The sum of Rx-8 problems

I love this car but I hear there are problems with it and it's holding back my decision in purchasing one. Rx-8 owners, agree or disagree with the points I'm going to make and let us make this a very thorough thread. All these facts and problems I list by the way, are from this very forum and I'm pulling out my knowledge from various threads.

-I hear the stock HP to the wheels is actually 170hp according to a couple dyno tests. I'm willing to tolerate the disappointment. The 238 HP is actually to the fly right?

-I hear there are oil issues. Rotaries naturally burn oil and if I'm willing to carry a quart of oil around with me and fill it up slightly every week or two, I'll be fine.

-I also heard a "Mayonaise" like substance being found in the oil. If my car does not produce this, then it's a decent car correct? If it does, is it the way I'm driving the car or do you think I bought a lemon?

-The emissions are already border line pass/fail in some states. (I live in New Jersey so we're strict) If I modify my car the wrong way, I will easily produce more bad emissions and be failed at inspection. Has anyone else heard this?

-Back pressure is good for this car. I hear a very unrestrictive exhaust system, mainly the muffler, will actually cause a decrease in torque and some HP.

-Moisture already comes inside the car. If the windows fog up during cold weather, it was because the environment the cars were sealed in was very humid. First thing I'm going to do when I get the car is stick a dehumidifier in the back seat and let it run for a little while.

-The technicians are like "Uh, what's a rotary engine?" Help will be hard to find with problems with this car right? I hear people complaining about problems with the car listed above, especially the oil, and even the Mazda technicians do not know what is going on.

If you would like to add any points, agree or disagree with mine, please do so.

238bhp, 0-60 5.9 you are probably talking about the automatic. It is limited to 7000 rpm because the auto-trans can't handle 9000 redline and that limits it's HP.

In 1,200 miles I have not used any oil and you're not likely to in 3000.

Mayo?

Emissions good enough for California, enough said!

Why mess with the exhaust? You don't sound like you know engines that well so "why would you do that".

No moisture. If there is, one word "DEFOG"

Rotary is a common word at Mazda dealers. Think you might have one or two of those in your state?

Finally- A forum is to discuss problems, you may only see problems there. It doesn't mean the car is "BAD" as a whole. Go test drive one and buy it if you like it, it has a warranty for the unseen. Personally I bought mine because of the unrivaled styling. And who can argue with a two door that can do what this one can.

I wasn't rippin on the car, I was just re-iterating what I heard and I wanted other people to confirm. I did here people dynoed their cars and got 170hp to the wheels. I test drove this car man, and I loved it. But I can't afford for it to have problems AND make my payments. This is what I'm checking for.

Mazda advertised 250 and a California buyer dynoed at 238 so they had to change the advertising for that reason. I have driven 170 hp cars and they will not do what this car will and they won't do 0 to 60 in 5.9. 170 hp for a manual transmission rx8 is not correct but call Mazda.

The car has a 4 year warranty and a loaner car program from the dealer. So you are covered.

As with any new model there are uncertanties but watch consumer reports this year and I'll bet you will find delightfully good reports about reliability.

I have faith in what you say and will be consulting a dealer shortly. The 4 year warranty is more than enough, I'd trade it in and get a new one before 4 years go by anyway. I didn't want to believe the 170hp. The interior is great, the styling is great, the handling is awesome, it's just engine modification will be difficult but I love the car stock.

Here Here!

You won't be able to do anything like this on a test drive or even in your first 600 miles (if you break it in properly) but I took my M/T GT for a long drive down state highway 135 in Missouri recently. Think of Arkansas switchbacks and you get the idea only higher speeds. Some of these curves bank outward so you really have to be on your toes. Let me tell you I have not been in such a cornering braking monster since my dads Jaguar XKE. For ten minutes I never got below 7000rpm or above fourth gear yet most of the time was spent between 80 and 110. This car does not lean and you can feel when the rear end is giving way. I'd like to put it up against a 350Z or WRX on the track, because this thing fits you like a well balanced hand gun. I don't give a damn about 0 to 60 but that's all you get in the city. To get 5.9 you really need to hit the clutch hard with high rpm. When you are moving if you need to prove yourself just put it in a gear that gives you 7000rpm or more and it will launch when you need it to. And the best thing is, the engine is so balanced that 7000rpm is hardly noticable.

Let us know when you buy it.

I'm goin for a test drive this Friday (tomorrow). I'm going to make sure I get to check the oil real quick if the test car has miles on it, but other than that, my goal is to scare the hell out of the salesman ha ha. I also plan on complaining about the mark up in NJ. It's disgusting.

Ha ha, the 5.9 sounds like a nice number. They should put a * in the advertisement or specs and say, must dump the clutch at High Revs.

I'm goin for a test drive this Friday (tomorrow). I'm going to make sure I get to check the oil real quick if the test car has miles on it, but other than that, my goal is to scare the hell out of the salesman ha ha. I also plan on complaining about the mark up in NJ. It's disgusting.

Ha ha, the 5.9 sounds like a nice number. They should put a * in the advertisement or specs and say, must dump the clutch at High Revs.

Actually Road and Track published those results and made the statement about the clutch. It's not as bad as it sounds.

I have faith in what you say and will be consulting a dealer shortly. The 4 year warranty is more than enough, I'd trade it in and get a new one before 4 years go by anyway. I didn't want to believe the 170hp. The interior is great, the styling is great, the handling is awesome, it's just engine modification will be difficult but I love the car stock.

I've heard the 170 thing, it as to do with improper dyno. The engine senses slip at the wheels and retards the timing accordingly. If you don't turn off traction control and trick the sensors, you get false data. (The engine holds back)

Hi, I have had my RX-8 for just about a month now and have had the best 2000 miles out of it... I can assure you that as soon as the 600 run-in miles were done and the engine is warm off I go, 7500rpm before any gear change.

I will have to top up the oil in the next couple of weeks but it is just running really sweet (and sweeter by the mile).

This is a fantastic car, would just ensure that you follow the maintenance schedule within the manuals to protect the car and make sure that a Mazda dealer takes a look at any niggles you may have.

Good luck !

I've heard the 170 thing, it as to do with improper dyno. The engine senses slip at the wheels and retards the timing accordingly. If you don't turn off traction control and trick the sensors, you get false data. (The engine holds back)

Aaaah, this makes sense. So there's 238 HP at the crank and maybe just a short loss to the wheels but by no means is this thing running 170 HP to the wheels. Wow I'm happy to hear this. It's the most legit answer I've heard for the poor dynos.

Ah... you SHOULD be using some oil.. about a quart ever 2k miles or thereabouts. And the "mayonaise" is what results when collents gets mixed with oil. Which is bad.

wait... doesn't coolant with oil mean rebuild time? or am i totaly mistaken? don't forget the oil has to be NON-synthetic. There are rotary specialists if you are worried about technitians not knowing about rotaries. personaly, i dont trust the dealerships with the rotary, especially teh test driven ones... oh man, i can't even imagine the shape those cars are going to be in since they haven't been broken in properly...