Mazda RX-8 (2003 - 2010) (231ps) 4d (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I like fast cars and... are those kids seats in the back???

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends love it and can't believe it was so cheap. Neighbours can't believe we use it as a family car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not sadly. The two kids have bikes and it isn't really practical to get a roofrack for the car (Japanese import racks only). Also, 18mpg hurts. The oil consumption is annoying to keep having to top up but the cost of a bit of oil is negligible.

What are you likely to buy next?

A dog wagon. Something that isn't trying to go fast - no estate car is going to have the handling to compare with the RX8 except possibly an Impreza and that is too boy racer.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,300

When did you buy the car?

January 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, the owner was willing to have the engine compression tested before I viewed the car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

To exorcise the demon of a diesel BMW estate.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Dear god. On A and B roads it handles like a dream car. Like a Porsche (I imagine). The balance is so neutral that you go into bends knowing you aren't going to plow on through in understeer and when the back end kicks out it isn't trying to overtake the front, it's just entering into a progressive loss of traction - in other words you need to keep pushing before it would spin, if you ease off you quickly regain traction. Brilliant. This car teaches you how to drive. It's like a bigger mx5 with four seats. Power is underwhelming below 4500rpm and mind blowing over it.

What's it like to park?

I bought parking sensors but never got round to fitting them. The front and rear are easy enough to judge but the sides are so curved and flared that I keep kerbing the alloys.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No.

What's most practical about your car?

Boot size, access to rear seats. Rear seats big enough for kids in car safety seats or adults. It's not a saloon car, but it does work as a family car.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Rear opening doors, bose stereo.