Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (231ps) 4d (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that you're unique but not overstated, you're a driving enthusiast.

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

Those that see it and have a ride in it can't fault it. Those that don't know what it is, won't know what a Mazda RX8 represents in the same way they would if you said you owned a Merc or Beamer. Enthusiasts always approve.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I need a car for weekly shopping, driving around London, occasional blasts into the countryside and monthly motorway trips. I don't need something for high mileage commuting. I care about the speed, the power, the audio and the handling for less than 5 grand . . . I got what I wanted.

What are you likely to buy next?

Happy for the moment.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,800

When did you buy the car?

January 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought the car privately. The MOT was due shortly after and it seemed a small risk to buy the car without it, but in testing it ran fine and was an opportunity to get an extra few hundred pounds knocked off. It has worked out well so far.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

The lad was selling his car to save for a deposit for buying a home with his girlfriend . . . gutted.

What's it like to drive?

The car is a very pleasant place to be and is certainly achieves good performance relative to price. The rotary engine is lovely to work with, providing smooth power and neverending revs. I like the noise, but would prefer it make a little more. Handling is fairly faultless and you can tell it has a low centre of gravity with good weight distribution. You will read that you need to rev this car to get it to perform. Which is true but isn't, in honesty, what we spend most of our driving lives doing. Driving through the city in 4th, 5th and 6th is pleasant and you can easily maintain 30mph in 5th. When you get onto the B roads you will have to work the gear box for most fun. But this is why you're looking at buying a sports car!

What's it like to park?

Before this I owned a Fiat Seicento and a Toyota MR2. It's not as convenient to park as either of these two. Mine doesn't have parking sensors and the electric mirrors are only of so much help. Visibility out of the back is good, but you have to judge where the the boot ends and the next car begins blindly. Having said this, I live in central London where parking is tricky, and haven't scratched it yet.

Have you had any problems with the car?

A couple of minor things I should report You do hear a lot about checking the oil levels. Of course these must be checked, but I have found that it doesn't go through oil at a rate anywhere near some of the scare stories. Once the hazard warning lights came on for no reason. The digital audio / aircon display occasionally doesn't start up.

What's most practical about your car?

For a sports car it is really very practical. Four adults fit in comfortably and the boot has a large 290 litre capacity. The suicide doors make moving large objects easy, when I moved flat I easily fit a boxed 40 inch tv and its accompanying stand into the back seats with room to spare.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The sound system provides excellent audio quality and is loud enough at 20 never mind the 33 that you can turn it up to.