Overview of the Mazda Rx8
The RX-8 had big shoes to fill in 2003, essentially replacing the Mazda RX-7 that had established legendary status. It continued Mazda's lineage of RX-badged sports cars utilising a distinctive, pistonless rotary engine, while also adding a clever practical touch: while it looked like a coupe, rear-hinged passenger doors gave it four-door practicality. Unfortunately, the RX-8 was retired in 2012 when the rotary engine's infamous thirst couldn't keep up with increasingly tough emissions regulations.
MAZDA RX-8 GENERATIONS
2003-2012
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
1.3L rotary: 12.1 to 12.9 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Contact your nearest Mazda dealer for servicing cost enquiries. Mazda RX-8 parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MAZDA RX-8
Audi TT
Honda S2000
Nissan 200SX
Nissan 350Z
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MAZDA RX-8
The lack of a turbocharger meant that the RX-8 was driven hard out of necessity thanks to the way the rotary engine makes its power.
So, a health-check at a rotary specialist is a good idea as these engines, while fabulously entertaining to use, can wear quickly internally.
If that has happened, you might notice that the car is down on power, doesn't want to rev cleanly or is difficult to start from cold. All these symptoms suggest a rebuild in the not too distant future.
The rotary is also hard on spark plugs and leads and these need to be in tip-top condition for a happy car.
The engine is known to be a bit of an oil-burner, too (it's the way it works) so you need to check the dipstick at regular intervals.
And make sure the seller knows about the engine's dislike for being driven hard or shut off without being fully warmed up. A switched-on previous owner is essential for the RX-8.
