Actually, they're over-rated, which is why Mazda is offering to buy them back....still a sweet car in my opinion, I need to get out to drive one...

NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Mazda says it will buy back most of the 3,551 RX-8 rotary-engine sports cars sold since July because engine power falls short of claims.

The car company says power is as much as 5 percent less than advertised.

USA Today reported Thursday the miscue interrupts an important rollout of image-restoring sporty models but the company's quick action likely will head off any damage to the Mazda reputation.

Mazda sent letters Aug. 22 to RX-8 purchasers saying it would pay full sticker price plus taxes and other fees -- even if owners have run up thousands of miles on their cars. Those who tell Mazda they will keep their cars get free scheduled maintenance for the four-year, 50,000-mile warranty period, plus $500.

Mazda made the same buyback offer to purchasers of 2001 Miata two-seaters because those produced 142 hp instead of the advertised 155 hp.