allygee

I have been contemplating buying the RX8 over the last 2-3 months and have been reading the postings on this board with interest. Last Thursday (11th) I was invited for a test drive of a high powered RX8 at the Leeds Mazda dealership.

I had been to the dealership a couple of weeks earlier as they had a red RX8 at the time on display for the press. I fell in love with the car at this time but really wanted to test drive it before placing my order.

I arrived last Thursday and they had two high powered cars. One was titanium and the other was silver. The silver car was stunning - a far better colour than the titanium in my opinion. In fact I would place the three colours i have seen in the order Silver, Red , Titanium.

I took the titanium car out as this was the one that was ready. It had approx 4k miles on the clock so had been brocken in. The car had black leather trim and Sat Nav which was really cool. Unfortunately, the roads were quite busy but I still managed to open it up and get to the buzzer. The engine is superb - it sounds like a jet engine. Not loud either in the cabin - but certainly sporty. It revved so freely and reaching the red line and the buzzer was a joy - something I think will become addictive. Grip around corners was fantastic - no slide out at all - and i was pushing as far as I dare.

I was pleased with perfrmance overall. I think it is a fast car and certainly is much quicker than my present Celica VVTi. Much more free revving too. I have read with interest the threads relating to low torque. I can honestly say that the alleged lack of torque is absolutely no issue for me. The car pulled well in all gears and so long as the rev range is used acceleration remained very brisk. The driving experience also enourages the revs to be used. So smooth - totally different to a 4 pot or even a 6 pot.

The car was everything I hoped for and more. The handling was 1 st class. Performance very good. Trim seemed solid. Bose stereo good - just a little too trebly perhaps but adjustment could sort that out. I think the car commands lots of presence.

So I've ordered one. Although from the ones I have seen I like the silver by far the best - I have a silver car at the moment and fancied a change. Gone for High power / Black with chrome accesories (fuel cap / crest / strakes)

Dealer says the car may arrive in December but wouldn't guarantee this. Could run into January. That would be fine though as it will be regeistered as a 2004 car.

MarkW

Congratulations Allygee! pleased to hear you enjoyed your drive.

deskjet640c

alleygee I did the same yesterday

Test drove a 6 and a 5 speed and decided the 5 speed was the one for me. Seemed to have a bit more torque and I'm not too bothered about the performance as I only drive 6 miles a day, sitting in queues most of the time, and I'm sure it will manage 85 on the motorway.

Ordered Red with Red/Black leather.

Anyway paid my deposit and they were saying delivery (2nd batch) in Feb, although Mazda were recommending we were told March. Was just suprised you were told Dec/Jan?

Anyway it's Sunday now. One day less till it's delivered.