Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) R3 (231ps) 4d (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am having a mid-life crisis am taking it out on the environment.

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

They love the look and sound of it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No chance, the running costs - fuel, tax, tyres etc. are simply far too high.

What are you likely to buy next?

Mazda 6 diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,995

When did you buy the car?

August 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable enough - I got a few freebies thrown in.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A performance car but practical enough to carry the family.

What was the dealer like?

Nothing special but no real problems.

What's it like to drive?

It's fun but you need to use the top half of the rev range right up to 9K to experience good performance. But then you can almost see the fuel gauge going down.

What's it like to park?

Not always easy given the low seating position and wide arches.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car has had an intermittent misfire since I've bought it and Mazda have yet to identify the cause. Some items of interior trim have broken, and the 5th gear synchro is worn out after 52,000.

What's most practical about your car?

The rear doors. As there are no pillars you can fit a lot in - I have carried a full five piece drum kit with room to spare!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Rain sensors to control the intermittent wipe.