Hi guys

Will be booking an 8 soon. Have been through all the questions about FC and PIs. Also did my own calculations. I think the savings from road tax can cover increase in fuel (I hope!!!).

Before booking I would like to test drive the auto version. No one will allow test drive! Basically just want to have a feel, not intending to drive it hard or anything, but just a feel esp isince ts a rear wheel drive. Did anyone test drive the 8 before getting it? Any ideas how I can arrange for test drive?

Also how much does the servicing typically cost?

Thanks a lot.

 

You do not need the test drive. Believe me. Its good.

When you buy and 8, you should know what to expect without testdriving. As with all other high performance cars.

Dealers will not allow test drives because it can get dangerous (MM's Mx-5 accident), buyers buy the 8 as they know its a sports car, serious buyers never actually test drive.

Depends, some save by using mineral oils but there are those who use race oils and service very frequently. I would say between 30 to about 200 plus. Oil change is recommended like normal cars, (5k for mineral, 10k for syn) but somehow it makes more sense to change the oil in the 8 more frequently. And most people change about 5k or so even on syn.

 

I disagree leh, you should always test drive a car before you buy it, because each individual is looking for different things in a sports car.

Each model of car has it's own unique feel and balance, with too many variables to mention. (power, torque, handling, steering feedback, rigidity, driving position, powerband, engine sound, etcetcetc.. aiyah, why i say already then i still go and mention..)

What might suit someone might bug another person. I think only a very very unfussy person would be equally happy with many different types of cars.

 

erm... i actually tested rx8 b4 the accident at MM.... and tested WRX.. choose rx8 over WRX partly becoz i feel dat suspension on WRX is so much harder... i tink u should test drive or juz find some1 wif rx8 to sit in it. aniwei, u actualli spending quite alot of money on it, unless of coz ur so rich

 

If i like a car i would have done research about the car before i consider the car. Dealers do not usually welcome test drives for top range or sports cars; whereas they always allow test drives for mainstream cars. The car should sell itself with no need for test drives. If a test drive is needed, the buyer is not very sincere or the car is not very good or well-known.

And then there are always people looking for joyrides. These people ruin nice cars.

An extreme example is that, no one would test drive a ferrari before buying.

Do not flame me as this is just a personal opinion.

 

Slight correction as it depends on circumtances. I was very sincere and the RX8 is very good and a well known car. Sometimes, we need re-assurance hence the need to test drive. I was driving an auto for 20yrs and I was not sure whether I could handle a manual after all these years ! I requested for a test drive on the manual and my basic instinct to manual was over-whelming. I signed on the dotted line immediately after the test drive without any hesitation. Cheers !

 

yup..

 

I think it also depends on individuals perception of value of money and car.

If one has billions of spare dollars, he would not pay too much attention when buying a 2 million dollar car...

On the other hand, if one is paying hard earned money (via installment) for a 100k car, he will be very careful about it. Naturally, he would want to be very sure before committing...

 

its like buying a $35 D24 XO Durian....uncle selling says 'BAO JIAT'....but when u open....flesh not the bitter sweet kind....

thats why i always test drive the durian before buying it. (so at least if the flesh not nice...i can tell the uncle..."BAO JIAT??....uncle...BAO SAI!")

 

Ya lor... if u belief the uncle and bring the durian home... LPPL can't say that to his face anymore.

 

Hey guys, thanks for all your replies! I do really think the RX8 is a great car but I would like to test drive. Perhaps I'm Singaporean and would like to have a feel for myself first although I have no doubts that I will buy it eventually. So any suggestions on how I can get myself a test drive??

 

Some SEs might be willing/able to arrange a test drive with a firm deposit towards the purchase price of the car. If you later decide to back out, you will lose your deposit though. Probably much better to ask around if you have friends who own an 8 to allow you a test drive. If all else fails, ask for a joy ride and feel the car from the passenger seat.

 

guess if that happens....i bought a lemon!

Think we better dun hijack this thread....been doing it too often already.

 

I test drove the 6MT from MM before I commited on anything. They did not allow the test drive and my SE claims that they don't have a test drive car at the showroom... but when he start to believe that you are a sincere buyer... things change...

 

jd8, if you are serious on getting an MT6 8 from MM, I could introduce a SE to you for test drive. He is close friend of mine. But don play play, OK! PM me if you are intested.
BTW, I test drive the 8 before signed up.

 

I din test drive but i still luv it just the same.

 

I test drove the MT 8 in 2004, and have since been trying -- without any success -- to find a car which drives better.

 

I am driving a courtesy car - nissan sunny now. Really made me appreciate the 8...

The sunny seems more dangerous for me to drive than the 8.

Drove many many cars, the 8 is still the best balance. That is until i get to drive a lambo or ferrari. But i heard that though it drive great but the ride is bone jarring.

 

Yes Mazda motors let u test drive the RX8. Just test drive recently. all you need to have is to be at least 28 yrs old, and a few years of drving experience ( about 3 yrs and above? I have 7 yrs experience). =) dat's what the SE said for rejecting people who did not meet this criterias

 

I was not allowed to test drive an auto but was brought along for a joy ride by a PI, after some persuasion. I eventually bought the car.. I arleady couldn't resist those curves, after sitting in it, albeilt only as a passenger, I was totally convinced that she is the one!!!