People Say the Mazda RX-8 is a Nightmare to AVOID At All Costs...Here's Why You Should Reconsider!

[@dougcook5167]

As an eight-year daily driver RX-8 owner, I can tell you these cars can be very reliable if you know and follow the special maintenance needs of this engine: replace the wimpy factory coils with Black Halo or D585-based ignition coils, redline the engine every day, pre-mix with Idemitsu 250:1 at each fill up, change the oil every 3-5000 miles, only use the Mazda high-pressure oil filter, use CataClean every 1-2 years to clear the cat, and replace the spark plugs and wires with factory ones every 30,000 miles. The most important way to get a reliable RX-8, though, is to only buy a Series 2 (2009-2011) model. This second series fixed almost all the problems (except the coils) with the Series 1 cars. With my 2010 and against most recommendations, I also use regular 87 octane gas and fully synthetic oil. The only problem I've had is a bad O2 sensor.

[@beachplease808]

You're getting a bad 02 sensor because you're using 87 octane gas.

[@AP-wu1rv]

I’ve always wanted a RX8 since I was kid playing need for speed but a lot of people tell me it’s unreliable or you need a lot of money to keep it reliable so I never got one

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*Wankel engines are inherently unreliable and their is nothing that can be done to make them reliable.*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

You have to be monumentally ignorant to pour the wrong oil into the wrong filler hole son. If you cannot read your owners manual or the label on a bottle of motor oil? C ou have no business under the hood of behind the wheel.

[@lexx9443]

@@sandervanderkammen9230there is a very big difference between 4 stroke engine oil and 2 stroke oil which is meant to be burned. 250:1 is around 280mL on a full tank of gas, less than a pop can amount. It’s just added to help lubricate the apex seals which helps prevent premature wear.

[@solracpeanut78]

In order to own a rx8 you have to be aware it uses oil as part of the combustion process and hi grade fuel must be used as a former Mazda tech we had customers who got 150k plus if they were vigilant about taking care of the cars need

[@williamegler8771]

One hundred and fifty thousand miles from the engine of a modern vehicle is pathetic. Even the most basic econobox that is casually maintained will easily exceed that.

[@b.t.2795]

Sounds like the rotary shares some similarities with the two stroke engines.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@@b.t.2795It's a Dorito stroke engine.

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@williamegler8771 What's the rev limit on most econoboxes? Not 9k. How hard do they get driven on a daily basis?

[@bldontmatter5319]

​@@aaronbritt2025while that is true, these high performance cars should be overbuilt to handle the stress. Just like most older trucks tend to last 300k or more miles despite being overworked in most cases. They're built for the application

[@floydcooley1]

I bought a 2005 Shinka RX8 new. Kept it for 6 years. THE MOST balanced car I've ever owned before or since. Never any reliability issues and revving that was a blast. Also in 2005 I had the same HP Numbers you stated. They were that high on the manual, however the automatic version really had mediocre HP. Loved that car and my main reason for moving on was fuel mileage. It was the former peak of fuel prices and I was getting 17mpg. My 2016 Camaro SS got much better mileage and got 0-60 4 second times compared to about 6-6.5 in the Mazda.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

"unlike the Miata, you can bring two more friends with you" bold of you to assume I have friends

[@Zzz76532]

lol 🎉

[@alphawolffe4175]

This upcoming week I’m about to go take a look at a 2011 rx8 and I’m a little excited, I’m also taking a mechanic with me so that he can check if everything is good. That rx8 might be my first ever car if it’s in good condition. I’m confident that I will be able to maintain it like pre mixing and warming it up and a few other things. Hopefully all goes well.

[@KarlikWoW]

Actually your friends gotta be a small-sized dogs or cats to fit in there.

[@brianciulla2334]

I had a 2004 Rx-8 with the 6 speed manual. I put about 70k miles on it in the 6 years I had it. It was a great car and never let me down as long as I kept up on the maintenance. The only reason I sold it is because I didn’t really have the time for it anymore but I do regret getting rid of it. It truly was one of the best vehicles I ever owned.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Needed a new engine at 70k miles... you were lucky you sold it before stopped running

[@soto575]

​ Some say with a good maintenance it can last around 100K

[@garattyfisher]

I owned one. It was a 2004 and it was so much fun. Burned those rear tires off them so many times. Rev to 8500 rpm and dropped the clutch, so many burnouts. Hit a top speed of 142 mph one time, was a rush. I didnt have reliability issues with it, but switched to a better mpg vehicle. I left those cars in my youth.

[@lapoose325]

your wife made you get a kia?

[@abstract1dea]

KIA stands for "Know It All"@@lapoose325

[@huiba1]

I have the complete opposite of this, I drive a great mpg car now because I'm young and don't have a lot of money. But man, as soon as I get a job I am gonna buy an RX8 and drive it until it dies.

[@kajetanbawelnoswiat]

@@huiba1hell yeah brother

[@IronicTonic8]

I think most people should avoid it. I love the RX8 and ive owned 3 of them. My ownership experience has been fantastic, I've only had a few minor issues over the last 13 years of ownership. However, I am a rotary nut and I'm well versed on how to keep these cars running. I don't think the average personal will be knowledgeable enough, or willing to put in the extra effort required to keep these cars running and in good shape. Thats ok if you aren't that kinda guy. Not everyone should drive a rotary. You've got to be passionate about it, and be able to sift through all the bs on the internet to figure out how to properly care for these cars.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

You only need to know how to read your owners manual... and the label on a bottle of motor. It's shocking the stupidity of the fools that pour the wrong oil into the wrong filler hole

[@Tibi76]

I had a first generation RX7 car in 1998. It was my first car. I loved it. 242620km (151353 miles) on the engine and no problems. I bought an RX8 last summer. Nordic green color, brown-black leather interior. Its engine is "only" 193 horsepower, but that's more than enough for me. The car has not been modified, everything is factory. I don't even plan to change anything on it. It is beautiful and good as it is. The car is resting for the winter, so I'm really looking forward to spring. :)

[@eatassonthefirstdate]

That's not a first gen rx7 bro😅

[@rumbling3991]

@@eatassonthefirstdate he said he had the first gen rx7 , didnt say he bought new in "98

[@Nd4SpdSe]

I've had my 2004 since 2010. It's been a great car. She's my summer-only car, and falls into the rust-years, so would of rotted away long ago. It's a great car, for the right person. If you're complaining about power/torque, then it's not the car for you.

[@AxnerSaab]

From what I've heard before, these cars aren't cars that should be babied. They should be driven rough and needs high rpms to run well

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

You hear alot of excuses why these engines fail so often, none of them are true. Wankel engines are inherently unreliable by design, there is absolutely nothing you can do to make them more reliable.

[@carllovullo6602]

Lets just say thats its not for regular people, its for car enthusiasts and need meticulous maintenance

[@bldontmatter5319]

A real car enthusiast won't buy crap

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

A real car enthusiasts wouldn't buy this pathetic pile of junk.

[@grannytorrelli2560]

@@bldontmatter5319that’s right, real car enthusiasts only buy cars with NA i4 engines for reliability. Everyone knows that a true enthusiast only values practicality, not what they personally think is cool.

[@ezpz4659]

I own a Lightning Yellow RX8. This was a GREAT deep dive. I also has a 600hp 600tq CLS55 AMG with a m113k engine that can hit 200mph. They are totally different cars and I am so blessed to have both. RX8 is way more fun to drive. CLS55 AMG is almost scary fast. Too fast for the street. On my youtube I have a video of me with the CLS55 AMG on track

[@mincvinyl]

I own 3 rx8s for the past 10 years. Buying used rx8s gets you a lot of sports car for a stupid low cost. However without research and knowledge you can be jumping on a landmine. For success I suggest finding a sale where the owner has a known low compression running car. Use the barely running engine to check the other systems in the car and look to spend $1-2k. Then get a reman engine, do not try to build the engine yourself. The Rx8 engine seal tolerances are not as simple as older rotaries, lots of people mess it up the first time. +Upgrade Coils to an LS coil kit ~$250 +Get rid of the CAT with a midpipe +Upgrade the starter ~$80 That's pretty much all you need for a reliable Rx8. Otherwise you SHOULD rebuild around 80k miles to avoid exponential wear/damage. If not you WILL need a new engine around 120k miles. If you learn how to rebuild the engine yourself you COULD save quite a bit of money assuming you don't mess it up. Modding wise, there is not much you can do for power other than the decat, other than turboing to 300-350hp range. Mazda's intake is the best intake....the AEM cold air is nearly equivalent power wise, but it does make it easier to work on the car.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*The Mazda RX8 is a sedan, not a sports car.* *It's without any doubt the worst sedan Mazda has ever sold and was a 3 billion dollar marketing failure that completely bankrupted Mazda.* *It is a car that smart buyers should avoid like the plagued.* *Do not waste your time or money trying to make these horribly unreliable engines last longer.* *The only successful performance car made by Mazda is the entry-level MX5 which is the only real option for someone who cannot afford to buy a real high performance car.*

[@OldThomMerton]

Mazda & Ignition Coils . . . do not get me started. Went through two sets quick before my mechanic recommended a performance set and, Viola, never touched them again over the next 80k miles. Rotary engines do require a different mindset.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

What do you expect? You bought Mazda, not a Toyota or a Porsche... Yes, you have a mindset of a naive fool and a glutton for punishment

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

FYI: it's a Wankel engine, Mazda never made a Rotary engine

[@OldThomMerton]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 It's "a type of internal combustion engine using an eccentric rotary design to convert pressure into rotating motion". It uses a rotor.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@OldThomMerton Which Wankel engine are you referring to? The DKM54 doesn't have an eccentric-crankshaft And the KKM57 doesn't have a Rotor.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@OldThomMerton *Which Wankel engine are you talking about???*

[@aaronbritt2025]

@6:20... That's not where the front seat was when you were driving. Put the front seat in a position for anyone over 5' 9" and the back seat passengers better be double amputees and there's zero leg room. @10:30... You can use a Sohn adapter or you can do like we do in the race cars and run premix in your gas, just like a 2-stroke engine. We eliminate the oil injection completely. This allows us to control the oil ratio.

[@saiyanwei4840]

107K miles, original owner, 2007 RX-8, i daily drove it for a few years but now its my garage queen, if check and change oil every 3k and drive the car normally, you wont have any issues

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Your either the luckiest person or a big fat liar

[@markcoopers1930]

That sound is so good. And the fact that the engine has to be wrung out to keep it running properly is a recipe for fun. And regular maintenance shouldn't be any issue for the classic gearheads watching. The only issue should be vetting the previous owner's maintenance.

[@paulosicne8498]

Just a couple of weeks ago, there was a very clean yellow manual RX-8 with ONLY 23K miles, that auctioned on BAT for only $9,800. That was insane! Everyone was posting comments: "Steal of the year". That lucky winning bidder really did luck out. That is an insanely low price for the great condition that RX-8 is in.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

They sell for scrap metal prices here...

[@bellaluna837]

The engine rebuild was already priced in 😂 ,which is why most people stay away. No one wants to be left holding the $5-6k bag when the engine loses compression.

[@toska459]

Bought an 06 for $6K. First week the SSV went out, over time spent $6K in repaired and general maintenance. Got 12K miles out of it and blew the engine on thanksgiving day. Fun car to drive but I will never own one again, was a headache to deal with.

[@jmrodri69]

Great video. My son owns an RX-8 and he loves it. I love driving the RX-8.

[@rallyeo75]

I own a 2009 (S2) and it burns hardly any oil. When I first got I did all of the stuff they say to do like checking the oil every couple fill ups, not shutting the car off unless it ran for at least 5 minutes for fear of it flooding, holding it a 3k rpms before shutting it off, etc. After a few months of that I decided to try not doing those things and it has been fine for the last 2 years. I still get it up to 9k rpms at least once every time I take it out to keep it cleaned out but that’s about it. Just get a series 2 and you’ll be fine. It’s one of the most fun cars I’ve ever owned even if it could use more power.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Ticking timebomb, your luck will run out soon.

[@mincvinyl]

Flooding is only an issue if there is something else wrong with the car. The S2 only gives you additional oil injectors to prevent housing wear, but isn't worth much since other parts of the housing wear sooner.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@mincvinyl *That's completely false and misinformed.* *Flooding and carbon build-up is a common symptom of low compression in all types of 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines and is very common with Wankel engines when the apex seals are damaged or worn out.*

[@jamesruiz4005]

I owned one, for two years. Love the looks, the sound of the engine . I used to keep a quart of oil and 2 cycle engine oil in the trunk . The engine was definitely not fuel efficient and you was not going to win any drag races it it was unique . An actual running and driving rx8 in 2022

[@Robert-cu9bm]

They have a strap in the boot for holding the oil

[@DaysOfFunder]

Just bought one. Omg, one if the funnest cars to drive ever. Ive owned turbo rx7s skylines, legacies, lancers, celicas v6 cars etc etc, all of them were so much faster in a straight line, but nothing is fadter through the turns. The rx8 is a beast to drive through turns, even as stock. You just need to keep in the power band. 5-7k and you are rocking. Theres nothign down low, but if you are down low you aint using your gears right!

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

No power... need a new engine

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@bryangorak3879 wait til you dich the Mazda for a real performance car... the RX8 is a sedan designed for women.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@bryangorak3879 *The RX8 is not designed for racing... unless you are talking about "Drag Racing" (LGBTQ+RX)*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@bryangorak3879 *Never banned kid, you cannot ban the TRUTH.*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@bryangorak3879 *Pretty sure Audi beat Mazda 9 times at Le Mans with a DIESEL ENGINE!* *Mazda left racing without ever winning a single world class championship title.*

[@kjburns75]

I had an '08 GT and it was my favorite car. Like Tim, I replaced the stock coils with BHR coils. Other than oil changes, that was the only work I needed to do to the car in three years. That sound at 9k is intoxicating.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Horribly unreliable pile of junk.. Fugly as a cheap plastic garden shed too.

[@mikemoeser8411]

Have a 2004 rx8 that i bought in 2009. Other than a power steering, oil cooler lines, ssv, ignition coils. i really haven't had much wrong with it. I still keep her and still makes me smile when i walk up to her

[@slipstreamautosport]

Drove one for the first last week on track and it was an awesome experience

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

You should try driving a real track car now...

[@slipstreamautosport]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 it was a real track car 🤣

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@slipstreamautosport The Mazda RX8 is an entry-level sedan... not a performance car

[@shabiz266]

my 2006 192 5 speed manual is chilling in garage all winter and comes out for a blast every summer since 2014

[@jimmyvargas9282]

Rx8 are reliable cars, like the man said you must keep up with maintenance. Own Rx8 2009 n love it. Yes it consumes alot fuel, but who cares.

[@DAMC122]

I was driving in the canyons last Sunday in my RX8 and a heavily modded Turbo 2JZ swapped Lexus IS with more than twice the HP of my RX8 tried chasing me...haha he couldn't keep up and was pissed 😂

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

He needs to learn how to drive ..

[@eatassonthefirstdate]

umm, ur either lying or that dude can't drive at all

[@krashnpa]

I remember the rat's nest on the RX7 Wankel was a nightmare, too, but like anything else considered performance, you just have to take care of it.

[@jimkrom]

The rx8 is actually very reliable for what it is. It is a rotary engine that if treated properly (most importantly you don't postpone service) will last you at least 100k miles, which, for a rotary, is quite reliable. The rotary life span is about as much, maybe a little more, and it will get you there no issues (again with proper treatment).

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*Stop spreading false information, everyone knows that Wankel engines are inherently unreliable and their is absolutely nothing that can be done to make them last longer. These engines lasted on average only 50-60k miles before the compression drops, that's appallingly bad compared to reciprocating engines that when properly cared for can easily last over 250,000 miles.* *Wankel engines offer no advantages which is why they were a failure.*

[@rjkStudios]

Really enjoyed this video! My only complaint with the RX8 is the aesthetic design. It's just not my cup of tea. FC & FD RX7's demonstrate the style I like from a car like that. Not buying a sports car for practicality or back seats, but I understand and respect people who appreciate and want what the RX8 brings to the table.

[@austinbuchholz9982]

I love how Tim looks so uncomfortable with you driving. I can relate because I too am a nervous passenger. I've been in cars with other people who are nervous drivers and it makes me feel uncomfortable, too. It's great that you're able to drive with Tim and help him feel more comfortable.

[@theredwedge9446]

You dont buy a rotary to go fast, you buy them to have fun. They arent trying to be competitive, just sleek and cool

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Nothing fun about an unreliable sedan... get a real performance car if you really want to have fun.

[@BeHeaven616]

​@@sandervanderkammen9230 stop hating on a car that you have no experience with

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@BeHeaven616 *The RX8 is the worst sedan Mazda ever made... if you think it's a good car? You know absolutely nothing about performance cars kid.*

[@BeHeaven616]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 the rx8 was never about performance so what exactly is your point? The ry8's weight distribution makes it a perfect car for curves, and an fd swap makes it a perfect car for time attack and general racing without ruining the 50/50 weight ratio. Its also easier to get parts for it compared to the rx7 and the rx8 has huge potential for value gain as it was the last rotary ever build

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@BeHeaven616 *True, Mazda is not a performance marque, it's the smallest, least successful of all the Japanese automakers, a company recognized in the industry for building cheap, entry-level economy cars for first-time buyers and non-enthuestists.* *Mazda's forays into Motorsports was an embarrassing failure with the company leaving racing in disgrace, they no longer have any factory racing program.*

[@damilolaakanni]

I'm not sure earlier RX-8s had much less power, but i know for a fact that these were offered with an automatic transmission, and those had much less power and torque. That explains why those examples are very rare.

[@aaronbritt2025]

Yep. The auto cars had a 4 port engine, the manuals had 6 ports.

[@Reubachi]

They did have less power, to the tune of 50 WHP less due to less porting on rotors. those examples despite being automatic will take FI "much" better. thugh Though, no one would spend 20k turboing 10k early 2000s mazda sports car.

[@heroesofthelandstrasse]

​@@aaronbritt2025they had die 4 port 4 Gear automatics in the beginning and later 6 speed with 6 ports detuned to 210 HP by lowering the max rpm for the gearbox.

[@DuaneCaldwell]

I always liked those RX-7s and the RX-8. I never owned one, so I can't really comment on the reliability reputation. However, I can see that being a result of owners who don't RTFM or pay attention to maintenance intervals.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

It has nothing to do with maintenance or use. Wankel engines are inherently unreliable and less durable than reciprocating engines, this is a irrefutable fact that many fans reuse to accept at their own peril. Some fan go to extreme lengths to concoct elaborate and proposturous rituals, excuses and theories. Wankel engines have several fatal flaws in its fundamental design that make them too unreliable for passenger aircraft applications

[@obsceneremer7521]

The Rx8 was my first car at 18 years old. I absolutely loved it. Yes, It did give me a hard time but then again I was the 4th owner after all lol I don’t regret buying it , I actually want to get one again. This time I’ll take care of it and keep up with maintenance like one should 👌🏽

[@skupire6547]

i loved my RX-8 for all 4 years i owned one, man i still dream about that fkn thing no lie

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

It's the worst sedan Mazda ever made

[@skupire6547]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 your the worst sedan your mother ever made

[@heroesofthelandstrasse]

A nightmare is also a dream. Btw I have mine since 19 years.

[@TheLifeinDenver]

I have NEVER had an issue with mine. Most rx8 owners that take care of them have the same experience

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

You are either the luckiest RX8 owner in history... or a big fat liar, my money is on the later.

[@TheLifeinDenver]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 you sound ignorant..

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@TheLifeinDenver So it's the later...

[@tyrone3261]

​@@sandervanderkammen9230Clueless

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@tyrone3261 Indeed, you have to be completely clueless to be tricked into buying a sedan poorly disguised as a sports car. Clueless Rotards...

[@lffit]

We bought our son a secondhand one in France, it used a lot of oil and the agents said we had to use only their expensive brand which was made by investigation by Total. The stereo system played up and we were told it would have to go to Belgium at a huge price to be repaired it was the 231hp version, but heavy on petrol, and we had problem with cooling system and sensor. It was super light in the rear end, one evening he had to ditch it overnight in light snow and hitch a ride home by a local woman in her little Renault . It was nice to drive and quite powerful, and would have liked to keep it, but we had to sell as the clutch was about to go, as Mazda's quote was mind boggling.

[@llavero5]

11:14 The car has the same 50% weight distribution with mid front engine or ultra front engine, in both cases all weight is in front axle. Why a lot people cant understand it?. The good thing about mid engine is the lower polar moment inertia, not weight distribution. On the other hand, they do not recommend reinforcing leaks due to excess pressure in the coolant tank because they can break elsewhere. I had never seen that type of SOHN but they do not recommend using two-stroke oil in it, because that oil also mixes with the crankcase oil.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*It's shares the same chassis as the Miata... but the Miata handles so much better. The RX8 is Sedan, not a sports car.*

[@llavero5]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 I don't understand your comment, I said nothing about the MX5. But since you mention that it is sporty and the RX8 is not because it is a sedan (nor is it more of a coupe), you are very wrong. The RX8 is much sportier than an MX5, and I'll explain the reasons: 1. The torsional rigidity of the MX5 NC is 10,000 nm/grade while the RX8 is 30,000 nm/grade, one of the best compared to any car. Roadsters are usually very poor in this aspect due to the lack of a roof, which is key for the suspension to work well and the wheels to support correctly. 2. Height of the center of gravity, the MX5 NC is 47.5cm high, while the RX8 is 45.8cm, thanks largely to its smaller and lower engine. 3. The RX8 has a much longer wheelbase, which allows for less weight transfer between the axles, which in turn allows for better braking and benefits cornering, since the more the weight is distributed between the 4 tires, the more they grip. 4. The RX8 has shorter overhangs. The weight on the overhangs generates more resistance to turning the car, more understeer and oversteer. 5. The engine offers less vibration, greater smoothness and faster response than a piston engine, in addition to being more powerful and going up to about 9500 rpm. Sorry, but the RX8 is not only a sportcar (even if you say no), these data say that it is also a very good one, and much better than the MX5.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@llavero5 *I see there are alot of things you don't understand...* *Like why the MX5 is the most popular track car in the world and why it's the best Mazda sports car? Or why it's the best selling 2-seat convertible sports car in history!* *Please tell why the RX8 was a 3 billion dollar failure? and the reason why Mazda discontinued the entire RX brand?*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*There shouldn't be any excess pressure in the cooling system if the engine is not damaged already.* *2-stroke oil should never be used... Mazda only recommends API SL rating or better.*

[@llavero5]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 I don't talk about feelings, emotions, preferences or opinions, I talk about facts with data and numbers. The MX5 is fine for hairdressers and divorcees, people who prefer the wind in their face at the expense of the torsional rigidity of the chassis, nothing bad if you are one of them, plus the RX8 is delicate/dedicated and more expensive to maintain. But in terms of sportsmanship, my previous comment is indisputable. Discontinued RX brand? rotor engines are bad for emissions, plus sport cars dont make much money as mass people car.

[@philipparana9225]

Whats not to love, burns oil, gets horrible mileage and lasts maybe 89k.

[@skip741x3]

Never had the rx8 but had many early gen rx7's with the 12a motor and the 1985 gsl SE with the 13b as well as the 87 turbo...the only issues I had that were chronic were the trailing plugs would always foul, not fire properly and as a result, the engine torque would suffer. The biggest issue I had was the dreaded apex seal failure which occured in the 87 turbo... I cannot blame the car because I had modified that one with a variable boost, turning it up and up to see what AI could get out of it...At one point,you go to start the engine and it just free spins with no compression...I ended up replacing the the motor with a factory new block..broke it in carefully and keep the boost moderate. it was an absolute beast! sadly, the throttle linkage stuck wide open in it one day and it fishtailed into a curb and rolled over twice..had to sell it as scrap after that,though the motor was mint...2 things I had learnt over time with rotaries were they benefit from a gentle slow warmup, one of the keys to long life span and second, that while they love to rev dont try going Beyond their redline! up to it and often is Fine but pushing thru it is playing russian roulette with the seals.

[@DartzIRL]

I've driven one for ten years. The only time it ever failed to start was when the battery died. In a decade of ownership: -The catalytic converter chernobyled. Got it bashed out. -The ignition died. Replaced the coils with D585's -The rear shocks exploded on a trackday. Replaced with Tein coilovers -The front brakes seized on. At speed. Surprise left turn. But it survived -A sparkplug broke and fell in the engine. It still ran after that - even with shredded housings. Swapped a running engine into it. -The exhaust exploded due to rust and backfiring. Replaced with a HKS system. It sounds like Zeus has been fed a diet on Guinness, Beans and Brussel Sprouts -The expansion cap failed and it dumped 4 litres of coolant in one drive - which nearly killed it. But it survived. -It's got more patches on it than a tramp's cacks, due to a Titanic level of rust. -I sent it to Rebuild 2 months ago, because I had the cash and wanted to do it while I had the cash --- it was perfect inside. Now it's factory fresh. But it runs. It drives. And it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned. --- In my experience- a lot of people who own them, tend to love them. People who hate them - really hate them.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Wow, you must have owned some really horrible piles of junk before the RX8...

[@PartiBuoy]

It's not like some BMW unreliability. It's expected to lose compression it has it's build expiration. And that is better than any euro trash. You could lift that motor out yourself without a hoist I bet.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Wankel engines are inherently unreliable.. This is a irrefutable fact that cannot be disputed.

[@ryanb8466]

I had a new one back in 2008. I loved the car. The only problem I had was gaining horsepower was a brick wall. And it was too slow from the factory. But the thrill of driving it down back roads and drifting around I wasn't able to duplicate until I got a new Camaro. My new Camaro is the only car I've ever driven that has a better chassis.

[@mrodri1012]

How does it handle compared to the 8? Chassis I’ve heard is more rigid like you said but is the extra weight super noticeable? Kinda curious since that may be my next target for a car after my RX8 haha, been wanting to get into the ol American V8’s at some point

[@MandusahRamirez]

@@mrodri1012You definitely feel the weight but, the width, extra torque, wide tire’s & steering on the Camaro makes it feel more solid and glued to the road. IMO The RX-8 feels more toss able and easier to rotate In corners tho.

[@andrewlee88]

The main 'thing' about this chassis is how it handles. The engine is compact, light and so close to the firewall its an ideal platform for the twisties. Fast in a straight line isnt memorable, but how this can boogie thru a series of apexs, is.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

A mediocre sedan at best, definitely not a sports car.

[@salihahzem]

I drove a 2004 one, even with the crppy old tires, the handling thru the bends was better than my S2000.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@salihahzem Your S2000 must be a worn out, beat down, pile of junk

[@salihahzem]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 It was 12k miles, the most pristine one you can imagine; drove it for 2 years and sold it after.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Why isn't swapping the RX-8 into the smaller, lighter NC MX-5 more common? I understand that the swap is fairly straight forward since both cars are the same basic architecture underneath.

[@markflint2629]

Owned mine aince 2003 never selling it

[@WorkinonmyB-again]

I'm sorry but i thought that body style was fugly. Loved the first gen, second gen was good, 3rd was real nice as well.

[@tatianapanea7565]

You need to redline them to clear carbon out, but if you beat it constantly it will not last. Any engine will wear more at higher the RPMs than lower RPMs. They overheat if beat on, most used one you buy if you did a compression will be under 7.0KG at 250 RPMs. It is not 238 HP it is 232 HP. The owners manual says 7500 miles per oil changes, which is twice as long as you should. Revision C coils work much better than the early Revision A.

[@toyotaprius79]

Wonder why nobody, especially from Mazda hadn't thought of slapping a pancake IMA motor hybrid system from Honda to a Rotary engine. Low speed and high stress lugging in every day driving are the main reasons for Rotaries being too thirsty and Apex seals dying.

[@philipparana9225]

They are horribly inefficient

[@simbanugz2906]

My brother bought one new back in 2008. He did every mod imaginal. 182 whp. In a strait line he was a little slower the a stock rsx typed s. Handled great but horrible whp, He went through 2 engines in the 160,000 miles he had it. Even new it would consume 1 quart of oil every 1000-1500 miles.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

My 98 Sentra consumes that much oil ...now....

[@aaronbritt2025]

They're supposed to consume oil. The engine actually has oil injectors. Perhaps he should have read the owner's manual.

[@bldontmatter5319]

​@@aaronbritt2025sounds like junk to me. Glad these things are gone.

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@bldontmatter5319 I'm sure they're glad they never met you either.

[@tomdoe4962]

Yeah the 1000-1500 was what most reported on the mazda forums when I was looking at one of these in 2006. In fact no one reported going 3K miles without adding a quart . I would have been okay with that not like I care about the earth but there were a bunch of posts about engines failing and even one where some guy said Mazda was trying to deny him an engine under warranty because somehow they found out he had driven the car on a track. I do have to admit the car was fun to drive.

[@aaronbritt2025]

IMO, Their lack of torque makes them not so great street cars. That being said, I've built two into SCCA championship winning race cars for Steve Zink. We also built one for his daughter, Nikki. He's actually set a few lap records for the class faster than what he's actually in. Their high revving nature makes them great track cars. They can hold a gear longer which means you don't have to upshift mid-corner, helping with stability. I wouldn't mind owning an R3 version.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

They are absolutely the last thing you want for a track car.. a Mazda sedan is no performance machine...

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 RX8 is not a sedan.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@aaronbritt2025 The Mazda RX8 is not a sports car. The RX8 by all definitions is a Sedan... a sedan poorly disguised as a sports car.

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 By what definition? It's either a coupe or a 2+2.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@aaronbritt2025 A sports car is a TWO DOOR, TWO SEAT automobile. The Mazda RX8 is by all definitions a SEDAN. An automobile with 4 doors and 4 seats. Mazda can't fool me and they didn't fool most enthusiasts either who took a hard PASS on the RX8... it's dismal sales reflected this failed attempt at decieving the public.

[@timakimat]

I have two of them and they are fun to drive. The reliability depends on how they have been treated. Please check the rust before buying: The trunk area under the rear bumper and the rear wheel wells are known to have issues.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

They are all unreliable.. Absolutely a car to avoid

[@PlaAwa]

most key fobs have the retractable key in them so that you can open the car with flat batteries (under the hood or in the fob).

[@kg_canuck]

As someone who works in the automotive industry, and has driven hundreds of cars of all shapes and sizes, the RX8 is easily the best handling car I've ever driven. An absolutely amazing platform that deserved a more user friendly power train. Not that the engine is bad, but it certainly isn't for the average weekend sports car owner who just wants to drive on some twisties. I have a dream to throw a Ford 2.3L ecoboost in one as it would bolt to the transmission without modification (the Ford 2.3 is a modified Mazda L3 engine), and it would be short enough that the car would still be technically mid-engined.

[@TassieLorenzo]

"deserved a more user friendly power train" Interesting! But isn't the engine what makes the car special?

[@jaratt85]

I wish I could have one.. growing up in the 90's and going to high school in the early 2000's the "Zoom Zoom" campaign left it's mark on me.. unfortunately I'm 6'10 with size 14.5-15 feet, 34.5 inch leg inseam and the rest is torso.. fitting in one is likely impossible without ditching the factory seat and electric adjuster and putting a thin racing seat straight on the floor. The big plus though, their bad reputation keeps the costs low.. near me there's at least half a dozen for sale with between 100k & 145k miles for $2500-4500, though unfortunately most are autos and I will NEVER trust those transmissions.

[@Cupat1]

Might be a "good buy" in the states where fuel's about a 3rd the price of the UK

[@gsitzkowitz]

I had one of the early RX-7s. Great car but as it got older the lack of build quality started showing up. Switches coming lose, electrical gremlins, etc. But I’d love to have a RX-8! Way more practical!

[@JaffuhBoi]

I have the same exact car year and model trim .

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

My condolances

[@emiliocovarrubias2017]

My wifes 2006 Shinka has 48K its a garage princess. But when she come out it's driven like a rotary should be.

[@toostltoo81727]

I loved them on need for speed and how they look but I think ide rather get a mx-6 v6 I saw you have to premix the fuel every time you get gas

[@huiba1]

I want an RX8, I trust the rotary engine, but I am 18 years old, and a 1 liter to 8km fuel consumption is unaffordable for me. I'd spend 6 euros just driving to school. I drive a Fiat 500C, with a 2 cylinder turbo engine, and it drives 1 liter to 25km. It's a great car but a pain to drive; it stalls so easily because of it's low-powered engine. The RX8 has been, and always will be, my dream car. One day I'll drive it. But for now I prefer a great economic car, with a cute Italian style.

[@Ryan-fb1ot]

You will stall Rx8 all the time, any piston car is easier to drive.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Don't do it, this is a horrible pile of junk...

[@BobNew-n5i]

Only buy if it has a newly built engine and get the compression test. I have one and it rides and handles great but prefer my Civic as a reliable daily driver.

[@huiba1]

@@BobNew-n5i Well, I'll have to postpone my dream for now. Just picked up an Abarth 595 Competizione. Great daily, and still a lot of fun. Right now I'm just too young to get a real sportscar, but I am in love with my Abarth currently. So yeah, maybe in the future. Thanks for the tips, appreciate it!

[@KIng_Kenny_707]

me and my mate have spotted 2 of these with race/advertising liveries sat outside an old hangar and after a chat with the fella who owns the hangar we found out they'd been sat for over 3 years and still owned by mazda so come monday we are going to try call mazda and see if we can take it off them somehow, if anything we'd be saving them money as they still pay to keep it in that field for 3 years lol

[@dha588]

What do you guys think about an automatic version? 😅

[@nigeljoycey5644]

I had one and besides it really hating traffic, the best fr car I've owned. I'm in a gen 2 brz now and love it but that rotary is so fun to ring out. If you live in a city with traffic it will die tho.

[@DoctorMazda]

Bought mine a year ago, dropped $4892 on it and none of those expenses was the engine

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Could have bought a real sports car instead

[@BeHeaven616]

​@@sandervanderkammen9230kid i bet all my money you dont have a car at all, seeing you shitting all over the comments here. Get a job and a car then we can talk

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@BeHeaven616 *You don't know much do ya kid?*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@BeHeaven616 *If you own a RX8? You don't have any money to bet kid.*

[@DoctorMazda]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 Never bet on anything because the odds are always against me

[@LeonelCortes]

Do an mr2 turbo

[@Psyrecx]

*The only issues I've had with my S2, is just basic stuff. Nothing really bad* Burned out the original coils and the other day the cat decided to go.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Time for a compression test

[@Psyrecx]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 Weird. It's almost as if I don't have a tester stored in the trunk...

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@Psyrecx Well, tell how low the compression is?

[@Psyrecx]

@@sandervanderkammen9230 avg 110 rear, 105 front.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@Psyrecx what is the RPM Index value?

[@remissiveslave]

Rx8 was one of my favorite nfs cars back in the day

[@RemiLynn4264]

OMG, So envious you got to drive one! I would absolutely love to have a car just like that!

[@karenmurray3098]

i have always wanted to drive a rotary powered car but i have been scaired off by the " rotarys are unreliable" thing

[@aquapisces24]

Brendan 👍👍🤍🤍

[@Adam-nv9zo]

Dorito powered.

[@PrakosoKoko]

When rx8 meet the good owner, thats can be perfect car to use and to have on your garage 😅

[@glenmallory9982]

Ive been a Wankel fan all my life but if I had a choice between the 8 or a mid 80s RX7 I’d take the 13B 7. Much more aftermarket support for the 7s. So that tells me which ones better.

[@tomdoe4962]

I was thinking of buying one of these in 2006 and I always hop onto forums to see what's up with a car before I buy it and yeah I was scared away with many posts of people losing engines at very low miles and most posters saying they did have to add a quart between 3K mile oil changes. Ended up buying a 2006 G35 coupe and that car between 7.5K oil changes didn't even use a quarter of a quart in fact it was hard to even see that it went down at all.

[@cottonhiker]

That sound was AMAZING with headphones!!! 😳🙏🔥

[@DBLOCK987]

1st person to say that an RX8 is reliable if you know what to do shot out to Tim !

[@reaper10142]

What year is his rx-8

[@Agh0sty]

My dream car😍

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

It's a Nightmare car.

[@choppingpixels]

Tim is the man! Rotary enthusiasts are next level helpful and knowledgeable.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Wow, that's the most gullible and niave comment ever posted on KZbin

[@boost331]

Its not as bad as the reputation..... ITS SO MUCH WORSE

[@oldrrocr]

Funny that some people are knocking this car... but the Big 3 DESIGN their cars to self-destruct as soon as the warranty expires, usually by 60k miles.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

There is a good reason why Mazda remains the smallest, least successful Japanese automaker..

[@Mitch3343]

That engine bay shot is a little deceiving, this man's done a few things.

[@Red15oh]

bro talks alot lowkey i just wanna hear brap sounds

[@RetroPursuits]

I love all the hate on these car, more for me. Keep the hate going to keep the prices low.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*Prices are low because smart people won't buy these unreliable turds.*

[@Roger-il8iw]

You can get these for 3 grand now. Fun weekend car. Definitely wouldn’t take any long trips though 😂

[@zoefaith120]

I owe you a 10 second car... you hever had your car. 9000 rpm to the moon.

[@thinkeightsix]

There's a good chance the compressor in your A/C or refrigerator is a rotary.

[@vg4472]

I would love to see this car next to a 2005 Mazda 6 Sport Hatchback

[@bdolla5118]

wouldnt run that intake garbage you need a aem filter and resuse oem air baffle next to the trottle body oem intake is best but aem works well with oem air baffle and hose inlets import they are 90 degree

[@guillaumesandmayer7053]

They burn oil by way of very function. Fact. The oil sump pan was too shallow to begin with. Fact. People who owned the RX-8 do not know or care. Fact. People cane them to 8000rpm from dead cold in the middle of winter. Fact - This is your reason for so-called unreliability issues.

[@kcalb3180]

pre facelift front end, nice!

[@kevonwalker8392]

Ask him if he mix his gas with 2strock oil

[@JAXEGCM]

Wait…you can get a sun roof on an RX8?

[@robb15033]

I need to expand my knowledge on new engines that burn any oil, being normal. ?.?

[@zachryramirez2643]

They got the bad reputation in error I love these cars and would love to own one

[@Jakeborges1991]

Love the rx8