Buying an Rx-8 going INTO winter a bad idea???
11-10-2005 | 12:05 AM
#1
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Buying an Rx-8 going INTO winter a bad idea???
Hello all, I've been debating getting an Rx-8 for a few months now and I really am leaning towards getting one.
I just dont want to have to get another car to get me through the winter. I live in a suburb of Chicago and I will be selling a 2 wheel drive Ranger that I drive right now. Not the best in the snow, but not the worse.
What I should do is keep the Ranger through the winter then maybe in the spring time get an Rx-8. But I want it now.
I'm curious to know, anyone get their Rx-8 through any winters???
Thanks, Shane
11-10-2005 | 12:12 AM
#2
Was a Z Guy...
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Wichita Falls, Texas
It's not if you know how to drive on snow. Just make sure all the flashes are up to date if you get a used one. They seem to have taken care of the flooding issues and cold start problems.
11-10-2005 | 12:17 AM
#3
Tires....
It all comes down to the rubber.
Buy real snow/winter tires, not all seasons, the car will do the rest.
It has traction control, ABS, DSC and a limited slip diff....your Ranger doesn't.
This is my second winter, in northern Canada, no worries! (love those seat heaters!)
S
Buy real snow/winter tires, not all seasons, the car will do the rest.
It has traction control, ABS, DSC and a limited slip diff....your Ranger doesn't.
This is my second winter, in northern Canada, no worries! (love those seat heaters!)
S
11-10-2005 | 12:38 AM
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Whats a decent set of snow tires cost? And I only need two being a rear wheel drive car, the fronts are ok factory...
I've driven my Lightning on a snowy day before a few times when I got stuck with just one car, and I drove the Cobra once. (Wasnt fun, but I can drive in the snow) The Rx-8 has a lot less torque too. But still its a sports car with sporty tires on it...
I think I'll be just fine. I just dont want to buy it, and then have it sit for 3 months.
I've driven my Lightning on a snowy day before a few times when I got stuck with just one car, and I drove the Cobra once. (Wasnt fun, but I can drive in the snow) The Rx-8 has a lot less torque too. But still its a sports car with sporty tires on it...
I think I'll be just fine. I just dont want to buy it, and then have it sit for 3 months.
11-10-2005 | 10:04 AM
#9
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Originally Posted by Vader76
Always put on 4 winter tires...The factory tires are useless in snow.
11-10-2005 | 10:37 AM
#11
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From: Indianapolis, IN
^Ditto... Since this car doesn't have all-seasons like a typical passenger car, the front tires are useless in the snow... I bought my car at the beginning of January this year, and tried driving it in some VERY light powder... Wasn't happening. I just had to park it until the roads were cleared. 
Thankfully, I'll get to try out my new winter tread for the first time this winter season.
Thankfully, I'll get to try out my new winter tread for the first time this winter season.
11-10-2005 | 10:48 AM
#13
I like rusty spoons
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Shane...a lot of Canadians in Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg (and other cities that get decent winters) have driven their cars through 2, going on 3 winters.
No problems! The low low-end torque is great for starting out in the snow (sure can't say that about your old mustang, eh?). The weight balance makes turning easy, and the extra features like DSC / TCS are very helpful. Actually I wouldn't drive an 8 in the winter without these, personally.
But as everyone already said, it's ALL ABOUT THE TIRES! Get some snow tires and you'll be frickin' set.
I got some 17" toyo garrits w/ steel rims for $1300 CDN. There's even better deals out there, too.
No problems! The low low-end torque is great for starting out in the snow (sure can't say that about your old mustang, eh?). The weight balance makes turning easy, and the extra features like DSC / TCS are very helpful. Actually I wouldn't drive an 8 in the winter without these, personally.
But as everyone already said, it's ALL ABOUT THE TIRES! Get some snow tires and you'll be frickin' set.
I got some 17" toyo garrits w/ steel rims for $1300 CDN. There's even better deals out there, too.
Last edited by khtm; 11-10-2005 at 10:52 AM.
11-10-2005 | 10:53 AM
#14
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Mugatu is late so I'll say it -
Search out the winter tires threads - there are dozens in addition to the main sticky threads.
They always boil down to the same thing.
1) You must get 4 snow tires so you can accellerate, brake *and* steer.
2) You probably want to drop from the 18" stock to a narrower 17" so consider getting new rims (however, some people are very happy with their 18" snow tires so your mileage may vary).
3) You'll have to make up your own mind about buying additional TPMS sensors if you get winter rims (but you can get them used for ~$160/set here from other members - see the ForSale threads).
4) You'll want a performance winter tire, something with a nice stiff sidewall, otherwise your handling will feel all squishy and you won't feel like you're getting your money's worth out of the car.
5) Most people pay ~$1200+ (USD) for 17" rims and new snow tires, then the cost of TPMS is extra.
6) If you are investing $20k to $30k in a performance car you really don't want to cheap out on the tires. You might save $500 trying to low-ball your tires then end up using that $500 as your insurance deductible when your crummy tires put you in a wreck.
To answer your main, original question - I bought my RX-8 going into winter - purchased 9/30 as the car lots in the NorthEast were switching over to SUVs. You should be able to get some 'out-of-season' incentives/discounts and you'll *love* the RX-8.
Search out the winter tires threads - there are dozens in addition to the main sticky threads.
They always boil down to the same thing.
1) You must get 4 snow tires so you can accellerate, brake *and* steer.
2) You probably want to drop from the 18" stock to a narrower 17" so consider getting new rims (however, some people are very happy with their 18" snow tires so your mileage may vary).
3) You'll have to make up your own mind about buying additional TPMS sensors if you get winter rims (but you can get them used for ~$160/set here from other members - see the ForSale threads).
4) You'll want a performance winter tire, something with a nice stiff sidewall, otherwise your handling will feel all squishy and you won't feel like you're getting your money's worth out of the car.
5) Most people pay ~$1200+ (USD) for 17" rims and new snow tires, then the cost of TPMS is extra.
6) If you are investing $20k to $30k in a performance car you really don't want to cheap out on the tires. You might save $500 trying to low-ball your tires then end up using that $500 as your insurance deductible when your crummy tires put you in a wreck.
To answer your main, original question - I bought my RX-8 going into winter - purchased 9/30 as the car lots in the NorthEast were switching over to SUVs. You should be able to get some 'out-of-season' incentives/discounts and you'll *love* the RX-8.
11-10-2005 | 11:01 AM
#15
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From: Hyde Park, NY
Good info. I'm in the same boat as Shanezam. Hopefully going Saturday for a test drive and to discuss possible good deals on '05's or wait for an '06. Now I know that I can expect to add about another $1,000 in up front costs.
11-10-2005 | 11:16 AM
#17
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Shanezam203 Where do you live? Where you buying from? I'm 99% sure i'll pick mine up from AB Mazda in Evanston.
I'm in chicago...western and 290...waiting for an 06 RX8. It seems like i won't get my car till jan/feb which typically isn't the most fun time of year to drive in chicago...
I was planning on getting a spare set of stock 18" wheels and putting some affordable winter tires...altho i may be better off with 16's or 17's.
I'm in chicago...western and 290...waiting for an 06 RX8. It seems like i won't get my car till jan/feb which typically isn't the most fun time of year to drive in chicago...
I was planning on getting a spare set of stock 18" wheels and putting some affordable winter tires...altho i may be better off with 16's or 17's.
11-10-2005 | 11:24 AM
#18
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From: Saskatoon, SK -- go to Winnipeg then head west
Took delivery of mine last Dec. 23. Streets were clear at the time, but the stock tires are **** even in cold weather (like minus 10C and below). And if there are more than four snowflakes on the ground, forget it. Anyway, I soon had a nice set of 17" Blizzaks and gunmetal grey rims. The winter look and the summer look -- gotta love it.
11-10-2005 | 11:38 AM
#19
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Originally Posted by Foz'sRX8
What's all the fuss?
Just move to FLA!
I can't wait to use my seat heaters this year!........NOT!
Just wish the buttons were located on the dash instead of the console.
Just move to FLA!
I can't wait to use my seat heaters this year!........NOT!
Just wish the buttons were located on the dash instead of the console.
11-10-2005 | 05:21 PM
#20
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From: Bay Area, CA
Originally Posted by khtm
Yeah what's wrong with you? Move away from the snow and into the hurricanes!
11-11-2005 | 08:53 PM
#21
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From: Florida
I got mine from Biggers in Jan. - got a good end-of-year deal. I bought 17" rims with Blizzaks from the Tire Rack before going down to get the car (I live in Wisconsin) and brought them along. I had them change over the wheels before I even drove off the lot. The car works really well in winter, IF you have the snow tires. Well balanced, and the DSC helps a lot when you haven't gotten used to the car yet. No need to wait until spring, in my opinion.
11-11-2005 | 10:08 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by jaedcem
No need to wait until spring, in my opinion.
I will look more into getting a set of winter tires for it too.
Now I just need to find an Rx-8 with the options I want.
I've decided on Silver vs Red.
I love Red, but the Rx-8 Mica Red is like no other Red I've seen before.
11-11-2005 | 10:30 PM
#23
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From: Boston
With snows and a couple bags of sand in the back you'll be ok. The first time I drove on just a dusting (post flurry) I thought for sure I was gonna crash. VERY scary feeling. Also, don't forget about front clearance.
11-12-2005 | 05:49 AM
#24
You may have limited driving in the winter but consider this.. the best month to get a good deal on cars (generally speaking) is December. When the snow is laying around and noone is showing up at the dealerships, they get real hungry.
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