Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Mazda rx8

I thought that applied to all Mazdas of that sort of period - certainly did to my MX-5 (UK model) and a work colleagues 323...


I know it's a typo, but given me a this arvo.

Very good Bob

I had a Mazda RX8 for about 5 years and covered 80000 km
-fuel consumption: 11- ?? litres per 100km
-oil consumption: 1 liter per 1500 km
-never shut off a not fully warmed engine; you'll have guaranteed restarting problems
-for acceleration you have to rev it up; below 4000 rpm nothing happens
-very pleasant driving experience (roadholding, braking, comfort, seat position)
IMHO it is an underrated classic car.

Totally agree it may well prove a classic car in the future. Its different and the rust issues as mentioned before are very real and may well see many in the crusher before their 15th birthday. The ones that are left will be classic and sought after one day i imagine.

Seeing as they are so cheap i suppose it might be fun to smoke around in one for a while - the exact reason why so few will survive.

I was put off by the blade tip wear & the fuel consumption.

My son had a used one and a business associate had one for many years from new. I've also had involvement with the Norton Rotary bike engine.

As has been said, the rotors are prone to tip seal wear, but it shouldn't be catastrophic. They are a wear item and the cost of engine rebuilds every 60,000 miles needs to be allowed for.

The oil consumption is legendary, one bike owner I knew swore by using fully synthetic ash less racing 2 stroke oil the tip seal wear was insignificant. Although nominally a 4 stroke motor it is effectively a constant loss oil system.

Fuel consumption is also high, and they need 98 octane.

The cars, especially the last lot, are robust and great fun to drive. But they need to be owned by nerds....as has been mentioned they are incompatible with short runs and stop start driving. Most Maxda dealers haven't a clue, specialists are relatively rare.

To be honest, other than the looks and space a MX5 is a better bet and just as good a drive.

I'm surprised that there aren't lots of these which have had the engine changed for, say, an mx5 unit. That's what happened to many Triumph Stags isn't it. Seems like this Mazda is a prime candidate?
Nick

More thanks for the terrific responses on this thread.

The bonnet is very low, not sure there would be room for a normal motor.
Perhaps an Alfa Sud Flat 4???

I started checking out on the net....it seems that the rotary engine is very light and replacing it with anything else ruins the handling. My hopes are receeding as she seems to be reluctant to take on the running costs and inconvenience. I expect she'll end up with a bmw convertible......which could be good anyway.
Nick

Seems that re-built motors are less than £2k.
rebuild kits half that.
Might be a viable idea.....as long as a new engine is factored in...

Thats where the "haggle like a northerner" comes in.
Your arguement is
I won't be able to sell it as well so I am not paying asking.
Can we run some engine tests please
I figure it will need a new engine soon so need to reserve cash for that
It will drink oil and water
Its more expensive to insure.

Once all these are done they are either going to take an offer to move it on or clam up and back away. If they sell it cheap then you need to push harder as they are desperate and there is a reason for that. If they clam up then they think its worth more and so hopefully have some morals.