Strengths
- Rotary engine is unique
- 50/50 weight balance
- Pricing has crashed
Weaknesses
- Apex seal failures are the eternal rotary issue
- Fuel economy is poor
- Renesis hates short trips
Notable tech
- Mazda E-Type platform
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- RWD only
- Renesis rotary engine (last in production)
- Suicide rear doors
- Discontinued 2011
Common issues
- Apex seal wear (rebuild common at 60-100k)
- Catalytic converter failures
- Starter motor failures (from frequent crank attempts)
Used-market budget
$11,000
Typical price point for a well-maintained example with full service history. Cars priced significantly below this often require remedial work.