Forums Forums Enthusiast Forums A - Z Autowirral Mazda RX-8

After a bit of advice, currently got a y reg celica and quite fancied the Mazda RX-8 for a while now, iv heard there supposed to be heavy on oil and petrol but has anyone ever owned one? Are they reliable with them being rotary engines? Do they have any common faults? All advice much appreciated thanks.

they do use oil but it's normal. just be very careful when picking one, try to go for one with as few owners as you can and a genuine service history.

not sure how it's done on them but get a compression/pressure(?) test done.

My son has a beautiful one he is second owner. It is red and has done a lot less than £30k miles. It is perfect in every way. He goes to work on train so does not use it much but said he is going to sell it as he has a third child on way and will have to get a people carrier. He cant bear to part with it.I said I would advertise it here and see if anybody is interested but have not yet got around to it.
It is 2008 on a 2007 plate and he would accept an offer as he has no idea what it is worth.The insurance and tax are both high.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/rx8-2003/

Summary: Pros: looks good, drives well. Cons: High insurance, need to check oil regularly, needs rework to protect plastic fuel tank and anti roll bar bushes. Expensive to fix if it goes wrong.

A car for hairdressers, but that's my opinion.

They are cracking cars, make sure you go for the 231bhp model as youll always regret it if you go for the lesser 192bhp.

They handle great, have 4 doors and seats, the engine is very willing and makes a unique sound.

Oil does need checking on a regular basis, and they are very thirsty, expect low 20's to the gallon if you are lucky.

However, they are very cheap to buy and it you offset the fuel costs with the low buying price (and you dont do too many miles) they they are a bargain!

When viewing, always ask the seller what oil they put in. It should be a 5W30 and due to regular checks / top ups, any owner who has looked after the car will know this. If they dont, walk away.....

They naturally use oil like any engine, but the rotary needs oil putting in regularly because of the way the rotors are lubricated. Also need to give it a good thrashing to avoid carbon build up, which can damage the rotors.
Engine needs complete rebuild at set number of miles (apex seals).
Great cars, you can get a fast 9 year old car that needs an engine rebuild for £500. Love the little rotor symbols all over the car as well!!