USED Mazda RX-8 Coupe (03 - 11)

My car

I've had this car for two years and it has been an absolute pleasure. In that time I had all the alloys simultaneously replaced with no hassle from the dealer, even though only one was showing corrosion, and also the fins (which were an optional extra).

Performance has been outstanding when you know how to get the best out of a rotary engine and I can forgive 25mpg at the mileages I do. Oil consumption is negligible, bearing in mind this is a 2003 car.

I haven't had engine flooding, even though I'm guilty in winter of driving only a few miles to work so it's not warmed up.

The only niggles I have are the amount of emulsified oil on the dipstick (I'm assured it's normal by the chief service engineer) which makes checking the oil tricky; he suggested not letting the engine fully cool down before an oil check. Engine seals and gaskets are OK and I'm not losing coolant.

The gear change sometimes is a bit random looking for 5th from 6th. Mind you, going into 3rd by mistake at 80mph is no problem!

The tyres, when changed, were the same Bridgestone original fit, as I couldn't find others with as much sidewall protection for the alloys.

If you want a cheesy grin every time you get in a car, please have an RX; it is the best handling car I've had yet.

I know it's daft but I still love all the positive comments, but after all it is a superb design - spot-on looks, handling and practical as well. My finance deal means I'm selling; I'm getting another RX-8.

My car

I have owned my car since July and travelled nearly 5000 miles. I never considered an RX8 until a friend let me try his Low Power version. I was very impressed and within a week I had brought an 18 month old Hi Power Example with Leather.

I came from an MG ZTT CDTI and have also owned a 968CS so I have been used to Torque and the RX8 doesnt have much. However, the engine is so smooth that bouncing off the 9K limiter really isnt a problem. The car handles day to day driving without a problem. They are very well equipped and leave you wanting very little on the equipment front. I have a 3yr and 5yr old and they love it in the back with their own storage and cup holder. The boot is fine for a weekend away and fits a stroller with ease.

Coming from a 968CS I can say that the RX8 handles just as well and is so well balanced, its still tricky in the wet but it is RWD afterall. Excellent on the motorway with more than enough pull in 6th. Dont buy this car if you are worried about MPG. As stated I get 18MPG and more on a long run but only 200 miles to a tank on my day to day commute. I check the oil every 500 miles and it really isnt a hassle. I think its an excellent all round car which is practical, looks good and is comfortable and well equiped. It could be better built inside but the enjoyment factor more than makes up for it.

Buy as late a car as possible, make sure all the upgrades and recalls have been done and check the owners club website for help and tips.

My car

I love this car to bits and you all know how great it is, but why is the third year service with Mazda so expensive? I was quoted £385 by Mazda for a service and when I asked them why it cost so much, they said its because they change the spark plugs? Mighty expensive spark plugs and generally part of any service you'd think. As it is now out of warranty, I think I'll go with the cheaper Kwik-Fit service+MOT for £179 all in. Bargain, but I hope I don't regret it. Any thoughts anyone?

My car

I was 40 - in need of cheering up so I booked a test drive... The garage had a Nordic Green brand new 228 on the forecourt. I was so impressed that I traded my Celica 190 there and then. I used to get bored with cars not with this one, also it is incredibly comfortable (I even spent 18 hours in it on the M5 recently and arrived home reasonably awake and unstiff). I took the offer of the pro-drive experience and it taught me plenty about the car and myself.

Flooding was an issue but removing the fuel pump fuse (middle one in the box) and turning the engine over until it fires cures that - I picked that up from the second engineer to visit after my wife had moved the car.

Very smooth to drive, acelerates like a rocket (when you thrash that w*nkel) and corners like its on rails (unless its a bit damp).

Jeremy Clarkson wasn't wrong this is an incredibly "GOOD CAR", pity there are so many around now I think it will be moving down the cool wall if there is another Top Gear series.

Of note you can't say W*nkel when reviewing this car a real shame!