Mazda RX-8
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Q: Mazda RX-8?
I just got a new car and it’s a 2004 Mazda RX-8 and even though it’s about 4 years old, it’s in almost perfect condition. I want to know some things about this car. Like, how much is the average gas mileage? Can this car go on long distance trips [about 700 miles or more]? How dependable is it?
Thanks for the help.
A: I have driven the 2004 Mazda RX-8, but it was a 6 speed manual, which is more fuel efficient and much faster than the automatic.
You will get an average of 20mpg.
This car can go on long trips.
This car has a rotary engine, which is different to maintain than piston engines found in all other cars.
Only use 5w-20 regular oil. Do not use synthetic, or high mileage oil on this car.
MAke sure it is driven every day. If you do not drive it for 2 days, it will not start and the engine will need to be decompressed. With Rotary engines, you need to keep the oil in the engine pumping and keep it from getting hardened.
If you go on vacation and leave your car, it will not start when you get back and it will need to be towed to the Mazda Dealer.
If you know how Rotary engines work, they can easily last 150,000 miles. These engines also burn oil faster, so oil changes are different than other cars.
Check the compartments for a book that came with the car. It is the owners manual. It will tell you how to take care of the car and teh maintenance schedules.
Q: mazda rx-8?
does the mazda rx-8 have (if any) more potential that the rx-7? in terms of performce. I want to get maximum horspower for the straightaways. Can the rx-8 carry the same legacy as the rx-7? and i want to tune it to 1000hp using anything except nitrous (i plan to add that after) 
o yea and it terms of height which one rx-7 or rx-8 has more height from the gournd?
if engine swap gives the rx-8 more potential whic one should i swap in? can i swap in the vette z06 even though the stock engine was a renesis rotor engine?(the z06 was a V engine)
Thnx a lot! i think i will go with the rx-7, but i don’t want to put a ls7 in there. I see its all about the rx and “tradition”. The thing the rx-7 has been discontinued and is so hard to find
A: The RX-8 has more potential as a daily driver than the RX-7, but in terms of performance, it’s arguable. The fact that the Renesis engine is “more reliable” means that it doesn’t put out as much as the RX-7 did. Also, because out of the box, the RX-8 is not turbocharged like it’s predecessors, it might not seem as attractive and as fast as the RX-7. Here are some hard numbers:
Claimed Horsepower:
RX-7: 255 HP
RX-8: 232 HP
Curb Weight:
RX-7: 2826 lbs.
RX-8: 3045 lbs.
Height (total, not from the ground):
RX-7: 48.4 in.
RX-8: 52.8 in.
Also, the RX-8 is slightly wider, and holds 5 gallons less than the RX-7, and is probably higher off the ground. Plus, it’s a 4-door (two doors plus the suicide doors).
This is out of the box, from the dealership, stock performance. Now in terms of street performance, the RX-7 is always the best way to go. After having been in the market for over 14 years, the 1993 > on RX-7 has had the opportunity to be modified, tested, and have aftermarket performance parts made for it. The RX-8 however has only been around for a few years (4? 5?) and the current aftermarket isn’t as strong as the RX-7. Also, modified RX-7’s have had a decent history with racing; drag racing, autocrossing, and recently drifting. The RX-8 was just recently introduced, Abel Ibarra (drag racer, famous for using rotaries) run’s an RX-8, but I’m not sure if it uses a modified Renesis engine, or a race-built 3-rotor (20B) engine, but it does use the body of the RX-8 in a tube chassis form. Of course, with the right amount of money, you can turn an RX-8 into a 1000hp beast, but it will take lots of money, lots of time, and lots of fabrication (making parts.) So in reality, the RX-7 is the best way to go because of its readily available aftermarket parts.
Now engine swaps. A few things you should know about engine swaps:
1) They’re expensive
2) It’s hard (but not impossible) to find a person who can do it
3) It might just be worth it to buy the car because chances are, finding your engine of choice may prove to be difficult as well as more expensive to install than just buying the car.
4) Often times, it’s illegal, and frowned upon if it’s not purely for racing
5) If it’s an engine other than a rotary, do it on another car, don’t disgrace the RX tradition.
It is totally possible to swap in a 3-rotor 20B engine into an RX-8, given you have 5000+ dollars to find the engine, pay for the labor, and pay for the parts. There are even 4 Rotor custom race engines that will cost you a hell of a lot. Now these engines, though they sound awesome, have a low life expectancy. You might find yourself paying for maintenance over and over again and end up kicking yourself in the ass for it. The Z06 engine is possible but will take a lot of custom parts, fabrication, maybe even have to push the firewall (wall between engine and driver) back a few inches. For this engine, you’re looking at a GM LS7 Engine which will run you $13,895.00 (http://www.corvettegarage.com/product/gm-ls7-corvette-crate-engine.html) Add that to the labor costs, and you’re better off getting an RX-7 and buying a 3-Rotor for that.
All in all, get an RX-7 and modify it to reach 1000HP, it’s more possible, possibly cheaper, and will look a lot better.
Hope this helps.
That’s true, it is hard to find, especially ‘95 RX-7’s. I suggest looking up Autotrader.com, Ebay.com, or just constantly search for it in your local classifieds. Sometimes you get lucky. Look to spend 13,000+ for a good condition one, 15,000+ for one with low miles.
Might I also consider putting rotary engines in other cars! Muwahahaha. A common one is a Datsun 510 with a rotary engine, and there’s also a video of a 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S with a 3 Rotor engine in it. It is breaking tradition yes, but hell, I’m a rotor-head. I’ll want to put a rotary engine in anything, but I won’t put anything other than a rotary engine in an RX.
Well, it isn’t possible to squueze 1000HP out of the 13B engine, i should have clarified that, but the 20B has some potential, just needs excessive tuning, which would still probably be cheaper than an LS7 swap.
Heh. Engine. Sorry.
Q: Mazda rx-8?
I am thinking about getting a mazda rx-8. say 2004. Anyone that owns the car, opinions of any sort please, details, opinions, anything. Thanks
good gas mileage is important to me
A: If good gas mileage is an issue then this may not be the car for you. Most people report average MPG of around 17 – 19. Like most sports cars MPG is not a primary concern, and also Rotary engines are notorious for below-average fule mileage.
Beyond that, it is a great car, if you’re buying it for the right reasons. If you want a “Red-Light Racer” look elsewhere. The car was designed to be a track car and has a beautifully balanced chassis and phenominal brakes…just what you want on a road course. A drag car it is not.
As for some above comments:
“When you turn the car off it keeps running to allow for the oil to cool down” Are you on drugs? The fan may continue to run to cool things down, but not the motor (BTW, most Japanese cars do this…). If your friends car actually does keep running then he’s got problems…
“Back seats suck and you have to pay Mazda extra if you want a spare tire”. Ummm, have you tried to fit in the back of any other Sports cars out there? The RX8 has far better back seats then anything in its class. You need to go to a sedan to get better. Mazda gives you a tire repair kit instead of a spare. Yeah…that’s kinda cheezy. If you’re buying a used 8 make sure you either get a spare tire or the repair kit.
“The trunk and glove box are about the same size” Ok, now I know you’re on drugs… Again, the RX8 has a great trunk *for a Sports car*…much bigger than most. You must be too used to those floaty American Land Yachts if you the think this trunk is bad. Go check the trunk on a Pontiac Solstice and tell me the 8’s is bad…
Now, I would look at 2005 models & up, though. Since 2004 was the first model year for this car there have been more reported problems with them than newer years. I would only get a 2004 if it had extended warranty…just in case.
Q: Mazda RX-8!!!!!!!!!!!?
I want to buy a mazda RX-8 but i was wondering is the insurance going to be higher since it is a 2D coupe, but actually has 4 doors or will it be cheaper?
A: I don’t think it will change too much whether it has 2 or four doors, as it is still an RX-8. Insurance varies widely based on age, gender, and location, so you should get an online quote to determine how much it would cost you personally. Get one at http://www.auto-insurance-knowledge.com/24-hour-insurance-quote-auto.html this will compare all companies in your area and find you the lowest prices.
Q: Mazda rx-8?
what is the deal with the mazda rx-8s? why are they so cheep used?
A: cause there made cheap
Q: What is the cheapeast way to import a new Mazda Rx-8 ?
Hi I live in Brazil and want to import a new Mazda Rx-8 to the country. From where should I but it, America or Japan? From dealership or factory? Thanks in advance.
A: you should probably buy it in Miami since the closer you buy it to Brazil the cheaper it is to ship it. buy from a dealer you cannot buy from the factory.
Q: How can someone safely increase the power of a 2008 Mazda RX-8?
I’m curious about how someone can increase the horsepower, and especially low-end torque, of the 2008 Mazda RX-8. I’ve head that turbochargers and superchargers tend to have ill effects on the engine (being a rotary), so I’m going to shy away from them. What kind of upgrades could be added to increase the power, what is an approximate cost, and how much would these parts increase performance?
A: You want torque, then the only way to get lots of torque out of a rotary is to do a 20B 3 rotor swap.
Rotary’s are fine on boost, just dont over boost them. For some more torque a supercharger would be good as it gives full boost at all rpm’s.
However cheap upgrades like air intake and exhaust will see you no more than a 2-4hp gain. Mazda did well with the stock ones and you cant really improve on them.
So for large performance gains, your going to need a deep pocket. If you wanted to go for a 20B, you wouldnt see change spare of $12,000 or more in america. But they do have lots and lots of torque and even more horsepower.
Q: What kind of car can give me the looks of a Mazda RX-8, but the features of a Nissan Altima?
Mazda RX-8 is a sports car that looks really awesome.
The Nissan Altima has the intelligent key thing, Bluetooth, and all that. What kind of car can offer the sports car look but with an Altima’s features?
A: Acura Integra
Acura RSX
Q: What kind of maintenance is required for Mazda RX-8?
I’m thinking about buying an used RX-8 but I heard it requires more maintenance than other cars.
How often do I have to change oil?
Can I do that at any car shop or do I have to go to mazda dealer bc it’s rotary engine?
What else is required?
A: Mazda in general, wants your vehicle every 4 months or 3000 miles
http://www.autocarparts.ca
Q: Is it possible to install a built-in navigation in a Mazda RX-8?
I am purchasing a 2004 Mazda RX-8 automatic model without a navigation system. It was the only one I could find that I liked. I really wanted a navigation system in it but no luck in that . Do you know if there is any way you can purchase the original system that came with the cars with built-in navigation afterwards?
A: It’s way too expensive and not really worth it. The navi systems are generally not installed by the dealer. Just wait for a navi equipped car to become available. Expand your search radius. Buy the car you really want instead of piecing it together.
It requires a special harness and the dvd rom unit alone costs like $1500 used and the navigation disc is around $500. After that you may have to have the dealer erase and re flash the pcm with what they call the “as built data” from an RX8 with navi pcm because the navi unit communicates on the car’s CAN network and a non navi car does not have the right pcm version. It may work without the as built data but you may have erroneous engine light codes regarding pcm to module communication. Long story short, it is possible but you may want to search longer for a navi equipped car. If you cannot wait, buy an aftermarket navi unit.
Q: What should i buy a Nissan 300zx or a Mazda RX-8?
I know a mazda is hard to take care of but know what to do to keep them running. I just like the look and room of having 4 people BUT i like the look of the 300zx and want the massive amount of power it has that the rx-8 does not what do you think i should get?
A: Get a 2+2 Z. Its better looking that the Z coupe, and will hold almost 3 people when needed. (You’ll never get 4 in the car.) The 2+2 also has more room for an audio system!
Replacing the stock intake, exhaust, and two piece drive shaft for less than $5oo will improve the car and get you 260 to 280 horsepower (Magna Flows mufflers, JWT Popcharger intake, and the Z1 Motorsports One Piece Drive Shaft.)
The turbo coupe has 300 horsepower.
This is a great resource for Z’s
http://www.300zxclub.com/
Q: What are the disadvantages of owning a Mazda RX-8?
I’m 17 and am thinking about to buy a 1.3 litre mazda RX-8 because of the high performance and revs.
A: I really don’t know why people give a bad rap to the RX-8. Owning one I can give you a list of disadvantages:
Fuel consumption. Gets about 18 mpg whether you shift at 8000 rpm or 3000 rpm.
I many comparisions it is slower 0-60 wise to many other cars, but in a real race is a true leader in cornering.
You must check the oil level once in a while. The engine is made to consume oil to keep the rotary lubricated, and usually requires a quart every 1000 to 1500 miles, but since I don’t drive it much, this is never an issue. I just get the oil changed every 3 months.
You can not just turn the engine on then back off. This will cause flooding. No there is not a flooding problem with this car like people suggest, it is a characteristic of the rotary. Just make sure you warm the car up and you will be fine. Its like saying a car has a starting problem if there is no gas in it. No gas = no starting, as in quick turn-on turn-off = flooding in a rotary.
On the advantages side:
Insurance is not high as people think. It is classed as a four-door compact car, although it is a true sports car. And it has ABS standard as well as many safety features. It cost less to insure than my 4-cylinder sedan I had before.
It beats the 350z in all comparisions expect speed. The back seats actually hold people, unlike most cars, and it has the suicide doors, which is a great feature. The 350z has no back seat, and the insurance is much higher because of it.
The car is a blast to drive. It is fast enough, and climbing to 9000 rpm without redlining or even coming anywhere close to hurting the engine is amazing.
The engine is one of the most reliable on the market. Besides winning many adwards for reliablity and fun, it is very simple. It only has 3 moving parts. A normal engine with pistons and cylinders has over a hundred. It is true there have been recalls, but once these are taken care of the engine is quote “undestructable.”
The car is fairly inexpensive. The STI is over 10 grand more than an RX-8…and the 350z is also quite a bit more with the same options. The styling of the RX-8 beats both cars in my opinion. Its actually looks like an exotic car, whereas the 350z looks boxy and lame, and the STI (and Evo) look too teenage streetracer like. The RX-8 looks like a mature car, and acts like one.
Q: How much would it cost for a 17 year old to insure a Mazda Rx 8?
Mazda RX 8 2006 1.3L
i THINK its insurance group 16 but im not sure
any price estimates?
dont worry about telling me thats its too much money and you should get a ford ka and all that bollocks haha
i simply wish to know how much it will cost when i pass my test to insure my new Mazda
i already own the car by the way guys
i just havnt got insurance yet
A: At 17 you will not find an insurer to touch you in an RX8 even at a silly price.
Q: Is there enough space in a Mazda Rx-8 to fit 4 adults?
I am buying a car soon. I mainly drive alone or with someone else. I like allthe features of the Rx-8 except 1 or them. I sometimes will drive with 4 people. Could i fit them in for a 30 minute drive? Or is it not meant to? Also, what other cars are like the Mazda Rx-8?
A: Yes, 4 people can fit in the car. The 2 rear seats are quite usable and provided the front passengers have not pushed the seats all the way back the rear passengers should be Ok . I’ve had 5′ 8″ friends back there and they were comfortable.
The advantage of the RX8 is that it is designed without a “B” pillar (the one usually located between the front and rear doors. This allows much easier ingress/egress to and from the rear seats.
There are no other cars quite like the RX8 with this arrangement, although Saturn did make a model with the “Suicide Doors” the rear seats were much more cramped.
Q: Does anyone own a Mazda Rx-8 that has been problem free, no mechanical issues?
Im buying a 2008 Mazda rx-8 monday, however im having second thoughts ,every blog site list it as nothing but a problem and suggest the car goes through engines. Im not sure if this is a result of the rotary engine, or this car is just getting a bad rap. Anyone owns the car and loves it?
A: I bought my 8 in ‘05 and have had NO mechanical problems whatsoever. The only issue I did have was condensation in the taillights…a known issue for ’04’s & ’05’s and taken care of through warranty.
Remember that when you check some places on line that all you will see is complaints. You almost never see someone report “no problems” unless you do exactly what you did…ask for it.
Most people who report engine problems do know how to properly maintain a rotary engine. They are very different from a piston engine and although they don’t require any “special” servicing they DO REQUIRE that you actually maintain it. You cannot just dismiss the motor for long periods like many folks do with “boingers” (piston engines).
Rotary’s can carbon up more and the effects of carbon can be more damaging. The main way to keep carbon build up at bay is to give the engine lots of revs. Rotary’s can rev high all day long with no adverse effects, unlike boingers. It’s a good idea to hit redline daily if the chance permits.
The engine is designed with an oil injection system which injects small amounts of oil into the combustions chambers to lubricate the various seals on the rotors. Because of this you need to check your oil levels every couple tankfuls of gas. You’ll probably need to add a quart of oil every 1500 – 2000 miles.
Change oil every 3000 miles or so. Since a bit is injected you want a clean source. Don’t use synthetic oil as it is designed to NOT burn off easily and you need clean burn-off.
Learn more at these forums:
http://www.rx8club.com
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