Ok so I may be in the market soon for an 09 RX-8. Based on what I've seen here and on Mazda's site, it looks like although the R3 looks sweeter with the exterior package and wheels, but it doesn't have the nicer electronics, moonroof, or power heated seat. Ugh, why can't we have it all?

 

i totally agree with that one... which is why i say get the GT and then buy the R3 body kit for it.

 

but you get Recaro seats and badass 19 inch wheels. Worth every penny imo

 

I wood have to disagreed.

Having a RX8 gt 04. The recaro seat look nice, but there is no different in support, and as for the 19 inch wheel, they look better, but like the recaro seat, the 19 inch wheel don't give anything extra to the car, but a big price tag, and tires that will cost you more, later on!!!

 

part of the cool factor of the 8 is the rotary accent seats, imo. plus u get a moonroof with the GT

 

get GT.

the R3 package is not worth it IMO.

with 09, At least u gonna get a better engine than most of us ~

 

It's called a R3 for a reason...

 

if you plan on going aftermarket with the rims and suspension then id go with the gt.

 

If I had the money to get either or, I'd get the R3, just because I love the way it looks, and the seats look delicious.

If I have a budget to think about a bit, I'd get the GT.

 

Not so much budget imo, but of course that is a consideration.

I prefer leather seats, although the personal fitment of the Recaro's is very nice.

I also don't like any of the three current R3 exterior color selections.

19" wheels are nice, but those can always be added later. Same for the suspension.

The moonroof I'm not hard over on, although I appreciate my own on occasion.

If buying today I would get the GT, and concur a bit better '09 engine given the extra seal lubrication and relocation of oil filter & dipstick.

 

Yeah, I'm think I'll get the GT and then toss in the MS suspension in short order like my 04.

Is there a way to get the body kit and wheels from the R3? I don't care either way about the seats. I assume the aero flares from 04-08 won't fit on the '09.

 

Got some head turning from the park walkers as I returned from the driving range at lunch. The 'ol Shinka gal's still got it.

 

So im guessing the insurance settled your car accident?

 

Get a GT with every option.

 

Not yet, but I'm of the opinion it will be totalled.

 

get the GT, R3 is overpriced for just cosmetic.

 

I went looking at 09's last night. They actually did have an accessories catalog ready for the 09's. None of the old aero flares will fit on this car although the mudflap kits will. Also they show the spoiler as an accessory for automatic only. Go figure. Ugh, I like some of the new cosmetic changes but they took away the ability to make the car really stand out.

Also going to be damned near impossible to put an aftermarket stereo in this car, at least for the time being. Neither the corksport, speedline, or the metra kits will work with the redesigned face of the stereo console.

 

doesnt the 09 has lower HP ? 232 ? compared to 248 of the earlier versions ~

 

I didn't know the R3 has no moonroof.
Recaro definitely has more lateral support. But if you from the nation of Super Size Me, then it would be an uncomfortable experience.

 

nope you are wrong.. the seats are very different.. did you drive one????

beers

 

'04 thru '09 same horsepower. Early on they were marketed higher, but then revised "real world" calc's by Mazda. In fact there was a buy back program if folks felt they were misled.

The oil filter and dipstick locations were changed in the '09 and a 3rd oil injector added tho'.

 

R3 will definitely get you more on the resale though...and as for the sunroof on an rx8, they look like a 2nd wing the way they stick off the car, so unattractive imo

 

I was actually going to buy a new R3 but sadly I just could not get comfortable in the seats. I'm a pretty skinny guy as well, 6'1 with a 31 inch waist, but I refused to buy a car I wasn't comfortable in so I passed. So I went ahead and bought a GT, which should be fine in all honesty for stock B auto x and some HPDE throughout the year.

 

I just bought the R3, it's awesome...I do wish I could have had a sunroof and power seats, but the Recaro seats are nice and my TomTom is good enough. Those wheels make the car IMHO.

Thread Jack;

Is it hard to "hotwire" TomTom so I don't have to plug it in to my lighter?

 

Would be better to put the wheels on the GT. Why have a sports edition of the car and take away all the electronic toys?