Mazda RX-8 R3 owners' review - why it's worth the risk!

[@AshrafonCars]

Make sure to subscribe to see what the RX-8 is like on track very soon - more reviews coming up! 🏎️💨

[@adriangala6930]

When the Tokyo drift song came on with a rotary man you made me so hype

[@AshrafonCars]

Aha, glad to hear!

[@ILikeThemFast]

I've been dailying my '09 R3 for 3 years now. I bought it with 109,000 KM and a full warranty for $13,000 CAD. Tbh it has been the best choice I could have done being a car enthusiast. It is like a mini exotic car, revving it out past 9,000 RPM is a thrilling experience. I have driven my son to school everyday, winter & summer, driven across Canada, and autocrossed it. I beat on it hard and finally the engine compression starting to go on chamber 2. Thankfully warranty covered most of the new engine (reman from Mazda) + labour at Mazda dealership. I went in to ownership knowing that this would most likely happening, and thats why I had a warranty. GET A WARRANTY. but such a cool car. Still gets me excited when I drive it! For those that appreciate it, vanity plate simply reads DORITO

[@AshrafonCars]

A warranty is very wise! Glad you're enjoying it, they're great cars.

[@DustyPearl-13]

HI buddy! I am Canadian as yourself and am hesitating between 1) 2010 RX-8 GT with 47652km at 12888 CAD (dealer would let it go for 12k + taxes); 2) 2011 RX-8 R3 with 84k km @ 17450$ CAD...the latter is a bit overpriced I guess and the mileage is a bit high too.....I lean towards the 2010 GT with 47k k, especially that I can pay it cash upfront. What's your advice please? What should I do? Thanks in advance!

[@NadzProductionz]

This was an amazing review bro. Making me really consider looking into one now

[@AshrafonCars]

Thank you so much man! Definitely worth a look, as long as you find a good one they're great 👍

[@chefjamesmacinnis]

I bought an RX-8 last month. It needs a little TLC before I put it on the road but this should be fun. I had an FC in college so I'm very familiar with the Dorito motor

[@davidpriest5253]

Nice review mate. I had a 10 plate R3 for four years, and as a daily driver, she never let me down once. As you said, not cheap to run, but worth the cost any day. Just make sure that you get the car serviced regularly, and use a specialist such as Ben at Rotary Revs, Batley. Just the engine start up sound made me want to go out and buy another one!

[@AshrafonCars]

Cheers David! You're exactly right.

[@sajidqureshi3307]

TOP, TOP review, i like the take off in the beginning and makes me wanna go out an buy one.....keep the WIKED reviews coming, Thanks these really do cheer me up.

[@AshrafonCars]

Aha thanks a lot man! Glad you enjoyed it. For about £4k they're amazing fun.

[@jamo.32]

I love my RX8 R3. I've been looking for a good video about this specific model and this is one of them! Nicely done, bro!

[@AshrafonCars]

Thanks Ian - hope you're enjoying the car!

[@iknow4913]

Is your car especially bad on gas? I don’t expect it to be great considering it’s a sports car but is it at least decent on gas? I’m seriously considering buying one

[@jamo.32]

@@iknow4913 It's not absolutely terrible, but it's very very far from he best as well. I have to drive 45 minutes to work every day, and it was pretty much a tank of gas every 3 days for 45 min there and back. With my daily driver, I was able to take that down to a tank every week, which isn't bad at all. Plus, if you wanna take care of it, you have to buy premium fuel, so its gonna cost extra. So, my advice, if you're gonna get one, invest in also getting a fuel efficient daily driver. And it IS worth it in my eyes, because it's such a fun car to drive when you're behind the wheel!

[@iknow4913]

@@jamo.32 sounds worth it but not now I’m in Highschool making 11$/hr

[@jayespi37]

I have an R3 myself and I absolutely love it! Never letting go of this one, very fun car to drive

[@AshrafonCars]

They're brilliant. Hope you enjoy it for years to come!

[@kingcobra159]

I want one I'm from Ireland nearly 2400 tax alone on this

[@barackobama4434]

Im looking for one rn. Could you tell me your experience with it after 3 years since this comment?

[@xDrxSunBaBy]

I’ve come back to watch this video so many times now. Easily one of the best rx8 vids on KZbin

[@AshrafonCars]

Thank you so much - vey kind of you.

[@OffensiveJestr]

I love Rotaries, I've owned 5 of them. I've had an FC, 3 FDs, and an RX-8, and I've enjoyed them all. I am looking to get back into another rotary soon. Great review!

[@AshrafonCars]

Cheers! There really is nothing like a fast spinning dorito.

[@OffensiveJestr]

@@AshrafonCars this is my old ride, was cranking out just about 520 HP at the rear wheels. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX-Qk5x4e9yUnZY

[@cliffynjovelyn893]

I bloody love my RX8 I wouldn't sell it for anything! I have a black 03 6spd manual with 3inch stainless exhaust it sounds insane at high revs. I take it to work everyday and everyday it makes me smile, just love it!

[@AshrafonCars]

They're great aren't they! Every time I jump in mine after a while I'm shocked at how good it feels to drive.

[@HDLifter]

I bought mine 3 weeks ago, an absolute joy to drive! It hugs the road like no other car.

[@barackobama4434]

Any review or update after 3 years? :)

[@Ash-qc9os]

I wanted one of these for years, then i got a 192 and then replaced that with a PZ. It's hands down the best car i've ever driven!

[@AshrafonCars]

The PZ is fantastic. If it had the stiffer structure of the R3 it'd be the perfect RX-8. Enjoy it!

[@paulwoods4094]

Great review, I used to own one. That is the key with these, they need to be respected. Check the engine compression is good, (crucial I would say), but look after it, and it will look after you! Amazing cars, but running costs high.

[@AshrafonCars]

Cheers Paul. Brilliant cars but as you say, there's always a trade off!

[@arianetrek7049]

Only needed the first 30 seconds of the video to know why it is worth it. That grin of joy cannot be facked 👍

[@Makoholic11]

Nice review i took a R3 out for a long test drive back in 09 and i love it. At the time i had a 2004 Rx8 and you could feel the difference especially in the transmission and suspension. Amazing cars.

[@AshrafonCars]

Thanks! There's definitely a difference - it manages to be more tightly controlled but actually better over rough roads!

[@stevieridesscotland7031]

Was looking to pick one up and they are much more money now. Looks like this has been a good investment if you kept it

[@thelegend6911]

I've been thinking of switching from 335i to an R3 but I'm worried about the engine mileage, like I don't like going over 100k on BMWs but I heard the rotary is hit or miss at about 140k

[@sportzntouring]

Another great review! Even better shots, audio and road choices! 👍

[@AshrafonCars]

Thank you! Glad you liked it, was a pain to film out in the rain 🤣

[@Robert5185]

I had an 87 RX-7 growing up and I cherished that car. It was a 2 seater, but people wanted to pile in hatch regardless. Wasn't the quickest in the low end, but man that thing would fly on the interstates and highways. Anyways, as fun as the rotary engine is, I don't think I would buy one now as there are much better options out there in terms of maintenance and fuel efficiency, but I would get one if I had a daily driver because they are fun asf to drift.

[@AshrafonCars]

Awesome. I definitely enjoy mine, the rear tyres are worn out at the moment so it's sideways whenever you want it!

[@Muldoon111]

Excellent review Ashraf.

[@jamesmoore2706]

Great Review man. You got a bargain. I picked up my R3 for £4K. Best purchase of my life.

[@AshrafonCars]

Cheers man! They're brilliant cars, hope you're enjoying yours 👍

[@definitelynotbeetle]

Went out and bought one today :)

[@AshrafonCars]

That's awesome, hope you enjoy it!!

[@Alexander_l322]

How’s it going 2 months later?

[@definitelynotbeetle]

Alex I got super lucky with mine so really good. I got an 09 R3 with 74000km and a brand new cnc ported motor with 4000km in it. Would definitely recommend the r3 over any other model.

[@Alexander_l322]

beetle nice to hear bro, Keep it good and look after that rotary engine! I hear they are trouble but I can’t say that’s true or not since I’ve never owned one. I drove a red one 2006 I think and it was a great experience like nothing I’ve driven before! If I could buy one cheap to drive hard and fast then i would but I always got it in the back of my mind that the wankle will wear out or will be worn out so I can’t put the money up for one. Even though I could repair it myself. I just don’t have time and I would want to use it everyday and drive it like I stole it lol

[@definitelynotbeetle]

Alex it’s not as bad as everyone says ;) if you know what can go wrong and how to avoid it, then you’re good. definately get a gen 2 over a gen 1 even if they are more expensive.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Love the sound of the starter motor

[@coldvaper]

Two things keep me from buying one. One is fuel efficiency even if it got like 25mpg mixed driving that would be enough. Two the trunk opening is way too small for my needs in something I plan on running as a daily, I put stuff in there on occasion that would not fit which would require me to get another practical car.

[@berenggarbett6153]

Brilliant review. Looking for one

[@Liam_G_CM72]

I’ve just purchased this exact car!

[@boybotjr1905]

I have one one one big question please help me. I’m trying to find OEM or OE online but every website they sell only genuine dealer parts with dealer price and that’s way to expensive. Can you tell me where you shop for parts

[@tomasiglo8742]

Have same as you have, R3 Black Mica :) I should thing about changing my ignition, my starts are little bit worse, than one year ago :) Yours is about 1 sec. Mine about 2-3secs. Also sometimes wigling rpms on idle.

[@AshrafonCars]

Great! Mine does fire up quite quickly, the engine was fully warmed up there. Good luck with it 👍

[@ianhand5006]

Having watched this, I suddenly find myself lusting for a Heuer Monaco!

[@danielgarner6708]

Great review. You should buy an Rx8 r3 if so people who want to get rid of theirs can sell them ;). Great looking car let down by running costs.

[@AshrafonCars]

Thank you! Haha...you're right, it's a shame. At least they're cheap to buy though.

[@dylanrlf81]

Hey man, great video and really unexpected...didn't know your channel and really enjoyed the aspects you covered...I totally agree and am currently looking for an 43 myself!

[@AshrafonCars]

Thank you Dylan! Glad you enjoyed it. If you find a good one you'll love it 🙂

[@dylanrlf81]

Hey, I noticed you have an interest for alfas, reach out if you need anything alfa related, I'm Italy-based and half Italian

[@AshrafonCars]

@@dylanrlf81 that's very kind of you - we love Italy and are planning to bring more project cars from there to the UK in future. I'll let you know if we need anything! 🙂

[@maartenzoutendijkmil2345]

Did you seriously pay 3 grand for a 09 R3? Thats amazing.. Wish they came in LHD too

[@AshrafonCars]

I did indeed! I was very lucky. Even at 5k they're a great car 🙂

[@maartenzoutendijkmil2345]

@@AshrafonCars yeah i hope i can get one for around 5-6 but in LHD and not immediately due for engine revision. Seems like an amazing car.

[@AshrafonCars]

@@maartenzoutendijkmil2345 they really are. Nobody notices because they're too worried about poor examples!

[@maartenzoutendijkmil2345]

@@AshrafonCars what kind of acceleration figures is it able to achieve? Around 6 secs?

[@AshrafonCars]

@@maartenzoutendijkmil2345 I think it'd get about a 6.5 to 60. When driving normally the car feels nowhere near as fast as that because of the lack of torque, but when you use all the revs it comes alive and gets a move on. More fun in my opinion!

[@TimelineBeats]

I found a 07 RX-8 GT for $8000. It's got 120,000 miles. It will be my daily driver, do you think it's a good deal?

[@AshrafonCars]

That's a lot for a non-R3 with that mileage - has the engine been rebuilt?

[@jimbob7424]

But how much do you put into it each week in fuel

[@GARR0N]

Wish i could buy this car for my first car, I could buy it but the insurance is crazy high like £1k a month :(, wish I didn't live in England I'm still heartbroken about it.

[@AshrafonCars]

Yeah it's such a shame. When I started driving I was hoping insurance would be okay because it's a 1.3, but they class it as a 2.6!

[@iBangAPES]

i loved the RX-8 when i first laid my eyes on it in NFS Most Wanted and again in F&F Tokyo Drift. but to me, it always felt like a female oriented car, NFS MW owned by Izzy and F&F TD owned by Neela.

[@AshrafonCars]

Aha yeah, I get what you mean. A black R3 is probably the least girly variant though 🤣

[@iBangAPES]

@@AshrafonCars right? but to be honest, i never really delved too deep on the RX-8 that much and actually learned for the first time what a Rotary engine is this past few days. i only ever loved the RX-8 through games and entertainment and never further than that. out of the 3 videos i saw today about reviews of the RX-8, including this video, 2 of them were Aussies and all dudes. what are the chances considering i live in Australia aswell. i always loved the RX-8 but i never really wanted to own one until i've seen other owners explain their cars. though i am abit hesitant on the reliability of a Rotary engine and how much extra care it needs compared to a piston one.

[@AshrafonCars]

@@iBangAPES same here. I actually fell in love with it after choosing it as my first car in NFS Carbon when I was 7 years old, and now I've got one! They're great cars but the possibility of catastrophy always looms.

[@Althemusicman1]

I'm considering changing my mazda 3 mps for one of these. Great video, filmed in the Brecon Beacons?

[@AshrafonCars]

Cool, the lack of torque might come as a shock but they're really good fun. Yep, Brecon beacons.

[@editsbyshad]

Tokyo drift at the start I’m 14 but My parents kept money for me to buy one of these love them so much good as a first car

[@AshrafonCars]

I'm sure you'll enjoy it my friend, they're fantastic cars to drive.

[@ryancoleman5148]

Insurance probably won’t get, the new tax bracket is so high for these now and the fuel costs are crazy. Hope you get a good job bro

[@jitterrypokery1526]

Im looking at two cars for my first car one is an rx8 2004 rebuilt with only 500 miles with a turbo but im nit quite sure about it because of everything i hear about

[@AshrafonCars]

The RX-8 is great but I'd avoid a turbocharged one - they can be unreliable as standard so a turbo will be risky.

[@jitterrypokery1526]

Alright thanks man, what would be some good first cars youd recommend?

[@AshrafonCars]

@@jitterrypokery1526 is insurance expensive for you?

[@jitterrypokery1526]

@@AshrafonCars its noticebly much more expensive for younger guys like me but its nothing too unaffordable

[@AshrafonCars]

@@jitterrypokery1526 cool, what kind of price range are you looking at?

[@Nishraq10]

hopefully picking up an R3 tomorrow in white! does it have bluetooth audio streaming or is it just for phone calls?

[@AshrafonCars]

Nice! You'll love it. The Bluetooth is only for calls, I have to use an AUX cable for music which is a bit of a pain

[@Nishraq10]

Ashraf on Cars okay bro cheers for that! Might need to drop you a message and get some advice on making sure I can get the most out of it!

[@AshrafonCars]

@@Nishraq10 no worries! Feel free message me on Instagram 👍

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I see you saw Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift as well, sir!

[@AshrafonCars]

I may have watched it just before filming...🤣

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@AshrafonCars, two Mazdas from the 2000s on two different channels in two days. Is that good enough for you?

[@AshrafonCars]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting ahh yes, the MX-5! Planning to watch that this evening 👍

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@AshrafonCars, enjoy it, sir! It's just a preview, there will be a full review of that and an Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf coming soon...

[@AshrafonCars]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting very exciting... looking forward to it!!

[@MrChrisr34]

Noticed the Heuer Monaco watch aswell

[@tenang_akut_a8429]

I still own one. Loving it but still confused either to sell it for a bike or not😅

[@runyanpiano]

I own one Of these. Same year same color. If you can believe it, the second generation gets even worse mileage than the first. My first gen averaged 19, the one I own now averages a whopping 15.5. And it’s slow asf lol. Turns heads though

[@Arun999]

love the punjabi music in the bg

[@emmanuelmacias2702]

Where do you live? i cant get one for that money in the USA hell I cant even find an r3

[@AshrafonCars]

Wales, UK. They're not common here but there are a few for sale.

[@emmanuelmacias2702]

@@AshrafonCars nice, I wish I could find an r3 here in the US I used to have one it wasn't an r3 & something happened with the PC of the steering wheel but I used to love it, so much that I want to buy another one !

[@edtaylor7469]

Wow how did you steal that for £2.5k amazing find

[@MFEeee]

Man that’s stone grey one looks hot

[@shaeerhassan8588]

Don’t see them mirrors on most of them they look good

[@AshrafonCars]

Yeah they're not very common, they were used on the PZ version as well.

[@ridmarajapaksha2669]

me watching after buying one , waitting to take it to the mechanic in an hour after blowing sparkplug

[@imJohnnyCox]

2 and a half thousand at 55mph? My e class sits at less than 1000 at those speeds

[@IRON_NIC]

Great video, but you need a microphone to really upgrade the quality of your videos!

[@AshrafonCars]

Thanks Niccolo - I now have a good microphone!

[@IRON_NIC]

@@AshrafonCars awesome, nice videos, keep them coming!

[@Birmingham_racing]

Running cost is the only thing that puts me off the rx8

[@AshrafonCars]

Yeah it's a shame. The only consolation is that they're so cheap to buy in the first place.

[@F1YMS]

You had me looking at Autotrader after this lol.

[@AshrafonCars]

Haha 🤣 they're temptingly cheap!

[@Dipzee]

I got one too, im from the south east 👍🏻

[@AshrafonCars]

Cool, good choice mate!

[@zmx363]

Would you recommend this car for young drivers?

[@AshrafonCars]

If you can keep on top of maintenance and stomach the running costs, then yes. It's a great all rounder and entry into RWD motoring.

[@Brian-sh2fy]

2,500 for rx-8? wtffffff how i wish i can get it with that price here in Malaysia.

[@AshrafonCars]

Yep, I got a great deal!

[@dronetrucker]

You have to be a nerd to own and maintain a rx8 the right way meticulous details need to be paid attention to on the wankle, mine is a 04, I love it.

[@AshrafonCars]

All worth it though!

[@dronetrucker]

@@AshrafonCars thank God for online community, you learn alot.

[@bobjames1521]

I have an 04 with a ratty interior, disgusting exhaust which is partly held together by an old coke can, and cold air intake. The refined nature of the rx8 has definitely been stripped away from mine but still a very fun car. Just not for more than and hour or so at a time.

[@Element_y]

You only paid 2.5k?

[@AshrafonCars]

Yep, got a great deal.

[@Element_y]

@@AshrafonCars I am looking at some but they are all 6k+ with that kind of mileage. Found one with only 21k miles for 7k. I like it but worry about overpaying

[@kingcobra159]

I badly want a r3 I live in ireland and road tax for these alone is 2400k

[@AshrafonCars]

Wow, that's insane. I hate spending a big chunk of what the cars worth on road tax, bitter pill to swallow.

[@cstclair1139]

2400 euro per year?

[@kingcobra159]

@@cstclair1139 yeah because Ireland is corrupt

[@Bergacci88]

5 gran for an R3 ??? where?

[@skylerbond56]

Need to get some drilled, and slotted brake rotors

[@AshrafonCars]

Why? With the right pads and fluid there's no fade on track.

[@skylerbond56]

@@AshrafonCars Just prevents warping of the rotors, lighter, and works better in wet conditions is all.

[@metrocaptain]

Too bad it was raining for your video. That would have been a lot more fun if it was dry and you could show how the car handles in the curves. Shhhh don’t tell people the smiles per gallon this car gets!

[@AshrafonCars]

Yeah, it always rains in Wales! 🤣 It's also fun in the wet though, a very good car to learn rear-wheel drive.

[@shakilnasir3829]

Not very popular but very beautiful car.

[@AshrafonCars]

Yes, people are scared by the reliability but the car itself is really good.

[@Dipzee]

and 53k miles for 3 grand? I paid 6,250 for 43k... You got that soooo cheap.

[@AshrafonCars]

I really did! This was definitely a one off, though.

[@Dipzee]

Ashraf on Cars Dont ever sell it lol

[@AshrafonCars]

@@Dipzee she's a keeper!

[@aidankreltszheim3599]

It’s fricken Alex albon

[@jayharris5460]

"cheap"? I'm sorry, come again? I had a daily RX8 and that's not what I'd call cheap. Maybe "fucked dry" wouldn't be a better term. Still I love them and I'll happy own another in a heart beat!

[@AshrafonCars]

I said it's a cheap car to buy for what it is, and my last point was that running costs are high as a trade off.

[@jayharris5460]

@@AshrafonCars cheap car to buy, yes, expensive to run, depends how you drive a 03 to 55 plates some 06's have cheaper tax, but man, I really don't care for the running costs, I LOVE RX8's and it's the only car I've felt comfortable driving, ever, and my last one used to get hammered everywhere. 9MPG I got from mine, lol

[@BatmanDK-xw9ut]

Hi I'm rx8 13b crazy guy nd I'm in love with ur car would u consider selling?

[@AshrafonCars]

Aha thank you, unfortunately I don't want to sell it, but for the right price I might!

[@BatmanDK-xw9ut]

@@AshrafonCars ohk, what would your right price be?

[@twisted-pear]

How in the hell did you buy an R3 for £2500 😅😅😅

[@AshrafonCars]

No idea myself! Got very lucky 😄

[@twisted-pear]

I've had a standard S1 and a Kuro which I've both sold. Missing the rotary life now but can't decide between getting another RX8 or giving a MK1 MX5 a go 🙃

[@AshrafonCars]

@@twisted-pear it's a tricky one. I had an MR2 MK3 before this as my daily/track car, and from my experience the RX-8 will be a good chunk faster in a straight line and has more mechanical grip and a smoother, more exciting engine to wring out. The added practicality, proper rear seats and creature comforts are a big bonus too. However, there was definitely something more fun about having a small, lightweight open top car to throw around, and the MR2 was more delicate and nimble to drive. Not as fun for rear-drive hooliganry, though.

[@mockngbrdy]

2.5k??!?!?!?! WHAT!????

[@AshrafonCars]

Got lucky!

[@Baaang360]

2500 bucks ? Lol lucky you 😂 I paid 9k for mine they are way expensive on the states ( the s2/r3 )

[@AshrafonCars]

I was very lucky! Although it was pounds, not dollars. Normally a good one is about £6k here in the UK.

[@Baaang360]

@@AshrafonCars yeah you're right

[@whoismyfather07]

Save the manuals

[@eddzuki0]

One problem it’s the rx8. It’s slow as fuck. Thinking of getting one to rip out the engine and k20 turbo the bitch

[@AshrafonCars]

Yeah, if you want something really quick it's not for you. But there's enough performance to enjoy on the road and it'll slide around wherever you want.

[@miriamvivo4279]

Why its not

[@AshrafonCars]

Thanks for the insight