Seriously?

Took a long trip yesterday to see a relative in the hospital (80 miles each way)...

The only two complaints I have about the 8, as reminded by this trip, is so-so fuel economy and the lack of a clothing or coat 'hook' to hang clothing from (minor, I know).

As far as fuel economy, I averaged just over 21mpg, which isn't so great because the trip was 85% highway.

Great things: The car has a super tight chassis w/great rigidity, fantastic steering feel, is quiet even at high speeds, amazing handling, has fantastic ride quality - especially given the amazing handling, an actual real backseat where people can sit when it's called for, and great reliability (I've had a battery and starter motor replaced, along with the gas cap door release thingy which was a really minor part).

When I drive my wife's new car, or in other peoples' new cars, my 8 still feels absolutely modern inside, with really good fit and finish and use of good material quality - if anything, some 'newer' cars have seemingly gotten worse in terms of interior quality (I'm looking at you, Lexus IS-F and Toyota, in general).

 

One of the major factors in my '8 purchase was its best value in class. Of course one could argue that its relatively poor fuel economy lessens its value over its lifecycle.

The '8 still feels like I strap it on and a recent long distance trip gave me exactly the same positive attributes. 'course the new Toyo T1R's helped.

 

Problem is, there aren't many cars really in the same "class". The 8 is more sports car than sporty coupe. And more sports car than the top end versions of economy cars... Civic SI, SRT4, Cobalt SS.
But not as impractical as a 2 seater with a drop-top. Its hard for any other car to pull off what the 8 can do.

 

wrx

 

hate to say it but the wrx is a better value. my buddy has one and fuel economy is better, handling is on par with the 8, and power is amazing.

 

Honda civic with muffler tips from autozone.

 

Sorry, but it does not look as good. . . at all. Not even close. That's my complaint with the Evo also. Great power and performance and value... but its a 4 door sedan. I guess its superficial, but it just doesn't look the part.

 

I don't know about value or class but it sounds like you want more room and better gas mileage.

I would look at the Genesis Coupe 2.0 or 3.0 or maybe a Mustang.

I'd look at the Genesis first.
Before I got my 8 I was looking at those.
Very nice cars.

 

Damn fanboi...

 

i agree about the genesis but its a Hyundai no matter what and i think it doesnt look good (looks like a photocopy of multiple cars like most other Hyundais) and my gripe with the wrx and evo are looks too especially the evos rear end OMG

 

I think the front is kinda weak but overall it's nice looking.
10 year 100,000 miles.......

 

I was under the impression we are talking value. Though you think the rx8 looks better does not apply.

 

Wut???

 

^ in thats case the genesis would be cheaper BUT has anyone thought of insurance i KNOW its more on the genesis coz a friend of mine went from an 8 to a genesis and almost doubled his insurance

 

I thought the Mustang had more room...

No?

 

I tried to sit in the back of an 06 Mustang GT. Doable in the 8, eating my knees in the 'stang.

 

Well, what is "value" then?

Hypothetically, lets assume a Pontiac Aztec can put down Caymen performance numbers, everything on the spec sheet is the same. 0-60, skid pad, etc. But... it comes in the Aztec body, which looks as good as a bag of poop that's been set on fire. Price is set at like 27k we'll call it.

Sure its great performance per dollar, but it illustrates how style is a part of the overall value of a car.

 

True, but that is an imaginary situation, plus haven't two extreme's compete. In reality there is not such a situation and sales of the rx8's competition prove so.

 

The WRX and Evo are very good performers, but I see them as souped up family mini-sedans/hatches and not sportscars, and therefore not a same-class contender.

The Genesis is also very nice, with allot of bang for the buck, but more of a luxury GT.

 

I was just saying that style does play a role in determining a car's value. Many look at the WRX and EVO as being way more practical, better performance, more space, better fuel economy, etc. And neither car looks as bad as an Aztec, but neither of them look as good as the 8.

But they both sell a lot better than the 8.

Style does play a role in determining value.

 

You have just grievously offended bags of burning poop.

Style is part of value. Get a cool car that chicks dig, and you can entertain them by driving around. Get a dull car and you have to start shelling out for dinner, theater, etc.

Ken

 

Even the newest WRX's handling isn't on par with the 8 right outta the factory.
Despite its AWD, its grip in the dry isn't as good as the 8 either.
STi is obviously another story.
But yes, that aside, the WRX is a tremendous value.

RX-8 is hard to classify, but when put in the sports car segment, a few cars come to mind when it comes to great value.

Base Chevy Corvette
Base Nissan 370Z
Hyundai Genesis 2.0T and V6 Track
And most won't agree, but Mazda MX-5.

 

Pontiac G8

 

^ the g8 is an amazing car but again its a 4 door family sedan that goes really really fast and handles pretty dam good for something that heave and big

 

we have 4 doors =)

that is the closest to class I could come up with. like most have said.. the 8 is really in a class of its own, just like top gear says in the cars first review.