Notices
RX-8 Discussion General discussion about the RX-8 that doesn't fit in one of the specialty forums.

Black RX-8... is the appearance package worth it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 12-17-2003, 02:17 PM
  #1  
Banned
Thread Starter
 
DeeezNuuuts83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Southern California
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Black RX-8... is the appearance package worth it?

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I'm really considering the RX-8 now, especially after test driving it a few times over the past week. I will more than likely get a black RX-8 when (and if) the time comes, but I want to know if it's worth it to get the appearance package with that color. Thanks a lot.
Old 12-17-2003, 03:26 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
jdaled's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes.
Old 12-17-2003, 03:27 PM
  #3  
Normality is Obscene
 
XeRo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: AL/GA...you pick
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The appearance package looks alot better on brighter colors...like Silver, Red, Titanium, Yellow (maybe)....

When I was shopping for mine...I looked at the Black, Blue, Silver, Titanium....the black and blue (heheh...that's funny together) didn't really show of the 'subtle' lines of the app pack...unless you were within say 10' or so...The silver and red in my opinion show off the app pack the best....Titanium was actually my first choice, it was the one I saw at the ATL Auto Show...but they didn't have any coming in for a while at the dealer...so mine was the silver untouched, in the showroom with ropes around it, with 4.2 miles on it....I love blue, my wife and I test drove a blue GT, App Pack and almost bought it but the lines just didn't do it for me...Silver just ...does something....

Pointless, but I'll add:------>I wasn't allowed another Red car because my Integra was red, my Jeep Wrangler was Red, my Ninja ZX9-R was red, my Cannondale MTN Bike is Red, and finally my ex-girl was a red head...so in short the wife said no MORE RED!!!...

It seems like there are alot of Tit's out there...maybe you would wanna be like me and have a SILVER>....hehe no this is all just my opinion...
Old 12-17-2003, 03:27 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
JimW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: South Florida
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"Well", DeeezNuuuts, to answer your question, " Hell Yeah". I got it for my titanium RX8, At first I was Hesitant, because at 39 I didn't want to look like boy racer, but I said screw it, it looked too good and I finaly went for it! Good luck, Black looks great with any car, matter of fact it's my favorite, but after owning 4 previous black cars, I was getting tired of keeping them clean a few times a week.
Old 12-17-2003, 03:39 PM
  #5  
Banned
Thread Starter
 
DeeezNuuuts83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Southern California
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks guys. But just in case anybody misunderstood my question regarding whether or not the appearance package was worth it with Brilliant Black, I meant is it really noticeable and is it worth the $900-1000 on THAT color, since black somewhat "hides" the lines of the car (whereas it would definitely be worth it with silver or red since it is more noticeable)? Or would it be best to just keep it stock appearance-wise?
Old 12-17-2003, 03:42 PM
  #6  
Normality is Obscene
 
XeRo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: AL/GA...you pick
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you're going to get black...i would not pay the extra cash for the 'subtleness' of the app pack...i would end up kitting it with AutoEXE's kit (for example) or even mix and match...that's what I wish I did ...
Old 12-17-2003, 03:55 PM
  #7  
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
 
G8rboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
I wondered the same, until I saw the black in person with the appearance package and rotary accents. Here are a few pics of mine if it helps:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=16670

(Keep scrolling down after the first bunch, as I added a couple
more later of the front end. )
Old 12-17-2003, 04:40 PM
  #8  
The Stickinator
 
93rdcurrent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Portland, OR.
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have to say that the appearance package seems steep in $$$. I know that these same pieces will be available on e-bay for a fraction of the cost before too long. Also to keep in mind, the aftermarket stuff will start pouring in soon and when it does Mazdaspeed will probably come up with a better package. I know that I am waiting for e-bay to start offering the rotors for my front and rear $300-450 was too much for me since I wanted the Nav.
Old 12-17-2003, 05:43 PM
  #9  
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
Ned M's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
When I bought my RX-8 I was set to buy a red one w/appearance package until I saw a black one parked next to it with the same package in evening lighting. I bought the black one after swearing I'd never buy another black car a couple of years ago. I don't think it looks boy-racerish at all; I'm 51.

Keeping the car clean and scratch-free is the worst part of owning a black car. OTOH, small stone chips are much easier to touch up.

Here is a link to a couple of pics:


Pics of my 8 w/Expel Clear Bra
Old 12-17-2003, 06:20 PM
  #10  
FWD Hater
iTrader: (1)
 
NAVILESRX8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I had a personal policy...I hate body kits and spoilers. The rotary accents are awesome, they should come standard. Well...that policy went out the window. The more and more I see pics of you guys' black 8's with the accents, rear spoiler and appearance packages, the more I want them. But...that body "kit" is as wild as I go. Don't like the Mazdaspeed kit, or any of the others. So...to answer the question, yes get one with the appearance package. Looks friggin nice.
Old 12-17-2003, 07:26 PM
  #11  
Registered User
 
graves's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: tenn
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cool

I have black and love it....but I couldn't get the appearance package, I almost drag going in and out of the parking garage at work :-(

Even without the package I think my black 8 is awesome and I get a ton of compliments... I should have had this car when I was single. hehe. My husband doesn't agree.
Old 12-17-2003, 10:50 PM
  #12  
Registered User
 
bobclevenger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ontario, Calif.
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I have the Tit Gray w/o the appearance package. Seemed like a lot of money to spend just to get more weight and less ground clearance. It's just a matter of taste. Get whatever YOU think looks good.
Old 12-18-2003, 12:17 AM
  #14  
Bert angry!
 
mamccubbin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I know this answer won't help much, but here goes. Get the package if you like it. I have the black and actually waited for a car without the appearance package because I liked the clean lines of the car in its' standard form. But, I think the black still shoes of the package nicely if you like it.
Old 12-18-2003, 12:22 AM
  #15  
Registered
 
RX-GR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Posts: 3,098
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
i personally couldnt see getting the car without the appearance package and spoiler. as mamccubbin and others have said however they like the clean lines of the 8 without the appearance package.
Old 12-18-2003, 12:23 AM
  #16  
Bert angry!
 
mamccubbin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So there you go, I say don't get it, RX-GR8 says get it. Aren't we a helpful bunch? Bottom line is, do what you like.

Edited for dumb typo.
Old 12-18-2003, 12:27 AM
  #17  
Registered
 
RX-GR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Posts: 3,098
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
yep it ultimately comes down to his decision. mamccubbin i see you like slot cars. i used to race them at the local slot car store. do you have a track set up in your house?
Old 12-18-2003, 12:33 AM
  #18  
Bert angry!
 
mamccubbin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by RX-GR8
yep it ultimately comes down to his decision. mamccubbin i see you like slot cars. i used to race them at the local slot car store. do you have a track set up in your house?
Alright, way off the topic, but yes, I like slot cars. I have about 75 feet of 1/32 scale track in my basement.
Old 12-18-2003, 12:35 AM
  #19  
Registered
 
RX-GR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Posts: 3,098
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
relax. back to our regularly scheduled topic.
Old 12-18-2003, 05:58 AM
  #20  
Registered User
 
mmmdowning's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Spotsylvania, VA
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes to the appearance package and another thought is add the front splash guards. They were cheap from the dealer, my dealer gave me 20% all items purchased from the parts department. Also when you buy the car have them noted on the car invoice, then the parts are covered during the 4 yr warranty. Hope this helps.
Old 12-18-2003, 09:00 AM
  #21  
www.dorkage.com
 
w2aew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Bridgewater Twp, NJ
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I guess I'm part of the minority here - I definitely prefer the lean, crisp lines without the appearance package. I do like the spoiler though, and the body colored splash guards front and rear. That's what I opted for on my Titanium 8.
Old 12-18-2003, 09:09 AM
  #22  
Oh, I've wasted my life
 
Speed_D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Indy
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have a black 8 with the app. package. I think it looks better than plain stock. When I went to the dealership for my CEL they just happened to park it next to a black 8 without the app. package. The one without looked naked to me.

If you do go with the package be prepared for "batmobile" comments. I just reply with "NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA" (to the tune of the old batman series theme song)
Old 12-18-2003, 10:38 AM
  #23  
Registered User
 
JimW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: South Florida
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hey G8rboy: Your car looks great! I also see you added the fender strakes and rotory accents, any chrome you can add to a black car looks killer! I'll see if the price of those come down in the aftermarket, I ain't going to pay $120 for those.
Old 12-18-2003, 11:12 AM
  #24  
FWD Hater
iTrader: (1)
 
NAVILESRX8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
HAHA...my wife just got me the rotary accents for Christmas. I'm gonna put them on soon. Now I'm a 1/4 of the way there. After I get my tax money back, I'll spring for the appearance package. I never liked the side strakes though. Anyway....get the package!! Looks awesome.
Old 12-18-2003, 05:06 PM
  #25  
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
 
G8rboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally posted by JimW
Hey G8rboy: Your car looks great! I also see you added the fender strakes and rotory accents, any chrome you can add to a black car looks killer! I'll see if the price of those come down in the aftermarket, I ain't going to pay $120 for those.
\

Thanks man. The car came with the appearance package and rotary accents on it from the factory (or port I guess)... that's what got me to take a closer look at black as a color. I did have the dealer put the strakes on before I picked it up... I think it really helps the black define the curves on the side. I was fortunate and got everything for the s-plan pricing so I didn't get bent over too badly, but I agree Mazda is charging crazy $$ for such simple add-ons... it's just they make such a huge difference (at least on the black).

P.S. I'll be heading back down to SoFla this weekend to your neck of the woods, unfortunately in the Explorer though : (

-Sean


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Black RX-8... is the appearance package worth it?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:56 PM.