takahashi

Revolver there are plenty of choices over $100K. TT is just does not do it with looks.
Z4M coupe is still my choice 127,000 + millions of options.

I just need a lazy $150K. (Taka working hard)

Revolver

Looks are always subjective and although I think the Z4 Coupe is MUCH better looking than the convertible, I still prefer the cleaner TT shape.

I'm also tipping the TT will be $30-40K cheaper than the Z4 M Coupe - hard to ignore that kinda saving.

Granted the Z4 M will be much more of a weapon than the TT, which is why I think it represents 2 steps up from the 8 instead of 1.

We're really comparing apples with oranges.

For instance, Z4 M Coupe is immediately red carded for me because it doesn't even pretend to have back seats.

jax8

Revolver asks Does no 55 ever get a run?

Motor is run occasionally, however not been roadregistered since 1978. But it enjoys good company.

Jack

Revolver

Any chance of a couple of photos Jack - I'm interested to see what she looks like.

What's the company?

jax8

Revolver,
Google Lagonda Rapide for numerous photos. Will PM more...jack

Revolver

Did that.

Is this what she looks like:

yellowrx8inoz

OK my turn... I'm thinking about the following options which should be within my budget and taste range.

- Another 8 (black this time, leather pack, sunroof)
- New TT coupe (probably the bottom of the range) - I think the rear seats are a bit roomier than the present one.
- VW Eos (in Oz next March they say) - I'd take it in turbo diesel form. Saw it in France last month and it looks good to me. A convertible 4-seater that's actually good to drive, and should be very affordable.
- MB SLK200 Kompressor (I'd like the 350 but it's too expensive - and anyway if I was at that level I'd go for a Boxster or Cayman).

If I don't get a new 8 I'm definitely going Euro. There'll be a lot of test driving and soul searching though, because I reckon the 8 will be damned hard to beat, especially for the money.

BUT why the hell won't Mazda update/refresh it a little - they're going to lose a lot of customers at the 3-year mark, I reckon. One of the reasons I bought it in the first place was because it was NEW...

Revolver

According to something I've read, MkII is 137mm longer, 78mm wider and 6mm taller. However, the author of that report reckons the back seats are still on the teeny tiny side. Will have to look at it in the metal when it arrives and compare it to the 8.

As for bottom of the range - I don't see the point in buying a FWD with less power (147kW) than the 8. May as well buy another 8 for less money. Indeed, you could spend the difference on FI for the 8, I suspect (pricing for the TT is yet to be confirmed but the current base model is nearly $70K and I doubt the new one will be any cheaper).

yellowrx8inoz

Hmm good thoughts Dave... the prospect of FWD is not a great one after all, especially more $ for less power. Maybe the Quattro :-)
The TT rear seats will never compare favourably with the 8. But the number of times I've carried rear seat passengers over the last 3 years means not many people will suffer - and none of them will be me!
I reckon the Quattro TT mk 2 will be about $85K (present one is $81K).

Revolver

Yeah but the Quattro is heavier than the FWD (about 1440kgs). I think Quattro with the base-line turbo 4 engine would be even worse than the FWD equivalent. The only way I'd consider the TT would be with the V6 and Quattro.

Agreed re: back seats. I don't carry the mini-terrorists around much either but I do need the option of fitting them in somewhere, otherwise I will indeed suffer.

Gibbo

I have just had my heart stolen by....

The new BMW Z4M Coupe (Hardtop).

It has the unique look that drew me to the RX8 and damn is it fast, only down side is the 2 seats. I may learn to live with that though.

I have just been told that my original test drive has been put off due to delays in delivery. I am booked for a test drive in August now.

Will keep you all informed.

Revolver

Gibbo, I'm all ears mate - keep us posted.

Especially any strategy you develop to sell two seats to 'er indoors (I know you're as 'encumbered' as I am in that dept).