Hello Fellow RX8 Friends,

It has been a while, since I last posted. Again this due to my work, requiring high involvement from myself, for the past 6 to 12 or so months. Anyway thought I would share with you all, an incident, that occurred to my ZZOOM/RX8 a week and half after my birthday. The incident unfortunately, proved two things. That sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can be done, to avoid idiotic drivers, not matter how cautious you drive or how quick you react. And secondly, just how well this car is built, which no doubt saved myself from very serious injuries/harm. Unfortunately, my RX8 did not make it, but the main thing is that I am ok. People that know me well, know how much that car meant to me, but a car can be replaced and a life can’t.


The incident happened in peak hour traffic 4:45pm 26/11(King Street, Newtown NSW, for those in OZ), although basically a main street near the city. People who know this road well, know how many pedestrians there are on this street and just how busy this street gets traffic wise. I was travelling away from the city in the left lane, approaching the centre of Newtown. Traffic free-flowing in the left lane(50km speed limit), and the traffic light was green, that I was approaching. The right lane, was banked up, with cars waiting to turn right. A car from the opposite side of the road(unsighted to me), wanted to turn over double white lines, into a one of those small laneways off king street. So one of the cars, in the right lane, allowed him to turn in front of him. Did he stop to check, if it was ok and clear, to cross another lane?? No was the answer!. Basically he just turned and kept going, and hit me on drivers side quarter panel, and drivers door. Which sent me into a light pole, at just under 50kms/h, and left the pole embedded in my engine bay and hanging over windscreen. Both driver and passengers airbags popped up, and interestingly, the side airbags & seat airbag did not pop.


One ambulance, one fire brigade, 3 police cars and one lane cut for about 50minutes, until they could clear my car. I guess, it was really lucky the pole did stop me, as it saved many pedestrians as well. Anybody, want to know what the drivers first words were??. “That it was my fault”, yes extremely unbelievable. Especially when the damage on his car, was front end and front end only. Anyway, after getting slightly restless, with that response(to say it in a nice way). People started coming from every direction to help me, and also sticking up for me. I was very thankful, as I ended up having 4 independent witnesses, back my sequence of events with police & and my insurance company.


I have had 2 RX8’s now, in the space of over 5 years. The first I bought second hand(velocity red 2003 –cloth interior), and put 90’000kms in 21months of driving. And then traded it in, to buy a new (2006 Stormy blue, with custom blue and black interior + sunroof). I can tell you I really loved these cars(always will), in almost every aspect(sure they should have had more power from the factory). Although the handling, the sounds of the hymee, suicide doors, interior, and the basic curves and looks of the car are amazing. Even if it is based, on a 7year old model, which has definitely aged well.


Unfortunately for me, it is now time to move on. I couldn’t see myself, buying a third rx8, especially since not enough had changed in the new model (performance wise) in my eyes. I could of gone the FI path, but decided it was time for something new and a total change. So I purchased a Subaru WRX STI 2006 model(209kw atw/539 torque), and am absolutely loving it, and it’s very different. Admittedly, this was the car I was going to buy, when I was buying my 1st rx8. Except it was a 2004 STI, but turned away from it back then, when they told me insurance was $5500.00 per year until I was 30. The RX8 won back then on many fronts, and + insurance was $1350.00. Now that I am 31, this 2006 STI, is $105.00 cheaper than the RX8 to insure(go figure). Sure it’s a completely different car to drive, and could only wish, RX8’s had this power from the factory. I know I might get flamed, for buying a 4wd car and a WRX STI for that matter, but im extremely happy which is the main thing.


I have made many friend here, and gained so much credible and in depth knowledge, it really was amazing and even honorable to be a part of. I will always remember the various RX8 cruises I organised, and especially the biggest NSW/Australian RX8 cruise down to Wollongong to date. These are fun days I will never forget, seeing 27 RX8’s driving in a row through various coastal suburbs, and then meeting all the friendly faces behind the 8’s and their stories. I’m sure, I will still come on here every now and then, and who knows, if I’m allowed I might venture on a future rx8 cruise, and see some old faces.


A part out thread, will appear in the Australian for sale section soon. As I have collected quite a few things, which I’m sure will sell, so keep an eye out. Sorry for the length of the post, but if flows well I hope.

Over and out,
ZOOMBY – ZZOOM - Waldo

 

Hard luck getting t-boned like that . I can happen to anyone like you said .
Always sad to see someone go who has obviously been a big contributor to the RX8 scene in your area . Good luck with the STI (my 2nd favourite car )

 

Sorry to hear of the accident Waldo but good no injuries to anyone.

Crying shame about the car - on one of the cruises I recall seeing how impressive the interior of the car was with the custom blue seats etc. All the best and have fun with the WRX mate .

Cheers
Alan

 

Thanks mate. Yeah definitely, something I wasn't expecting to happen. It left me in a little shock, for a minute or two, and with slight whiplash, but I was ok a few days later thankfully.

And yeah, having a quick read around, it looks like a few old faces are on the way out or have left already. Its a shame, but I guess nothing lasts for ever. Although Im sure I will still lurk around, this forum every now and then.

Good to hear the STI is your second favourite . I am absolutely luving it, and as mentioned on the .com.au forum, its tough to compare. Although it leaves the same grin on my faces as the rx8, except with boost . I will post some pic's of my new car tomorrow.

Cheers,
Waldo

Thanks Alan , appreciate your concerns mate. I think the other driver is, also very grateful, that their were no injuries to anyone. I can't tell you, how many times, I thought how lucky it was that the pole did stop me. There were many pedestrians, on king street that day. And yeah, it was extremely tough, and hard taking all these photos, at the AAMI holding yard. And yes, I will always love the customs interior, it definitely was an awsum job . The Wrx STI, was the perfect swap for me .

Might see you on a future cruise buddy, as a tag along hehe.

Have posted a couple more picks, of the damage too.

Cheers,
Waldo

 

Sorry to heard about your accident,lucky no one was injured

The pic's of the 8 looks painful...

Enjoy boosting your WRX

 

All good buddy , its was tough to look at and take all in. As I can tell you, it definitely took me a while, before I was ok with it all. But who knows, sometimes things happen for a reason. And now I am happy again, and happy with the new ride.

I have uploaded some pick's of my new ride too

 

And a few more

 

Nice rite zoomby

 

a new toy always helps

 

Could have graduated to a 2002 RX7 FD

 

in on of the pics of the sti was is the numerical pad under the driverside air vent?

 

This is true mate, and honestly i actually did look at quite a few Rx7. This car might not be for everyone, and I know, you went from an RX8 to the RX7. It was a tough choice. Although my choice, was almost made when I first spotted this car(and its condition) lol, and then deal completed, on my first inspection , as the photos where spot on . I then had it privately inspected as well, prior completion of the deal.

That numerical pad, is a security alarm. And I am pretty sure, that it is a factory option here in Australia(could be wrong). It is a pretty cool security alarm though, and I like its features.

 

Glad to hear you are okay. I owned a heavily modded WRX, great car, and weirdly enough I was T boned in it and it saved my life

 

Thanks mate, and im knocking on wood now, as I don't want to go through that again . Although happy to hear, that you were safe too , in your incident. I have heard that these subies, are pretty well built too. Just has a few less airbags, than the 8

 

I was T Boned at an intersection by a Chevy Astro van. It pushed me through the intersection, pinning the car between the van and a retaining wall. I walked away without a scratch. I even had a girl on the passenger side the van hit and she was fine too, just a little shooken up. A very lucky night indeed. The drunk lady that hit me was not so lucky, she hit the steering wheel due to no seat belt. But she lived to drink another day

Subies are tough, you will be just fine. Good luck man, now go get a down pipe and catback exhaust so we can hear that boxer purr.

 

Wow, sorry to hear that Waldo. Knowing the pride you take in keeping your cars up to scratch, that must have hurt!

Glad nobody was injured though and best wishes for the new ride mate. Take care...

 

Hi Waldo,

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Like your new ride. I hope it gives you as much fun as the rx8's.

Cheers..... Otto

 

No good mate, good to hear all came out of it ok too. And Ps, have another look at the photos, the boxer purr is definitely their

Thanks Dave, it definitely did at the time, but what can you do. All the best to you to champ .

Thanks Otto, im loving it too, and sure been having some fun

 

Hi All,

I have now created, a Part out thread, in the Australian for Sale section.

I've already, had some RX8 members, buy quite a few parts, before the Part out thread was even was made so thankyou to you guys . I will negotiate, on all items. As I need to clear some garage room, for some Subie parts now lol. So please check it out, for the remaining Items, I have left for sale.

Heres the link.

https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-sale-wanted-149/zoomby-part-out-thread-215370/

Thankyou.
ZOOMBY – Waldo

 

Hi Zoomby, sorry to hear about the RX8.
The WRX does look sweet though!

 

Thanks Majjic , the preivous owner, took good care of it . So its always good, to shop around, and not impulse buy(when looking that is).