rotarywanker

I never envisioned becoming an owner of an RX-8, but all that changed over the course of the past day.

I just acquired a 2007 RX-8 6sp with the Sport, Grand Touring, and Appearance packages with just over 50,000 miles. The car went into service mid-2008 so I have >2 years left on the motor warranty, which was a big selling point for me. The previous owner serviced the car at their Mazda dealership every 4-6k miles (oil change, anything else that needed attention) and the car is absolutely immaculate, and all stock. I paid $11,000 OTD.

I had never planned on purchasing an RX-8; I didn't know much about them other than having read some good reviews over the years. Over the past few weeks as I searched for my next DD, I was keen on the S2000 and Z3 M Coupe, but when this RX-8 popped up in the local classifieds it seemed like too good of a deal to not at least check out.

Long story short, I drove over to the dealership this morning and - completely unexpectedly - drove the RX-8 home.

I have owned and driven some great cars over the years, and participated in my share of track days/kart races, and I have to say I have never driven such a terrific car. I'd put it ahead of E46 M3's, STI's, fast Mini's, 370z's, and quite a few others. Not because it is better at one particular thing, but because it just invites you - begs you - to drive all the time.

I'd liken it to an S2000 from a pure engine willingness standpoint - never sounding like it's out of breath or complaining as you dip deep into the power band. But it's even better, because it is so astonishingly smooth and linear in delivery. Being my first rotary experience this morning, my right hand was fighting to stay off the gear shift the first few times the needle climbed past 6k RPM's, and my jaw dropped as it just continued to pull harder from that point all the way to the redline.

But unlike the also-great S2000, the RX-8 never feels like it wants to kill you near/at the limits of lateral grip. And not because of baked-in understeer like so many of its rivals (Nissan Z cars, E46 M3, STI); it is actually very willing to rotate with traction/stability turned off. This neutral/flexible chassis dynamic at the limit is the first I've ever had the privilege to experience. A car that will oversteer on command but not feel intimidating at all... Crazy, I really can't believe how good this car is.

So yea, I bought it on the spot. Don't worry, last night I had spend several hours reading through sticky's on this forum to familiarize myself with common problem areas and pre-purchase inspection points.

And normally after I buy a car like this, I immediately start thinking about my plans to modify/enhance it. But with this, no. I don't want to mess with it. The only gripe I have is the slight first-to-second gear driveline lash. Seems like the motor rocks quite a bit coming on/off power under hard acceleration. I'll search the forum for motor mounts or something to that end.

I look forward to owning this car for a long time.

Rotary mad man

Engine mounts are a common fault on rx8's mate..

Thatest

Hi i am new here too

wcs

iTrader: (2)

+1

monchie

Welcome rotarywanker and Thatest!