Mazda RX8 Pros And Cons – Make An Informed Decision

Mazda RX8 is a stylish coupe that has a unique styling and distinct look unlikely to be found in other coupes. The superior style combines with smooth handling and a powerful engine – making it highly appealing to a specific buyer class. But, are Mazda RX8 good cars? Well, a discussion on Mazda RX8 pros and cons will help to make you an informed decision.

Mazda RX8 Pros And Cons

The car has its fair share of praise and criticism. The fans rave about its good looks, fantastic stability and control, practical features, and many other things. But, the critics are not fond of the mileage, performance on wet grounds, the rotary engine, and high maintenance costs.

Before jumping into the Mazda RX8 pros and cons, let’s see what kind of a car it is. The Mazda RX-8 is the successor to the legendary RX-7 and went on sale in the US in 2002. There was a decade-long production run, with the last model launched in 2012. It is a rear-wheel-drive, front mid-engine coupe.

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Powered by a rotary Wankel engine, it gained popularity due to its powerful performance, smooth cruising ability, and enough boot space. However, the four-seater performs poorly in terms of gas mileage and carbon emission – the latter was the reason for its discontinuity from the European market in 2010.

Mazda RX8 pros

The look – There are lots of people who adore the Mazda RX8 for its aesthetic. The styling is not aggressive but not quite refined either. The interior puts on a vintage spin by featuring a combination of black and red colors. Driving the car on the road will earn you frequent nods and compliments, especially from people who have an appreciation for these types of cars.

The engine – The high-revving, 1.3-liter rotary engine generates a great amount of power. Also, you will enjoy excellent handling because the engine power goes to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. The speed is not super fast and it does not shoot off as a rocket like a sports car but the incredible handling will give you the feel of driving one.

Reasonable price – Many people don’t rely on the rotary engine and its power. For this reason, it is possible to score a Mazda RX8 at an affordable price.

Mazda RX8 cons

Small size – The interior might give a tough time to the taller people. Also, the smaller body leads it to the blind spot of other cars.

Poor mileage – One major weak point of the car is its low fuel efficiency. For example, the 2010 RX8 yields 16 mpg and 22 mpg in the city and on the highway for the 6-speed manual version. The automatic version runs for one more mile on the highway.

High maintenance costs – The maintenance, registration, and insurance will cost more than other cars. Also, bailing out on a scheduled service like an oil change will lead to bigger problems.

Is a Mazda RX 8 a good car:

Is Mazda RX8 Reliable?

The Mazda RX-8 is a beautiful coupe sport. The straight lines on the body combined with the sleek LED headlights and taillights make it look very stylish. Even though the RX-8 is two decades old, with its debut in 2002, it still looks modern on America’s roads. However, there is a debate among car enthusiasts and owners about the question whether the RX 8 is a reliable car or not. While some people have had positive experiences with the RX-8’s reliability, others have encountered issues with its rotary engine.

One of the main concerns with the RX-8 is its rotary engine, which is known for its unique design but also presents some challenges in terms of reliability. The rotary engine requires regular maintenance and specific care to ensure its longevity. Failure to properly maintain the engine, such as not checking and topping up the oil frequently, can lead to issues like engine flooding, loss of compression, or even catastrophic engine failure.

Additionally, the RX-8’s rotary engine tends to consume more oil compared to traditional piston engines. This means that owners need to regularly monitor and replenish the oil levels to prevent engine damage.

Furthermore, some owners have reported issues with other components of the RX-8, such as ignition coils, spark plugs, and the cooling system. These issues can contribute to a higher cost of ownership and potential reliability concerns.

The Final Words

If you compare the Mazda RX8 pros and cons, the latter seems to be higher in number. However, it is more about your preferences than counting the benefits and downsides. If you want a good-looking stallion on the road at a reasonable price, go for it. But, if gas mileage, carbon emission, and maintenance costs have a big role in your plan, look elsewhere.