Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (192ps) 4d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Bit of a gadget freak / design guru's car. Engineers and car buff's love it, kids think it's cool. The devil would drive this car if he was on a budget...

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone likes the looks of it, they like to ride in it for short journeys and wants to turn up to parties in it. And they find it hillarious when they see the bills.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Nope, never ever ever. Mazda customer service exceptionally bad. Actually quite badly made - most cars are, but the clutch by many accounts is very underspec, expect between 5k to 20k - no wonder the warrenty is less than half that of others. Mpg is very very bad - sub 20. You can have 400bhp for this.

What are you likely to buy next?

Audi A5 looks good if a bit bland. Maybe a Lexus or a BMW. If I didn't have the RX's fuel bills maybe I could save up for an Aston.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

July 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not bad, Lots of different offers about.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Excellent concept, unusual styling, good reviews

What was the dealer like?

Mazda dealers were unhelpful and remarkably snobby - they are only selling a Mazda not a Roller! Also quite jobsworth attitude and a nightmare when it went wrong.

What's it like to drive?

Quick, flightly and unstable over bumps and in the wet. You have to rev it to get it to move (will not pull away in 2nd on a slight hill) and have to play tunes on the gearbox to make progress. Comfortable in the main but noisy and unhappy on bumpy surfaces.

What's it like to park?

Nightmare. Very poor visability and no parking sensors combined with painted bumpers with wafer thin paint means that you aim for the biggest space you can very, very slowly.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Main fault was clutch at 15k - £650 and not covered by lame warrenty. Tyres also get lunched fast. Paint is thin and chips very easily, occasionally rattles and squeaks, also hole in fuel tank.... And I don't drive it that hard - honest! Puncture also a pain (no spare tyre!)

What's most practical about your car?

4 seats, boot is fair size, dashboard well laid out.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Stereo controls with mute button on steering wheel.