Used 2008 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
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The Practical Sports Car
Bought this car used w/ 7500mi. The car, as of this writing, has just over 20k miles. Have not had any reason to take the car in for unscheduled visits to a mechanic. Best fuel mileage was 24.63mpg doing a constant 75mph on the freeway the day after I purchased the vehicle. Daily commuting in traffic has resulted in 16-17mpg six months later. Requires more attention on maintenance (checking oil level every other fill-up, premix to preserve apex seals, spark plug replacement should be more frequent than manufacturer's specification) compared to other vehicles in its class. Regardless of this and the abysmal fuel mileage, I have enjoyed my purchase. A very willing dance partner on a good road.
Great car.
Well, this is my first car. I bought it about 6 months ago, and couldn't be happier. I did a lot of research about it, and found all these horror stories. But I have yet to have single problem with this car, and I am the second owner. This car gets the looks and the talk, and the performance to match. I will admit, this car is no dragster, thats not how it's designed. But the feeling of attacking every corner with unmatched precision is, just that. unmatched. These stories of flooded engines and bad seal are only if your ignorant. Check the oil, and don't floor it out of the driveway on a icy morning, and it will be fine. If you get this car, get the manual, for it has a 9k RPM red-line. :D
- 40th Anniversary CoupeMSRP: $12,99987 mi away
- 40th Anniversary CoupeMSRP: $21,7731,661 mi away
- Grand Touring CoupeMSRP: N/A1,635 mi away
A blast to drive
I love my RX-8! It is simply a blast to drive everyday. What the rotary engine lacks in low end torque it makes up for with a high revving engine that sounds wonderful. The interior is great - sight lines are excellent and quality is high. It is a very livable car for daily driving, and the rear doors make it quite practical for a sports car. However, if gas mileage is important, this is probably not the car for you.
RX-8 - a Family Rocket on Wheels
With the wife's permission I went looking for a Miata to replace our 2003 Sequoia. Saw the RX-8, drove it, got it sideways on a suburban, could not stop laughing, went back and bought the car. The only problem is I can't get my wife out from behind the wheel and now must go back and buy her the Miata!! The fuel economy is awful but everything else is wonderful. For a family of three it makes a great family sedan that can carve corners while it goes to the grocery store. It's shiny black form reminds us of the Batmobile and, between it's shape and the angry shriek it makes as it runs up to 9,000 RPMs, it turns heads where ever it goes. BUY IT !!!
Perfect for a driver with the right circumstances
I bought my 2007 RX-8 Seven months ago. It had 62,000 miles on it and the engine had about 15,000. (At least half of the RX-8's I looked at were on their second engine.) It is slightly modified with an AEM cold air intake, MazdaSpeed exhaust, struts & springs and 19” wheels with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo summer tires. I bought the car shortly after I started commuting to work by train, minimizing the impact of the poor fuel mileage. Should I have to return to a lengthy commute here in Los Angeles, the car will be up for sale in an instant. My city mileage in the 17-18 range. I can’t give a useful hwy. figure because all my non-city driving is blasting through mountain roads. That of course, is where this car shines. It is spectacularly agile and balanced and there is nothing like having the throttle control of running in 2nd or 3rd gear at 6000- to 7000 rpm and still have a couple thousand more at your disposal. The car is completely neutral in the turns, and the Hankooks (which isn’t a brand I would normally consider) are the stickiest tires I’ve ever owned. So far, the car’s ability easily exceeds my talent. There is no question this is a sports car. You have to be engaged with it for the fun to happen. It won’t come from just a pressed throttle. With little in the way of torque, you have to work to access the power which is then quite rewarding. You sit low, both brakes and throttle respond quickly and effectively. The steering is no match for the non-assist rack I had in a Miata, but still surprisingly communicative given that it is electrically assisted. When not used as a toy, the car is a benign if thirsty partner. I have put adults in the back, though not for long distances. The usual rear seat occupant is an oversized backpack that carries work, lunch and gym items and the rear door makes it quite accessible, though things can get a bit involved in cramped parking situations. The navigation system just shows how much displays have improved in the past 10 years, and the database seems convinced I live in Massachusetts, which is particularly odd, since the car has spent its entire operating life in in SoCal. I love the fact that I can make the screen disappear. The nav screen is a great companion in the mountains however, where seeing the shape of the next curve informs me of the appropriate approach speed and what gear to take it in. Like most RX-8 owners, I keep a quart of oil and funnel in the trunk, though thus far only use the better part of a quart every three fill ups. Don’t check your oil in the dark. As the dipstick receiver much like the engine itself, is very low back by the firewall and hard to aim for when you can’t see it. I was skeptical about the digital speed display at first, but rather like it now, especially as it allows the tach to be large and centered. The steering wheel has just the right amount of buttons and the dash controls are both easy to find and operate intuitively. Visibility is good, particularly though the wrap-around rear window. The taut leather seating surfaces do a good job of imitating vinyl, but still keep me in place in the mountains. The Bose stereo is adequate, though I wish for a simple auxiliary input rather than the previously owner installed iPod connect cord which, though an adapter plugs into my iPhone 6. As mentioned, my vehicle has a modest amount of modification. I haven't driven this car back-to-back with a stock model, so I don’t know how much of a significant difference the cold-air intake makes, but it sure looks good when the hood is open. Likewise, I’m not sure how effective the exhaust is beyond broadcasting to the world whenever I’m in the 6000 to 9000 rpm range. The just-short-of black 19” wheels look more bad-ass than is probably appropriate for this 50-something year old and the low profile tires definitely add some harshness to the ride, though as mentioned, they redeem themselves in my self-indulgent mountain excursions. It is those mountain drives that give this car a reason for being. Frankly, if you don’t have reasonable access to lightly traveled twisty roads, you won’t get to use it for what it’s best at and I’d recommend a different choice. The occasional freeway cloverleaf just isn’t enough. Update: I've now had the car for 1.5 years. Now with 75K miles, nothing above has changed, nor has my view of the car. The aftermarket cold air intake is low enough that it will stall the car out in a foot of water, so beware if you want to do the same. The first time this happened, I had it towed to my dealer who said I needed a new engine. Not so. The second time it happened I simply removed the plugs, turn the engine (while jumped) until all the water blows out and I don't patronize that dealer anymore. The airbag and fuel pump recalls were handled decently by another dealer. Update: 3 years in. No mechanical repairs needed. Hood repaired and windshield replaced after a hailstorm.
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Loving the rx8 in St. Louis!
I got a great deal on this car after about 2 years of research. I read everything on the oil consumption, oil weight discussion, and common problems of the vehicle. I've found that the 2007 has ironed out most of these problems and I'm having a BLAST driving it! I walk out to the garage still expecting to see my rusted out s10 I upgraded from, just to fall in love with it all over again. I have the same problems with the heated seats buttons and accidentally turning them off, the cupholders in the front are poorly placed and rarely useful because of this, but other than that, I'm pumped. It handles the STL winters no problem too.
Owned 2 years 70k miles.
I have owned my 2005 Mazda RX-8 for two years now and it is currently at 70k miles, I must say the car is an eye catcher, and very fun to drive if you don't mind a slight hesitation in acceleration! On the other hand, with the higher mileage it is falling apart, it seems everytime I go down the road I end up putting it in the shop before the week is over! First it needed plugs, but because one fouled it killed my coils, which killed my air injection....then the idle pulley failed and snapped a belt, which snapped another belt immediately after, tail lights full of water... the list goes on, all in all they are fun til they start their downhill march, then get rid of it!!
High Bar Setter
This car sets the bar high for fun with comfort and style. Once you drive this car for a while you will find it hard to imagine finding a car that can replace it. I know because this is my second RX-8! This car is so easy to drive that you forget it is a sports car except at the pump. My daily commute is 33 miles round trip and I get around 17-19 MPG consistently which isn't bad, but it isn't great. Expect 21 MPG on long hauls going 75-90 MPH which to me is fantastic at those speeds. I have taken it on the track and it makes easy work of corners, but compared to my '93 RX-7 it feels softer (and slower), but more predictable and better balanced . Can't wait for the next one!
My new Go-Cart.
This roadster is the real deal. Forget about torque, 20 mph around a turn faster than a Vette. Ya baby! It is one solid automobile. Check the oil, join a club for the premium cause you will need 'em. I get 17 mpg in city driving - 22 highway with no a/c at 75 mph. I wish I could efford another 40th Aniv. Ed. to put in a garage on blocks cause I am gonna enjoy this one till it be dead. I have had for over 3 weeks and put on 1000 miles and put in 52 gallons of 93 octane and 1/2 quart of 5w/20.
A hi-tech car
Excellent, fun car, the only thing is the cup holders are in a bad place and the heated seat buttons get pushed on and off by mistake a lot.
Rates a ten on the fun meter.
The get-up and go of this vehicle is fantastic. If you truly want that "sports car" experience and feel, buy the six-speed manual model. It handles the curves like no other car. The instrument cluster is easy to read and manipulate. The seating is quite comfortable and the head room is adequate for those 6'1" or under. If you're looking for practicality, buy a Mazda6. If you are looking for FUN, buy an RX-8.
mazda rx8
I have had a Mazda rx8 2004 which i named Christine since it wanted to kill me. I had to get a Lawyer to have them replace it. Now i have a 2007 rx8 and as the other one right at 26k miles all the emergency lights are on the dashboard and yes it is starting all over again. Jim Click does not stand behind the cars he sells and Mazda does not either unless there are Lawyers involved. Am I getting scared that this car will end up killing me ...yes I am.
Great Little Car
Great car! Excellent handling. Fun to drive. No problems after one year. Good price for value. If you want a reasonably priced sports car, you can't go wrong with this car.
RX-8
I love my car, I just got it 4 weeks ago after I got out of airborne, and it's awesome. The interior is really sport, the Bose sound system is awesome in it, its pretty quick for such a small motor, for the money you can't beat it.
Family rotory rocket!
Two weeks after I bought the car my wife found out we are having a baby! I'm glad I didn't get that Z4! The car has been great over the past 3 months. I have never had it in the shop and it eats corners. My friend races on the track and he was very impressed with the stock handling. Brakes are good and man have I needed them. The steering response and feel is amazing. I love how light and nimble it feels. And what can you say about the engine! It sounds great and has great pep at the high revs. When you are up around 6,500 rpm the thing moves! Not so great at low rpm though. I have to say that the only reason i didn't give it all 10s is because it is not an exotic and I want one!
2 RX8s
Owned 2005 and 2007. Greatly improved clutch and nice advanced keyless. Car handles amazingly on track. All owners need to drive on a lap track to appreciate handling of vehicle.
Mazda's best kept secret
Four months and 6000 miles into my ownership experience and no issues. I still look forward to every drive. Max. mpg was 19.8 with a minimum of 15.8 on first tank fill, average is about 18 in mixed driving. Low rpm shifts and slower highway speeds should yield about 20 mpg. Torque is low compared to larger displacement 6 and 8 cylinder engines, but comparable to other small naturally aspirated engines such as honda's s2000 and civic si, both of which also have larger displacements. Power builds steadily all the way to its 9000 rpm readline. Handling is very secure, composed and predictable even at its limit. Distinctive styling, inspiring performance, comfortable ride and seating for 4 adults.
Sexy Black Beauty
The car is incredible. It's incredibly smooth, incredibly fast and unbelievably comfortable for a sports coupe. I find reasons to get in the car because I love driving it so much. Though, I do have 07 Mercedes C230 Sports with AMG package as the other car, which is an excellent car in its own right, I love the feeling of driving the RX-8. MB provides luxurious sporty feel, where the RX-8 makes me want to tear up the road. It really is so much fun to drive that I have to contain myself from driving like a teenager, and it's really hard. Try the car out. You will want to trade in your car right away!
Practical Sports Car
I looove my RX8. It seats 4 adults and it so fun to drive. This is my first Mazda and I regret not buying this car sooner. It's worth every penny!
Love it!
I've had this vehicle nine months now and still get compliments like it's brand new. I travel for work and have put 21000 miles on it already and only had to take it in once to get the catalytic converter replaced. It handles so great at high speeds. So glad I got this sports car and also happy that I got one that's loaded. Took a sneak peek at the 2009 model and may upgrade in another year - they're only gettin' better!
Great Car!
I simply love this car! You only get about 250 miles on a tank of gas. (14 gals.) That is the only draw back. I have driven it from Palm Springs to Oak Harbor, Wa. and back effortlessly. The car drives itself.
Night mare
Buy if you like high price parts
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Great Ride but Unreliable
Did everything recommended and the engine only lasted 2 years with literally nothing I could do to stop it. Replacing the engine would have cost over $6,000. The car also had a leak unbeknownst to me that resulted in black mold growing under the seats. I don't know if that is something on the vehicle's end or a result of something the previous owner might have done. Fun to drive though.
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40th Anniversary 6 speed
Just bought this 2 weeks ago and have already put 1200km on it. The car is absolutely beautiful and amazing to drive. Handling is better than anything I have ever experienced and it has some get up and go once you hit the power band... all I can say is wow, thank you Mazda for this amazing car.
Light and Fast
Gas Mileage is not great
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Beep at 9k
I've had my 2004 GT MT, putting 18k miles the 1st year, and about 3k a year since. I love it. It's nimble, quick in the power band, very responsive, hugs corners like a bear, shifts like butter, plenty of space for 4 regular size adults. Acceleration from 40 to 140 is quick in the power band and the shifter is faultless. Have not had 1 mechanical failure and I used to drive it hard. Windows down and sunroof up driving provides little wind disruption inside (although also prevents a good breeze in S Florida Temps). The stereo is excellent with good features and good sound production. The weight distribution and tossability of the car excels compared to any other vehicle costing less than 50k.
Rotary is Not For Everyone
I bought this car as a disabled adult that needed a car with room and access for my wheelchair, the rear doors are ideal for quick storage of the chair. There are few cars sold with two doors and access for those who use a wheelchair, combine that with an auto transmission made available, Mazda allows me to drive a great sports car. Slapping the stick over to manual and using the six speed paddle shifter is the closest you will get to driving a standard stick if you use hand controls, a simply amazing experience. The difference between auto shift and manually shifting is dramatic, the car jumps to life, surprising many who have taken a ride in the car, including myself!
Looks like it is going 100mph at a stop
This is a great car! The power of this car is amazing when the revs are high. Over all i havn't had it into service at all. I change the oil myself and have run octane boost through it once to clean it out and it has been nothing but reliable. The paint does seem to chip easy though which stinks since the look is my favorite part of the car. The gas mileage could be better.
" Sofie"
Great fun car to drive. MPG could be better. Has great get up and go for a 6/AT. My wife really loves her " Sofie."
Mazda RX8
I wanted an RX7 my entire life so when they came back out with the 8 I was quick to snatch one up. I didn't test drive any other sports cars, I just purchased an RX8. I find that it doesn't have the pick up that the RX7 had but it's still fun to drive and the fact that I can haul my children around and still have a sports car is just icing on the cake!
A great car looking for a great engine
I love everything about the car-looks, handling EXCEPT the total, absolute, complete (get the picture) lack of torque. You really have to beat it with a stick to get it moving. I should have got a V8!
RX-8
I have now owned this vehicle about a month. The handling is one of the best features of this vehicle. The acceleration and tracking in corners is way above what I expected. I am currently getting around 18 MPG city driving. I am a 49 year old adult and would highly recommend this vehicle
Great Sport Car, but gas hog.
Very fun and reliable sports car. I love my 2006 RX-8. It has overall been an extremely good car. The only thing I would rate it being bad on is the fuel. However, other than that I love it. I truly love that it has 4 seats, the seat right behind my driver's seat is designated for my beagle and he knows to stay put. I love the ease of getting him in & out of the car because of how the doors open. I can get him out before he tries to jump in the front. lol. I like driving it, it drives and handles real well. My significant other, has a 350z convertible which I also love driving, however, I feel my RX-8 handles better. The Z can pick up faster and beats my RX-8, but I enjoy the handling.
Taking it all in
To be sure there are many vehicles out there that can provide exhilaration, but perhaps none at this price. I guess I dare not even put out there what I paid for this base model, but let's just say my 401K is still in tact. Something important here about the RX-8: The engine in the base unit is identical to leather upholstered top end unit, and without the constraints of a traction control system. This is sheer joy as you corner like a thoroughbred, for a pony-ride price. I bought this as gas was going through the roof, and made a steal, and now that gas is reasonable, I'm having WAY to much fun for my age, but I try to control my enthusiasm when the wife and kids are on board.
Outstanding
This is my third RX 8 had a 2006 Shinka, a 2007 GT RX8 and now the 2008 40th Aniversary Edition. The looks never stop from people even from those in Porche and other sports cars. The handling is great on this one and much better than the 2007 that I had. As for the gas mileage as many before me have said who when they buy a sports car ask what the gass mileage will be. I have been driving Rotary engine cars going back to the 76 RX4 and I have never tired of driving one. All one has to do is drive one and they will know they have gotten into something special.
Neck Breaker
I love taking this car to the canyons. You could really feel the 50/50 balance of the rx-8 there. The cornering is perfect and the stock suspension is so beasty for stock. It looks and feels great. It can seat 4 people and it's 4 door! This car is hard to not fall in love with.
2 years review
I have owned my RX8 now for 2 years. Overall the car is not a bad car. As a sports car I would rate the car, average. It does handle great on curvy roads but the rotary engine lacks torque. In order to accelerate you really have to rev the engine into high RPMs. The rotary engine also is terrible in gas mileage. It get between 15-19mpg .even my old V8 Corvette and Mustang got better gas mileage then the Rotary engine. In addition the rotary engine burns lots of oil. I generally fill between ½ to 1 quart each tank fill. The interior is outdated and could use a face lift.
Best Combo Car
After acquiring a used '02 Miata and being impressed with the fun to drive and sports car characteristics, I was turned off with the tight interior. This drove me to consider a trade in and test drive the RX-8. It offered the same or better driving dynamics with more more comfort and even back seats my 2 teenagers can fit in. I also live in congested NJ and a stick is great fun lots of times, but also too much work lots of times. The auto was hard to find with sport A/T package but it is worth it to deliver at least the best sports car spirit for an A/T.
ROTARY HEAVEN
despite a few flaws like a weak clutch pedal, clutch, and rear shocks that go out at 60k the car is amazing. All of those issues are easily and cheaply fixed for those of us who are mechanics. In order to truly appreciate it you have to drive it though a curvy mountain road. I drive 100 miles a day and love every minute of it. To be fair it would benefit from more power but when you look at how a slightly used one is priced for the money you can't really complain. it is easy to add power to it any way... 0-60 is at 5.2 secs from just a few mild mods. it is an amazing machine and value.
Dream Machine
Forget about the bad gas mileage reviews, who buys a sports car with great gas mileage in mind anyhow. This car takes corners like the tires and street are velcro counterparts. The interior is as cool looking as the exterior and incredibly comfortable seats.
Awesome Mazda Rx8!
Great car. What lured me to this pick was the fact that you can transport more than just two people if necessary, while maintaining a sporty look and feel ride. Love the hardtop. With my busy schedule, I don't have time to use a softop. Better durability, great moon roof. Excellent trunk space, and the family loves it too.