Used Mazda RX-8 review: 2003-2011

Everybody remembers the Mazda RX-7. With its sexy looks and turbine-smooth rotary engine, it (and the rotary Mazdas that went before it) has a cult following.

But what about the RX-8? With its somewhat odd looks and layout (including small, reverse-opening rear doors) even a newer version of the rotary engine couldn’t really save it from obscurity. Relative to the RX-7, anyway.

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As a used-car, what the RX-8 mostly has to offer is a point of difference. That little rotary engine will spin happily from one end of the tachometer to the other and it’s an engaging car to drive provided you can live with a manual gearbox. In automatic form, the car lost power and was overall a bit dull.

Beyond that, it’s another Japanese coupe that is now definitely middle-aged and potentially well past its best. Which means the purchase of a used one requires much skill and judgment.

The RX-8 is known internally as the FE model.

Is Mazda RX-8 a good car?

The RX-8’s biggest selling point (then and now) is its rotary engine. Unlike conventional engines with pistons moving up and down, the rotary uses rotating segments that make for supremely smooth operation and brilliant power relative to its capacity.

If that floats your boat, the Mazda will appeal. But if you’re looking for the sort of style for which Japanese coupes are famous, then the odd looks of the RX-8 might be a disappointment.

And even though the turbocharged rotary engine has earned a reputation as a giant-killer in performance terms, in the heavier RX-8 with its non-turbocharged engine, it’s not a remarkable performer at all. Entertaining, sure, but fast? No.

Mazda RX-8 reliability

Like all rotary-powered Mazdas, there’s a huge question mark over the long-term reliability, particularly under the bonnet. The rest of the package is less problematic, but a trashed engine in an RX-8 could easily cost more than the car is actually worth.

Mazda RX-8 problems

While technically interesting and great fun to thrash along, the Mazda’s rotary engine can be a bit fragile. It requires very specific oil (some of which will be consumed in normal operation) and can wear very quickly, especially if it’s been driven hard or suffered maintenance neglect.

Wear will show up as a loss of engine compression, so a compression test should be part of any pre-purchase inspection. Internal seals can wear and fail at which point the engine can be very difficult to start.

Owners have also found out the hard way that the rotary engine (even in good condition) doesn’t like to be switched off until it has warmed up. If it has been switched off before attaining operating temperature, raw fuel can flood the engine, breaking the seal between the metal parts and causing a loss of compression and hard starting. It’s important to determine what’s causing any loss of compression, but in reality, every RX-8 engine needs to be approached with caution.

The RX-8 also attracted a type of buyer who was keen to extract every ounce of performance out of the car. As such, crash damage is a real possibility. Check for any mis-match between panel colours and make sure all the panel gaps are straight and uniform. Take a close look underneath for evidence of damage and be very wary of any modified example. Many owners extracted huge power by modifying these engines, but the end result was often a hand grenade missing its pin.

The RX-8 can also be hard on clutches, so make sure there’s no shuddering or slipping from the clutch when taking off.

A full and up to date service record is an absolute must with a Mazda RX-8 and any modifications to the driveline must be checked closely.

Beyond that, be sure to check that all the electrical gear works properly, including the air-conditioning as these units were a bit problematic back in the day and won’t be any better two decades on.

Mazda RX-8 recall

Early build (2003 to 2005) RX-8s were recalled to check for a flawed front control arm that could crack, leading to a loss of steering and control. Apparently, a manufacturing flaw was to blame, but it definitely needs to have been examined back in the day. A Mazda dealer should be able to identify affected cars and whether they’ve been checked.

Other recalls included potential fuel leaks, electrical problems, and, of course, the dreaded Takata airbag fiasco which saw the RX-8 recalled no less than three times.

For more details on these recalls, you can check out: https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/.

Mazda RX-8 years to avoid

The RX-8 to avoid is not determined by a production date, but rather by the transmission fitted. To make the revvy rotary engine work with an automatic transmission, Mazda detuned the engine for that version to make slightly more torque but a lot less horsepower.

So, instead of 177kW, the automatic RX-8 delivered just 141kW, and the transmission itself is an old-fashioned four-speed unit.

Aside from anything else, the idea of an automatic transmission behind such a rorty, zingy little engine is missing the point entirely.

Mazda RX-8 how many kilometres

This is a real crap-shoot because, depending on how a particular car has been serviced and driven, the rotary engine can last 200,000km, or it could be dead inside 80,000km. The problem there is that you can’t always be sure of a car’s history when it’s a 20-year-old used car.

Many RX-8s still getting around are on their second or even third engine, so a car’s history is absolutely vital in this case.

Mazda RX-8 best model

You can safely ignore trim levels, because with this car, it all comes down to performance levels. If you’re buying a manual RX-8, then the first generation cars between 2003 and 2008 are the ones to look for. That’s because the facelift in 2008 brought with it a reduction in performance to 170kW in the six-speed manual variant.

But, if it’s an automatic you need, then the post-facelift car is the way to go. That replaced the original RX-8’s 141kW with 158kW and the tired old four-speed auto with a much more suitable six-speed unit.

We’d still always buy the manual RX-8, however.

Mazda RX-8 resale value

Prices for relatively high-mileage RX-8s start in the very low teens or even a bit less. The best standard cars can cost closer to $30,000 or even $40,000 depending on mileage and condition. It’s worth noting that, unlike most cars, a modified RX-8 is not always a cheaper alternative to a stock standard example. But be aware that engine mods are fraught with danger and will only be as good as the mechanic who did them.

Mazda RX-8 parts

Although the rotary engine in the RX-8 was not identical to rotaries that went before it, it still falls within the scope of the enormous aftermarket this engine has spawned. There’s a universe of replacement and go-fast bits and pieces for the Mazda rotary.

On the other hand, the RX-8’s body panels were unique to what was effectively a pretty niche model. So, some trim items and body panels might be getting a bit harder to find. A local race series for the RX-8 probably consumed its share of spare body panels, too.

Mazda RX-8 sales

Mazda Australia sold about 6500 RX-8s across the model’s lifespan here. That means there aren’t exactly hundreds of them for sale at any given time and you may have to be patient to find the right one.

Again, that local race series for RX-8 will have thinned the ranks of survivors.