Knowledge Builders

how reliable is a mazda rx8

by Baby Stoltenberg Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

A true sports car for under 10,000
The Mazda RX8 is an amazing car it sounds great and looks good too. It's comfortable for a sports car and it is so much fun to drive. The reliability is below average but not terrible. It isn't very expensive to fix the car either.

Full Answer

Is the Mazda RX-8 a reliable car?

The RX-8 lived a pretty long life with its rotary power plant, as it was made from 2003 to 2012, but since then, it effectively put a cork in any Mazda sports car production with the exception of the prized Miata, which is still going strong today. Are Mazda cars reliable? Mazda vehicles are considered to be very reliable these days.

What are some common problems with the Mazda RX-8?

Common Problems with the Mazda RX-8

  • Suspension. This issue was reported in 2020 on a 2010 model Mazda RX-8. ...
  • Engine Failure. Some drivers reported that their engine failed entirely. ...
  • Excessive Engine Oil Use. Another common problem many owners report is that their Mazda RX-8 burns an excessive amount of oil.
  • Airbags. ...
  • Clutch Pedal/Powertrain. ...

Is a Mazda RX8 a good first car?

Very reliable first car as long as you toss a new engine in it, feed it oil for breakfast, and don’t keep it for more than 40k. We all still love them though. 1

What are the pros and cons of the Mazda RX8?

  • They are absolutely gorgeous looking things - especially the FD models. People will smile at you, nod in approval and unlike a porsche - let you out of junctions.
  • Sleek bodywork , a wonderful chassis that’s lighter than most other 2 seat coupes by a few hundred pounds. ...
  • They are an appreciating classic - the value of them is only

image

How many miles does an RX-8 engine last?

How long will the RX-8 engine last? There are various answers and speculations as to how long a typical RENESIS engine can last for. Just like any other engine, taking the time to care for it properly will make it last longer than usual, however, that could mean 80,000 miles or less.

Why are Mazda RX-8 so unreliable?

The root cause of many of the engine's problems was that not all the fuel burned in the combustion chamber – a quirk also known as a lack of thermal efficiency.

Do RX-8 have alot of problems?

Problem: The RX-8 has the unique rotary style engine, and this version of the rotary engine has proven to be highly unreliable, particularly after 60,000 miles. Warranty companies say that Mazda have unofficially said that these engines do become unreliable and susceptible to problems at over 60,000 miles.

Are Mazda RX-8 expensive to maintain?

Mazda RX-8 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost. The annual maintenance cost of a Mazda RX-8 is $517. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

Is a RX-8 worth buying?

A true sports car for under 10,000 The Mazda RX8 is an amazing car it sounds great and looks good too. It's comfortable for a sports car and it is so much fun to drive. The reliability is below average but not terrible. It isn't very expensive to fix the car either.

Which year RX-8 is the best?

As the RX-8 didn't change much over its seven year run, we'd recommend going with a 2010 or newer model due to the improvements in the engine that greatly reduce roughness, flooding and most importantly, oil consumption.

Why are RX-8 so cheap?

Poor Fuel Economy & Daily Drivability Another reason why the RX8 is cheap to buy now is because many are put off by the poor fuel economy of the car. Rotary engines might be small in size (and produce substantial power relative to that size) but they have a tendency to be thirsty.

Why do RX-8 engines fail?

The problem is that there are so many different ways for an engine to fail: Excessive carbon buildup accelerates seal wear, causing compression loss (particularly a problem in automatic RX-8s) Excessive carbon buildup unseats the seals, causing compression loss (particularly a problem in automatic RX-8s)

What can go wrong with an RX-8?

The largest recall of the RX-8 was for cars built between 2003 and 2004. More than 15,000 cars were recalled to fix a problem with the exhaust system that could cause a fuel leak. It was discovered that parts surrounding the exhaust could melt and the heat could affect the fuel tank.

How expensive is it to fix an RX-8?

Mazda RX-8 auto repair and maintenance costs The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Mazda RX-8 ranges from $95 to $2697, with an average of $308.

Are rotary engines reliable?

Rotary engines are known for being typically unreliable, but the issues are somewhat easy to resolve.

How much does a RX-8 engine swap cost?

The cost will differ depending on how you plan to approach this project, but it should be achieved with around $10,000.

When was the RX-8 recalled?

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.

When did the Mazda recall start?

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1117E.

Why does my Mazda air bag explode?

The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019.

When did Mazda recall the fuel pump?

The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

How does Consumer Reports get its reliability data?

Consumer Reports obtains its reliability data from a questionnaire that is sent to subscribers. In the questionnaire, we ask subscribers to note any problems with their cars that occurred in the past 12 months. They are asked to identify problems that they considered serious (because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime).

What is reliability chart?

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Is Mazda recalled?

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

What are the quirks of the RX8?

Like most “niche” items, the RX8 has its quirks. The rotary engine is extremely thirsty. Far more than would be expected from the rather modest 231bhp (There is also a 192bhp version) engine. If you want a car to commute in, this is not it. A reasonable length commute would ruin all but the very wealthy, and a short commute is not especially good for the car. “Flooding” the engine is much, much easier to do in a rotary than a piston engine, and can be hard to “fix”. So much so that lots of cars are sold as “spares or repair” that only have a flooded engine. Admittedly, this is nearly always unknown to the owner, who presumes it is something far more catastrophic.

Which is the least reliable Japanese car?

The RX-8 has a reputation for being, and may be, the least reliable Japanese car (it was

How high does a rotary engine rev?

The high revving (9,500rpm rev limiter) of the rotary engine makes the car slightly different to drive than most piston powered vehicles. Much below 4000rpm and the torque drops off to less useable values. So keeping the revs high is paramount, but once you adapt your driving style to suit, it becomes clear the car can embarrass far more expensive and newer machinery. This is more down to the chassis and excellent weight bal

How much horsepower does a Renesis have?

However, the Renesis is not an “average” engine. It is a 1.3 litre wankel rotary engine capable of a normally aspirated 200+whp.

How reliable is a rotary engine?

However, you do need to maintain it. This means regular oil changes and regularly checking the fluid levels (rotary engines burn a small amount of oil and this amount increases as the engine ages). It also means being gentle on the equipment. It is a lightweight sporting car, don't drive it like it's a Jeep. Unless you're racing be easy on the shifting. Don't hit potholes and if you do hit one and something seems wrong, get the suspension checked out. Get an alignment done every other year regardless. Don't dump the clutch. Keep an eye on the brakes and

Is Mazda a driver's car?

Mazda is a driver’s car; hence Zoom-Zoom. Additionally, Mazda aims to be the alternative to the luxury cars.

Is the RX8 reliable?

If you’re looking for a reliable sports car, don’t go for the RX8, it’s one of most unreliable sports cars ever created.

What color is the Mazda RX8?

The styling is not aggressive but not quite refined either. The interior puts on a vintage spin by featuring a combination of black and red colors. Driving the car on the road will earn you frequent nods and compliments, especially from people who have an appreciation for these types of cars.

When was the Mazda RX8 made?

Before jumping into the Mazda RX8 pros and cons, let’s see what kind of a car it is. Mazda manufactured the sports car from 2002 to 2012. It is a rear-wheel-drive, front mid-engine coupe. Fans highly praise the good looks.

How many mpg does a 2010 RX8 have?

Poor Mileage – One major weak point of the car is its low fuel efficiency. For example, the 2010 RX8 yields 16 mpg and 22 mpg in the city and on the highway for the 6-speed manual version. The automatic version runs for one more mile on the highway.

Is Mazda RX8 a good car?

Mazda RX8 is a stylish coupe that has a unique styling and distinct look unlikely to be found in other coupes. The superior style combines with a smooth handling and powerful engine – making it highly appealing to a specific buyer class. But, are Mazda RX8 good cars? Well, a discussion on Mazda RX8 pros and cons will help to make you an informed decision.

Is the Mazda RX8 super fast?

Reasonable Price – Many people don’t rely on the rotary engine and its power. For this reason, it is possible to score a Mazda RX8 at an affordable price.

What is the RX-8?

The RX-8 was an uncompromising and utterly unconventional quad coupé from Mazda , car that designers might have described as a free spirit in a sea of anodyne Euro boxes and staid Japanese sedans.

What made the RX-8 stand out from the rest of the pack?

And that’s because what made the RX-8 stand out from the rest of the pack was also its Achilles heel.

When did Mazda start making rotary engines?

But it’s not as if Mazda hadn’t been warned. As far back as 1961 , the company signed a deal to develop the technology with NSU, the German car company that pioneered the Wankel rotary engine.

Why do we need to top up our cars every 1,000 miles?

Oil top-ups every 1,000 miles were an absolute must, and that’s because oil consumption was not accidental but actually an integral design feature . To be precise, oil was injected into the engine to help lubricate and seal the combustion chamber, thereby reducing wear. Despite this, half the cars reportedly needed replacement engines by the time they had amassed 50,000 miles on the clock.

Is it risky to buy a second hand RX-8?

And that’s because buying a second-hand RX-8 is riskier than playing a game of Russian Roulette with a group of sailors on a night-time soiree to Bangkok.

Why is the Mazda RX-8 considered unreliable?

The RX-7 suffered them as well, Hagerty reports. And unfortunately, they’re natural consequences of the rotary engine’s design .

When will the rotary engine be available in Mazda?

on October 20, 2020. The rumors are true: a rotary engine will once again appear in Mazda ’s lineup. That’s great news for the ‘spinning Dorito’ faithful, but for many, it can seem like an odd decision. The rotary engine has been dinged for unreliability, especially the one found in the Mazda RX-8.

What are the advantages of rotary engines?

For one, they’re lighter and more compact, which is very useful for sports cars. Rotaries are also extremely smooth and have fewer moving parts.

Can an RX-8 clog a catalytic converter?

Though it’s worth pointing out that even on conventional oil, the RX-8 can still clog its catalytic converter, GarageDreams reports. However, there’s still the issue of adding the correct amount of premix and dealing with dirty engine oil. That’s where the Sohn adapter comes in, Black Halo Racing explains.

Is a 5.0 Mustang better than a piston engine?

Motor Trend reports a 5.0-liter V8 Mustang gets better real-world fuel economy. But the biggest drawback is that rotary engines have special maintenance and running requirements compared to piston engines. Once you turn it on, you have to run it until it’s warm to prevent flooding, Car Throttle explains.

Does Mazda RX-8 have extended warranty?

Unfortunately, not every Mazda RX-8 owner was prepared to deal with these issues. As a result, Mazda extended warranty coverage for 2004-2008 models, Autoblog reports, and upgraded the Renesis engine for 2009.

image

1.Can a Mazda RX-8 Actually Be a Reliable Car?

Url:https://www.motorbiscuit.com/can-a-mazda-rx-8-actually-be-a-reliable-car/

32 hours ago  · Mazda RX8 Reliability: Gear Issues. Cars aren’t designed to last forever. But, a car is meant to drive fine without causing any issues until the gearbox or transmission starts to wear down. The Mazda RX8 reliability is once again questioned due to its weak gear issue. In its case, slipping gears becomes a concern much faster.

2.Videos of How Reliable Is a Mazda RX8

Url:/videos/search?q=how+reliable+is+a+mazda+rx8&qpvt=how+reliable+is+a+mazda+rx8&FORM=VDRE

24 hours ago  · In our RX8 buyer’s guide, we’ve discussed the issue of reliability and highlighted the factors that contribute to the RX8 being labeled as an unreliable car. The general consensus is that the Renesis engine will only be reliable if it is treated like a rotary engine.

3.2004 Mazda RX-8 Reliability - Consumer Reports

Url:https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/rx-8/2004/reliability

22 hours ago The first generation RX8, generally isn't very reliable. I've seen very well cared for RX8's last almost 200k miles without a rebuild, but that's not the norm. That being said, even the later models of RX8 won't be reliable if you can't do the maintenance, which is …

4.Is the Mazda RX-8 a reliable car? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/Is-the-Mazda-RX-8-a-reliable-car

24 hours ago Especially seeing as the car produces its maximum power output only at about 90%+ state of charge (SoC). That's right. Until they develop a battery that behaves like it's filled with a liquid, this is going to remain a reality. Batteries are only at their best when they're charged to 90 - …

5.Reliability of a Mazda rx-8? : cars - reddit

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/2cmvu5/reliability_of_a_mazda_rx8/

1 hours ago  · The Mazda RX-8 is a car people avoid like the plague, but based on the evidence in this video, it's a car that deserves a second chance!Follow Alex: https://...

6.Mazda RX8 Pros And Cons – Make An Informed …

Url:https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-review/mazda-rx8-pros-and-cons/

16 hours ago

7.This Is Why The Mazda RX-8 Is Considered Unreliable

Url:https://www.hotcars.com/mazda-rx-8-why-considered-unreliable/

34 hours ago

8.A More Reliable Mazda RX-8 Could Be a Small …

Url:https://www.motorbiscuit.com/a-more-reliable-mazda-rx-8-could-be-a-small-modification-away/

33 hours ago

9.Here's Why You Should Buy The 'Unreliable' Mazda RX-8

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDJ6tUShkqA

9 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9