So I'm still debating whether or not to jump from my current ride and into a used RX-8 but I'm troubled in more ways than one about this issue. Having read through the last thread I started, it seems that the board was more or less split in opinion. Still haven't driven one yet though.

All I can say is, coming in from a a Toyonda background (though they're not perfect either I know), I'm quite appalled at Mazda's track record when it comes to this car and my current car, a Mazdaspeed3 ::cough dropping motors cough::. So I'm not quite sold on the RX-8 just yet... But... It's a rotary damn it. And it's going to be cheaper to get since I'm likely to get it used, but the gas costs will probably make up for it AND I lose out on the sleeper and utility factor.... Well maybe not so much on the "sleeper" aspect as Mazda decided to screw us 07 "limited edition" buyers. Thanks Mazda!

On the other hand... I'm somewhat shocked to say this, but at least the 8'll be A LOT more unique than my current car. Here in SoCal, us MS3's are literally a dime a dozen nowadays. Hell, my college campus has 10+ MS3's running around. Nary an RX-8 though, so in a sense, the 8's actually MORE low key, the way I prefer it. Oh and if I can get a relatively low mileage'd 8, I also get a nifty 8 year 100k warranty for the engine! Which is loads better than the 6 year 60k one on my current car. When my mount fails on the MS3, you can bet that no amount of money or parts replacement will ever get it back to the way it ever was as the engine literally craters down, messing up everything. For the 8, well, shoot, it's just the engine, if I read all the other posts on engines going boom correctly I hope. No need to worry about drive axles, transmission, radiator, the actual engine itself, and so forth.. Still. I'm at a crossroads. So I come to the infinite wisdom that is rx8club and plead for your assistance.

Suggestions? Besides the fact that I'm comparing a sports compact to a sports car, it's apples to oranges etc. Decisions decisions. I don't have any real priorities in a car, just as long as it's safe and won't break my heart (mechanically and financially speaking). Oh and it's gotta have a soul. Zoom zoom ~. And no, a Miata is too small, an MS6 is too big.

 

Get 8 if you love cars.

Get MS3 if u want something more practical.

How simple is that.

 

Like nycgps said, get the car if you love cars and have no short term plans with the car. I love my car more than anything but one thing that is weighing heavily on my shoulders is the kick in the *** I see everytime I check my cars KBB value. I bought my car brand new for $34k last April, and tonight, my car is worth $16,500, show room condition with 7000 miles (Its my second car that has never seen rain and sits in the garage 98% of the time). It makes me sick that I still owe $12k more than my car is even worth. Getting your used will be a wise thing to do. But like I said, if you plan on keeping it for several years, GET IT!!

 

To me the 8 is... Well like love and hate. Where the MS3 is more like get in and go. Then hate it. lol but thats just me. I love the 8. But like he Turbo power of the MS3. How ever I dont like the looks of the MS3.
-Gil

 

Go drive one already. No, strike that, go drive a few of them. That will probably be the deciding factor for you.

 

As others have said, you simply must test drive an RX-8. The impeccable handling, for its price range, should sell you. And as you already know it's far more unique than your MS3. The '8 does need a bit more looking after, but not so much as the derogatory posts around here would have you believe. The '8 is quick, not fast; you won't take anybody off the line. However, you'll take most everyone in the tight turns. If you appreciate maneuverability over straight line performance this is the machine for you. Down the road you can add a forced induction solution and have it all.