, may be available here in Malaysia-end of this year!

 

[aidilj]

Rx-7 fd3 is a very good looking car and all are turbocharged unlike rx-8. Z33/350z is a two-seater and yes Roadtax is unreasonably high. Another high revving option is an s2000, vtec is a mature and reliable technology.

Cheers

 

[V-Man]

As mentioned byaidilj, S2000 is good choice. Had an EG6 B18c before. The bugger flies

 

[shiva73]

If I were you, and don't want the hassles of maintaining and repairing a post-warranty sports car. Wait for the Toyota FT86- FT stands for Future toyota, 86 because it's a throwback to the famouse 1986 Toyota Corrola Coupe. The FT86 is very much like our BMWs-rear wheel drive. Mid engined like the Boxster. And cheap-we estimate circa MR180K brand new. Watch this space....

I still remember, I had a poster of the car in black on my hostel's front door (on the outside of the door)...looked gorgeous! Hopefyully they will reincarnate it- at the moment still a concept, but rumours are it will go into porduction very soon, may be available here in Malaysia-end of this year!

Doc...

I checked the pic of the FT, indeed .. its a stealer , look way better that RX-8 and Z.thans for the input guys.

 

[andrewk]

Hi Shiva,

I currently own a 05 Mazda RX8.

Most of the issues mentioned above is true... up to a certain extent. And almost all of it are caused by poor maintenance. Firstly, maintaining a rotary is different from a regular piston engine. Here are a few of them:-

1. It "eats" engine oil
One "unique feature" is that the rotary burns up engine oil thus the need to top up every so often. How much oil it eats differ from engine to engine, but the general rule of thumb is to check every 2 full tank and top up when necessary.

2. Frequent engine oil change
It is advisable to change engine oil every 5000kms. If you use mineral, change it around 4k. Mainly because you'll run out of oil due to (1) above

3. Drive it hard
One of the main causes of engine failure is carbon buildup. To reduce buildup of carbon, it is advised to redline the engine every time u drive it.

4. Heat kills
Heat is a big issue with the rotary engine and gearbox. Almost all the grey import RX8 are from Japan and only have 1 oil cooler and no ATF cooler. If you get one, one of then first mods is to install an additional oil cooler and ATF cooler. Also, change the radiator to a better cooling one. Heat causes the apex seal to fail. If the apex seal go -> compression will go -> engine will go....

The above is some of the key things you'll need to look at when owning an RX8. A well maintained one can run in excess of 100,000km before a rebuild is required. There are lots of RX8 running around over 100k kms with good compression. My RX8 has done 60k without any problems and compression is still healthy.

When buying one, most important thing is to make sure you check the compression. If the dealer/seller refuse, walk away.

 

[shiva73]

Hi Andrwk..
Tq vm for your write up . Those who owns it certainly have much more to say . BTW , when we are buying a rx-8 , how do we check for its good compression ? do we need to drive it to a mechanic ?

cheers

 

[fabianyee]

if u intend to use as ur daily commute, then running cost would be high.... the RX8 auto guzzle fuel, manual probably better consumption...

 

[Ecc0]

..interesting..I thought Vankel engines are of the chart and just enthusiasts projects...I had no idea that Mazda use them..

 

[andrewk]

Hi Andrwk..
Tq vm for your write up . Those who owns it certainly have much more to say . BTW , when we are buying a rx-8 , how do we check for its good compression ? do we need to drive it to a mechanic ?

cheers

Yes you do. You can go to H&M Motorsport in Subang Jln TIS6/2 or ST Wangan in Sunway. They are the 2 workshops that most, RX8 club members send their cars to.

Fabian is right. Fuel consumption is horrible. My E38 728i has better mileage than my RX8!

 

[funfer_fahrer]

Mazda 3 MPS OK for you? 255 bhp, manual tranny only RM175K brand new.

 

[andrewk]

Shiva, I'm selling my RX8 if you are keen.... I'm going for the car in funfer_fahrer's pic