USED Mazda RX-8 Coupe (03 - 11)

My car

Well when i sold my flat i though treat!!! and this is what i come up with the Mazda rx-8 and with Mr Clarkson behind it i knew i was in for a treat. Although i am no speed queen i bought the bigger engine cause my boyfriend advised me to and boy does it shift. It loves long open roads but hates the short boring drive to and from my work. I also hate the fuel cost and to be honest this tax business has kicked me right in the teeth. I too now have to be sensible and go for a less costly car with the our dear friend Gordans idea of taxing us right where it hurts in the pocket!!! I am wiping a tear from my eye because every time i look at this car it makes me smile, it drives like a dream in the dry but whatch out for the back end slide when its wet and greasy. Its oil i agree isnt as bad as i thought it was but i did have a shock when my light came on and no other oil will do but madza recommended own oil!!! I love this car and its well an eye turner and mine is classic red which stands right out even when it needs a good wash. Will be sad to let it go so cheers Gordan your NOT on my christmas card list!!!!

My car

I can safely say this is a fantastic car, I personally bought this car for the thrills of a well balanced rear wheel drive car that would always put a smile on my face and a scorn on the person who is being left in my dust trail. The car is Quick as hell if you drive it right, and if you do drive it right, don't expect many MPG, but like i said, i bought it for thr thrills, so the downsides are ones i can live with. One problem i have is the incredible amount of heat being genertated my the CAT, the cabin gets ridiculosly hot as does the cup holders and hand brake, anyone else had this prob if so did you get it fixed??

My car

We recently went out to buy a patio set, and came back with a brand new mica grey RX8. We had the Sport kit fitted (lowered suspension, side skirts, sports alloys, RX8 decals etc.) It looks and drives fantastic. The build quality, interior comfort and appearance is brilliant - we have the rare Ivory Leather seats as opposed to the more common black leather interior which the Demonstrator car had, and it really 'opens' up the feel of the interior and is not so claustrophobic, especially for rear seat passengers. Fuel economy is poor (21mpg average so far), and £400 VED a Government rip-off, but become insignificant complaints against the looks and driving experience of the RX8. The low torque annoyed me at first as I'd previously owned a 911 & 944, then I learned how the car should really be driven ie on the rev limit!!! Superb roadholding, slightly stiff suspension at low speed but great at cruising speed. A design so clever that 4 adults, 2 medium sized suitcases and a couple of small holdalls can be carried in style and comfort. Rear seat access very easy, and safe too for the children as they cannot open the doors until the front doors have been opened. The Bose sound system with 9 speakers is awesome. Great airbag safety too. My wife instantly loved it, I took 24 hrs longer but it has won me over. Fantastic car - thank you Mazda.

My car

Have rated as 4 for running costs but sadly this is now a real issue with fule prices on the rise and Mr Brown hitting us for 6 on VED. Was prepared for 20 mpg but not at £1.20 ltr! Oil isn't the huge issue that all warn about. Needs slightly more than other cars I have had but only need to top up every 1000 miles or so.

The last straw is that £400 VED has now seen the bottom drop out of used values so in a lose/lose situation re keep/sell!

I bought new in 2006 and have loved every minute of those 2.5 years. Victoria Park Mazda in Cardiff very good, and apart from new cat fitted after 1000 miles (they don't look after them when shipping over here) no probs at all.

Pro Drive day great fun and adds confidence to your driving.

Elderly parents find it easy to access rear seats due to suicide doors (they can't get into my sis' CLK).

Will prob have to sell and buy sensible (Golf GT 2.0 Tdi 170ps) but with huge sadness.

Have owned V70 T5, Golf GTI's, 5 series, but have loved this and become really attached to it.

Just hope that Gov't has change of heart soon so that I can stick with the Rexie!!