Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (192ps) 4d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doesn't follow the herd.

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

Because it's not too flashy it mostly gets approving nods, and for those who are into their cars knowing nods about it's Wankel engine - and the associated fuel bill!! (About 22mpg mixed driving and 28mpg on MWay at 60mph, but use that 9000rpm regularly and you'll be lucky to see 17mpg!)

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would never normally have looked at Mazda when choosing a car and the RX-8 has been a bit of a revelation for a once very snobby wallet, so yes, I think I will certainly take a look at an R3 or an RX-9 if it's out when I come to change it (Not yet!!)

What are you likely to buy next?

Don't have any plans to change it anytime soon. Puts a smile on my face every time I get in it and hit 9000rpm!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,500

When did you buy the car?

September 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Because it was priced so low the dealer didn't really offer much in the way of an incentive other than a refurb of all the alloys and 6 mths tax.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Value for money!

What was the dealer like?

Ok, until he pointed me at Mazda for some rust I've found on the inside of the bootlid. I really think he should have taken ownership of this issue.

What's it like to drive?

Epic. It just takes off at 5000rpm and screams toward 9000pm. It's a very surreal experience accompanied by the noise of jet turbine. You need to take it easy in the wet or on greasy surfaces as I've had the back step out of line a couple of times caught thankfully by the ESP. I've had plenty of nice cars over the years and this is definitely one of the best to drive with a real sense of involvement.

What's it like to park?

My first car recently that hasn't had sensors and I've not managed to hit anything yet. So must be fairly easy even with it's huge nose.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I've not had it long enough to have anything go wrong but I have noticed some bubbling of the paint inside the boot lid which my local Mazda dealer are looking into and should cover under the perforation warranty. Something else to watch out for on these is the very common alloy erosion which this one had hence the refurb the dealer offered. Mazda appear to only cover this for 3 years even though it's a manufacturing fault.

What's most practical about your car?

4 doors and decent legroom in the back, means on the odd occasion I need to ferry the kids in it, they don't need to have their legs cut off first. It has a decent boot too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Bose stereo is great, I just need to add an iPod adaptor to it and it'll be perfect. I also have the electric sunroof which is really nice when cruising around town in the sunshine and makes the car's interior bright and airy even when it's not in use.