USED Mazda RX-8 Coupe (03 - 11)

My car

Just bought RX 8 PZ 35 miles on clock, saved £7k on list price, got to be said an absolute bargain, swapped impreza wrx new shape, had all sorts of fast cars, type r's etc, if you are looking at the RX 8 don't listen to some of the reviews on here as it will put you off like it nearly did me! As for running costs buy a fiesta if it bothers you that much!!!! As for no torque get yourself some driving lessons,rear wheel drive at 9000 revs what more can you ask for??????????????? Driven in the correct manner this car is a BEAST!!!! As for reliability the car is japanese say no more ... The only downside £300 a year raod tax, but a lot cheaper to insure than the STI!

My car

I owned a 228bhp RX8 from new. The good things include its practicality - yes, it has four seats, but for adults in the back? Mmm, only as long as they are not claustrophobic; they should be ok for short journeys.

The RX8 is actually very good and holds the road extremely well. I have to agree with a previous comment about thinking it is fast; up to 60mph, it is relatively quick but you have to have that engine in the power! If you catch a high gear and revs drop, you almost come to a standstill - there is absolutely no torque at all. I did a test from 20mph in top gear, with foot to floor, it just didn't accelerate at all!

So, yes, it can be relatively quick (but don't try going up against a Boxster/M3 etc, they will leave it for dust. Stay in the power above 6000rpm. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice car, with relatively good build quality (apart from the air-con and gearbox, ywhich packed up on me in the first nine months!).

I sold this and went for a 350Z GT4, which returns similar fuel economy, but which is in a different league when it comes to brute power! Out of the two? I'd have the 350Z all day long, as long as you can give up the two 'rear seats'.

My car

I chose this vehicle as a company car for the positive reasons of its comfort, performance and individual appearance. I convinced myself that the associated tax liabilities, fuel and oil costs could be coped with. Whilst being a mature motorist, I still enjoy to drive briskly on entertaining roads. My employment necessitates journeys across such areas as the Yorkshire Moors and social visits often include the Scottish Highlands. Travelling these routes in this car is a joy. The car simply flows once you adapt to the necessary driving style, this being to use the revs and not to rely on low rev torque, as this does not exist. Having now driven this car for 22,000 miles, it has proved totally reliable. My driving style of avoiding low revs has returned an average fuel consumption of 27 mpg and oil consumption has been 8 litres from new. The only negative comments I can make is that wet roads can present a challenge and tyre noise is intrusive. Whilst I would not advocate this, turning off the traction control in the wet actually makes the car more predictable and controllable. I have coped with the tax and running costs, the smile factor out weighing these, however the main problem presented by this car is what to have next. I suspect to find a different car with this level of roadholding and stability will cost a great deal more and I'm not sure whether my employer cares for me that much.

My car

I've had my RX-8 for about 5 months now and I still enjoy driving it as much as the 1st time!

Cabin quality and gadgets are unrivalled for the price and the comfort is fantastic, especially on long trips.

I had 4 fully sized adults in the car and she drove effortlessly along at motorway speeds.

Rear space is good for a coupe and the boot is very spacious.

To drive, you have to use the plenty of revs to get the best out of the engine. For everyday driving, it's best to use between 3-4 thousand revs and stick it in 6th gear to improve MPG. However, 1st gear to 8.5k revs will get you to about 45mph pretty quickly!

As for costs, a full tank with modest driving will return 250 miles and oil usage is about 1 litre per 2k miles (roughly) so not quite as bad as the rumours.

But I'm expecting tax, MOT and service to be expensive, with an insurance quote being about £700 for me (I'm 26, 3 years no claims, low milage driver).

In conclusion, its the best sports coupe with 4 (real) seats you can buy. It's like having a mistress!