Mazda Gives Us Another 1,000 Chances To Buy A Rotary Engine
Ah, the Mazda RX-8. Given that it shares many underpinnings with the NC Miata, has a high-reving, silky smooth powerplant, 4 doors and a useable backseat, it should be a shoo-in for my next car, right? Not at all.
The god-awful fuel consumption, spotty reliability and torqueless-wonder of an engine means that I approach all RX-8s with caution. Ideally, a piston-powered motor swap could be engineered, because I require total reliability (though to its credit, I see plenty of Torontonians driving their RX-8s in the snow). Then again, they have gotten so cheap that it’s almost worth it to take the risk. Almost.
For those who must have an RX-8 that comes with a warranty, Mazda is giving you another chance. Another 1,000 chances. If you live in Japan. The RX-8 Spirit R, complete with Recaro seats, Bilstein shocks, red brake calipers and a red interior, can be had.
More by Derek Kreindler
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Maybe the new BRZ & FR-S will fill the gap left by the departure of the RX-8. Yeah I know the back seat will be much smaller and they certainly won't be torque monsters either, but I hope these cars might be the answer to the "4-seat hardtop Miata" I think a lot of folks (myself included) have been waiting for.
Who the hell wants a red interior?
Questions for the RX-8 owners here: Is it easy to find parts online at decent prices? Is it easy to find independent mechanics who work on rotaries? Is any work necessary on the engine (gaskets and seals) or is it fine until the day you need a rebuild? I'm sure any mechanic will work on the rest of the car.
I have to be one of the higher mileage Series 2s at 60K. Have not had one issue. Oil every 5k, and the tranny and rear end oil, and plugs, have been changed each twice. I burn a QT every 1200. And a couple redlinings a day yields 19mpg every time I check it. Just get rid of the horrendous stock rubber. I fully expect to make it to 100k with no problems. Buy your car new, take care of it, and DRIVE it and even an RX-8 will do you no wrong. I should also point out that I don't drive under any of the "severe" conditions. Its not hot or humid where I live, I dont need A/C, no mountainous or dusty, no stop and go, and no loads in the car. I would imagine a used, automatic RX-8 in Miami would be a ticking time bomb.