so i went on autotrader

[Butcher]

dont get me wrong i love my punto, but since a young lad of watching things like 2 fast 2 furious and playing xbox games (nerd) iv wanted a mazda rx8 , now , im only 18 so i cant go all out and get a great one, but iv been contenplating buying this. im just woundering what you guys think? its only a 1.3 but i think it looks amazing for a car thats on auto trader for 3.9k and its only done 50k miles

 

[JoshGrande]

I'd prefer a skyline, and even though it's a 1.3 they are quite powerful! looks a good buy, seize the opportunity if you think it's the right decision!

 

[BenYoung]

Go for it. These look monsterous when modified nicely. (monstrous in a good way) Japanese aftermarket parts are the best of the best and cuz mazda is japanese no doubt they will all fit nicely! Really good buy for that money

 

[dave]

i thought they was heave on fuel?

and i thought they was for people in their 30's who have just had kids but cant face buying a car with too many doors yet

 

[Butcher]

haters gonna hate

 

[Alsatian1]

Nice car. What's the insurance like on those? I'm 24 and I'd be scared to get a quote. Heavy tax too. I heard they eat oil like there's no tomorrow as well.

Sorry if I'm what-dya-ma-calliting on yer bonfire, but just don't let your heart rule your head too much (unless your a rich bitch, in that case, go for it!).

 

[dave]

haters gonna hate

20mpg

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081102100717AAGisI4

 

[Butcher]

yeah fair enough valid points, maby its too soon, ill wait a few years before i step it up a notch, iv just got some abarth skirts and a frount splitter for the old girl anyway, its just nice to dream

 

[Alsatian1]

Sorry mate, feel like I've just burst your bubble It's good to dream, but you should be proud of the car you've got, those new mods will look sweet. Plus, what do u think you're doing looking at a NON-FIAT?! The shame! Look for an old 20v Coupe if anything, lol.

 

[bludvl_x19]

i thought they was heave on fuel?

Heavy on fuel, heavy on oil when the apex seals go. They have a lot of power for a 1.3, but no torque at all.

I can't say I like the RX-8, it just doesn't do anything for me :shrug:

 

[ChrisUK]

Good luck getting insurance

I like the RX8 but hate the engine. Great idea / theory just rubbish in practise. Plenty of power but no torque, you need to drive it like an F1 car everywhere hence the crap consumption.

 

[x Alex x]

i do like them, after a friend got one a few year ago i really wanted one, they're so gutless though, no torque at all, just 'cos it's a 1.3 too it wont be the same price as a 1.3 8v fiesta to insure.

 

[James1989]

do it! im on my second 231! i let the first one go stupidly then bought one with a mazdaspeed bodykit

petrol is 19-24mpg, torque is exactly the same lbs as the grande punto tjet, get the 231 version as you get a better gearbox more power and 2k more revs
dont get one over 50k, a compression test before purchase is a must, no they dont use oil that much 2-3litres a year for me hardly a deal breaker, tax is 180-210£ until 2006 when they became £400+, always rev it to 3k and immediately switch it off and dont turn the engine on for only 5seconds and it wont flood.

lots of equipment, fair insurance (lower than my tjet) fairly practical and with the mazdaspeed kit great at turning heads

they are brilliant but most people parrott and exagerate the bad points and alot of owners never bothered to learn about them either, id recommend one everytime unless you do over 15k miles a year.

 

[Freebo]

Go for it, only prob is insurance. if this is ok why not! get it all over and done with before you've settled down and had kids You had a look at Honda S2000's?

 

[jip0]

insurance will be a lol

i have a funny feeling that you have no idea what engine is in that car

well you probably do now after reading the other replies

 

[Nickmitbm]

I always liked the suicide doors and the general looks of the RX-8 but as others have said, it burns a hell lot of fuel for a 1.3 (I remember it was sth like 12 lt/km which is equal to a 3 lt engine consumption). And then Wankels have their own reliability issues despite being greatly improved from the RX-7's days.. There's got to be a reason why Mazda is the only brand that keeps making those. But I guess that if you don't do many miles/year that should be fine, and you could always buy it, enjoy it and then sell it while it's still ok. Sometime around 2004-2005 there was a recall on these, you might want to know more about it.
I saw someone mention the S2000. What's the price for one there? Cause if it's in the same range with the RX-8 I'd definitely go for one. That's a hell of an engine! And it's a true thoroughbred..As a Honda, I bet it'll be reliable too.