USED Mazda RX-8 Coupe (03 - 11)

My car

A fantastic car to drive but it is marred slightly by the faults that I have experienced in the 12 months of owning it.

A recall notice has only just been sent out to rectify the issue of the engine flooding when moving the car over a short distance while the engine is cold. This has happened to me twice, but would have happened many more times if I did not try to prevent it by running it for a while before switching the engine off.

It is very frustrating to not be able to even quickly take the car to fill up with petrol without having to take if for a spin beforehand! I have also experienced a tyre blow-out, which was pretty surprising for such a new car. The car has no spare, only a puncture repair kit. But unlike more basic cars with this very same set-up (e.g. Mini) there is no tyre pressure warning light. A huge oversight of Mazda in my opinion.

The car is great fun to drive, it drinks fuel, but that is to be expected. If you don't mind having to fill-up every few days and top-up the oil every 500 miles, then this is the car for you!

My car

Excellent overall, with a surprising deal of practicality. A few concerns: the tail can slides out easily in wet or damp conditions and I find it very hard to drive in even light snow (even with DSC off).

The lack of torque is quite apparent on motorway trips: changing down two gears is often required. The lack of range and fuel check are a bit irratating and the optional wheel fins have been prone to corrosion, as are the brake disks, which have become discoloured. Also, the light clusters steam up.

I use the RX-8 for 20K miles per year. Although the petrol costs hurt, it's a great car. The upsides outweigh any of the relatively minor criticisms above.

My car

I have found the ownership experience of this (my first car I have bought brand new) rewarding, exhilarating and yet entirely practical.

The car has performed faultlessly so far, with the odd squeak and rattle noticed when brand new disappearing now I have had a few thousand miles on the clock. I have 2 children and have found the space in the car ample, with plenty of passenger and luggage space for a vehicle with such sporty pretentions.

I have even managed to fit a monthly food shop into the boot!! The performance and handling of this car far exceeds my pretentions as a driver, its limits of handling far better than any car I have ever owned. I am due my free perfomance driving course with prodrive in Feb. I cant wait.

The downside - poor fuel consumption and the need to top up the oil regularly - but hey this is a sports car and requires driver involvement. I would recommend anyone to try this car - at the price it's a steal!!

My car

The rotary engine is a revelation, or is it revolution? At any rate, it's superb! Fury, with a new sound.