We have heard a few people ask – Is a Mazda RX8 a good first car?
You are probably in search of a good car that you can invest in. Perhaps you have never owned a car before and are wondering if a Mazda RX8 is worth it. Maybe you are looking to buy one for a teenager who has limited driving experience.
If so, then this article is for you. We will discuss whether a Mazda is a good first car and which model makes the best car for a first-time vehicle owner. Let’s jump right into it.
Is A Mazda RX8 A Good First Car?
First of all, Mazda is highly regarded for its reliability in terms of performance. In fact, it competes well with other giant brands such as Honda and Toyota. With the well-known strengths of this vehicle such as practicality, roomy interiors and refinements, it is a suitable car for those who have never owned one in the past.
Now, if you are in search of a reliable first car, midsize and compact models by Mazda are better suited for you. On the other hand, higher-performing and older models are not quite ideal for teens and inexperienced drivers.
Let’s look at the Mazda RX8 for example. In terms of overall performance and features, the RX8 has more features that make it shine greater than its predecessor, the RX7. The two-rotor engine is the same as the RX7, which is 1.3L, yet the RX8 is naturally aspirated. This is why the RX8 fairs slightly better than the older model.
However, it is safe to say that in terms of its suitability to first car owners, we would say it is near average at best. This is because there are certain similarities between the RX8 and the RX7.
For instance, the rotary engine parts tend to be more expensive than other models. These spares are also becoming harder to find, so it may be a bit of a limiting factor when problems with the engine break and a replacement is your only option.
Additionally, the middling acceleration could be better. The existing 232-horsepower engine equipped with manual transmission goes from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. While this is fine for others, it is not exactly an excellent measure to consider it as a first car.
The RX8 also has a RWD drivetrain. For inexperienced drivers, it is not the best platform to start simply because when driving in slippery road conditions, RWDs are not the easiest to handle. Since the RX8 has been around for a while, fixing it is not that cheap nor easy because some of the parts may no longer be in production.
We would also like to point out the fuel economy of this vehicle. It is at 18 mpg, which is not the most impressive considering the fact that other vehicles offer better mileage. So, if you are wondering – is a Mazda RX8 a good first car, the poor fuel economy can be a huge drawback.
Another thing we observed about the Mazda RX8 is the low seating position. It has a low dashboard, which is okay when you need outward visibility. However, it is a bit lower for the RX8, which impacts your need for much better visibility, especially when you are just starting out as a driver. This design can impact your comfort as well as your safety.
But if you are only driving for a short period and just around town, driving in an RX8 is fine. However, since it is low-slung, you can experience the light beams constantly shining in your eyes, including the headlights of other vehicles on the road. These can all be overwhelming for new drivers, which increase the likelihood of accidents.
Additional Points To Keep In Mind
Now, there are a few reasons why the Mazda RX8 is not exactly the best first car. However, you should be able to find a secondhand RX8 for as low as $5000 or even cheaper. In terms of the upfront cost, it seems reasonable. Yet, be prepared to pay more for fuel considering its less-than-perfect fuel economy.
With all these things being said, the Mazda RX8 is not the best first car. Yet, there are even worse model years of the RX8 out there. If you do decide to get an RX8, be sure to avoid these model years due to safety concerns and poor fuel economy: 2011, 2010, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2004, and 2009.
In addition to all these, the Mazda RX8 has not undergone redesign of any sort. This is a bit disappointing considering it has been around for 8 years now. The fuel economy is still poor, and this is most evident with the 2004 model.
Once again, we would like to mention that the Mazda RX8 is a rear-wheel drive type of a car. For first-time drivers, a FWD is more suitable, which is why it is best to look into it as an option.
If you are on a tight budget and would like to get a Mazda as a first car, then the RX8 is not quite your best bet. On the other hand, you can choose a subcompact car such as the Mazda 2, which is also reasonably-priced and easier to manage.
What’s great about this model, for instance, is that it is nimble and maneuverable – this is why it is good for city driving. The upfront cost is cheap and the fuel economy is decent.
There are few issues with the car, so you would not have to deal with a lot of headaches and cost for repairs.
Read More: Is A Mitsubishi Eclipse A Good First Car? Find Out Here!
Bottom Line
Is a Mazda RX8 a good first car? In terms of upfront cost of buying a used RX8, it is without a doubt affordable. However, there are many drawbacks to it such as the poor fuel economy, reduced availability of rotary engine parts, and other issues that make it less suitable for first time owners.