Thinking about getting an RX-8

[mountjonas]

I used to have a 91 GTU and it was an absolute blast to drive. Lately, I've been thinking of selling my wrx and picking up an 05-ish rx8. The prices have fallen and the thought one makes me all giddy.

Don't get me wrong, I love love love my wrx, but I guess I have a 3-4 year itch with cars. With the mazda5 and prius, the wrx just sits in the garage and it's too practical a vehicle to waste. So i want to ditch a little bit of practicality for more fun. Thoughts?

 

[SpooledupRacing]

IMO an RX7 and an RX8 drive and feel much different..

If you have not driven an RX8 yet... go do that first.. then decided.. yes they are fun.. but personally I think driving my RX7 is MUCH funner.

 

[jjrider9]

i owned a 1988 T2 Rx7 before my 8...i sold it for the 8.

my T2 had more power cuz of all the upgrades I had but i love how the 8 drives. I would say test drive a 8 first to see if you like it....but so far i havent met too many ppl that test drive one and dnt want it. unless your a straight line muscle car person

 

[lil_red_wagon]

i would definitely say that they are equally as fun to drive, but i would say that a t 2 would stomp the hell out of an 8.

 

[mountjonas]

I'm not looking for all out speed so much as I'm looking for a great handling car to cruise around in. Most likely I'll use it as my friday commuter. I definitely want to test drive one before buying. It's a toss-up between an rx8 g35, s2k or 350. The rx seems to be the least douchebaggy, and I like the quirkiness of it.

 

[SpooledupRacing]

i would definitely say that they are equally as fun to drive, but i would say that a t 2 would stomp the hell out of an 8.

my 7 destroyed my friends 8


7 owns all

 

[Rotary_Powered]

you know you want to go back to rotary power don't deny it!

 

[lil_red_wagon]

I'm not looking for all out speed so much as I'm looking for a great handling car to cruise around in. Most likely I'll use it as my friday commuter. I definitely want to test drive one before buying. It's a toss-up between an rx8 g35, s2k or 350. The rx seems to be the least douchebaggy, and I like the quirkiness of it.

i think that the rx8 is the best pick out of that group. the 350z and g35 are kind of pretentious cars and i think that the rx8 looks way better than the s2k. that's just my two cents, but i am biased.

 

[SpooledupRacing]

In that list I would choose

G35
RX8
S2K
350Z


I am a guy who likes style.. I like the fact that a car makes me feel good.. and thats is EXACTLY what a G35 is.. nice handling, nice power, great style and status.

RX8 is just a great car however IMO it wont put u on top of the club list. it looks good but it still says MAZDA which I have never felt puts us anywhere closer to the top of the A list.

S2K just a fun car especially on the track. but in lower RPM's na it is gutless.

350Z... if u like a G35 there si no need for a 350z, g looks better handles just as good, the g has more hp's actually, and I mean.. 350Z...everyone has one lol..

 

[altspace]

Sounds like you already know what you want. Just do it. I too looked at G35, 350Z, STi, etc. Test drove them all. Sure they have more power but if you want something unique, something special, go for the 8. I made my choice 2 years ago and every time I step into my garage I get all giddy inside.

Also, you can't beat the price point for a pre-owned fully loaded RX-8 GT.

 

[mountjonas]

Also, you can't beat the price point for a pre-owned fully loaded RX-8 GT.

you really can't. I was very surprised to see how much they are going for these days. Somehow I even got the wife on board. It won't be for a while. I plan on selling the wrx saving the rest to avoid another car payment.

 

[biggin55]

I just traded in my RX8 for a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3, and while I love the speed3, I do miss the RX8. The handling on that car is simply amazing!! I had a full headerback exhaust (which I have for sale) a short shifter, and Racingbeat springs, I was just about to install koni shocks (which are also for sale). But the car isn't a daily driver IMO. It doesn't like rain, it doesn't like ice. It loves to be revved and will actually break if you don't rev the piss out of it. I will probably get another one down the line after the speed is paid off that way I can have it as a play car.

 

[lil_red_wagon]

lol, i like the shameless plugs. that is the same thing that i do when i need to sell something. if you put up a link to your for sale stuff, i will keep it in the rotary lounge for you.

 

[mountjonas]

IBut the car isn't a daily driver IMO. It doesn't like rain, it doesn't like ice. It loves to be revved and will actually break if you don't rev the piss out of it. I will probably get another one down the line after the speed is paid off that way I can have it as a play car.

I've got a prius as a daily driver and I live in southern california, so rain would take away maybe 1 day that I wouldn't be able to drive it, if that. Right now my wrx is used about every other friday just to keep my left foot happy that it's not being used the rest of the time. And even most weekends, I'm putting around town in the mazda5 with my wife and two daughters. Yeah, I guess I already made up my mind. Hopefully a test drive will seal the deal for me.

 

[SpooledupRacing]

The 8 is a fun car to drive.. I just think it is a bit under powered.. or maybe because its a 4dr is what gets me.

 

[/RX-8Chick]

My 2 cents...

I remember in 2006 I was driving on the highway, granted in bumblef*ck NY, but I saw an RX-8 and had no idea what it was, drove faster to catch up with it to figure out what it was. It doesn't look like any other car out there. I completely forgot about it for a few years then when looking for a fun summer car, an 04 Mustang was at the top of the list along with other muscle type cars and the RX-8 popped up again. I took both cars for a test drive and the RX-8 stood out. Granted the Mustang has oodles more power and torque but if that isn't what you're looking for, the RX-8 is fantastic. Of course you can mod the hell out of it, if you're into that, and make it into your own and faster. After deciding to definitely go with the 8, I was one of about 3 8's in the town I lived in. Now that I'm in a more populated area, I see an 8 maybe a couple times a week. Now guess how many times I see a mustang... at least a few times every day. I wanted a fun summer car that was unique. I found it. I have yet to see a Mustang or other comparable car and say, man I wish I got that instead of my 8. When you test drive it, take it on a twisty road and you won't want any other car.

I also contemplated the G35 and the S2k was on the list too. RX-8 is very reasonably priced and when people ask you what kind of engine it is, there's a 50/50 chance you'll get a puzzled look when you tell them. It's an awesome feeling.

 

[altspace]

Hehe, your story is just like what I wrote and experienced. Simply put, get what your heart desires and never second guess.

 

[jmsj578]

The 2006 RX-8 is our first rotary car. I did a lot of research on the car before I bought it for my wife for Christmas in '06. She just had to have one, in spite if its quirks. The only thing she complains about is the gas mileage. She loves the car. It isn't as strong as some would like; but, it makes up for it in handling and ergonomics. Besides, my wife is not a speed demon; so, power is not a biggy for her. Looks are. She gets compliments everywhere she goes. Recently, I drove the -8 to Va to pick up our LS6 Miata. It was a long drive; but, the car did just fine. I wasn't too tired at the end, either. It handled the mountainous areas with plenty of power to spare. The gas mileage wasn't anything to brag about, though.

One nice feature for our car is the extended warranty supplied by Mazda. They doubled it to 96K miles. This will be more than enough warranty to last us. We don't beat up our cars; so, I'm not worried about a blown engine. If we do blow one, the warranty is there to handle it. I'd say this car is a keeper.

As for my driving, you can see from my signature that I drive a Miata. Actually, my -06 Miata that I traded in on the Roush would most likely outrun the RX-8; but, the -8 is the family car in our family of two.

 

[Riken]

Just go and get it now!!!!!

 

[mountjonas]

I wish. I had to put it on hold for now. it was all pretty much set, then california's budget went to s*** and my wife's school district is looking at layoffs in the middle of the school year because they're looking to cut 16million . maybe next year.