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Coupes & Convertibles Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 Owners FAQ
36 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 12:32 PM
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| Has any one had any extensive driving with the rx-8 in snow? I live in Wisconsin where the winters can get a rough. Any input would be appreciated | |
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Replying to: memmer (Aug 20, 2004 8:30 pm) For a sports car, it is great. I am sure an investment in good performance winter grip tires will keep you upright between the ditches.... 
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Hello - I recently bought a new RX-8, 6-speed manual and I am very happy with it. I have a couple of questions though, I hope someone can help. It's been quite a few years since I've driven a stick, and I'm pretty rusty. First question: Quite often I'm not sure what gear I'm in so I keep a close eye on the tach. At freeway speeds, say 65-70 mph, if the engine is turning around 3500 rpm, am I in 6th gear? Secondly, I seem to have a problem going from fourth to fifth. Quite often the revs increase, so I must be going back into 3rd, I guess. Not to worry, I've never overrevved the engine, I got as high as 5000 rpm so I shifted back to fourth. Any tips on going from fourth to fifth gear? Do I move the shifter to the right and then up? It seems to balk when I try to go to the upper right & that's when I think I'm going into 3rd gear by mistake. I would appreciate any advice - thank you. Phil |
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Replying to: flipper897 (Aug 13, 2005 10:45 am) To answer your first question I have had mine going 65-70 mph in 3rd pushing about 5500rpm with plenty of room to still get up and go. So it sounds like you are in 6th to me. But with high revs means low gas mileage. But anyways it is probably the best looking and overall car I have very owned. Very pleased driver, super pleasant dealership too, they even called me saturday to check up on me and how I have enjoyed my purchase so far. Great customer service I give the an A+ for it. Caleb
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Replying to: ramses (Aug 14, 2005 1:56 pm) Thanks for responding. Prior to reading this, first thing after I got up this morning, I slapped myself upside the head & thought - "get in the car and practice shifting!". So that's what I did, in the garage with the engine off, out of the Arizona heat & it's what I suspected & you are correct, fifth is to the right, then up. I'll never forget it now - had I not had a brain cramp I probably would have resolved this weeks ago and never posted, haha. Another thing I discovered, the car has a warning sensor for tire pressure, it went off about a week ago, Mazda sets the timing beeper at 28 pounds. I called the dealer, they said to set them at 35 pounds (the owner's manual says 32 but the dealer should know best (I hope). Thanks again for your help Caleb & enjoy your RX-8 - I love mine!! Phil |
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Replying to: flipper897 (Aug 13, 2005 10:45 am) As far as shifting from 4th to 5th, this was my first 6-speed, and I too had difficulty. It just takes time and practice to get used to the feel of shifting this car. Over-all it is one of the smoothest shifting vehicles i have driven. Good luck.
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| just couldn't get the correct angle to push down and pop it into R for a while. also, I hit 4th a couple of times on my way to 6th. Luckily, I could feel the pull before I completely released the clutch and saved myself. | |
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Replying to: secondcity (Aug 15, 2005 8:11 am) As for shifting from 4th to 5th, you're right - I'm gradually getting better. It seems a bit vague to me still. This morning I consciously tried going to the right, then up to 5th, I still wasn't sure until I looked at the tach and the RPMs had decreased - so I was there. Practice will cure this, I'm confident. Good luck to you & enjoy your RX-8 - it's a terrific car & a real head-turner.
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Replying to: flipper897 (Aug 16, 2005 6:33 pm) Back in March, I was looking at the G35 coupe, 350z, S2000, and Porsche Boxster--and i came away impressed with the Rx8's looks,comfort, handling, and backseat roominess. I was most impressed with its manual transmission. The 6 speed configuration is a bit different than the standard 5 speed=and it takes just a little practice to feel comfortable. Compared to my old so called- "reliable" cars--this car shifts much smoother. EVEN better--it is a head turner-- For future RX-8 owners: I know Mazda is coming out with a higher horsepower automatic in '06, but I continue to recommend the manual for those that expect decent/-excellent performance. Believe me-There will be a higher demand from our younger "fast and furious Crowd" of second hand buyers seeking manuals 2-4 years from our original purchase. Flipper, I hope you enjoy your car as well! |
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Hi, this is my first time to any of the Mazda forums, so I hope that I am posting in the correct one. I'm giving serious consideration to purchasing an RX-8, though probably not the Shinka ($$), and have been pretty impressed at what I've found in my research. I noticed on the Mazda website that they recommend the use of premium gas for the RX-8. Is "recommend" the same as "require"? Has anyone here driven one using regular, unleaded gas? If so, have you noticed any problems? With today's gas prices, I hate the idea of using premium! I also have heard that the rotary engine burns quite a bit of oil and that one might have to put oil into it between regular oil changes. This I could live with, but I was wondering if this were true. Thanks! |
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