Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (231ps) 4d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

you like to be different! Or maybe you have no kids and are young and free ! Wishfull thinking !

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

All love it, always gets attention. From the ladies who like the style of it, to the blokes that are interested in the mechanical aspect, being a rotary engine etc.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would yes, but I say that guarded. If it works well its fine, but the parts and running costs are steep if anything needs to be done. And the warranty is £250 per year. DONT buy this car if your concerned about running costs, then bleet on saying "oh my saxo never used this much fuel !" Stop moaning !

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe another RX8, or a TVR T350.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£15,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a fair deal, I wouldnt say it was fantastic, I got what the book stated. He even showed me the Glass guide etc, so I know I wasnt being robbed.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had a TVR Chimarea and Jag S type R, so I wanted the performance but a bit more reliability. With similar running costs.

What was the dealer like?

My local dealers are ok. If they can help you out they will. But I have found a few to be snooty and stuck up. I mean even the BMW, TVR, Jaguar arent as stuck up as some Mazda dealers. I mean its a Mazda, come one !

What's it like to drive?

Absolutley perfect. It drives like a roller skate, it has strut braces and low profile tyres. No understeer, goes tound corners well, and the traction control is great. I have had some fast cars in my time and this handels as well as any TVR or the like !

What's it like to park?

Not good, it really needs rear parking sensors. The rear quarters visablilty is not good, and the bumper protrudes way too far back to guess !

Have you had any problems with the car?

Everything was ok until ths week when it developed a water leak. Turns out its a manifold studd through the Rotor casing and into the water jacket. Its in the balence now of a new engine or fixing.

What's most practical about your car?

Hmmm nothing much to be honest. I mean its ok for 2 people, but if you are looking for a family car I would think hard. No room in the back if the driver or passenger is over 5'9. Great as a toy or weekend car though !

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I think it would have to be the sound system. A BOSE unit and speakers, its even better than my 7 Series BMW's unit was!