People Say the Mazda RX-8 is a Nightmare to AVOID At All Costs...Here's Why You Should Reconsider!

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[dougcook]

As an eight-year daily driver RX-8 owner, I can tell you these cars can be very reliable if you know and follow the special maintenance needs of this engine: replace the wimpy factory coils with Black Halo or D585-based ignition coils, redline the engine every day, pre-mix with Idemitsu 250:1 at each fill up, change the oil every 3-5000 miles, only use the Mazda high-pressure oil filter, use CataClean every 1-2 years to clear the cat, and replace the spark plugs and wires with factory ones every 30, 000 miles. The most important way to get a reliable RX-8, though, is to only buy a Series 2 (2009-2011) model. This second series fixed almost all the problems (except the coils) with the Series 1 cars. With my 2010 and against most recommendations, I also use regular 87 octane gas and fully synthetic oil. The only problem I've had is a bad O2 sensor.

[floydcooley]

I bought a 2005 Shinka RX8 new. Kept it for 6 years. THE MOST balanced car I've ever owned before or since. Never any reliability issues and revving that was a blast. Also in 2005 I had the same HP Numbers you stated. They were that high on the manual, however the automatic version really had mediocre HP. Loved that car and my main reason for moving on was fuel mileage. It was the former peak of fuel prices and I was getting 17mpg. My 2016 Camaro SS got much better mileage and got 0-60 4 second times compared to about 6-6.5 in the Mazda.

[solracpeanut]

In order to own a rx8 you have to be aware it uses oil as part of the combustion process and hi grade fuel must be used as a former Mazda tech we had customers who got 150k plus if they were vigilant about taking care of the cars need

[fortheloveofnoise]

"unlike the Miata, you can bring two more friends with you"


bold of you to assume I have friends

[garattyfisher]

I owned one. It was a 2004 and it was so much fun. Burned those rear tires off them so many times. Rev to 8500 rpm and dropped the clutch, so many burnouts. Hit a top speed of 142 mph one time, was a rush. I didnt have reliability issues with it, but switched to a better mpg vehicle. I left those cars in my youth.

[brianciulla]

I had a 2004 Rx-8 with the 6 speed manual. I put about 70k miles on it in the 6 years I had it. It was a great car and never let me down as long as I kept up on the maintenance. The only reason I sold it is because I didn’t really have the time for it anymore but I do regret getting rid of it. It truly was one of the best vehicles I ever owned.

[Tibi]

I had a first generation RX7 car in 1998. It was my first car. I loved it. 242620km (151353 miles) on the engine and no problems. I bought an RX8 last summer. Nordic green color, brown-black leather interior. Its engine is "only" 193 horsepower, but that's more than enough for me. The car has not been modified, everything is factory. I don't even plan to change anything on it. It is beautiful and good as it is. The car is resting for the winter, so I'm really looking forward to spring. :)

[IronicTonic]

I think most people should avoid it. I love the RX8 and ive owned 3 of them. My ownership experience has been fantastic, I've only had a few minor issues over the last 13 years of ownership. However, I am a rotary nut and I'm well versed on how to keep these cars running. I don't think the average personal will be knowledgeable enough, or willing to put in the extra effort required to keep these cars running and in good shape. Thats ok if you aren't that kinda guy. Not everyone should drive a rotary. You've got to be passionate about it, and be able to sift through all the bs on the internet to figure out how to properly care for these cars.

[NdSpdSe]

I've had my 2004 since 2010. It's been a great car. She's my summer-only car, and falls into the rust-years, so would of rotted away long ago. It's a great car, for the right person. If you're complaining about power/torque, then it's not the car for you.

[ezpz]

I own a Lightning Yellow RX8. This was a GREAT deep dive. I also has a 600hp 600tq CLS55 AMG with a m113k engine that can hit 200mph. They are totally different cars and I am so blessed to have both. RX8 is way more fun to drive. CLS55 AMG is almost scary fast. Too fast for the street. On my youtube I have a video of me with the CLS55 AMG on track

[jmrodri]

Great video. My son owns an RX-8 and he loves it. I love driving the RX-8.

[kjburns]

I had an '08 GT and it was my favorite car. Like Tim, I replaced the stock coils with BHR coils. Other than oil changes, that was the only work I needed to do to the car in three years. That sound at 9k is intoxicating.

[aaronbritt]

@6:20... That's not where the front seat was when you were driving. Put the front seat in a position for anyone over 5' 9" and the back seat passengers better be double amputees and there's zero leg room. @10:30... You can use a Sohn adapter or you can do like we do in the race cars and run premix in your gas, just like a 2-stroke engine. We eliminate the oil injection completely. This allows us to control the oil ratio.

[markcoopers]

That sound is so good. And the fact that the engine has to be wrung out to keep it running properly is a recipe for fun.

And regular maintenance shouldn't be any issue for the classic gearheads watching. The only issue should be vetting the previous owner's maintenance.

[OldThomMerton]

Mazda & Ignition Coils . . . do not get me started. Went through two sets quick before my mechanic recommended a performance set and, Viola, never touched them again over the next 80k miles.

Rotary engines do require a different mindset.

[carllovullo]

Lets just say thats its not for regular people, its for car enthusiasts and need meticulous maintenance

[jamesruiz]

I owned one, for two years. Love the looks, the sound of the engine . I used to keep a quart of oil and 2 cycle engine oil in the trunk . The engine was definitely not fuel efficient and you was not going to win any drag races it it was unique . An actual running and driving rx8 in 2022

[mikemoeser]

Have a 2004 rx8 that i bought in 2009. Other than a power steering, oil cooler lines, ssv, ignition coils. i really haven't had much wrong with it. I still keep her and still makes me smile when i walk up to her

[rjkStudios]

Really enjoyed this video! My only complaint with the RX8 is the aesthetic design. It's just not my cup of tea. FC & FD RX7's demonstrate the style I like from a car like that. Not buying a sports car for practicality or back seats, but I understand and respect people who appreciate and want what the RX8 brings to the table.

[AxnerSaab]

From what I've heard before, these cars aren't cars that should be babied. They should be driven rough and needs high rpms to run well