Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) PZ 4d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

No idea. Dont care. I bought it because I love the engine and the handling without reliabiliy problems. Some people think its a hairdressers car ? Dont think so...this is a real drivers car - particularly in PZ form.

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

They all love it and understand its a mid-life crisis. This a seriously sexy car but is a bloke buy in PZ. Standard one is a bit woolly and doesn't handle as well or sound as good.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, because I have had my fun and its out of my system. You dont want to drive this as a day to day car its constantly begging for a thrash and sometimes you cant be bothered. But dont miss out on having one if you are a driver you will love this but you wont want it forever. Analogy: you would date her for a few months but you wouldn't marry her...

What are you likely to buy next?

Mazda 6 MPS (wish they did an estate!)

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£15,250

When did you buy the car?

March 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, I got £750 off the screen price and the final price was fair but not outstanding but then not many PZ versions around so moved quickly when it came up

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted the PZ version for the increased handling and a little more individuality

What was the dealer like?

Polite, reasonably helpful when I returned it with some "issues" to check out.

What's it like to drive?

Look its a mental sports car and in PZ variant its HARD! on the road but the handling is unspeakably good. The acceleration is not like a hot hatch with a turbo but its kind of linear, keep the revs up and it just keeps on going regardless of speed without running out of welly at higher speeds. The acceleration from say 40 to 80 in 2nd and and then 3rd would beat many cars but it just does it without the initial punch. That engine is staggering and you can thrash it all day and it just wants more.

What's it like to park?

Horrendous. I dont mind parking anything notrmally but this is just awful visibility but I dont care at all. I love this car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not according to the dealer but I am unhappy about excessive gearbox/transmission whine (not the engine - thats a nice whine!). Also some grinding on full lock pulling away. 2 different dealers and 2 road tests later and nobody can hear the problems. Hmm.....

What's most practical about your car?

4 proper seats in a sports coupe ! Boot is amazing - this car is the tardis - weekend away with cases and kids, is little tight but it goes in ! Its not for that but our other car was wrecked so had to manage for a while as main car and no problems with practicality for such a car.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Drivers seat is so adjustable and comfortable - good job as my wife messes up the settings everytime she uses it:-)