Winning Blue Rotary Wonder: 45k-Mile 2006 Mazda RX-8 6-Speed

Launched in 2003, what made the RX-8 so special was its high-revving, 231hp 1.3L rotary engine mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The RX-8 did have a bit of an identity crisis: it’s not a regular coupe, but it’s also not a sedan, but it was cleverly designed with 4-doors that open in a clamshell configuration (the rear doors being rear-hinged). A bit unusual, getting out from the back seats implied opening up the driver’s door, and inside the RX-8 has a clean looking cabin, with comfortable seats and a great leather-wrapped steering wheel that offers a good grip. The gauge cluster reflects the rotary engine, with a redline at 9,000 rpm. The center console goes all the way to the back seats and surprisingly, the RX-8 has usable rear seating for two, as well as great leg and headroom.

These hi-revving cars are fast and fun to drive in stock original form, and even more fun with a few performance tweaks like the ones on this Winning Blue Mazda. Some of the performance upgrades include a set of Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57F 18" forged Monoblock wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3, 235/45R18 tires, H&R lowering springs, Mazdaspeed rear struts, HKS Legamax exhaust, Mazdaspeed lightweight flywheel, AFE short shifter, ShiftStyle shift boot and a Mazda Speed oil cap. Cosmetic upgrades include Clear Corner side marker lights, Racing Beat front bumper screens, Vertex Lang rear bumper and CF mirror covers. Additionally, a Yakima roof rack and a GTA car kit (allows you to play music with your iPhone through the speakers) were installed.

The seller states it has a few minor paint issues, a small problem with the remote door locks and TPMS (tire pressure light) flashes. It’s nice to know these things about the car before looking at it, and we appreciate the seller’s honesty. Overall, it looks to be a clean, low milage automobile that should be considered if you’re looking for a Mazda RX-8.