I've been looking at the RX-8 for a while now, but one thing is bugging me. The headroom lost from the moonroof with the Touring and GT packages. I like all of the other features in the GT package, but am wondering: If I ordered a new one do you think it's possible to get a GT with everything BUT the moonroof?

 

No, but if you could hassle a dealership enough they might try to pull some strings for you.

 

or just drive up to Canada to buy one...

 

How tall are you?

I'm 6'5 and I just ordered one with a GT pkg. The lost headroom only affects you if you sit pretty upward.

I don't particularly enjoy sitting really close to the wheel so if I tilt the seat, I dont' really mind it... Just a thought

 

if you have the lowrider driving form instead of the granny form, i think headroom would be plenty for you :D

 

My friend is 6'4" and he fits in mine with a few inches to spare

 

I'm 6'2", but I drive sitting upright. The leaning back driving position has never been for me.

khtm: Are the canadian cars different?

 

well, you can get a GT in Canada with or without a moonroof...it's just considered an option

we also get headlight washers, but you guys get TPMS

 

I'm sorry, but I don't agree with the posts from 6'3" drivers that say they have "inches to spare". I am 5' 11" and unless I adjust the seatback backward - I admit I probably tend more toward the Granny position than the Reclining position for back comfort- my hair is touching the roof, especially the trim above the side window which houses the air bag curtain. Maybe I have an unusually long torso, but I don't think so. I thought this was going to be a real problem, but recently I adjusted the seatback backward a little more and I find my back can live with it and my head doesn't objectionably hit the roof. But there is still no way I could wear my ball cap while driving!

This is not a Honda minivan by any means! It is a tight fitting cockpit of great driving machine. I enjoy driving the 8 so much I was determined to find a comfortable driving position. And I think I have.

Be sure you get a long test drive or a weekend trial, as I did, to evaluate these problems before you decide.

Zoom, Zoom!

 

It may be true that headroom could be an issue for taller people, ut I'm not sure the moonroof is a significant contributor since it retracts outside the car.

 

Yes, the moonrooft is a significant contributor. Look up the specs for front headroom w/ and w/out the moonroof. I forget but I believe it's at least an inch difference.

 

I'm 6' 6" and don't fit in the car with a sunroof. Hence I got the sport package and couldn't be happier. Added everything I really needed (leather, stereo upgrades).
The sunroof is an option with the GT package everywhere except the US. Mazda USA made an idiotic decision about option packaging.
Had it not been for the lost headroom with the sunroof, I probably would have ordered the GT package. I bet a lot of people are in the same boat. So Mazda is only losing money on those people getting the lesser equipped cars.

 

Ah here we go...this link: http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/..._specs_RX8.pdf

(inches) Head Room:
Front without sunroof 38.2
Front with sunroof 36.7
Rear without sunroof 36.8
Rear with sunroof 36.5

 

I would have to agree with Glassetcher, I am a little over 6' and I have to tilt my seat back more than I am use to and my hair is flattened every time I get out of the car. I am still comfortable but I did have to change my style a little. But if I had to recline the back seat alot I would not have bought the GT.

I would think that at 6'3" you will need to lean the seat back some. But do give it a long test drive because I was suprised how quickly I became accustom to the postiion.

 

I'm only 6'2" and can't buy the US GT. Stupid dealer told me I couldn't get leather without getting the GT. Now I'm wondering what other items, if any, are only available with the GT package?

 

8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support
Heated front seats
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System

 

On the 06 it is the keyless start, keyless entry with basically a touch button entry if you have the transmitter in your pocket, power driver's seat, heat front seats and mirrors, Bose audio system, power slidign glass moonroof, xenon headlights, fot lights, DSC and traction control, auto dimming mirror with Homelink.

This is what my paper says is in the GT package. I don't know how much of it comes in other packages. You could go to Mazda's website and look if you really want to know.

 

Thanks, I actually did that and the website build function also seemed to indicate that you couldn't get leather without either the GT or Shinka package. Maybe I misunderstood Tamas?

 

Tamas, did you add after market leather and stereo upgrades? Or did the dealer add them as aftermarket alterations? Or was the dealer able (and willing) to make a special order from the factory? Or do you just want to give me your car perhaps?

Thanks, robrecht!

 

Leather is GT and above only.

 

they are dealer installed accessories they offered to put leather in a sport for me cause they didnt seem to think i could afford the gt. needless to say i didnt buy from that dealer. if you can dream they can do it. make sure you get exctly what you want dont compromise.

 

Thanks! OK, I'm dreaming of a GT without the moonroof ... can they remove it? Seriously, I like everything in the GT but the moonroof. In my Miata, with the hardtop on, I still have 2" between my head and the hardtop. I don't want to compromise on headroom. Does anyone buy Canadian GT w/o the moonroof and drive it back to the US? What's involved in doing that? My wife's Honda Pilot was built in Canada. Some of my best friends are Canadian. I'll even admit to Canada winning the War of 1812 if that'll help.

 

No, I can't do that - but to answer your questions, click here.

 

guys,
how tall you are does not matter, it is the length of your torso.

i am 5'10" and my head almost hits the roof without a sunroof. yes i have a short inseam and a long torso.

you just have to get into the car and see if you fit.

beers

 

I'm not particularly tall myself (5' 6") but I have a short torso and long legs, not that I'm complaining. I have a friend that is 6' 6" and he has a 40-42 inch inseam.