First launched in 2003, the RX-8 immediately made an impression. With its KODO 'soul of motion' styling, suicide doors and Renesis engine, the RX-8 firmly established itself as one of a kind.
Because of this, the RX-8 quickly earned itself a dedicated fanbase. And, despite going out of production in 2013, to this day it still retains a significant amount of popularity in the used car market.
For a type of buyer, there is only one Mazda RX-8, and they will accept no imitations.
Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au
Sleek and stylish good looks
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in our humble opinion, the Mazda RX-8 is stunning.
Those sleek lines, the smooth coupe body, the flared wheel arches. Combined, they create a car that looks like a sports car should, bold without being garish, dramatic but restrained. We absolutely love it.
Inside the car, it'll depend which model (and year) you choose. Most models feature the simple circular-focused dash, but, for our money the optional red leather really adds an extra layer of flair.
Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au
And, unlike a lot of great looking sports cars, it's not desperately impractical either. Thanks to the suicide doors, getting into the back is easy, although once you're in there, you may notice the lack of leg room.
What the critics say
"Build quality is excellent inside and out. Paint and panel fit as with most Mazda's is first class. The rotary motif that distinguishes the engine design from others is prominent inside the cabin."
- NRMA Motoring, mynrma.com.au
"The flowing design lines and a ripper engine note make this low-key car a highly desirable apex slayer."
- Paul Maric, caradvice.com.au
"Despite the RX-8’s sporty style and shape, the car is more practical than it looks thanks to rear-hinged back doors."
- Staff writers, carbuyer.co.uk
Gutsy and fun to drive
The RX-8 features a rotary engine. This has divided critics since the vehicle's inception. Some loved it for its uniqueness and smooth power delivery. Others dismissed it for its lack of overall grunt and poor fuel efficiency.
Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au
That said, the smaller size of the rotary engine, coupled with its comparatively light weight means that it can be placed ideally for weight distribution, and this makes the RX-8 wonderfully agile.
The RX-8 has a reputation for responsive handling with sharp turning and a firm yet comfortable ride. It has a great driving position, and the steering wheel shifting paddles are perfectly placed.
If you're after a powerhouse of a sports car, then you may want to look elsewhere. But, if you value refinement and tight handling above brute speed, the RX-8 may be the car for you.
What the critics say
"Given its head the RX-8 is very quick, the handling is sharp and responsive, and the ride, while firm, is not uncomfortable."
- Graham Smith, Cars Guide
"Smooth and tuneful, the rotary needs to be revved hard but loves you for doing it. The 9000rpm redline was a reality and the engine seemed to get smoother the harder you worked it."
- David Morley, Drive
"The RX-8 also can’t be faulted when cornering. The chassis is incredibly rigid, the tyres extremely grippy and the power delivery superb."
- Paul Maric, caradvice.com.au
Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au
Is it reliable?
In researching this article, we found conflicting reports regarding the reliability of used RX-8s. Some sources praised the car for its build quality, while others highlighted issues with the longevity of rotary motors.
You can cut down on your risk by choosing a more recent model and by insisting on seeing the car's service history. You can apparently spot a worn RX-8 engine by the oil smoke it blows, so always inspect for that as there may be no other obvious signs of a problematic engine.
Being an enthusiast's car can be a double-edged sword. Enthusiasts tend to care for their vehicles very well. However, they may also thrash them on weekend drives. If you're unsure about an RX-8's history, take it to a vehicle inspector for a professional opinion.
What the critics say
"Mazda build quality is of a high standard across all models, including the RX-8, so there's little complaint from owners about issues they've experienced."
- Graham Smith, Cars Guide
"A car being offered with a brand-new engine is probably the way to go provided the seller can provide all the receipts to verify the engine's born-again status."
- David Morley, Drive
"The RX-8’s rotary engine is a very specialist component and regularly checking its oil level will form an important part of ownership."
- Staff writers, carbuyer.co.uk
In Closing
If you've always loved the look and feel of the RX-8 but haven't bought one due to the pricetag, now may be the time. Used RX-8s still look great and drive superbly, now at a used car price.
Before buying, however, make sure you check the vehicle inside and out. Or, if you're unsure of what to look for, take it to a mechanic (preferably one who knows rotary engines) for a professional inspection.
Get a good quality used RX-8 and you could be in for a real treat at a bargain price.
Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au
