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Mazda RX-8 Problems and Solutions - READ ONLY

1414 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2006 at 10:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda RX-8, Coupe

Messages Page 142 of 142

#1409 of 1414 No Problems with rx8 by bryan102

Oct 08, 2006 (12:33 pm)

I have been reading messages here for a longish spell now and have become concerned in recent weeks by what seems a rising anxiety about the viability of the rx8. I am feeling the need to say something positive about the car. I have had my 2005 AT 8 for 22 months and have had no problems with it. Like many of the posters on this site, I have just had my car in for the most recent recall and was told that all was well with the car (although two spark plugs were changed).
 
I have heard no problematic sounds, popcorn or otherwise. Nothing has broken on the car...the sun visors are working perfectly. While the gas mileage is not great, I do not worry about it...I don't drive a lot (19,000 km on the clock. That's just under 12,000 miles for those not sure about kms). If I were doing a long daily commute, I would choose another car, I think, but I don't and I won't.
 
I have had to add very little oil between oil changes but note the point made my others here that the most recent recall changes might lead to more oil use. I will be more vigilant but the dealer made no reference to the issue at that last recall service.
 
I run the car all year around and use snow tires in the winter. The car works wonderfully in the snow...as long as it is not too deep. I live in Southern Ontario where, in my view, the winters are truly baby winters (I come from Edmonton so I know what a real winter is like); I have never had any problems starting the car in the cold and have had never flooded the car.
 
The car is a delight to drive. Like Trispec I learned early on to operate in manual mode using the paddles to shift gears. I have taken it on a few long distance trips and found the vehicle very comfortable and relaxing. It is nimble and agile in traffic and, as long as the revs are kept high enough, it has the power to quickly move one out of any danger. In city driving I am rarely out of the first two gears and on the local regional roads I rarely go beyond third gear. The fourth gear is used only on the freeway.
 
Because of all the worry about flooding with this car, I have been wondering why Mazda cannot do something with the car's already pretty sophisticated computers to prevent the car from turning off if it is in danger of flooding. I think it should be easy to have the computer ignore the driver's instruction to shut down the engine (turning off the key). The computer could easily set off a signal warning the driver to wait a little longer before shutting down the engine so the failure to shut down would not be confusing. The computer won't let the AT shift down if the engine speed is too high and it beeps at you when you run the revs too high. Surely, they could figure out a way to use the computer to deal with the flooding.
 
I have learned a good deal from the postings on this site and have gained much by pathstar1's knowledge and wisdom. Thanks to all.

#1410 of 1414 Re: No Problems with rx8 [bryan102] by trispec

Oct 09, 2006 (4:33 am)

Replying to: bryan102 (Oct 08, 2006 12:33 pm)
The popcorn/rattle seems to only be a low RPM issue where the gas peddle is being depressed more than can be handled by the normal burning of the rotary. I find that if I back off the gas when I hear the noise, then the popcorn/rattle stops. Therefore I now use the noise as mechanism to get better gas millage.
 
My oil consumption is fairly steady at a quart every 1500 miles of city driving. I'm on a long trip from Boston, MA to the mountains of North Carolina. Still getting 23MPG at 80MPH plus.
 
But I love this car way to much. I drove 7 hours on Sunday and I just wanted more more more. It's really unbelievable how much fun my RX-8 AT is.

#1411 of 1414 Re: pathstar.... you have the letter in your hand? [trispec] by flipper897

Oct 10, 2006 (5:16 pm)

Replying to: trispec (Aug 29, 2006 6:53 pm)
I received my recall letter in mid-September and had my dealer perform the vacuum test about 10 days later.
 
My car passed with flying colors (I have a 2005 6-speed manual). I asked about the failure rate and was told that they had only had 3 failures - and all were 2004s. I hope that's a good sign.
 
It does get kind of discouraging when I read of the problems on this forum. Mine has been virtually flawless. Maybe it's mostly those with problems who are doing the posting?

#1412 of 1414 Purchase an 06 or 07 AT by johnny2003

Oct 12, 2006 (7:50 pm)

I'm looking for a FUN car just for the weekend and just love the look of the 8. The local delearship has a loaded white 2006 AT. I have read the various issues concerning the 8 from 04 and 05, but have most of the issues listed on this forum been solved? If not, what should I be concerned with?

#1413 of 1414 Re: No Problems with rx8 [trispec] by fishnhard

Oct 14, 2006 (6:03 am)

Replying to: trispec (Oct 09, 2006 4:33 am)
Well with all said and done, yes the RX-8 is a fun car and turns heads. We traded ours in at the beginning of Oct! For the amount of money I was paying for this car combined with our problems, I just couldn't justify this car. Others seem to have no problems at all and that is great. For all of you that have yours, enjoy it, I now have a Tribute in the garage which is a lot more practical for my family. I might get another RX some day.

#1414 of 1414 Hi folks by pat

Oct 18, 2006 (10:17 am)

You may have noticed that we're moving toward smaller, more focused discussions. Please go to the top level of the RX-8 board and look for an existing topic or create a new one if you don't see something suitable. Here's the link: Mazda RX-8.
 
Thanks!

Messages Page 142 of 142

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