I was undecided whether to post this in the non-S2000 or the Muppets section…

Anyway, after much consideration I have bought another car to add a little automotive fun in my life. I wanted something to replace my short-term Civic Hybrid and I have bought the nemesis of all supposed right-thinking car enthusiasts, a Mazda RX8. And it's in my favourite car colour white - or Pearl White to be precise.





I'll start by saying that it has been bought on the assumption that after 2 years of ownership it will be worthless - if it has any value at all when I change it, I will consider that a bonus.

OK, now that question is out of the way, why did I buy it?!

1. I have never owned a Wankel-engined car and as a true automotive enthusiast I consider it my duty to do so.

2. Mazda manufactured the last Wankel engine at the end of June 2013, so this car most likely represents the end of an era (much like the S2000), unless the rumoured wünder-rotary from Mazda ever materialises.

3. I require the occasional us of four seats.

4. All the stories of woe about the RX8's engine made me curious; was it really so bad or it is the common scenario of those with an issue are the most vociferous and drown-out those who have had good experience and manage uneventful 100K-plus mileages?

5. I wanted something which had a personality not unlike the S2000; bonkers red-line, interesting handling and a distinctive design.

6. A car I could fit in comfortably was paramount; the S was always a little tight for my 6' 3" height and the RX8 accommodates me quite nicely.

7. I was a big fan of Spirograph as as a kid; it was fitting that I should run a car with a engine whose design principle was loosely based upon the countless patterns produced from my beloved childhood toy!

And so, my new-to-me RX8 is a pearl white, 20K miles, one owner '09 R3. This is reportedly the most sorted RX8; tweaked engine for better oil control (who are they trying to kid?!), Bilstein suspension components, revised chassis elements, Recaro seats and very nice forged BBS 19" wheels.

The RX08 already has well regarded handling and brakes and the R3 apparently more so.

A good friend who owns both an '07 RX8 and a late S2000, and is automotively savvy to say the least, is a big fan the RX8 and is unequivocal in his belief the RX8 is the better handling car (even after CG sorted the geo' on his S).

As my annual mileage is now very low the RX8's abysmal fuel economy is not an issue.

I have driven an RX8 previously and the engine is in one resect an absolute jewel; it is amazingly smooth. And it also possesses a quite intoxicating exhaust note when at its red line. A Racing Beat or Borla cat-back might find its way onto the car…

Anyhow, the first job is to check the four coil packs! 30K miles is apparently the time to replace them as they're pretty much a consumable. Or more accurately a design flaw. The failing coil packs are suggested as the main cause for over-fuelling, resulting in issues with rotor lubrication, and thus engine failure.

Whilst Wankel engines are four-strokes, in one major respect they're like two-strokes; burning oil is an intrinsic part of the engine's design and operation, and as every stroker-fan knows, a good spark is key to good performance...

Initial impressions are the car are very favourable and that it is well sorted; the ride is firm but not overly so and the 19" wheels don't make their presence felt, probably because they're relatively light.

OK, I'm off to refuel it again...

 

Interesting choice. I think your value predictions are fair - if it lasts two years without a terminal failure.

So what? I assume (hope) you paid peanuts for it.

Not powerful (or reliable) enough to tempt me but I'll be interested to read about it as the ownership saga unfolds.

 

If they had built these with something like a K20 motor then it would have been the car of the decade.


On the other hand now you are a Mazda owner you can buy Racing Beat products, probably the best quality aftermarket parts you can buy.

 

I was seriously considering going for an RX-8 before getting diverted by the Leg End!

They are a good car, despite 'stroker' oiling & rebuild issues.

And they are cheap.

Went for something more different from the other cars in the end.

 

I think a lot of those points are everyone's concerns and reasons for (not)getting one and buying one is a bit like buying an old Alfa - you can't be considered a petrol head until you've owned one, broken down a few times, pour money into it and then flogged it (I've never owned one BTW)

Now you have to start getting into bridge porting

 

i like 'em but i've never been tempted as i cannot abide poor reliability

its the gt86 of its generation but with more faults (probably)

 

Either that, or start adding more rotors!

I'll leave this here, food for thought maybe?

http://pulseperformance.co.nz/index.php?page=product

 

I have probably got more in the car than I ought to!

Having said that, whilst it was marginally overpriced, it was very close to what is being asked (as distinct from the eventual selling price of course!) of other R3s. The dealer was keen to get out of the car which was reflected in the P/X value he put on my car.

Importantly for me the previous owner clearly spent whatever was required on the vehicle (and what wasn't); it has out-of-the-box new discs and pads at the front, as the last service sheet stated the front discs were rusting a little on the inner hubs.

The Bridgestone tyres are pretty new too.

All the cheaper cars I looked at required something; tyres, bit of paint, service, etc.. This one needed nothing and the interior is pretty much as new, so it has had some care.

Add to the above the £150 for the main dealer compression test I required (with supporting test data) and the car is probably OK value.

I appear to be post-rationalising the purchase...

... and of course, as it's limited edition, run-out model in white it will increase in value.

 

Sounds like you have already priced it up ready for breaking...

No bad thing, I buy cars on the basis that my loss is limited to £1500 or so if something goes pop

I don't fix 'em any more, unless bought to fix

One strike and they're out

You'd do well to play a similar game because it's not if that Mazda breaks but when

 

Did You buy it from Vertu (aka Springfield) Mark?

Chris.