Mazda RX8 - Waddaya say??
 

Hi. I live in India and recently set my eyes on the Mazda RX8 during my trip to Europe. I like the car. Feels good rides good. Should I expect any problems with it on the long run? I currently own a Nissan 300ZX which is almost stock other than for the Borla Exhaust. I am not planning to carry out any modifications on the Mazda at least for the near future.

So is the RX8 a good choice? Or will I get a better car for that price?

:!: Most importantly the car should be a right hand drive. Which means my options of importing are limited to the cars available in the European countries and Japan.

The RX8 is a nice car. As for problems in the long run...it hasn't been around long enough for us to know that. I think it's a fairly reliable car and its Wankel engine was named "Engine of the Year". If buying from Europe I'd seriously consider the M3 instead. The RX8 seemed fucking cramped.

^^ Yep im with BADMIHAI....but isn't the M3 quite abit more expensive? But if money isnt a problem, then gofor the M3...But other wise, the RX-8 seems like a great car...has recived world wide acclaim with jurno's and ppl in the know seems to love it....

Happy choosing... :lol:

RX8 are nice, my buddy almost considered getting one, and i'v never herd of any one haveing trouble with theres yet.

Why does every one alway say "Get An M3" ?? there are enuff of those on the road now, at least suggest an M5, some thing that not every one and there mother has. Yes it's a good car in all but geez! There not even in the same group, why not get a Skyline? those are rite hand drive, know for great handeling, and loads of power.

Thanks a ton for your reply guys. I am not a great fan of the M3. But now I am considering the Skyline GTR. Its available in Japan and is going to cost me more or less the same as a new RX8. I'm still a lil confused I must say.

IIRC they dont make new GTRs anymore. The RX-8 has too little torque for my tastes.

Between the RX8 and the Skyline, I'd go with the Skyline simply because of it's handling. Looks a bit better as well.
Rotary engines can be tempermental, especially with high mileage. But, RX8's aren't old enough yet to know how the engine will handle it. My guess is it'll be fine. Especially if you take car of it.
The Skyline engine on the other hand, is known to be pretty much bullet proof.
There is nothing wrong with either car though, both are great. But, personally, it would be the Skyline GTR for me.

Which one is it you are looking at? R32, R33 or R34? The R32 is my favorite.

First off, the Skyline is a great car to look for second hand. All models are abundant and its easy to find one that has been babied. The Price of used cars in japan is amazingly low because most people either buy cars new, or dont need one for transportation. This means that cars keep very little of their resale value in japan. You can find a good condition R33 Skyline GTR for around $11,000-$13,000 US, which is my personal suggestion.

The RX8 is a great car. Im most likely going to piss alot of people off by saying this, but the M3 is overpriced (at least in america) and is too slow to be competative with many of the other choices we get. Sure its a great drive and handles beautifully, its just too much to pay for mediocre performance. The RX8 is a great compromise between price, speed and drivability. It has good space, a nice ride, handles outstandingly well, and is fairly quick. Both Car and Driver, and Road and Track magazines have had nothing but possitive comments to say about the RX8 in the 8 or so months they have been testing it.

However, If I was looking for a Right hand drive car, the japanese Used car market is a veritable garden of choices. Subaru would be my first recommendation. They make great cars, and their build quality is top notch. Both the Standard Impreza WRX as well as the high performance Impreza WRX STi offer great bang for the buck. They handle great, have 4 doors, look quite nice, and go fast as hell, all while having a clean and spacious interior. Also everycar subaru makes is reliable and safe.

Other cars to think about are Mitusbishi Evolutions, as they are cheap fast and fun. Nissan Silvias, Toyota Soarers and Chasers, and Honda Integras. Also, if you havnt already considered it, a new 350z is also a good choice. They dont do it for me, but they are about the same price as an RX8 and are a bit faster. Although they are less of a compromise between practicality and Fun, they are a good car nonetheless.

Finally, think about possibly trying to find a used Supra. Although they are hard to find stock and cheap, they are great cars and at least worth a shot if your interested. Let me know what you think :mrgreen:

You see, the problems with a rotary engine (or as some may call the "4 year motor"), is that the seals inside the combustion chamber get wear and tear and the result is a blown engine. Although, if your not looking to keep the car for more than that period then you'll have a very fuel efficient car with alot of power with the turbocharged version.

Go for Skyline. Has more torque, is easier tio drive/have fun with and has proven technology.

If you have driven a RX-8 and like it then theres no reason why you should'nt get one, ok theres cars faster or better to drive, but if you want a new car, a RX8 is one of the cheapest when you look at the power and drivablity.

Points to note are that the most power comes from the higher revs, and that rotary engines are thiry, also there known for getting paint chipping at the front spoiler at about 14k miles, meaning you will have to respray to make it look perfect again.

Skyline, EVO, or WRX, you can't go wrong with any any one of those. The Skylinbe have the bigger motor of the 3.

I like the RX8. big rotary fan personally. it's also practical - 4 doors, lots of legroom, trunk, and some decent performance too. also, i think it looks good, which still counts for something these days. just MO, but all of the aformentioned cars here have some nice perks to them.

IF I were you, I would settle for a Skyline. Much more grut. Also, the RX8 isnt really good on gas. I remember reading people on RX8 forums of getting around 15mpg :shock:

yeah, "settling" for a skyline isn't bad at all.