Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (231ps) 4d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That you are different - that may be good or bad.

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

Always turned heads, but not sure what they were saying behind my back!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Np - not a chance - far too unreliable and very poor service from Mazda.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure - have looked at a Lexus and Saab 9-3 convertible.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£17,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Got exciting reviews and certainly seemed "different".

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Fun and engaging, if working properly.

What's it like to park?

Okay, but very limited rear visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes - loads. The RX8 is full of known faults - many of them serious. The alloys rust from inside and you see very few RX8s without this problem. Mazda keep replacing with the same faulty alloys until your warranty runs out. There are also known rust problems throughout the car, particularly under each door on the sills and on the boot. The car is also notorious for not starting and is a pig if it floods - can only then be cleared by a dealer or through a convoluted procedure that they don't tell you about. My RX8 also had problems with the rotor - both sets blew after 30000 miles and caused damage to the cat. Lots of other niggles too long to list. Mazda service is very poor and despite known issues they swear that yours is the only one to ever have problems.

What's most practical about your car?

Very little - not designed for practicality.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Rear opening doors.