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Used 2005 Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M) Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
18 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

A car for people who love cars

Rotaryphile, Ashburn, VA, 12/28/2015
Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful

This isn't my first rotary powered vehicle. I used to own an 86 first generation rx7 with a carbureted 12a 1.1 litter 2 rotor wankel. The car was an absolute blast. Minor maintenence kept the rotary alive well over 300k miles without any (I emphasize on ANY!!) internal engine work. Including the apex seals. I now drive an 05 shinka. Let me tell you. To say that I'm satisfied with the quality and reliability of my vehicle would be a complete understatement. It is simple to work on. Comfortable. My ac works fantastic at 115k miles. The car idles and pulls just fine. Burns oil just like it should. Never once has overheated on me. Never had to top off coolant. To say that the renesis wankel (what the engine is actually referred to) is put down so often only shows that rotary engines aren't exactly for everyone. Yeah my car has a few indicator lights on. I can't turn the dsc off without pulling the fuse, and it really tanks gas. But it's my money. I don't regret purchasing this car. Some advice. If your looking to buy one first off good luck finding a cheap one and second off drive the car for a long time and really get it hot before you purchase it. Kinda goes without saying.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Experiment in Beauty

Stenn, 02/19/2006
Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

As much as I love my 6-speed Shinka, I'd have to admit it's more an academic exercise in engineering and beauty, a "proof-of-concept" of the rotary engine, than a practical 21st century car. In this age of drying-up oil supplies and soaring fuel-cost, the gas-mileage on this work of art will "kill" you. I'm getting 14MPG no matter how careful I am, while my old, heavy, automatic '95 Nissan Pathfinder regularly gets 17MPG, go figure! Just driving normally ends up with 14mpg. I've only seen one owner-review that says he accomplishes the advertised 24/18, and I'd REALLY like to know how!

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2005 Mazda RX-8 for sale near you
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4.5 out of 5 stars

so sexy!!

wy, 04/07/2010
Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I just bought my car with barely 30000 miles and I love it!! I have always owned sports like cars but this one, hands down, takes the cake!! I was sketchy about buying a mazda because the last mazda i owned (a mx3) gave me alot of problems :( true this car may not be good for grocery shopping etc, but if you let her warm up and rev the engine before you kill it (not that hard rt??) she is a sexy lil thing to drive and I love her!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda RX8 Bang For the Buck

Brett Carner, 02/16/2005
Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I looked extensively for a daily driver with a sport car mentality. The Mazda RX8 was a hands down choice. The rotary engine is far ahead of the engines still today. It is a little thirsty on fuel economy if you get on it. Handling is excellent, rear view visibility is poor. Appearance and quality is very good, considering the price. If you are looking for a mid range sports car this is the choice. Mazda has an excellent warranty 5/50 and so far service is also above par. It is a fun car to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best of all worlds

Michigan Mom, 05/18/2005
Mazda RX-8 Manual Shinka Special Edition 4dr Coupe (1.3L 2rtr 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is a pleasure to drive: very responsive and agile, but also comfortable. Fit and finish are excellent, especially for a $30,000 car. The backseat easily accomodates medium-size adults or a car seat or booster seat. My kids (2 1/2 and 5) love riding in it. I also drove the Volvo V40 and was disappointed by the quality of the interior finish as well as the power. I also considered the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series, but they get really expensive when you load them up with options. With the RX-8 you can get all the options and a thrilling ride at a reasonable price, and also stand out in the crowd.

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