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

What does this car say about you?

Personally, I would like to suggest it's probably the closest thing you can get to feeling like James Bond when you need more than two seats and you are on a bit of a budget. However, needing more than two seats and being on a budget is not very James Bond so I would like to think it allows me to sit somewhere in the middle. Does generally seem to provoke a lot of looks an comments though which always puts a smile on my face.

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

They all love it and think it looks really swish. Is especially good because where I live I have only seen a couple of others with this car so it's not an everyday sight to most of my friends, plus to those not in the know it looks like it could easily cost more money than it did.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Don't know. I love it to bits and it is everything I wanted but with petrol prices fast going up and this car's ability to neck a whole tank of fuel quicker than I could have ever imagined I would have to think long and hard.

What are you likely to buy next?

Would like a Jaguar XK.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£11,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonably good deal. Took my Peugeot 206 for part exchange and was well priced considering the condition. However, had done an awful lot of miles which I thought would have made the price a bit lower.However, if dealers feel mileage does not depreciate this car as much as it would a standard car then that can surely only be a good thing when it comes to future re-sale value.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

As far as I can see for looks and ability this is the most competitively priced sports coupe on the market and even that alone would not have convinced my wife. However, the actually usable back seats making this a genuine four seater sports car was enough to win her over.

What was the dealer like?

Nice and professional. There was a small dent in the bonnet that they had already acknowledged would need to be removed before completion of the sale and this was done promptly and professionally.

What's it like to drive?

Others say that initially torque is poor in this car and I do understand what they mean because if you don't rev this car then it does seem that way.However, get the revs up before releasing the clutch and once the car is going then it will push you back into your seat. The only problem with this is once you start having real fun driving this car then your petrol does seemingly vanish and before you know it you have to stop off again to re-fuel. However, I was well aware of the poor MPG before I bought this car and if you can stomach the petrol costs then this car is well worth it.

What's it like to park?

Personally I find it a bit of a nightmare. The visibility is really quite poor and I certainly take my time.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot size is really quite surprisingly large for a sports coupe.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Digital speed readout looks really cool and suicide doors always seem to impress people.