Mazda RX-8 POV Drive - And Why You're All Wrong

In this video, I take you through a basic analysis of why the majority of clickbait KZbin videos about the RX-8 are either an annoyance, or just plain wrong.
I've got stuff on the way, so the next video might have voiceovers, multiple camera angles and better editing. If you're lucky.

[@GarageofLuke]

Again, a huge thanks to everyone still watching! Cannot believe we passed 100,000 views today - the new video is now up! I was really rusty so my apologies, should improve over the next few videos! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWZZGedq7Z3jJI

[@emberframe6994]

rx8 is ugly thats the only issue

[@meusepeus321]

@@emberframe6994 that may be your opinion, but i think it looks alright

[@marcuscollins490]

the most expensive bit is road tax

[@Janshevik]

@@emberframe6994 I think it has very unique design I really like quirky cars, but rotary engine are not really the best, I wish they still produced these quad coupes.

[@RotaryPoweredRX]

@@emberframe6994 The front is kinda meh but the side and rear i've always liked

[@robbierotten5829]

This is the most Jeremy Clarkson review I've ever seen without it actually being Jeremy Clarkson

[@guitarguy7847]

his voice sounds like james may

[@lukedanielgalon1596]

not to mention he says fuss than james's wiss

[@HelloThere-gm6sl]

I was thinking the same hahah

[@michawesoek3255]

Yeah and he isn't annoying and arrogant like Clarskon, (not to say that I don't like Clarskon, but im just spitting facts nevertheless) Shit I don't remeber being so amazed by how one can make so good car review. I haven't evened watched this guy prior to this video, and now I sure will

[@quinnobi42]

I recall clarkson did a bit on the RX-8 back in Season 3, I think it was, of Top Gear. This video is a much better review than clarkson did, I would say.

[@smufr9277]

This is the most British review I've seen on anything.

[@brr4328]

Most accurate rx8 review I’ve seen in a while tbh

[@GarageofLuke]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@blakemoreno458]

I’m about to get one Thursday the previous owners where older so they took it to Mazda for every service and it’s got 133k

[@jethroharris6932]

@@blakemoreno458 They’re great cars man, I personally love the RX8, everything about it. If you haven’t drove one before you’re in for a treat bro! They handle sooooooo good!

[@jdm-devil6985]

@@GarageofLuke i mean rotaries arent ment for road driving,its more of a race spec engine,cuz high rpm,allways needs oil,drinks fuel(kinda alot),sets low in the engine bay,if u dont rev it high co2 will turn into a solid and over time will overload the apexseals,needs top notch performance parts to keep up with the high rpms,etc... in a road car u dont need these types of specs to get ur kids to football practice,or whatever the hell karens do these days,ur review is the most accurate,realistic and logical review yet,keep up the goodwork :)

[@GarageofLuke]

@@jdm-devil6985 thanks man! It's funny you mention the low revs bit, I've had a lot of people get quite annoyed at this video because I wasn't driving it above 6000 for the full video, despite by pretty basic recording setup meaning if I did that, you wouldn't be able to hear me! Appreciate your kind words :)

[@Sunny-qo2lt]

Thank you for this video 1. no shitty dubstep 2. down to earth 3. honest 4. entertaining

[@Maximus20778]

Dude are you still living in 2013? 😂

[@FrenkeeS]

Just bought one last year and everyone told me dont do it. Iam so glad and dont listen to them, this car is so much fun. I know when times come the engine swallow lot of money for rebuild but the experience of driving something amazing like this is worth of it. Long live your apex!

[@doppies2001]

actually not as bad as People make it out to be ! mostly from People that haven't got a clue !

[@wargames43]

If you have a good garage to go to its not even that expensive either. My local garage has worked on these cars and if taken care of enough all you need to do is small repairs and changes every now and then to prevent the big bank breaker from ever happening. Doing certain engine part changes when doing new seals etc

[@farcere]

@@wargames43 Just for the cost of basic seals, you could rebuild other motors 3+ times

[@markflint2629]

@@farcere Yeah but it’s ordinary

[@limbo2469]

What if engine swapped is it ok then?

[@toorandomenvi]

Until you drive it you dont get how amazing it is. Its soo god damn smooth its unreal.

[@ralliartfanevoix]

Creamy smooth is definitely a good description of how it drives.

[@mechwarrior83]

In the corners is where is really comes alive. Puts a smile on my face every single time!

[@teme5529]

@@mechwarrior83 I will die trying to tell you the same thing about Celica T-Sport. When you get to drive it, holy shit.

[@ToraxReborn]

is it only for manuals? What are they like in an auto?

[@aaroncousins4750]

​@@ToraxRebornhand in your licence if you cant drive a manual

[@kyblckwd246]

This guy reminds me of James may

[@ps2bndled]

The deepish voice is not helping me unhear that he sounds similar to May.

[@mindspinn311]

This video had actually made me want one far more than not want one.

[@smilepermile888]

As a total novice to rotary ownership, I learnt a lot from this video, thank you. There's a youtube channel called 'The Slip Angle' and the guy there called 'Quinn' recently debunked a lot of the myths associated with the RX-8. He also goes into great depth about its suspension design and how he thinks that the RX-8 has one of the best chassis to ever come out over the past few decades.

[@GarageofLuke]

He's definitely got a point with the chassis, it's a lovely car to drive.

[@thomass8118]

Can also highly recommend his build-series. It's a lovely, 'normal' build.

[@chefcc90]

Multi-link rear end + 2 wishbone up front really means you stay planted through corners.

[@isaacfimbres1671]

Here’s the video he’s talking about kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLci5ipmJmag68

[@snowsaysahhh3037]

As an rx8 owner with the son adapter and software knowledge i can tell u my engine lasts probably longer than 100k miles with an average 2 stroke oil consuption of about 1 liter per 500 miles :D

[@thenet9537]

Sohn*

[@xMorbidArtx]

I have a son adapter too, thanks to my wife.

[@martin1649]

@@xMorbidArtx 🤣🤣

[@kzz8971]

@SnowSaysAhhh hey what oil are you putting into your sohn adapter?

[@snowsaysahhh3037]

@@kzz8971 Liqui Moly 2 stroke oil. (Blue bottle) mixes good with gasoline and can be used seperatly aswell.

[@jethroharris6932]

After owning 3 RX8s. 1 £600 shit box I fixed up. Now I got my 3rd I’m building from a shell. I always say there is a car out there for everyone. The RX8 is my car.

[@Buildingolives]

Just bought a used up one that doesn't turn on , anything you reccomend that I should try to turn it on? It turns on for around 10 seconds but turns off after

[@Snoopi25]

Wow, finally someone that gets it! I've been an RX-8 owner for 6 years now, and I have to say, I've done it all; ups and downs of every single bolt that holds that car together, had to replace almost everything because I bought a "500 quid car"; fortunately though, I was able to learn along the process, and make upgrades every time I had to replace something. There is enough knowledge out there now, that reputable rotary rebuilders know what to do to keep them running for longer. Almost every problem that the RX-8 engine had from factory, there is now a solution for it. The down side is, there aren't enough out there on the road with these fixes applied to them to really bring up the numbers of RX-8's that are alive. For example, we now know that the catalytics are detrimental to the engine; we now know that premix helps lubricate what the OMP doesn't; we now know that RX-7 apex seal conversion for the rotors helps prevent the OEM RX-8 seals from slipping out and taking out the engine with it; we now know that Mazda's 5W20 oil was too thin for the sake of the bearings and the stationary gears, so we run 10W40 or even 20W50 in hot regions. A lot has happened since this car has hit the market, and many of these breakthroughs have only surfaced to the masses within the last decade.

[@Influencer_not_influence]

Awsome review I just got my car today 2004 rx8 I’m in love I drive Subaru Forester and this is my new fun car

[@Scribbleman-vw1px]

i am about to buy a 2011 rx8, i am definitely excited

[@akiotatsuki2621]

Man you probably just saved my future cars life, planning on getting a “500 quid” Rx8

[@Snoopi25]

@@akiotatsuki2621 it really depends in what kind of condition your "500 quid RX8" would be, maybe the chassis is in pristine condition, and all it needs is an engine, you know? My chassis was DEFINITELY not in pristine condition.

[@thong_69k]

Nice Ill be not worrying about buying a rx8

[@matthewirizarry8467]

I love my RX8. It has 177k miles on it. First engine went tits up at 133K miles. Coolant seals blew, car would still run though, you'd just have to dump coolant into it every drive and it wasnt making much power. But the compression was still good and the apex seals were fine. I got the engine replaced with a mazda remanufactured engine through Rotary Performance in Garland, TX. They also replaced the cooling equipment (radiator, fans, stuff like that), modified the ecu to run the fan longer and turn on earlier, increased oil metering. Also opted to replace the 6speed with a later gen JDM 5 speed. I bought the car for 7000 usd and spent 6500 on the new engine, cooling gear, and transmission. I have done no other major maintenance on the vehicle. Only consumables (ignition coils, brakes, tires, etc) and oil changes. Let it heat up before driving, take it on longer drives, hit those higher rpms every once in a while, keep an eye on your oil level and change your oil frequently. Treat the rotary well and it will treat you well. I drive the rx8 to work every day, 50 miles of highway time every day, and it makes the drive lovely.

[@thesituator8392]

i needed this , im buying one tomorrow with 64k !

[@KartsAgainstHumanity]

I like the simplicity of these videos. Straight to the chase, down to earth talking whilst driving the car you're talking about. And you obviously know what you're on about. Love it. And, yes, I agree. What more could you want from a sports car?

[@GarageofLuke]

Thank you so much, means a lot to hear such kind words - hopefully you'll enjoy the future videos!

[@KartsAgainstHumanity]

@@GarageofLuke I'm sure I will! :)

[@DJHENTONATOR]

agreed, rx8 is bloody brilliant, mine is overused at this point!

[@GarageofLuke]

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to all those watching! Whether you liked it and commented kind words, or weren't a fan but provided some constructive criticism, I appreciate all of you! I'm still fighting to be medically cleared to drive but as soon as I am, I'll be making more videos, I promise :)

[@4our6ixkwvmz]

This showed up in my recommended and love your style. Saw the empty channel and wondered why. Hope things go well, looking forward to more reviews

[@GarageofLuke]

@@4our6ixkwvmz should be back on the road really soon with any luck, I've invested in better microphones, software, mounts etc. so I'm excited to release more stuff as soon as I can :)

[@mark_xo]

@@GarageofLuke am super excited for more videos, your "style" is really unique and entertaining. Reminds me of old Top Gear reviews a bit, which is great

[@whitefalcon3449]

Nice vid. What year is this RX8? What year of RX8 is advisable to go for if you have a limited budget? The price of yours sounded great!

[@NamacilHDx]

really looking forward to more driving videos u actually hooked me get well soon!

[@caszzxs4104]

Thank you!! Soon as you said you like the Rx8 over the Rx7, you got my heart! ❤️

[@blackmount1]

Big fan of my RX-8. I think its an excellent alternative to an S2000, if not one of the best. Alot of people can get past the Rotaryisms once they've had it and enjoyed it for a short time. I think buying a clean well maintained example is key, that's what I did and mine has been beyond flawlessly reliable for 40,000 miles/4.5 years

[@Selrisitai]

How about now? Did it make it past 50 or 60,000 miles without blowing up?

[@gdsrj924]

I've been doing research about RX8 ownerships for almost a year now. This is the make or break vid. A true honest review

[@gomilopez1]

I've had one and can confirm it's an amazing car! The engagement it gives you it's just brilliant, the thing handles amazingly and I just keep loving it!❤️

[@samcohen1625]

I couldn’t agree with you more. You’ve captured the true happiness and satisfaction that an RX8 owner feels. Also you’ve correctly described what you get for your money. I bought a low mileage one, 15 years ago and do about 4000 miles a year. It’s a dream car and everyone I know loves it, including my very critical aero engineer and car enthusiast brother. It’s hardly gone wrong, 4 new Bridgestones, a Lambda sensor and 4 new brake discs. Currently got a MIL 661 error after using very very cheap fuel. Happened once before and cleared after using high octane.it’s oiled and watered regularly.

[@Jamesmorley1999]

Brilliant review! I’ve got a nemesis in stormy blue with the stone interior and I absolutely love it. Thank you for for acknowledging the good and the bad points. Nice to see someone being genuinely honest

[@GarageofLuke]

Thanks for the feedback, very much appreciated :)

[@cliffynjovelyn893]

Love my RX8, highly recommend to change the exhaust and upgrade to a 100cel catalytic converter and premix!

[@adamsheffield4019]

I agree with this, I got a toyo decat down pipe into a 200 cell system.. no eml, bags of flow :)

[@peterjohnson9438]

These can't be had for quite that cheap where I live, but they're still way less than half the price of a 350Z. I've been wanting to buy one for quite a while now, but I've been put off several times now by either my friends telling me that it's a bad purchase or the amount of failed inspections I see when I pull up the car's MOT history. That sound is awesome, though, and I've started to know my way around Mazdas in general. My current daily is a first gen Mazda 3; this is almost like its sporty brother. Guess I'll pull the trigger on one when I find a high power model that's had its engine recently swapped, or a cheap relatively rust-free one as well as an affordable fresh-ish replacement engine that I can fit a direct lube system on. Any downsides you mentioned aren't really showstoppers at all for me, and you're right: most of the complaints I've heard all boil down to insufficient maintenance or wrong expectations. Obviously, I'd still keep the daily for daily tasks. The RX-8 is for the evenings and weekends.

[@calin97100]

If you know how to fix cars go for it. If you go to workshops to get it fixed forget about it.

[@farcere]

@@calin97100 Its not even the knowledge thats the problem, the cost of rebuilding them is absurd

[@Carlos.Rivera]

@@farcere thats right. Over 5k for a rebuild?! Absurd, If was 2k-2.5k maybe

[@christopherchurch9415]

Bought my first RX8 in the summer. 2005 model. 30k miles on the clock. Runs fantastically! This video was helpful.

[@pushslice]

I’ve been enjoying mine since I bought it new in 2005. Tons of autoX and track days. You’re absolutely right about that “tingle” when you get up close to the red line. And the accompanying synaptic throttle response is just quite addictive. Lastly, one thing that makes this car enjoyable even when not being driven hard, is the shifter. It’s a joy . I’d venture to say, apart from a low-mileage S2K I’ve never driven a stick that just felt as satisfying.

[@HDLifter]

Great summary! My RX8 has been such a pleasure to drive. I cherish every opportunity I get to zoom around.

[@bf2703]

Great review! Love the humor and driving pov and sound. Trying to figure out whether to go with this or an RX-7 FB, and this definitely makes the RX-8 more appealing!

[@evan.drakee7085]

Love how England always seems so picturesque with the flora everywhere, I wish America was like that.

[@GarageofLuke]

It's pretty nice in most parts of the countryside, but I'd rather have your gas prices!

[@blurreaper1238]

England is picturesque....until you see council estates

[@LupusInfernum]

I live in the UK and have been to the USA...trust me...USA shits on UK for picturesque drives.

[@psycheevolved1428]

I live in UK and been to USA also, UK is a shithole in comparison

[@doppies2001]

that is when you get to go out. most of the time the Weather is piss-poor !

[@lunchbox90]

This made me miss my rx8. I loved her for all her flaws. She blew up on me at about 65k miles and I rebuilt because she brought me joy. Hate her if you wish, but that feeling of 9.5k rpm and that solid feel in the wheel.. well that's special for a driving enthusiast. I respect all opinions, but for me, this car has a place in my heart. ALSO!! if you love rotary but you're 6'4 and don't fit in an rx7, this is perfect.

[@XSquareStickIt]

I kept getting recommended this video and finally bit. Usually don't comment, but I have to commend how informative, honest, and surprisingly funny I've found this video. Love the Rotary Engine, love your content. Looking forward to more in the future!

[@GarageofLuke]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I should, after a short 18 month wait, have a video up on Friday!

[@thearousedeunuch]

Great vvideo. I don't understand the "I've bought a car that costs 500€ and it's garbage, stay away from them all" mentality. While sure, there are less and more reliable models out there (regardless of price), a very cheap car with lots of wear to it is... well, a car that's been driven to Hell and back, really. A car that's regularly serviced and in good condition is far less likely to have severe issues. Edit: I've noticed that you've only made two videos. I'd like to watch more of your content.

[@thearousedeunuch]

*video

[@psychemike]

@@thearousedeunuch Must've convinced him to post another! xD

[@thearousedeunuch]

@@psychemike I hope so, as he's a good content creator. :)

[@joetaka7620]

Really informative video, and I especially love this POV driving video because it gives an immersive experience to get to know how a car drives. Hope to see more content like this, subscribed!

[@GarageofLuke]

Thanks! I can't wait to get back to doing more videos once my health allows!

[@danogh2227]

I'm currently looking to buy an RX-8, I've read a lot, watched a lot of vids about her and got yours recommended. Very good video mate, I didn't even notice that I spend 16 minutes watching it, very good flow, good job :)

[@NickyLong89]

Very good video and very realistic. I bought one 6 months ago for £1200 knowing it wouldn’t be perfect. I think the ignition system is the only thing you missed really. Mine had done 108k miles (UK) and it has just had to go for a full rebuild. Went for a Bridgeport so cost a lot of money but the car now owes me nearly £7k but I honestly can’t think of a car I’d rather own for £7k so to me it’s a great deal! Hope you continue to enjoy your 8... I agree with you on the FD too, it is hailed but I prefer the 8 personally.

[@savergon]

The 50/50 balance on the RX-8 really makes it a fun drive and yes I did get 100k miles on the original engine.

[@19franek87]

I’ve been considering buying one for a time now. Have done much research, and gathering information. But this video push me a long way into conviction to buy one. Finally an objective video about rx8. Much respect

[@GarageofLuke]

Thank you very much for your kind comments :)

[@ashimotosuperdeluxe1291]

Just test drove one yesterday. A 2004 purple blue one. Manual, small mods. Drove so well. Felt smooth and balanced.

[@martinterry8587]

Great video and i think you have been very honest in your review. A great car. I have just restored one recently myself and enjoy it on a daily basis. Its nice to see a positive review on the rx8.

[@miner4236]

Amazing work haha, great review & a good laugh too ! definitely deserve the 100k+ views ! Keep it up my man

[@jd88gtr19]

You're extremely well spoken and i didn't get bored listening to your explanation here. Well said, well done. 👏

[@TcupsYorkiesAvailable]

Wow. Incredible. Well Said. Just bought one yesterday. I went with my gut feeling. A 2008 40th anniversary with 37k miles. Fully loaded. Sound system. Headers. 18’’ wheels low rider. Payed $11k, here in NYC. Happy with my ride

[@madmarv4n]

Your reviews will blow, keep doing it my friend

[@lucrenwick4226]

This was a great video dude! Perfect commentary, covers everything so well. Makes me really want to drive (not buy haha) one.

[@viktor4757]

honestly, how do you only have 900 subscribers, I really enjoyed this video actually. Right of the bat I was engaged by your enthusiasm and beautiful voice (nohomo). The fact that you only have 2 videos makes me really sad honestly. Really hope you'll upload some more, I'll be subscribed with notifications on and waiting for that next video ;)

[@Jakuzziful]

"Noice" Video Mate, very interessting and it felt like going on a tour with a friend that shows you his ride. The OBD-Reader and the hold of your talk as you saw the Oldtimer in the driveway was priceless ;)

[@mousecop]

Really considering buying an RX-8 and have been looking at videos all day. Great review! Definitely made me itch more for it! Also read that the mpg is pretty rough.

[@GarageofLuke]

Yeah, the fuel economy is pretty poor - expect around 24mpg in the cruise, down to just under half that on track.

[@X1erra]

As a sim player, something draws me to RX-8 more than the RX-7 playing various racing games, maybe it's because it's more fun to drive, looks a lot more beautiful out of the box. I'm just sad to hear how they are treated irl had it not been for the poor handling of the rotary engine which simply wanted to be treated properly.

[@kills4678]

I currently Drive a 2005 Honda accord but I do own a 2009 RX8 that went over 125k (approximately) and i adored the car but even through I took care the care with extreme vigor the engine finally gave out and lost all compression currently Im waiting on my mechanic to finish the rebuild. Thanks for the video man, gives me some hope for it to perform well for when the day its done.

[@keenbay]

Thank you thank you thank you. I absolutely love my RX8. If I had any extra input not covered in your video is that even if you have to do some maintenance, it's an easy motor to work on.

[@callanh1394]

Smashing video chap, can tell your an avid Top Gear trio fan. Certainly one of the better video reviews ive seen

[@jimmygarcia8409]

I own a Rx-8, has 125,000 miles.

[@albertmac2556]

What have you had to do to it so far

[@jonathangriffin3396]

Own an 04 rx8 with 114k miles

[@jonathangriffin3396]

@@albertmac2556 just keep maintaining it.

[@SupeRadJUSTable]

I have a r3 it has 150000 miles premix and run 10w30 or 20w50 oil 🥳

[@moed9767]

@@jonathangriffin3396 I have an 05 rx8 and 114k miles also

[@mikel9656]

First, great review just about perfect. I have a 05 I bought with only 20k miles with the original engine back in 2011, I currently have all the bolt ons 82k miles), and a racing beat ultra light flywheel, and Mazda Maniac tune. Ultra light flywheel is awesome on this car FYI. For the suspension all upgraded links in the rear, and YCW double digressive coilovers. All I can say about the handeling and ride feal is it's black magic. How the car corners so we'll and still absorbs bumps so well is unbelievable. It's that good. Just my 2 cents I love my RX8, but no one else does lol. Even after I spank them on the Twisties, and have to wait at every intersection because an imperfect road means there cars can't develop any grip. By best friend constantly is trying to get me to buy an RX7 and I don't want one lol. The car does have some idiosyncrasies but it's kinda why I like it. If you premix with a quality 2 stroke oil, cat replacement, and just good maintenance. I've found it to be a very reliable car....other than the headlight leveling....

[@eltoneisenschmidt]

Luke is Jeremy Clarkson reborn in a body that is 40 years younger, just the way he speaks is super reminisent of jeremys way of talking :-)

[@colinwinterborne]

Great video, love my RX8, oil change every 3000 miles, premix and a spare engine in my workshop ready.

[@jordanwechsler3750]

I have litterly double what your saying on mileage i live in canada have the renisis version 2004 and it runs like it is brand new still the only think that is fucked up on it is powersteering and thats a 400$ fix people shit on them like crazy but its the same as buying a shitty car with a shitty engine you find yourself a shitty rx8 for 1k or 2k dont get mad when it breaks its going to break but when you spend what i did 7k on that car canadian currency still runs beautifuly starts really good but if you do not let you engine warm up your car is fucked no matter what mileage you got on it i bought my rx8 for my first car and its nothing like any other of my friends cars its special and it encourages you to take it past 7 k rpms so you can release the carbon in the engine just treat her with some extra care and be mindfull of what your looking for when you buy an rx8 you will do fine and yea i do daily drive it and i havent got any problems other than needing to warm it up nobodys too cool to not warm their rx8 remember that

[@jackedgar7145]

Got about 3 mins into this and realised that you’re driving on the road I go down when I go for a drive haha. Nice to see someone local :)

[@lastbreathexe]

I've been toyin with the idea of buying and RX8 and I have to say this is the best video I've seen on it. Thank you for sharing this

[@alecstacy3362]

Trying to decide on a 05 6port with 133k miles. This video is the most straight forward pro and con I’ve watched. If more of the community was like this, it wouldn’t be as bad

[@davidpriestley7585]

I have a 2008 40th anniversary edition and I absolutely love it. Most of the bad reputation comes from people who had one and didn't understand how to maintain the rotary engine, then it died and the owner moaned about it to everyone who would listen. Then people who have never owned or even been in one slag them off, when it's mostly down to the owners fault. I got rid of my 420hp cls merc and don't have any regrets at all.

[@kaden5294]

I own an 87 FC and my Father owns an 06 RX-8 and we swap out from time to time, I have to say as much as I love my FC there is that absolute charm about the RX-8 that is just there, And having worked on his RX-8, I have to agree with you there. The RX-8 is a good car that has it's flaws just like any other car ever made. The Ford Pinto fucking exploded when rear-ended and you still have enthusiasts over that which have had theirs for a long time and say the same things (Of course not the EXACT Things but ya know what i mean.) Overall? 10 outta 10 review. Even made it better with the abrupt "Oo, pretty" X3

[@huiba1]

I love how you explain the feeling of driving

[@supraxv12]

I like how you blurred the gauge cluster near the end 😂

[@emmettroberts1064]

I wasn't sure if I should look into getting one of these, but after watching this video I think I need one

[@erfho8y]

Very interesting take on things. Well formulated, not to long. Great video. Thx!

[@mickzero]

Hey Luke, American chiming in. So far have owned 2 Rx8s both made it well past 140,000 miles. 1st car would have gone longer but was sadly lost to a track accident. 2md car made it to 170,000 miles before compression was low enough that I just got a prebuilt motor from PineApple racing for around $3k-4k all I paid aside from the engine was labor and bam! Brand new car essentially. Love these cars, more than my old FC3S. Keep spreading the truth man

[@tonkinesenchill4240]

If I earned a higher salary I’d have one in a heartbeat, always loved them. I’ve always viewed the RX8 as a very flawed car which is fabulous to own as long as money is no object when bits go wrong.

[@iPlayGamespl]

I bought my rx8 about a year ago , and was cheap less than 1k. Maybe 3 day after I bought check engine came on 😞. But like you said catalytic converter 😉 quick obd2 and its running till today 👍. I love that car😍. Great video 💪. Greeting from Poland

[@GarageofLuke]

Glad to hear you got it sorted, and thanks for your kind comments!

[@kinrettler2431]

I am glad you did this video. I am glad you like it better than the 7 too.

[@gregsutherland6697]

I will agree with you %100! I have a first gen Rx7 and a first gen Rx8. I still like how the rx8 sounds and feels compared to the Rx7, so thank you for mentioning that!

[@omanchahal574]

im absolutely gutted that you have only 3 videos on your channel i wanna see you do more reviews

[@kuma_score7536]

I wanna take the 13B found in the RX8 and stick it in a restomod to have as a fun weekend car that can do some cruising, phenomenal review of the car

[@richarddalkranian3261]

2005 6 Speed, over 120,000 miles on the original engine. No issues. Daily driven in South Florida. Very honest review.

[@GarageofLuke]

Thanks Richard! Glad to hear yours is going well!

[@Ivanzter]

What part of Florida are you in?

[@richarddalkranian3261]

@@Ivanzter Miami

[@curry1087]

i really like your video and looking forward for a new rx-8 related video, keep up the good work..

[@timbrad]

This video has convinced me to take a proper look into finding one, unsure whether to sell MX5 and go looking, or to look for a swap!

[@albertcurielx]

beautiful review mate. Very helpful and insightful.

[@vlenhoff]

I went with an NC2 MX-5, with the 6 speed MT and an LSD. It is a mini RX-8 basically, and it is also heavily criticized by Miata fans. I've had two modified WRX[s] in the past, and I really liked them, but I adore my NC2. A set of coilovers made it even better. I enjoyed your review, thanks!

[@GarageofLuke]

Thank you! I agree that the NC gets a bit of an unfair battering from fans of other MX5s. I've got an NA, but enjoyed using my NC when I had one.

[@grubitsgrady]

Thanks for the review because im considering to buy one of these as a second car, not for daily. And its not easy so find one and this helps me a lot because i know more now what to look after. Thanks a lot

[@Frank.potion]

7:55 I thought that was a horn from another motorist, but then a few moments later you explain. And I thought to myself thats so brilliant! It's almost like a warning? But in the best way possible.

[@_tim]

I had an RX8, had around 90,000km on it. I miss it so much. I used it as a daily drive, and while I didn't sit in stop start traffic daily it did get used through the week to and from work, and it was brilliant. I was constantly paranoid though - never really knowing the previous owner's attention to detail on the engine meant I always kept $5k in a dedicated 'engine rebuild' bank account, just in case. And my aftermarket exhaust didn't have an air sensor in it which would always set off the check engine light - nothing wrong with the car, it just didn't like not having that sensor. So OBDII sensor was a frequent passenger in the centre console too. But I'd buy it back if I could. I dearly miss that thing. Evidently "But it has ISOFIX in the back seat" doesn't mean it's a kid friendly car, according to the wife.

[@MF1Z]

Yup... Love RX8... Always racing in Sepang Circuit 😎🏁

[@phil_d]

Can't wait to pick up mine on Saturday! Khan's ULEZ killed my low mileage E Class E350 diesel, so after having numerous MX-5s (some with over 250bhp!!) I bagged a 43k mile 2007 with PZ wheels, spoiler and suspension! Looking forward to driving a car with some soul again!

[@POVwithRC]

Khan needs to stuff it.

[@ralliartfanevoix]

I stumbled (unknowingly) across a 300,000km original engine well cared for example here in Australia, which was running like clockwork for about a year of me owning it, until I started getting oil leak issues and having to replace a radiator due to it cracking, and not at that time having a vaccum filler. Safe to say I cooked it, but, when I tore it down, I got a lot of parts that cleaned up spectacularly. I'm now in the process of gathering tools and parts to rebuild a replacement engine I have acquired, while I streetport the old engine. They are cracking little cars, the hate is undeserved.

[@lugnut93]

I have an 09 GT with 113k miles. Still on the original engine. I haven't done a compression test, but it runs great and starts hot or cold no problem. Although I do need to start saving for the rebuild. It will happen eventually.

[@FoolishTree-ch4ow]

Just by saying the words “i honestly did not like the RX-7 that much, i prefer the RX-8 I automatically subscribed. awesome review thank you for being a real person and not acting like something it’s not.

[@kjp-sy8uf]

Excellent video, love the rx8 and the R3 i drove was fantastic, and i think for your point on french car gearboxes youre probably correct most of the time, but having driven a 206 Gti180 recently that was pretty good. 205's are hit and miss but overall decent Then again, the 206 gti does literally everything right, and nobody knows about it

[@specialgaming1403]

The RX-8 is my first car, I bought it in February 2021, even though i did not have a license back then. I can genuinely say that it's the only vehicle I'll have ever developed such a strong relationship with. It's great!

[@framelessmonk1724]

Original owner here. Bought back in 2007. Still have it to this day at almost 100k miles with original engine. Pulls just as strong as the before. No real problems if you perform the necessary maintenance. I've also had 2 RX7s in the past. Rotary is not new to me. I've since owned other cars like STI, 135i, Z3M and M3. They come and go through the garage but this enigmatic RX8 remains. I don't know why. As the poster of this video, somethings just can't be replicated with hp and high suspension rate. It's a sublime feeling revving to the 9000rpm. It's also quite easy to wrench by comparison... :)

[@thenet9537]

Bought an 04 with 52k immediately did the reliability mods and have been loving life ever since

[@warc8us]

I drive a 6th gen Camaro SS these days, but once had an opportunity to get an RX8 for free - Which I passed up. Always kind of regretted it. You get out of these cars what you put into it. My Camaro for instance has a pretty rock solid LT1 V8 engine but is well known to need semi-regular rear differential fluid changes, transmission fluid changes on the A8 and A10's, there are even bolts under the car you need to monitor and keep tightened. I love the car so I do all that work myself. The RX8 sounds similar. Those are very cool, unique cars - Whereas a Camaro you see almost every day now here in the States. Good luck to you and your RX8 and happy motoring!

[@GarageofLuke]

Cheers dude!

[@Stallzyx]

My mum ended up buying a 40th anniversary one when they were out in 2008 from factory but she had test driven a more worn in ex-demo car and then the car that arrived was apparently too firm suspension wise. It was probably also the fact my dad kinda began to drive mostly than sharing it as much but I will always remember the couple of days I got driven up a hill to my primary school and the stock exhaust echoed at the high rpm. Not been in a car that made as much sound since in over 10 years but I'm not sure I'd personally own one now. I think the mpg in it was something like 15-18 which isn't exactly great, but then again the 1 litre fiesta I had only did like 35mpg. Really funny review though

[@ItsEddieLads]

Most honest and enjoying at the same time!

[@MatthewThewsey]

Please make some more videos. You're absolutely brilliant!!

[@davidmusic824]

Right, this video has convinced me, gonna get an RX-8 again, but this time as a second car 😅 I miss that buzzy little engine, miss the way it felt through the corners, and you're right, that gear change was sublime.

[@psp4nik]

The piano gloss black is a major supporting character in this video

[@err0rc0degames]

Really high quality video, nice job

[@spice2688]

This was a really good review! Definitely gave me a different perspective on the RX-8. I will admit I was always a bit of a hater on these cars for no reason. Also as an American these roads make me very nervous!

[@GarageofLuke]

Thank you! And yeah you're not the first to mention the roads, I chose some even worse ones on the new video!

[@jonjmiranda]

Great Video! would love to see more vids of the rx8.

[@MrMarkyg2009]

Nice to see a good honest review 😃👍

[@GarageofLuke]

Cheers for the kind words!

[@cipri198zero]

Spot on mate!!! I will buy myself one. I simply love this car!