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Mazda RX8

Mazda RX8 questions and answers

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Q: What is better, The mazda rx8 or a mustang gt?
I am searching for a new "used" car and i am interested mazda rx8 or a mustang gt, what are the ups and downs, and which one is better in performance??

A: If you know how to maintain rotary engines and if you know the driving habits needed to own a rotary engined car, get the RX-8. It is one of the best handling sports cars, while the Mustang is one of the worst handling. The RX-8 is more fun to drive, sounds better, revs higher, has more features and better quality and resale value. But Rotary engined cars are completely different. For example, you can't leave them sitting around, you should rev high to keep the engine healthy, and you should wait at least 30 seconds after driving before turning the car off. It is also very comfortable. The Mustang is worst in every way except that it is easier to take care of, cheaper to own and maintain, and it accelerates quicker. This is the car for you if you don't know much about Mazda RX cars.

Q: where can i find a mazda rx8 under 10 grand in california?
im trying to find a car for my daughter for her 16th bday and she is obcessed wit this car so please help me find a cheap one> ive looked on vehix,carmax, craigslist and ebay.. any other suggestions?

A: STOP! Do you and your daughter know how to care for a rotary car? If the answer is no, don't get one. They require EXACT care (it's not rocket science, just watch the oil and always let it warm up on every cold start for 10-15 minutes). When new owners don't do these things, it shreds the engine's life down to nothing. But if you follow the rules (www.rx8club.com or www.rx7club.com check both out), it'll last forever! My grandpa bought a 1974 RX4 brand new and had it up untill last winter. Never had the engine rebuilt or anything done to it and followed the rules to the letter. He sold it at 375,000 miles. Okay, to answer your question, you might find one at www.rx8club.com for around $10k. You MIGHT find one in good shape, but one that cheap will probably be dying. And be sure to ask the owner if it burns oil. If they say no, WALK AWAY because they ruined the engine. Smart rotary owners know that ALL rotaries burn a little oil by design. Time for you and your daughter to do some homework via the RX8 club, and read the FAQs first.

Q: In a mazda rx8, is it possible to get rid of that centre compartment that extends to the rear seats?
I'm sure it could be custom made. I don't like how the centre compartment extends to the rear seats in between the two rear passengers. It feels like the rear seats are so far apart. Would it be possible to replace the back seats and the rear compartment with 2 new seats and another seat in between like a sports coupe, where its still a 4 seat car but there is a cussion in between. If that makes sense. Could this be done?

A: It could be done. Anything can be done with cars. You might have to fork out a few bucks though. Anytime someone has to fabricate an interior it can get pricey.

Q: I have just bought a mazda RX8 Japanese import, how do i convert the sat nav from japanese to english?
Can i just buy a new disk and it will work or does it need some sort of reprogramming? Also the radio only searches up to 90 on FM so i cant get many stations, any ideas how i could fix that or would i need a new radio? Can i just buy a UK Sat nav disk and it will work or do i have to get it reprogrammed? have taken it to the dealer and they do not want to know because it is an import, i dont want to buy the disk and it not work because they are expensive

A: You may need to get a U.S. radio for it, take it to the dealer maybe they can program it

Q: does the trunk on a mazda RX8 have enough room for a trombone?
I'll be going to collage and need to know if the car can carry my stuff.

A: First of all, college, RX-8 and a trombone - cool combination. I really mean it :-) Now, the best idea would be to take your trombone to the Mazda dealership and try if it fits in the trunk. It will be definitely OK on the back seats (I'm 6.1 and I fit in) To give you an idea about the size of RX-8 trunk, here are some pix http://images.google.com/images?q=MAZDA+RX-8+trunk&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/MazdaRX8/Photos.htm The opening is quite wide so you should be able to fit the trombone in.

Q: whats a good sports car like a mazda rx8 that wont kill me on insurance?
something kinda like rx8 but i want it to be like 2000+ range for years maybe lil under ha no i definately want it for the engine and everything it is.

A: If you're between 16 - 24 years old ANYTHING the insurance companies think is a "sports car" is going to cost you big $$. It's the biggest risk segment so you're gonna pay.

Q: How much can a Carbon Fiber Hood help my Mazda rx8? Would a body kit slow it down?
HOw many seconds faster would a carbon fiber hood increase my cars acceleration? Would it even make it faster? Would a body kit slow it down, i just want to add a front bumper. What is th ebest thing i can add to my car that will really improve it speed and performace, i can spend Up to 500 $. Sorry for all the questions. Ha. Answer as many as u can. Thanks alot

A: The hood only translates to weight savings. It might help a little bit, but most of it's for looks. A body kit will usually slow you down (mor surface area=more drag) unless you get a good kit that is installed CORRECTLY. If you just get some flimsy cheap-@$$ set out of a catalog, it won't do it's job, which is to simply re-direrct the air in a more efficient manner. Most kits are simply for looks, functionality second. Performance: Get a chip, Cold air intake, turbo/supercharge/NOS. Or even better, go buy a Corvette and foret about that RX8. The problem you are up against is the fact that you will never get tons of anything out of that car. It's already set up near it's max potential and the only real thing you can do now is turbo or twin turbo to get any real results out of it, but adding a turbo is a bee-yotch and if it gets messed up, you're out some big buck$!!!!

Q: Is the Mazda Rx8 a good and reliable car?
I am considering getting one and my friend told me that if you ever need to get the engine worked on it would be expensive because it is a rotary engine. Also I have read that people have had to replace the engine with very low miles. Can someone that has owned one or owns one tell me their experience with it and tell me if you would recommend it. Thank you!

A: The RX8, like all other cars, has its gives and takes. The gives or positives are that it is the most fun to drive, the most balanced, and one of the most innovative automobiles on planet earth. The engine and gearbox (manual gearbox. I don't recommend the automatic) are excellent. The engine revs up to 10,000 rpm and its power delivery is smooth and exilirating. The 6 speed manual gearbox shifts so good that you can't ever get tired of it. You will just wish you could have endless, trafficless, roads to drive all day long. The negatives would be that the car will spend some, if not all, weekend in service. The best advise that I can give anyone is that if you want a FUN to drive car that will put a smile on your face ONLY on the weekends, then you can't go wrong with this car, but if the RX8 is going to be your only car, then you might want to look at the more reliable and just as fun INFINITI G37 COUPE. I hope this was helpfull, and GOOD LUCK with your purchase.

Q: What king of mileage can i expect out of a mazda rx8?
Do rotary engines last as long as piston engines? I do not mean what gas mileage do they get, I want to know how many miles can I get on a rotary engine such as the mazda rx8 until I have to start searching for a new car.

A: If maintained properly they will last as long as piston engines. On the rotary just make sure you're diligent on checking the oil. I owned a 1986 RX-7 for 11 years and never had any serious problems. I rarely even had to put oil in between changes and if I did it was maybe a fifth to a quarter of a quart. Another thing to be careful of is how you start it. Never ever give it any gas before you start it. Once it gets flooded it hard to start. I did it once and had to have it towed to the dealer. Traded mine after 11 years, had 91k on odometer and it still looked, ran and drove like new. I just got tired of driving it and wanted something new.

Q: How many miles can you expect to get out of a Mazda Rx8?
Are these engines suited for 100-200k miles before a rebuild? And secondly, is it advisable to use synthetic oil in a rotary engine. Why luck of the draw with a rotary? With the proper maintenance and care shouldn't they be engineered to last X number of miles? Engine life?

A: Depends on a lot of things. I know of a guy thats only had his 3 years and has replaced his engine twice, if I remember correctly two engines in less than 50,000km. He's taken care of it, it just failed. I know of another that has gone almost 200,000km with no problems. Its the luck of the draw with a rotary. There has long since been a debate on synthetic with a rotary engine, in the older ones of 'yore' it was fine and often recommended to use. In the new Renesis rotary in the RX-8 Mazda did not test synthetic oil in its prototypes at all, and therefore due to that fact they cannot recommend it. In some countries Mazda actually posted warnings saying NOT to use it. But in North America, nothing was ever said. Oil company websites (Quaker State etc) actually say on their webpages that synthetic is fine for any car "other than the Wankel rotary". Mazda has little comment in their manuals. Ask a service tech, they'll put in olive oil if you want them to. I do not use synthetic in mine, for the simple fact the engine runs very hot and is designed to use and burn oil. I do not want to put an oil in there that has more chemicals (hence more deposits) and is more resistant to breakdown. Am I right? Who knows. Time will tell.. so far mine has been fine. Edit.. to answer your edit (lol) Why do they fail... seals go, the O2 sensor in the cat goes and messes things up, the oil metering pump fails and it 'spins dry' so to speak.. Honestly by design, the thing is so freaking simple it should go for all eternity as long as it has fuel and oil. All things are not perfect though, and if Mazda explained in detail how to run it, (like have a set schedule to follow.. but then, it becomes complicated for the average Joe who will not buy it..) Its all us anal folk that own it and love it.. but I also speak as a person who has had no issues. I was concerned about maintenance and found a great resource, rx8club.com, and joined. Learned alot and know I am doing what is right.. but will it fail? Most likely not. They kind of have a bad rap from all the idiots that never check their oil :) but I am a pessimist, you never really do know...

Q: Is it a good idea to get the computer chip for improved fuel consumption for a Mazda RX8?
The ad says that it will not affect horsepower, is that true?

A: yes and no. yes - it would increase your gas milage and your horse power, which is always good. No- if you are not doing it your self i know for a fact that dealer ships charge up the @SS LOL. i work at a honda dealership and get askd that alot .

Q: Is it true Mazda RX8 the engine need to rebuild after certain miles ?
Is it true Mazda RX8 the engine need to rebuild after certain miles ? mean like buy a new engine ? who know this, please talk about it, thanks...

A: yes they ware out faster than a piston engine

Q: Mazda RX8- What's the difference between Sport, Touring and Grand Touring?
Firstly What is the diffination of Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Now, what are diference between the models? What Will most of you go for and why?. O yes, which is fatest?. Thankx! **Which is fastest?

A: Dude Sport, touring and grand are nothing more than options' packages, sport being the cheapest and grand the priciest. It has nothing to do w/ performance, just additional trims like leather seats, xenon headlights, sunroof, etc. So they all have the same performance. Personally I'd go for the sport trim only, thats all you'll need, xenon, 18" wheels. Look for the complete options list on mazda's website. The only exception is the Mazdaspeed version. Its indeed faster and more responsive, but also drinks much more fuel.

Q: what will be the total cost to import mazda rx8 to india from US?
do not include the car price, include everything else.

A: Call your customs contact in India for the best info. However, for planning purposes, here are some of the expenses: Inland freight to port freight forwarder paperwork charge for export documents ocean freight charge freight forwarder paperwork charge for import into India customs broker charges duty to be paid to Indian government any modifications needed to make vehicle "India" legal Hope this helps!

Q: Would you be scarred to buy a Mazda RX8 rotary enginned car?
Some people dislike things which are non main stream or unconvential, I am the opposite, I like novel. The only thing that bothers and concerns me about rotary engines and the RX8 is the fuel / running costs. However the smooth linear power is great, no up and down pistons here, just smoth high rpm spinning rotars. What is your thoughts? Laugh out loud at the Mel Man! I'm not because people will be able to read or is it red what i typed? lol Cheers

A: The way things are at the moment, I would be scared to buy any car that uses petrol. I am currently looking at vehicles that don't use petrol at all, then I won't be at the mercy of of the oil-producing countries! haha!!