Used 2009 Mazda RX-8 Consumer Reviews
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2009 and Newer RX8 is New and Improved
What Changed In Series II RX-8's over S1 2009 and Newer RX8 is New and Improved 2009 is better than 2004-2008 All New Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with Temperature Sensor newly added and built into the PCM, when ETC (Engine Compartment Temperature) reaches 230F or 100C with Ignition OFF, Medium Cooling Fans Switch ON. New Larger Genuine Oil Filter and Repositioned on front Timing Cover Housing towards the Sump (Left Hand Side). USE GENUINE 09 SERIES II OIL FILTER ONLY. Revised Oil Filler and Dip Stick (Longer Type). New EMOP "Electric Metering Oil Pumps" Two of them... Internal Oil Pressure in EMOP's is between 7.3 and 21.7 PSI (Used for the first time by Mazda) New design Oil Injection Nozzles 3 per rotor housing..Totalling 6. New Oil Pump assembly. 50% Higher Oil Pressure at 100 oC (121oF) 3000 RPM...500 kPa {5.10 kgf/cm2, 72.5 psi} When compared to Series 1 RX-8. New Oil Pressure Sensor (ONLY Located on #1 EMOP). Larger Oil pan Sump Capacity. New hex (8mm) type Sump Drain plug. New Internal Oil/Sump pan Magnet... (First time used in a Rotary Engine since 1985 FC RX-7) New external silver plate Engine Sump Guard. New Inlet Manifold with changed APV Position sensors. Revised 4 Fuel Injection Nozzles (2 primary, 2 secondary). (Series I six Port Engine had 6 FI Nozzles). Revised Atmospheric Air Control Solenoid (near Throttle Body) New Fuel Pump. New Radiator Core. New radiator Electric Fan Motors. Revised radiator Fans Speeds from 2 to 3 Speeds. (Low, Middle, High). New Alternator. New Starter Motor. New Battery 80D26L. (80 AMP Hour) (Was 50D22L (50AH) or 75D26L (75AH) in Series I) New Exhaust System. New Yaw Rate Sensor unit. New Air Conditioner Temperature Controller (Amplifier). New Bridgestone RE050A's in 18" and 19" (R3). New Manual Transmission (6 speed MX-5/Miata) (Reverse is now next to 1st gear not next to 6th gear). New Differential Ratio (Manual). New Differential Fixing Plate Washer on PPF (Power Plant Frame). New Differential mounting Bracket. New additional alloy Cooling Fins (4) on alloy differential Cover Plate, plus deeper set Cooling Fins. Changed Throw Out Bearing (Thrust or Fork Bearing). Revised Oil Coolers, Air Intakes and Oil Cooler Hose Lines. Extra Rotor Knock Sensor (Now 1 per Rotor, Total Of 2). New Water Pump/ New Timing Cover to suit. New Water Pump Pulley. New Water Pump "O" Ring as gasket. New Spark plug Leads. New Ignition Coil Backing/Mounting Plate (now Ventilated) New Alternator/Air Compressor Drive Belts. Revised Eccentric Shaft (Crankshaft) Pulley. Revised Oxygen Sensor (CAT). Revised Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor (Exhaust Manifold). New Air Pump Control unit. New One-piece trans-Tunnel Heat Shield (Previously Two Piece). New Under Body Covers reducing C Drag from 0.31 to now 0.30. Larger Fuel Tank (5 litres extra or around a gallon). New Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Hydraulic unit Control module. New Rear-Suspension Control-Links (Rods) Upper/Lower and Trailing have Increased In Diameter. New Rear Stabilizer Bar. New Rear Shocks And Springs. New Rear Axles. New Rear parking-Brake Cables. New ABS Wheel Sensors (All 4 Wheels). Revised TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) US Only. New Front Upper And Front Lower Suspension Arms (Wishbone). New Front Steering Knuckles And Wheel Hubs. New Front Stabilizer Bar. New Front Shock and Springs. Revised Power-steering Control System unit. Revised Headlamp Auto-Leveling Sensors. New 3 Piece (Instead of 2) Strut Tower Brace (Manual Only), Auto's Retains Two Piece Tower Brace. Revised Front and Rear Wheel-Arch Splash Guards/Shields. Thicker (Heavier Guage) Steel on the two Front Strut-Towers. Additional Spot Weldings around both door Openings for increased Rigidity. Stiffened Body Shell = Torsional (twisting) and Flexural (bending) Rigidity have been increased by 5.4 and 8.7 per cent respectively. Auto's and Manual's both have 6 port engines, Max Power RPM (kw) has been limited to 7500 for Auto compared to 8200 RPM for the manual. http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=161665&page=6 .
Outstanding sport/family car!!!
I bought this car for my wife after her Stratus got totalled in a 7-car pile-up. All other cars we looked at were all the same. Line any brand, make or model up on a football field, and they're all the same 'boxy' car. I bought this one for her because of style, then engine, then performance. GAS MILEAGE? You've got to understand this engine. Due to its rotary nature, it all boils down to a 6- cylinder, 2-stroke engine. Typically, 2-stroke engines have never had much power until you reach a speed above city street speed, and fuel consumption matches. You can drive this car at 80 MPH in 3rd gear (yes, auto also) all day with no problems. Never slides, squeals or tilts much on turns.
- Sport CoupeMSRP: $12,999298 mi away
- Grand Touring CoupeMSRP: $6,995320 mi away
- Grand Touring CoupeMSRP: $18,988379 mi away
Pure Driving Machine
This car is excellent for people familiar with rotory engines. Knowing up front that the car needs the oil checked every fillup and let it run for at least five minutes before you turn it off. That is really the only obligations you have from regular cars,that I am aware of. This is no problem for me. The sound and unique. The car is not lightening quick but is very fast once to speed. Handling is a dream,at any speed. Nice leather seats and all the stuff that comes in a loaded vehicle. It has a great warranty and the redesigned rotory eliminates the problems (internal leaks) from 04 to 06. It drives great. Get brocure from dealure and test drive one,thats the best way to decide on any car.
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!!
Excellent Deal
Ok, I purchased a 09 with 503 miles on it: Used. I guess a guy bought it for a month and traded it, so I ended up with great deal for 19k out the door. Besides price the car is basically a Mazda 3 with a very nice body style. Having owned a Mustang GT, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Maxima, G35 in recent years, this vehicle tops bang for the buck. Style is key since laser radar is everywhere now a days, but cruising in this is awesome. Smooth and you get plenty of looks, just don't race anyone unless you buy the higher end model. Interior is tight, drives on rails: reminds me of my G35. Reliability seems to be good, 95% of it is made in Japan.
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.
Wonderful sports car
This car is surprisingly comfortable. Handling is superb: better than my former S2000, STI, Speed3, and of course, Mustang GT. Very easy to drive, even for the novices. Clutch is soft and easy to play with. The gear box is good and smooth but i think the S2000's one is better. Power is linear. Not fast like the STI or the Mustang GT but who care? we cannot use all that power around town anyway. So, i'm ok with my R3 and it's fast enough for me. Smooth, smooth, and smooth engine! no vibration whatsoever when rev it. It sounds very good. This car is unique like no others. It's fun to drive and the bottom line is i just love it more than all other sports cars i had in the past (don't know why).
Most fun I have ever had driving 500 mi.
Been waiting for this car since it came out in '04. Reliability issues always made me stay away and it seems Mazda has fixed most of those, so I decided to take the dive when I found one for a great deal in the color and model I wanted. Black R3. Best car I have ever driven, and I have driven a BMW M3. Don't get me wrong, it is nowhere as fast but the handling is superb. When you are on a curve that is posted for 35 and you are going 70 with no hint of body roll, that is awesome handling. I do not encourage breaking the law, btw. Low end torque bad, but once you get into the high rpm in 3rd gear, it feels like a turbo kicks in. Awesome car, not sure on reliability yet, though.
Truth
Here is the truth about the 2009 rx8. Fun to drive if you can afford to drive it how its meant to be driven all the time. The heavier your foot is the more oil it consumes, gas mileage is way down there, and if you don't drive it hard you risk flooding, fouling and carbon build up. Run mine hard all the time and still need to clean the spark plugs every 6,000. Trust me it helps! As far as drivabilty goes best piece of machinery I have ever driven! Handling and forgiveness is great, top end is good too, there is an extreme lack of torque though. As far as comfort, seats hold you in, but they are a little hard. This car offers the most fun for your dollar, unless you are a straight line driver.
Best car I've ever owned or driven.
Very much improved over older RX-8s I have never owned a car that is this much fun to drive. The cars turn in ability and grip is extreme. Sometimes its hard to live with because the suspension is so stiff. But its been my daily driver and weekend warrior for more than 3 years now. I always get looks in this car. The interior is really upscale with piano black center pieces. and aluminum inserts. It's much faster than the other cars I've owned: 98 Oldsmobile Aurora V8, 03 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. I also currently own a 2006 civic si that is also sporty and more forgiving on the back. Its not as fast as the RX-8 and no where near the RX-8 in handling prowess.
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
- Safety
- Performance
- Comfort
really fun to drive
First new car I've ever owned, now 8k miles. I live in LA and it's terrific to get around town with some style, nimble on the freeways (although it has large blind-spots), and way too much fun in the canyons. Fine in rain but lousy in snow. Engine's quirky but really fun once you get used to it. Doesn't feel underpowered, but I know Mazda changed the gear ratios in 2009, I don't drive below 2800 RPM when in traffic, and I'd never consider this car as an automatic. Precise gearing/steering + sport suspension means your girlfriend probably can't do her make-up while riding shotgun. As designed it drinks oil, about 1 quart every 1k miles, no biggie. I'm 6' and have just enough headroom.
EPA NUMBERS? BAH!
This is an excellent commuting and weekend fun vehicle. Mazda really knows how to use the Wankel to its best advantage. My mileage is way better than the EPA numbers: I am averaging 24 to 26 mpg in a 40/60 city/highway commute. Mine is an automatic 6-speed and I drive as if I enjoy the rotary experience. I sure do get tired of reviewers that claim this car is a gas guzzler only by looking at the lousy EPA numbers.
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.
Can't Fault My RX-8
So far no problems at all, I really can not fault my Superb Mazda RX-8. Fuel economy rate for performance is very acceptable, what do people expect, it is not a Civic, it is a Sports Car. Handling is Superb, #3 in America. Braking is Excellent # 10 rated against all Exotics. Performance is Fantastic for a 1.3 Litre Rotary, 0-60 in under 6.8 Sec is fast for ANY car. Great Value, nothing comes close. This car is Unique. Not a day goes by without a look or comment....is that the new Porsche..one guy asked. Would I recommend this car...Hell Yes..
Great car, bad build quality.
I bought a brand new JDM import. The steering rack rattles incessantly. This has just 10,000 km on it. Sorry Mazda but this is just garbage to put it mildly. I am currently negotiating with the reluctant dealer to have the steering rack switched. Other than that the car is great. Great engine, great handling, great cabin, great looks. Comfortable too!
A True Rice Burner from Japan
This is my second Rx8 The first was a 2005 drove the wheels off sold it with 105,000 miles Very reliable Weak fuel millage I have been driving my 2009 RX8 Sport since 2011 Bought it with 39,000 It now has 90,000 I did have to replace the radiator at 55,000 The A/C compressor at 70,000 Dont buy after market I went thru two AC compressor before I bought a Mazda Compressor no problem for the last three years Did oil changes every 3,000~3500 miles with 5/20 weight went to 10/30 at 70,000 miles for more protection Put a Tuner on about a year ago Bumped HP up to 250 Now from a start to 60mph about a,second faster Throttle response much faster Gas millage is now 17~18 in town 22~24.5 highway About 2 MPGs better The power curve kicks in around 4800 RPMs to well past the red line Id really like to see the next gen Rotary with a turbo back under the hoid This would take a great handling mid engine desgin fun to drive sport car tto the next level Ill be first on line, Piston engines,just dont compare to the power and simplicity of a ratary
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!
Oiled Out!
My experience owning this vehicle has its ups and downs. On the down side, the car burns too much oil. After an oil change, the oil light comes on 1000 miles into the oil change. I was told this was normal by the dealership on two occasions when I took it in for service. They told me to "add oil" to it and it would be fine until the next oil change. I have had more oil changes on this car in the one year that I've owned it. This car is too overpriced for what you get.
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.
Mazda RX8
I have to say this is my first RX8 I have ever owned/driven. I love the car, it feels, sounds and drives so well. It has a very smooth engine. I agree with other sites that the car doesn't have a lot of torque, but it picks up very well. The car is designed to handle, not for pure brute speed. 4 door 4 seater sports car, very sleek looking. I couldn't have gotten anything better for my first sports car at this price range. My advise to anyone interested in the car, test drive it. Actions speak louder than words.
Great Ride!
What can you say except wow. Just a sweet looking car that is super fun to drive. We receive compliments everywhere we travel, from the tires and rims to the well appointed interior space.
Zoom Zoom Zoom
This is my third Mazda Rotary vehicle (following a 1988 RX-7 GXL, and a 1994 3rd Gen RX-7), and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I hadn't planned on getting another car, but my 15 year old 3rd gen RX-7 was totaled almost a month ago :-(, And I KNEW the "8" couldn't match the 3rd gen's stellar performance since the "8" is 300-400 pounds heavier, about 110 less horsepower (I'd had some things done to my 3rd gen) and doesn't benefit from the 3rd gen's 50-some-odd better low end torque (compliments of that sequential twin turbo setup). But I knew these things off the bat. But the one thing that's still the same is the razor sharp cornering ability! And the smoothness of the rotary.
RX8 R3 Best car purchase yet!
I love driving my RX8. True, it's not as potent as my Speed3, but it is much more fun to drive. I could never take turns and corners in my Speed3 like I do in my 8. I never got to drive an older model, but the R3 is so incredible at handling, I couldn't imagine a boring drive in any RX8. One thing is for sure, the RX8 is my new choice of car and cant wait to see what other improvements/new models that Mazda will release in the future. Judging by the R3 final product, I know Mazda is headed in the right direction. Let's hope they stay headed that same way.
For the empty nester
Kids all gone? Maybe its time to have a little fun... The RX 8 certainly can fill that bill. I chose the car because I wanted a fun to drive car. The four doors were the selling point since we have an Old English Sheep Dog who loves rides... Unfortunately the dog can only sit in the front seat which means she stays home when my wife and I hit the road... That said, there is ample space for grandkids and adults for short trips... Handling is great and the automatic performs flawlessly. Not as fast as a 6 speed but then I am not into racing. Fit and finish is good and seats comfortable on long trips. There is a little more road noise than I would like but you can still hear the Zoom Zoom!
RX 8 Lover
I bought my RX 8 to replace my Mazda6 that was totaled in an accident. I am a car enthusiast that was looking for something sporty and fun to drive. Well, I got both in this car. I bought the 6 speed to add to the enjoyment of driving a sports car. I also picked the Crystal White Pearl which I absolutely adore. I find this car fun and sporty! Just know that you are getting basically a two seater with suicide doors. Don't expect to haul the family around for the back seat has very limited leg room. I am averaging about 16 mpg in the city so if you can't afford Premium fuel, this car is not for you. Overall I am thrilled with my RX 8 and am a true RX 8 Lover...
Perfect Sports Car
I love this car, wish it made more power, but handles great and puts a smile on my face everyday, People always comment on my car, great purchase
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.
Sad Effort Mazda
Disappointed, engine stalls. Also prone to flooding if you drive it for less than 40 minutes - not good news with inner city living needing you to shuffle parking spots. The final nail was a dropped rotor. Reported the performance drop off to Mazda, they "didn't find anything". Needed a full engine replacement, never again ... and then Mazda Australia comment of "no customer goodwill will be provided". Sure could try the legal route, but have not got the time.
Better than okay... not excellent!
I have owned sports cars all my life and my favorite had a 50/50 weight distribution ('75 Alfetta GT). This car doesn't feel as light, or as peppy from what I remember. The only other rotary car I drove was an old MX2, right hand drive imported by a service man and traded through a local dealership. he had bought two, and had to sell one to pay for the EPA expenses to end up with one car. It was hot... this car is not so hot. Not nearly enough torque. Features are nice, variable speed/temp redline is pretty kewl, and rev-limiters in general, also kewl. if you're going to have a hot car you should drive it hard... and this car really isn't all that "hot". I'm not "sorry" I bought.