RX-8 help for a friend
Discussion
A colleague of mine has recently got a promotion (not that I'm jealous 
) and so is looking for a new car. She's taken heed of my advice and is quite keen on an RX-8...
She went to a Mazda dealer last week and test drove both the 190bhp and 230bhp versions, and preferred the 230bhp one (well, who wouldn't?). However, when she was talking brass tacks afterwards, the dealer tried to talk her out of the 230bhp version claiming that because she does a lot of short journeys the engine would get clogged up. OK, we all know that short journeys are bad news for engines, but is there any reason why the 230 should be less suitable than the 190 in this respect?
Also, can anyone clarify the spec differences between the 2? She reckons the only difference is the 6-speed 'box and alloy pedals, but I was under the impression that there was more to it than that?
Finally, the dealer says there's a 5 month waiting list which doesn't bode well for talking the price down. Is there anywhere cheaper to pick up an RX-8? Presumably if they're in such short supply, car supermarkets and the like will be finding it difficult to get hold of any?
) and so is looking for a new car. She's taken heed of my advice and is quite keen on an RX-8... She went to a Mazda dealer last week and test drove both the 190bhp and 230bhp versions, and preferred the 230bhp one (well, who wouldn't?). However, when she was talking brass tacks afterwards, the dealer tried to talk her out of the 230bhp version claiming that because she does a lot of short journeys the engine would get clogged up. OK, we all know that short journeys are bad news for engines, but is there any reason why the 230 should be less suitable than the 190 in this respect?
Also, can anyone clarify the spec differences between the 2? She reckons the only difference is the 6-speed 'box and alloy pedals, but I was under the impression that there was more to it than that?
Finally, the dealer says there's a 5 month waiting list which doesn't bode well for talking the price down. Is there anywhere cheaper to pick up an RX-8? Presumably if they're in such short supply, car supermarkets and the like will be finding it difficult to get hold of any?
"She went to a Mazda dealer last week and test drove both the 190bhp and 230bhp versions, and preferred the 230bhp one (well, who wouldn't?). However, when she was talking brass tacks afterwards, the dealer tried to talk her out of the 230bhp version claiming that because she does a lot of short journeys the engine would get clogged up. OK, we all know that short journeys are bad news for engines, but is there any reason why the 230 should be less suitable than the 190 in this respect? "
Short trips arnt a problem, atm just get the car warmed up and it'll be ok, old ECu code has a problem with flooding, but is fixed now. I do mostly a mix of short trips and 15mile commutes through traffic.
"Also, can anyone clarify the spec differences between the 2? She reckons the only difference is the 6-speed 'box and alloy pedals, but I was under the impression that there was more to it than that? "
yep - more to it. The 230 engine is signifficantly different, 3rd air intake with a variable dynamic air intake system (s-dais), a 3rd injector port too. 230 also gets the xennonm headlights and washers, 6 speed (close ratio) gearbox and the aly pedal sets. Its far better value for money, 40bhp, 2k rpm, pedals and xennons for £2k.
In Europe/rest of the world the 190 gets 16" wheels, smaller brakes etc, UK 190's are better spec.
"Finally, the dealer says there's a 5 month waiting list which doesn't bode well for talking the price down. Is there anywhere cheaper to pick up an RX-8? Presumably if they're in such short supply, car supermarkets and the like will be finding it difficult to get hold of any?"
Doubt there will be any new ones not from mazda dealers, and there not allowed to talk price, mazda will cut supply to them. can save a few quid but not a lot. 2nd hand ones values seem to be holding up too, should get over £21k for my 6month old 10k mile example (you'd have to prise the keys from my cold dead hands...).
You CAN get one quicker if your lucky and flexable. Have a word with specman here : www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum he's the club dealer liason guy and can find a few new cars going spare at dealers sometimes.
Make sure she is prepaired for the low MPG (18-25) and the frequent oil checks/topups, otherwise dont bother.
Short trips arnt a problem, atm just get the car warmed up and it'll be ok, old ECu code has a problem with flooding, but is fixed now. I do mostly a mix of short trips and 15mile commutes through traffic.
"Also, can anyone clarify the spec differences between the 2? She reckons the only difference is the 6-speed 'box and alloy pedals, but I was under the impression that there was more to it than that? "
yep - more to it. The 230 engine is signifficantly different, 3rd air intake with a variable dynamic air intake system (s-dais), a 3rd injector port too. 230 also gets the xennonm headlights and washers, 6 speed (close ratio) gearbox and the aly pedal sets. Its far better value for money, 40bhp, 2k rpm, pedals and xennons for £2k.
In Europe/rest of the world the 190 gets 16" wheels, smaller brakes etc, UK 190's are better spec.
"Finally, the dealer says there's a 5 month waiting list which doesn't bode well for talking the price down. Is there anywhere cheaper to pick up an RX-8? Presumably if they're in such short supply, car supermarkets and the like will be finding it difficult to get hold of any?"
Doubt there will be any new ones not from mazda dealers, and there not allowed to talk price, mazda will cut supply to them. can save a few quid but not a lot. 2nd hand ones values seem to be holding up too, should get over £21k for my 6month old 10k mile example (you'd have to prise the keys from my cold dead hands...).
You CAN get one quicker if your lucky and flexable. Have a word with specman here : www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum he's the club dealer liason guy and can find a few new cars going spare at dealers sometimes.
Make sure she is prepaired for the low MPG (18-25) and the frequent oil checks/topups, otherwise dont bother.
Personally that sounds like b*!!"cks to me. I have an rx7, which like the rx8 has a rotary engine.
I can't remember the actually techie differences between the low and high power rx8 versions but I think it hard to believe that there would be more issues with short trips.
As you have stated, most engines don't appreciate short duration trips but rotaries are even less tolerant.
The renasis engine in the rx8 is meant to be more reliable than earlier rotaries but I would suspect the same holds true. If your friend is only going to be doing mostly slow speed, short journeys then perhaps the rx8 isn't really the ideal car for them.
I can't remember the actually techie differences between the low and high power rx8 versions but I think it hard to believe that there would be more issues with short trips.
As you have stated, most engines don't appreciate short duration trips but rotaries are even less tolerant.
The renasis engine in the rx8 is meant to be more reliable than earlier rotaries but I would suspect the same holds true. If your friend is only going to be doing mostly slow speed, short journeys then perhaps the rx8 isn't really the ideal car for them.
RobDickinson said:
Make sure she is prepaired for the low MPG (18-25) and the frequent oil checks/topups, otherwise dont bother.
I made a point of spelling both those things out to her. She was fine with the fuel consumption, but did look a tad concerned when I told her she'd have to check the oil
Is this her own money or a company car. If its her own money, spend a bit extra on a Nissan 350Z - 0% depreciation over the last 6 months.
There seem to be mumblings in the car mags that the RX8 will suffer the depreciation woes of all rotary engined cars.
She should also consider a used BMW 330CI - excellent cars, if you can stand the image, or if she wants to spend less, the Hyundai Coupe V6.
There seem to be mumblings in the car mags that the RX8 will suffer the depreciation woes of all rotary engined cars.
She should also consider a used BMW 330CI - excellent cars, if you can stand the image, or if she wants to spend less, the Hyundai Coupe V6.
TheGreatSoprendo said:
I made a point of spelling both those things out to her. She was fine with the fuel consumption, but did look a tad concerned when I told her she'd have to check the oil
Someone will have to check. a small sump and an engine that uses oil = 1litre per 2000miles or so (varies with driving).
No check , no engine. If the light comes on you have to stop NOW and top up.
"Is this her own money or a company car. If its her own money, spend a bit extra on a Nissan 350Z - 0% depreciation over the last 6 months.
There seem to be mumblings in the car mags that the RX8 will suffer the depreciation woes of all rotary engined cars. "
Doubt it, in 6 months I've barely lost a penny on mine, even with 10k 0n the clock. The 350z will drop in price soon as nissan flood the market (which they will do, have done in the US). And anyhow, the 350z is only £24k because of the RX-8, otherwise it would have been £27k+
"She should also consider a used BMW 330CI - excellent cars, if you can stand the image, or if she wants to spend less, the Hyundai Coupe V6."
330ci is ok if you do BMW, I dont, prob the closest to the 8. Not as sporty and heavier tho.
Hyundai I like, but its all show, no go, which is a shame, even for the v6.
Theres more room in the back of the 8 than the 330, and the 350z doesnt even have rear seats (tho its wheelbase is almost identical, see what happens with a v6...)
douglasr said:
Is this her own money or a company car. If its her own money, spend a bit extra on a Nissan 350Z - 0% depreciation over the last 6 months.
It's her own money. I did mention the 350Z to her (and the S2000) but she has an MX-5 at the moment and really wants something with half decent rear seats next...
Rob - Don't worry I'll be reiterating the point about the oil to her when she gets the car. Fair play, she's fairly clueless about cars, but she does take heed of everything I tell her.... which is nice
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