Driving a Rotary Mazda RX-8 For the First Time (it's really good!)

[@Pixels1920]

I can notice the quality improvement already love the details with maintenance!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man! Yeah trying to put more effort and detail in!

[@cliffynjovelyn893]

The problem is too many people will catch on how good the RX8 is and then prices skyrocket. I've owned mine for 5 years now and has not broken down on me once. Used as a daily for the first 2 years then became a garage queen after modifying it and using it on track. It is by far the most fun I've ever had in a car, think of it like a miata on steriods, and oh that glorious exhaust note at 9k rpm

[@KiwiCarLife]

That’s epic man yeah seems pretty hit or miss but some can be solidly reliable cars!

[@LeSwexy]

Dude this is such a great video, can see the quality improvement, really articulate speaking, great camera transitions and just an overall attention holding video. Keep this up Liam, really really good production quality.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thank you!

[@RedLine_Renesis]

Installing a brand new engine on mine after rear stationary gear bearing failure. I bought it with 103000 KM, I put another 15K along with all the maintenance needs and new parts, but ultimately the original engine had a bad owner. This will be a new start as I replaced almost everything in the car. Pretty much a new gearbox would make it mechanically brand new. It's a 2005, 4 port, 5 speed. Love the car to bits.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@RedLine_Renesis nice man hopefully with your care it’ll run a lot longer!

[@davedonnelly8681]

I loved my rx8. Glad I got to own one with out experiencing any issues.

[@KiwiCarLife]

That’s good man!

[@spadgm]

Nice review mate, certainly looks like a heap of fun!, loved the run up the hill, making some swift progress and the car was unflustered! 9000rpm is just bonkers!

[@KiwiCarLife]

It’s epic aye!

[@craigauty6756]

Can definitely see the quality come through in the video, the cinematography is great

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man!

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Someone in the comments called it, the cinematography is looking good.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thank you!

[@otablu685]

so refreshing seeing a car enthusiast channel from NZ, especially having reviews on cars you see daily here. too seki bro 10/10

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@otablu685 thanks man!

[@mrjackbagginz]

I had this car for a while,. Its honestly the only sports jdm that can properly fit 4 adults,. Amazing handling,.

[@leowinsnever7027]

Civic type r

[@KiwiCarLife]

True, although this more competes with things like the GT86, Integra type r etc, this is definitely more practical. Civic Type R is an MPS 3 competitor

[@JohnKowalskyDrive]

MPS 3 is basically a family car hehe

[@mrjackbagginz]

@@leowinsnever7027 i said sports car bro,. Civic isnt a sports car,.

[@leowinsnever7027]

@@mrjackbagginzthen a dc5 but imo a type R definitely a sports car in atleast most ways

[@jasonoosted5016]

The way that RPM climbs! Love how they really leaned into the sharp driving experience. Did you notice that the silver trims in the center are shaped like two giant katanas? Even the parking brake is like a sword handle! Would love to own one some day

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh yes it is too! Very cool

[@vMaxHeadroom]

What a great driving segment as you pushed the RX8 R3...wonderful car as I had an R3 in red...Nothing better than revving it out to 9K, hearing the beep and then changing gear!!! Sadly, the maintenance caught up with me and I let it go as there was always a niggle or two that turned up every once in a while but the driving experience was without a doubt one of the best I ever had...Such a great balanced car. My kids were so annoyed when I sold it....much regret!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice! Yeah they’re honestly great cars

[@Ohmyjord]

If you get special editions, you get the added bits and pieces you asked for in the conclusion, two tone interiors, bluetooth, comfort bits etc, i miss mine everytime i see one, its a joy to drive. VERY underrated car. (Awesome video)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that would be ideal I reckon!

[@GeorgeXian]

Immediately knew I was in for something special with that crescendo of a intro. When your voice comes over the music, dip the mid frequency bands so your voice goes clearly over the audio without quieting the audio too much.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha glad you enjoyed it! And yes I'll look into that!

[@BC-1983]

Awesome review, as always. Historically, I have owned a 6 Port Type S, and I must say these are one of the most balanced and pleasurable turn key drivers I have experienced - thoroughly recommended to anyone with a couple of caveats being future maiantance and the fact these cars do not respond well to modification as they are high strung and tuned from factory ie many bolt on modifications will be detrimental to the performance. And yes, they are firsty, just like any performance vehicle that makes power in the high rpm range.🎉

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah exactly but you’re right despite the drawbacks it’s a brilliant drive. Much better than the NC I reckon.

[@kareemairlines9075]

Great video for a car that doesnt get enough love. People only really talk about the rx7 but the rx8 is a good successor in my opinion

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it's not exactly a direct replacement, non turbo, 4 seater etc. but it's a great car nonetheless

[@kilika89]

Perfect timing! I'm in the market for an RX-8.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@kilika89 would recommend! Just do your research and make sure to buy a nicely looked after one and maintain it properly

[@Jmpaul26]

Man you were absolutely flying through those twisting roads. Very well done video!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@LogieT2K]

This channel is becoming a real gem. Keep it up

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man!

[@henningnielsen7001]

I am a Mazda mechanic and have made a lot of maintenance and repair on RX8’s including engine repair and the only thing that needs speciel tool is to get the flywheel of…. That’s it..!

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@henningnielsen7001 well that’s good! I had another Mazda mechanic on here saying these things require a lot more special tools than that haha

[@veyrondb]

I had a mint 5 speed 4 port RX8 that I sold about a year ago. It was a great car, the issue was I also had an NA MX5 at the same time that was better at everything. Handled better, somehow faster, more economical and just more fun. I funnily enough replaced the RX8 with a 130i.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah 4 port RX8's aren't quick but this one I reckon is better than an NC. NA is a much more connected experience. And yeah glad the 130i is getting some love it's a brilliant car!

[@somalianpirate47]

Found the section comparing this to an mx5 interesting, I mainly watch these videos to know how these cars stack up to each other. Need to review an RX7 next haha

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah honestly there’s no comparison these are so much better. Not necessarily more reliable. But to drive much better. And yes RX7 would be awesome

[@DavidTotton]

Another kiwicarlife vid! Iconic!!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yessss

[@jimmyvargas9282]

Own an RX8 and was thinking of selling, but when I get behind the wheel it brings me joy how good it on curves. Keeping my 8.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man they’re something special aye

[@Namput-u8z]

It bothers me when people call rotaries "unreliable". It ask for more regular maintenance, that's all. "Unreliable" to me implies that "something" will happen "eventually" and it will happen to most, but not all consumers. With rotaries you have to change the oil more frequently, and about every 100,000 miles you replace the seals and that can be a pain in the neck, but it will reliably give you problems at given intervals if neglected, and if you stay on top of that extra maintenance then you can trust them with your life. The rotary does have real cons like hating stop and go rush hour traffic, which most people deal with regularly so most people are going to hate and that's valid. Reliability is just not one of those cons, or at least not the right word for it.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@Namput-u8z yeah I suppose a better phrase would be, “requires more care taken to maintenance” or “will not survive neglect”

[@madaz13bbp]

Great video and good to see a car review channel from my old home NZ.👏 Just like to add that not all series one rx8s were only 4ports. Mine ( in my profile photo ) is a 2004 series one with a rebuilt original 6port with small bridge port over the aux port. Generally it was the autos that had the 4port as early on Mazda were concerned about the auto being able to handle the extra revs and torque from the 6port. But series one manuals were available with the 6port engine. Lovely car that one you reviewed. Would have preferred a series two myself when I brought mine, but there just wasn't any available in the right colour and price at the time over here in West Australia. Great video, keep up the work. 👍

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah the 4 ports are auto and 5 speed manuals, 6 ports are 6 speed manuals. The series II’s aren’t too easy to find, but they’re really good if you find one!

[@chrlda6857]

Damn The way it handles looks amazing Definitely could leave with one as long as there's a second family car

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah really best suited as a weekend toy

[@chelseachigger5833]

wow man great video you guys are gonna blow up keep up the amazing work. I wish my rx8 passed emissions 😢

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@chelseachigger5833 thanks man! And yeah I can’t imagine they’re terribly kind to the environment

[@thatguyben3128]

_Great to see one of these reviewed, can I ask..is the gearing long or is it engine that takes a bit of time to whined out?_

[@KiwiCarLife]

Combo of both tbh

[@lugnut93]

1st gear is short and quick. Second is much, much longer.

[@thatguyben3128]

@@lugnut93 yeh I guess with that gearing its more an open road style than a 🚦light to 🚦light car 🤔

[@lugnut93]

@@thatguyben3128 Pretty much. 3rd gear is pretty good for backroads with the occasional up or down shift.

[@helplesskiwi]

Just found your channel. So cool to see a fellow Kiwi doing car video content that rival professional KZbin channels 👍😎

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@helplesskiwi thanks man!

[@davidmustaine2921]

man how the RX's have changed, use to have a white 1979 RX7 Savanna with a full Bodykit, its crazy to think how much these cars are worth now and sold mine for just $3500 lol, I miss the sound of a good Rotary that RX8 is nice!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah crazy aye they’re so expensive now!

[@voxbluesky]

Can instantly tell the quality and new editing style off the intro alone

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man!

[@caszzxs4104]

Well done ❤

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@seanabj]

I didn't know these had suicide doors. That's cool as hell. Great video!

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@seanabj well there ya go!

[@fred3527]

My friend bought one new and complained terribly about the high fuel and engine oil consumption. I didn't enjoy the lack of torque. I was driving a E46 330i at the time. The RX8 did hand on around corners more impressively than my 330i, but it did have bigger and wider tyres.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that's the thing a BMW coupe will deliver similar performance but without the headaches. Doesn't rev to 9k though!

[@andreamendoza9071]

I also own an rx8 and this video made me so happy :,)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha good to hear!

[@antoniodametto4635]

The series 2 RX8 looks great but I have to say I think the series 1 looks just a bit better, quite a fan of early to mid 2000s Mazda designs, the first MPS 3 looks just as good imo

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@antoniodametto4635 fair enough

[@antoniodametto4635]

@@KiwiCarLife should also mention I can 100% notice the quality difference in this video, looking forward to what’s coming in the future!

[@VinsUplifting]

The first gen Mazda 3 sedan looked great.. Agree i much prefer the series 1 RX8 too.

[@sLim88CPC]

Fuel consumption and regards of routine with maintaining the rotary to prolong it's lifespan should be at least mentioned in reliability segment, but I understand it was just a first encounter. Great review regardless. :)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yes still getting there with the added details!

[@benjaminwingchun9665]

Nice review👍

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@tolrem]

Really cool looking car IMO.Nice colour too.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Absolutely!

[@druscanam]

The series 1 in manual also had the more powerful engine and 6 speed and in Australian delivered vehicles and slightly more power than the series 2 (177kw vs 170kw) however the series 2 does have shorter gearing with a final diff ratio of 4.777:1 vs 4.440:1 in the series one. Which also meant it technically got a slower 0-60mph since you had to shift to 3rd before 60mph but in real world driving on a twisty road the shorter gearing on the series 2 made for a much better drivers car, keeping it in the power zone more of the time 😉

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I’d agree short gears are good!

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Came for the car, stayed for video/edit quality

[@KiwiCarLife]

Glad to hear!

[@tnutss]

How is the shifts themselves? Any notchiness? When cold? How many miles did this car have and when was the last Trans oil change?

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@tnutss yeah they felt good, quite light and not much notchiness

[@EyelessSnowy]

How was the fuel consumption?? I've heard they are ridiculous thirsty for their size

[@shanethonmacmartin2069]

Yea this car sucks a lot of gas like a V8 and burns oil naturally. My friend had one and complained about gas even though the motor is small. One thing about reliability you have to start it up cold which you may have trouble and then warm the motor. Most people don’t do that and just drive off. A rotary is a whole different animal and have never really been reliable from the get go without constant care and maintenance

[@PROofHAPPYWHEELS]

I've herad around 13-15l/100km

[@cthorno2991]

​@@PROofHAPPYWHEELS20 lt per hundred if you have fun. Basically as much as a patrol towing a boat

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thing is though, you can’t see it as a 1.3. Coz it makes 2.6L levels of power, and 10-12L/100km sounds about right for a 2.6

[@benvlassoff6378]

Need to review an RX7 👌

[@KiwiCarLife]

I've done an RX8

[@garymalone547]

Thought the series 2 RX7 with the offset hood scoop looked amazing. Never see any.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice cars

[@edmund111]

Ya need to review a old rota.. if u can find one lol

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that would be cool

[@yips_way]

Seems they skimped out on the standard equipment there. I have a 2009 & it has bluetooth, auto lights, auto wipers etc etc, but also has different seats (half-leather Recaro, although not electric or heated). The rest looks the same at a quick glance. Is it because mine is an R3 RX8 or UK Spec? No idea as outside they look identical. Either way it's a great car to drive & even though mines been sat since March 2020 (just before lockdowns😷), I have no intention of selling it. Just not sure when I'll decide to brush off the cobwebs & get it out on the open road again. Still starts first time (when I cut the lawn it gets started up) even with 4 year old rotten fuel & being sat for long periods. 🤫

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah must be an equipment thing. This one looked great but was quite basic. And yeah man get it out and go for a spin!

[@Denzil214]

Now you just have to get your hands on a Rx7 🤭😁🙏🏼

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yes!

[@dogi117]

RX8 is like the entry into the Dorito World. Like a 944 Porsche or a 355 Ferrari. Not the best but a soft start.

[@KiwiCarLife]

I'm sure but I reckon it's pretty fun

[@districts8166]

Hey bro, sorry for commenting on this video but was wondering if you knew where to get aftermarket body parts for 2007 honda accord 2.0l? im looking at getting one I can only find parts for euros, cheers in advance

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@districts8166 all the Accord Euros are the same body regardless of engine so you’ll just have to find them from wreckers as you certainly won’t get them new

[@vichetkim5533]

I wished Mazda made a twin turbo version of this engine. 9 grand RPM with 350 rear wheel kilowats on a car that handles as good as it does would have definitely made it a worthy touring car champion contender from the factory floor.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Goodness me 350kW that’s more than an M2 competition HAHA

[@vichetkim5533]

@@KiwiCarLife The motive behind having more power than rivals like the M2 is to commemorate the banning of rotary engines at the Leman 24 hour race, a monumental achievement that is comparable to the Nissan GT-R being banned from Group A in Australia.

[@Jimmy_Wei]

where is this road? So beautiful

[@KiwiCarLife]

In Wellington

[@Oldhex1978]

Are you ever up in Auckland for reviews?. I have something you should drive

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@Oldhex1978 ooh yes send me an email or hit me up on insta! [e-mail]

[@atom608]

Iv heard that the way they measure the litres of this engine is not accurate to the point its not accurate 1.3L but actually more but I havent digged for much more info on this. edit: these with a screamer pipe are probably some of the best sounding engines ever made

[@TassieLorenzo]

It's either 2.6L or 3.9L depending on how you count it. Usually they were classed as double the capacity for racing, so 2.6L. An output of 240hp would be about on the money for a 2.6L, although it would be very poor for a 3.9L! It's three chambers per rotor but the rotor moves at 1/3rd crankshaft speed (so that cancels out) and has one combustion event per rotor rotation (as opposed to every two rotations for a four-stroke), so I think classing it as double the capacity for four-stroke equivalency seems about right.

[@bradpalmer779]

Yup pretty much a 2.6l lol. Could also be considered a 3.9l

[@craigauty6756]

Id agree, i pretty much consider them a 2 stroke ​@TassieLorenzo

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I guess that makes sense, double as there’s twice as many combustions per rotation as a normal piston engine. Also explains why it uses as much fuel as a 2.6 haha

[@ryansmiley5495]

PLEASE HELP!!! Can someone please tell me if my 2004 yellow 6 speed manual is rare or how many were made. I'm in Ny.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yellow is rare, 6 speed manual not particularly

[@justin3131ify]

My man, you're inside my head aye? Every time I start to lose sleep because I'm thinking faaaar to much about purchasing an "odd ball" car. With in days/ weeks it randomly pop's up infront of me on your Channel.... You know what they say about great minds right..😊

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha do it! But make sure it’s a nice series 2

[@justin3131ify]

​@KiwiCarLife we didn't get anything other than the 6spd manual with the 177kw engine and the two lowered powered 4spd and 6spd autos in Australia, we never got the 5 speed with less ports.

[@Tiger_Pawzzzzz]

So yay or nay? Looks like the m3 you drove minus the power.If it had more power it be as close m3?

[@KiwiCarLife]

I don't think anyone's comparing an RX8 to an M3. This car is suited to the power it has if it had heaps more it probably wouldn't be as good.

[@Autoblox0]

Feel the Doritos spinning!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hehe yessz

[@JasperThompson-z1y]

Do you recommend a rotary as a first car?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Honestly I can’t… buy a BRZ or MX5 instead and learn RWD first then try something like this. And do research on ownership recommendations too

[@samthestoryman3757]

Great video, I loved mine but shit fuck that engine, mine went on me and I bucketed money into it, only to have more issues. They needed a better engine but yeah so fun to smash around corners

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah seems as though there’s people like you that had a lot of problems but also a lot of people that found them to be reliable as

[@IBOO57]

Everybody loses their mind at the RPM but at 9000 RPM the rotor is only spinning at 3,000 RPM

[@KiwiCarLife]

Still impressive nonetheless

[@VinsUplifting]

But it certainly doesn't scream like 3000 RPM... lol

[@GandhiBeatz]

'Rotary lifestyle' 😂 fair enough

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep haha

[@Birmingham_racing]

Love the engine shame about the mpg and reliability

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yes although as discussed the series II’s are a lot better. Still use a bit of fuel though. I guess if you’re getting 2.6L levels of power, you’d expect similar consumption

[@williamcricket7931]

You have the gigachad chin.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ah yes

[@zpe1200]

rx8s had a problem sometimes they wouldn't start when hot.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that’s been fixed on these newer ones. This one started hot every time

[@souls3029]

Did i hear him say 216 nm of torque 😂 if only that was so we wouldnt be complaining about lack of power

[@KiwiCarLife]

That's what wikipedia said, and 216 isn't much...

[@souls3029]

@@KiwiCarLifewell its incorrect, just a heads up its actually 159 lb-ft

[@Mr330d]

@@souls3029If you used your brain you’d know 159lb-ft = 216NM

[@souls3029]

@@Mr330d i hate to be wrong but thats the conversion for real he is right it comes up to the same thing

[@Mr330d]

@@souls3029 Still as much torque as a 1.4 Diesel though 😂 not very much

[@NowIknowCh]

Beautiful cars there, just shame about the reliability

[@Vikturus22]

I noticed this one was at 81,000km its due for a rebuild soon lol.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@Vikturus22 😢 The facelift ones are supposedly pretty good unlike the Series 1...

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah the series 2’s seem to be better

[@yeyintaung9837]

All I am interested in is 9000 rpm😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yessss

[@jamesxloan]

Hey bro, been following you on insta for a while, not sure if that’s your best point of contact but I’d love to get in touch!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man hit me up!

[@Keaguan]

rota!!!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yessss

[@David-mj3mr]

You lost me at dorrito.

[@KiwiCarLife]

My apologies

[@rodcoates7941]

​@@KiwiCarLife I had a giggle on that joke

[@rossdixon5050]

awful cars compared to an FD imo

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@rossdixon5050 yeah but they’re not supposed to be compared this is a totally different product

[@VinsUplifting]

Why awful? The RX8 has a better chassis and very linear power band due to it being NA.. Also slightly better reliability... Also imo it sounds better inside..

[@rossdixon5050]

@@VinsUplifting no competion predigree, looks are questionable vs rx7, stupid rear doors, engines more fragile than prev gens, a step backward from previous mazda rotaries.

[@VinsUplifting]

@@rossdixon5050 Yes, i have always thought the 4 seats was a waste and looks is obviously worse than the RX7 but it is still a great car to drive.