Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (231ps) 4d (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
A man who wants to have lots of driving fun together with three other mates. A family man who refuse to give up drving pleasure for practicality.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
A batmobile for father of two.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, cos i'll get tired of fixing or problems one day.
What are you likely to buy next?
another one in black, but not the R3 model.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£24,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2004
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not at the first place because the salesman was not at all professional. However, the sales manager managed to save the deal.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The design of the Body (rear hinged doors) and the engine (Renesis)
What was the dealer like?
It was the worst i've seen and they have now totally turned it around.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Any Honda S2000 will be able to tell you that to drive this car, you will need to know what you are doing. It might even catch out the more experience driver. But once you have learn the character of the RX8's handling and power band, you should start to appreciate what Mazda have brought us.
What's it like to park?
Can be difficult in the rain trying to turn the car around in a narrow street with low ballacks. Otherwise..... quite easy. but make sure you don't put it in a tight spot otherwise the rear passenger might not be able to get out due to the length of the front door.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Plenty. During the first three years...Cat converter, front shock aborber, engine mounts, rattling door trim panel, clutch cable, faulty clutch bearing(resulted in a new set of clutch @£650). Front drop links failed my first MoT at the beginning of the fourth year. four and half years down the line the two ignition coils need replacing.
What's most practical about your car?
The rear hinged door to keep my children from jumping out of the car while i'm driving.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The offset panel are great for heel-&-toe action. The light-up gear stick makes a real differece at night. The stereo are great but not as great as the engine note at 9000rpm. Leather seats are a must have.
