Used Mazda RX-8 ''is a fantastic sports car

Used car buyers have been advised about the qualities of the Mazda RX-8.

According to What Car? magazine, a used Mazda RX-8 combines practicality with excitement, with anyone who purchases the vehicle able to look forward to "exhilarating performance" and terrific handling.

Unusually for a coupe, the car can also fit four adults in comfort and also comes with a good-sized boot.

Despite all of its features, What Car? noted that a used Mazda RX-8 can be picked up for a very reasonable price.

"It''s a bargain as a new car and if you plump for a used example, it''s even more of a steal," motorists were told.

The review also stated that the vehicle gives excellent build quality and cast-iron reliability to its owners.

Praise was also bestowed upon the car by Top Gear magazine, which said it manages to combine good design with a good drive.

It went on to commend the vehicle''s performance, handling and comfort, stating that it is a very well-designed auto.

"The RX-8 carves out its own little niche - there''s not much to touch it," it was added.

New Mazda RX-7 May Replace RX-8

The Japanese automaker is reportedly working on a successor to its ultra-sexy FD RX-7, which bowed out of the market in the earlier part of the decade. An inside source has revealed to Edmunds that not only is a new RX-7 in the works but a brand new Renesis rotary engine is too. The story doesn't end there as the same sources has said that the new RX-7 may actually replace the slow-selling and relatively expensive RX-8.

Due for launch in late 2011, the new car is expected to eschew outright performance and prestige in favor of affordability and reliability. Mazda is reportedly looking to evoke the character of the original RX-7 (sold in the U.S. from 1979-1985) by keeping output around the 200-250 horsepower mark and prices well below $30,000. This will make the new car an ideal competitor to the likes of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and upcoming Toyota and Subaru joint sports cars.

Styling is expected to be influenced by 2007’s race-inspired Furai concept car (pictured) as well the 2008 Takai concept.

As for its powerplant, Mazda will use a new generation rotary engine dubbed the Renesis 16X, which it has already previewed in concept form. While this engine is capable of developing power levels upwards of 350 horsepower, Mazda will choose a more modest power output while focusing on lowering the weight of the engine itself and improving reliability and fuel consumption--two of the biggest problems with the current 13B unit found in the RX-8.