WonkoTheSane wrote: Wow, yeah, I'm always amazed at the hate this board throws on the 8. I've had mine since 2007, it's the first car I ever bought new. I'm up to 60k, and I've changed oil, coolant and a set of spark plugs, brake fluid and pads. I've probably averaged ~20mpg over its life, but there's a couple of track days thrown in there, so a few miles of 6-8 mpg bring down the bunch :) The whole "trick" to rotaries is to simply beat them like they owe you money. After it's up to temp, you should plan on redlining once a day minimum. That burns out any excess deposits and keeps the cat healthier as well. Check the oil level about every other or every third fill up, or at least take it seriously when the low oil light comes on in the dash. My friends with 350zs don't get that much better on highway (they've seen 26ish vs my 22ish). Everyone jumps on the torque level, but I've seen the same people praise s2000s, which have extremely similar power to weight and curves. I've got no complaints there, but it won't hit you at 1200 rpm, either. I'm obvously a fan boy, and I've logged over 300k on rotary engines, but I love mine, and I can't think if anything I'd replace it with at the moment.
I agree, a much maligned car that doesn't really deserve it. I have an 04 I bought used. Engine replaced at 98,000 w/140,000 showing on odometer now. The kit for the clutch pedal repair is great. Do have the coolant level senser issues right now, haven't bothered to replace the tank yet so I live with an intermittant light. Also haven't had any coil issues yet. Do regular oil and plug changes. And drive it like I stole it, rev it to redline at least everytime I get behind the wheel. Only mod on mine is MazdaSpeed springs which lowers the car about an inch and Hawk HPS pads. Shocks are getting tired and weak now though. Used to autocross it regular but since my daughter gave me back my 99 Miata I autocross it now as it is more prepped. Plus it's cheaper to run. RX8 is a well balanced car and quick for what it is. It's the first rotary I've had and I'm now a fanboi. The only thing I would trade it for is a newer S2 RX8.
Also gives me evil thoughts about a JDM 3-rotor w/RX8 drivetrain & brakes w/Miata suspension under an Opel GT body. 
