Owner Review: Rotary engine isn't as bad as its reputation - My 2005 Mazda RX-8 4AT

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Basic information about my car

2005 Mazda RX-8 4AT

Reasons why I bought this car

Weekend car plus it’s a 4 seater!

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM50k

• Model(s) that I have considered include: Honda CR-Z, Ford Fiesta Ecoboost, Mazda 2

Reasons why I chose this car:

I already have my daily drive car, so why not try something new. Owning a rotary car was one of my dreams since high school but was too afraid of engine failure but turns out, it's not as bad as everyone said.

User Experience

• I have already done 88,443 km

Since the purchase, my thoughts about the car are:

The RX-8 is amazing. The 50-50 ratio makes your car handling performance at its best. Just get some coil overs and cooling system upgrade your 8 is ready to go.

The RX-8 can take on any sharp corners without any hesitation, due to the auto transmission at times you don’t get to shift downwards as fast as a manual therefore sometimes it makes you frustrated. The 1.3 NA engine is slow compared to its brother RX-7 but lesser problems.

I really like how the rotary engine feels and gives. You can rev the engine freely anytime any day, just do some remaps and take out the rev limiter then your car can run past the red line easily. What makes it greater than a normal piston engine? Rotary engine runs smoother when you rev higher, it burns all carbon away.  That’s why no uncle aunty driving style on this car. Rev it all the way!  

Despite having a bad rep for its reliability, the engine itself is not at all malfunction prone. Just put in super seals for its apex seals, then the engine will last a little longer before a rebuild needs to be done. Install Obd meter to check your temp at all times, don’t let it overheat or you will get yourself into some huge troubles. Use 2T oil if it's possible to help smoother the apex seals and increase the life span for the engine.

Apart from that, the car is amazing. It can never compete with modern turbo cars or Myvi king on straight but when it comes to cornering, you will see each and everyone slow down while you shine rear light at them.

Will be converting to Manual transmission and hopefully swapping to bridge port when the next rebuild time comes. For now, let stick to what we have and enjoy the rest.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Handling is superb

• The looks are damn sick even after 15 years

• Once u go rotary, you will never go back

• It's practical in some way due to it's a 4 seated Sports car.

• Nothing compares to a rotary

Cons

• Its Auto which has lesser power compared to the Manual transmission

• The faster you go, the faster you empty the fuel tank

• Engine needs to be rebuild when the time comes

• Engine gets very hot easily (upgrade your cooling system will solve it)

Ratings

• Total Score: 5

• Performance: 5

• Quality & Features: 5

• Space: 4

• Ride Comfort: 3

• Fuel Economy: 1

• Price & Cost: 2

Summary

Live your life without regrets.

Interesting events that happened to my car

At times when cruising on high way, you will always get challenged by our legendary MYVI. And I also remember got smoked by a MAZDA MPS on LDP, such embarrassment. The car broke down on the highway due to ignition coil failure but a small issue.

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