Hey guys, I currently own (and truly love) a 2006 STI, but recently I've decided that I need to reduce my monthly expenditures. This is pushing me to part out my STI and sell it in favor of something a little less expensive.

My list includes the following:
05 Mazda RX-8
06 Mazda MX-5
03-05 BMW 330i
~99 BMW Z3 2.8
and then a long list of other less desirable cars...

The RX-8 is at the top of my list because it looks a hell of a lot better than my other choices and should handle at least as well as if not better than my STI. I also like that, on paper, it should be pretty fast and fun to drive. I like it better than the MX-5 because it has more 'space' inside and is less likely to draw the ire of quad-cab drivers...

Anyway, I have some specific questions that I hope you can answer:

I know very little about the RX-8s and the biggest concern is that I get the right "options", such as Xenon headlights, a good stereo, LSD, better suspension/brakes (if they are available) and definitely a manual transmission. Do I need to look at a specific trim model in my shopping?

I am told that it is very difficult to put an aftermarket stereo into the RX-8. Is this truly the case? Will I not be able to use a normal single-din head unit? I really like my Alpine iPod-enabled headunit and would be loathe to do without it.

I am an avid cyclist, which means I need to frequently carry my road bicycle. With the STI, I can lay a towel across the backseat, take both wheels off the bike, and have the bike stowed neatly in the backseat in a matter of about 60 seconds. Will a road-bike fit in the RX-8's backseat? If not, how else do you carry a bicycle on this car?

I am concerned about reliability. I haven't heard a lot of good about the Renesis reliability, but then, I've been on subaru forums and may be getting biased opinions. What is the real dope on this?

Engine/Power/Handling mods? What if any are considered "must-have" or is the car pretty much perfectly balanced from the factory?

I never drag race so ultimate power is not my goal... I just really enjoy driving, especially on twisty roads... My STI was a intake/header/exhaust/reprogrammed-ECU as far as power goes and then full suspension mods including springs, some special geometry modifiers, camber plates, big swaybars, chassis bracing, etc. My standards are pretty high so everything was always done with exceptional quality and engineering thoughtfulness when modding my car... I assume the same level of quality componentry is availabe in the RX-8 marketplace?

Any answers/help on my questions would be appreciated, as well as pointing out anything I might not have thought about.

Thanks!
-nick

 

welcome, nothing like having extra cash in the pocket

 

oh yeah, the other major question I have is:

What things do I need to look out for when I am shopping for a used RX-8? Common problems, common mods (and their tell-tale signs), etc?

 

get an '05 at least. Most of the bugs were worked out...the '04s had flooding issues...they released service bulletins to fix but I would still go with an '05+

 

haven't posted in awhile!
Well here goes...
Check out mazda's site for trims and junk.
Most people here seem to like the stock system over the bose, and if you're looking to swap out the system stick with stock for sure (duh)
Aftermarket stereo's are difficult because the 8's stereo is not a typical 1/2 slot din. Look at some interior pics and you'll see what i mean.
I doubt you'll be able to fit a bike in the backseat. I've seen one or two members with bike racks though (on the trunk i believe), it's kind of hideous though imo.
Hearing good reliability about a rotary? that's a first! truth be told it's a very reliable engine as long as its not a lemon and you take care of it. There was a recent recall though that you might want to read about. I have 35k+ mi with no problems yet. There are a few quirks you should read on (like oil consumption and junk) but it should be no problem.
Mods... you should search. basic bolt ons won't get you very far, FI seems to be going pretty well though. Search Mazsport, Axial Flow, Hymee, etc. in the major horsepower section.

You might like it on paper and you might like it in real life, but definetely go test drive one. It's definetely not a straight line monster and it's damn near impossible to hit the 'claimed' 0-60.

Things to consider... It is a gas guzzler, not fast on the straights, it has a quirky engine that doesn't respond very well to basic bolt ons.
But you do get 9000 rpms, 232 (claimed) hp, a unique engine that loves/needs to be revved in a car that can carry 4 decently sized adults.

and.. search you'll be hearing that a lot around here..

 

I love STI it's fast and ugly.

 

i agree with just about every said so far, it is a gas guzzler so you should expect about 230 miles to the tank. You have to refill the oil periodically, its normal don't worry, the rotary engine is designed to burn oil within its combustion chamber. Average is about one quart every 1000 miles. Finally don't worry about the 2004 models, a hell of alot of us have 04's and with the updates they run perfectly fine, so if you find a great deal on an 04 (money seems to be a first factor for you) then don't pass it up because of its production year.

ALSO! get a carfax done no matter what, its cheap and might save you from a horrible previous owner.

 

Why not get a used S2K, seems like it would be a good fit considering your list of cars.

 

Ok smartguy, then why the hell does he have the Z3 and Miata listed?

Plus, I have it on good authority that he thinks the S2K is better than the RX-8

 

If it helps, I carry my Gary Fisher in the back seat all the time. I do have to take off the wheels to fit it in, but it works just fine. We fit two back there one time, but the passenger was not too comfy. Seems wheels take up more space than the frames do.
As for reliability . . . . coming from a subaru . . . you will not be disappointed.
And why the heck are you going through cars so fast if you need to save $$$??? If you have a 06 STI, you are buried in it. No matter how good your deal was or how much you put down, how are you goin to get out of that one to even consider anything else???
There is a saying in the car industry ; The cheapest car out there is the one you already have. (in other words, you're gonna get screwed trying to get out of that one, and you get screwed again getting in to another one)

 

I'm well into the "black" on my loan for the 06 (large downpayment, invoice pricing, large monthly payments), and the STI's seem to hold their value really well, so swapping out of it will not be much of a loss. I agree, I shouldn't be swapping cars much to save money, but my current monthly car payment is more than I should be spending. A car that costs 66% as much will save me a bundle in monthly payments (not to mention, the older, less-frequently-wrecked RX8 will have lower insurance premiums).

Not sure about the subaru reliability comment. This is my third turbo Impreza and I've never had a mechanical problem of any kind in 5 years and 140,000 driven miles. There are those who don't know how to treat them (eg: launching an AWD car is gonna break something eventually) and they are the ones with failures.

Thanks for the info about the Bikes fitting in your car. That is reassuring. By Gary Fisher, I assume you're talking mountain bikes - and my roadbike has a shorter wheelbase than a mountain bike so it should fit pretty well. That's good news.

I am really only reverting on a bad decision to get the 06sti to begin with. I had an 05STI but a drunk driver totalled it for me on my way home from work one night. At the time (Last Jan), I was heavily considering something else instead of a new STI, but after rolling over twice and crawling out of the car without a single scratch or sprain, I felt like Subaru's safety deserved my business. Anyway, I think back then I was ready for a different car, but my friends also helped talk me into another Subaru and so that's where I am.

As for the question about the S2000 and why I would have a Z3/miata/etc in my list if I need to carry a bicycle, I am aware of certain external attachments (trailer hitch, etc) that will allow me to carry the bike, but the RX8 is more appealing because I might not need anything external to carry it.

I don't have the S2000 listed because I am 6'3" and the legroom of the S2000 is just not quite adequate for me to live with.

 

the RX-8 is a decent vehicle. coming from an STI you'll notice it doesn't have nearly as much punch in accellertion, but you certainly won't be disappointed in the handling and braking departments.

seems that you're looking for a sporty car with a hint of practicality...I think you're looking in the right place myself. just do a bit of research, check out the forums and learn as much as you possibly can about this car, 'cause it's one you'll need to know once you get it.

yeah, test drive it though, make sure it's a good fit. I think you may like the sort of feeling the car can deliver, and when it comes to power mods, I myself am looking forward to the axial flow supercharger...promises to be rather unique.

big welcome to ya!

 

You'll probably want at least the Touring model to get the options you mentioned. Look for one with an Appearance package and you might be satisfied enough to avoid wanting an aftermarket body kit. There's a lot of space in the car too if you're creative. I fit a MazdaSpeed front bumper and side skirts in there. Worst case Yakima and probably others make racks that fit the roof of the car.

Rotary engines are very reliable as long as you learn what they need and take care of them. I drove 3 RX7's over 10 years, each to WELL over 100,000 miles and no issues. Renesis engines are still new but they're just a 13b that's been updated and better engineered so in theory they should be just as reliable with proper care.

Since bolt ons don't yeild much bang for the buck you can save money there and if you get the right FI package later can still get the same type of power or more you're used to with your STI if you want it. If you enjoy the overall experience of spirited driving you would be very happy with the 8.

Look for one owned by a little old lady who you know didn't abuse it and had the recall done and you should have nothing to worry about.

 

You nailed it, Frynge... a sporty car with a hint of practicality. That's exactly what I like about the STI, but nowadays, I am growing less and less satisfied with it... And for the money I'm spending on it, I need to be totally satisfied. I have never thought the Subaru was a good looking car (although the 06 was an improvement) so something like the RX8 is going to be a major jump in looks

Also, at this point in my life, I am far more concerned about having "enough" power and absolutely terrific handling/braking.... Because the driving I enjoy most is not very bridled to massive power, but is totally dependent on being able to turn and stop fast. The RX8 uses double-wishbones like the MX-5, right?

I did drive one back in 2003 when I had a big-turbo WRX.... I really liked it. Of course, I need to go test drive it again to make sure I still do. Will do that friday I think

 

I came from a MY01 Sti. This is the best handling car I've ever driven. I can fit my road bike inside the car, however I have to remove both wheels and keep them in the boot. Those suicide doors makes access easy to remove/place the frame. I am using a Manfrotto magic arm to clamp the bike frame. Too easy!!!

 

the 8 juss looks WAY better. plus, unique car. u wont be finding many of them like a sti. everytime i look around when driving, there is always either a wrx or sti.

 

Just make sure you have enough headroom when you are in a comfortable driving position. I'm 5'9" and I don't have much headroom. But I may sit more upright than you do. I believe the ones without moonroofs have more headroom.

 

There are far fewer STIs on the road than there are RX-8s...


Seems like an RX-8 would be a good choice for you. Reliabilty is still a bit of an unknown to matter what anyone here tells you. There is some cause for concern with the engine longevity, but how much concern is really hard to say. If the power is adequate enough for you I say go for it. Just a heads up, the MS6 new can be had for low 20s which may be another car to consider.

 

Yeah I think the RX8 outsells the STI by a factor of about 3-4. That doesn't matter to me though.

 

i would agree that there are probably less STI's but a lot of people jus generalize wrx's and say there are more on the road

 

Hmmm... the RX-8 does have a lot of practicality for a sports car, but after some time you might find it annoying to put up with the issues involved with repeatedly hauling a bike around. Lord knows I wouldn't want to put anything dirty in my backseat, especially anything with pokey parts that could scratch up the center console & doors or put holes in the seats like a bike frame, even (or especially) with the tires removed and put in the trunk. You will have a compulsion to baby this car!

Have you considered a MazdaSpeed 3? Very reasonably priced, with a lot more everyday practicality because of the hatchback, and the handling and power should be closer to what you're used to in the STi. It's at least worth a test drive.

 

is it really worth it? you will most likely take a pretty decent financial hit when you sell your STI, In the name of saving money, have you done calculation of how much you would realistically save?

 

if you want adequate head room don't get the Grand Touring package that comes with the sunroof. I'm 6'1 and i wish I hadn't. If i was one inch taller i wouldn't fit in my car.

 

I'm 6'4" with the GT package, and I fit in the car. It's all about seating position...basically I don't let anyone touch my seating controls haha

As for light mods...opinions will vary but I think you'd enjoy a lightweight flywheel and some suspension mods. For the most part exhaust mods don't really add much power. Of course, that hasn't stopped me from getting them to squeeze every last bit from my car

 

thread jacking: slayer you goto Maryland? what color is your car? and which lot do you park at?