Alano

Hey guys. Im new here. Was thinking about maybe picking up an RX-8. Im trying to get rid of my S4. It was between the Z and the Rx. I have a question on the RX-8 though, anyone around the NJ area have one as a daily driver? I hear they are TERRIBLE in the snow/rain, is this true?

mysql101

terrible if you keep the stock tires on them. get something made for slow and it'll be fine.

DarkBrew

Welcome to the forum!
I've driven mine through two winters. The people telling you it's bad in snow probably didn't have snow tires. The summer tires really suck on snow.
You have to drive both cars (the Z and the 8), look at your needs and then buy the 8.

9291150

They won't be as good as your S4 in bad weather, but tires are everything. I use mine all year with Vikings in the winter, and other than lower ground clearance they are great.

Alano

Yeah, it was a tossup between the two. I would have went with the Z, but for some reason it was going to cost me 600 dollars more on insurance...still havent checked on the 8 yet, but im guessing itll be cheaper since its a 4 door and seater. As for the snow issues, yeah I figured tires would be everything. How mod friendly is the 8 as well, heard the limit if 450hp or so, or am I totally off?

eviltwinkie

If you want something fast in a straight line...get something else...this car is for twisties...mods do not really do much...you gotta go FI for any real change...

But if you want to go on a track...the rx is a track-supastar stock...all depends on what your looking for.

I took one drive and fell in love with the way the car simply "feels"...I think it could use 100 extra horses but all in due time...

Alano

Well. I just want a decently fast sportscar. Im tired of the S4 right now, plus I dont get half the attention I think id get in any other car. Not many people know what the S is, let alone an Audi. Heh. But the 8 just looks like a beauty, I fell in love with it. Worth getting an 07? Or pick up a used?

mysql101

It's not mod friendly. You'll need FI to get anything significant. And with FI, I don't think we've seen anyone go over the 330 whp point yet with the stock renesis engine - so figure about 380-400 hp at the crank.

eviltwinkie

You can find used pretty cheap now a days...and the money saved could be used on upgraded components...suspension, etc...or FI...just look for anything 05+, I found mine with only 18K on it and great condition for cheeeeeeaaaaap at the audi dealership..

Alano

And how reliable are they. I know if somethings wrong with my Audi, which almost every other week is a new problem, its a pretty big pocket buster lol.

eviltwinkie

As long as you do your care and feeding...check the oil...alot...they are about the same I would say as most cars. The 04's had a few bugs fixed in the later years. Now-a-days most of the ones out there are pretty reliable I would say. Gas is going to be expensive too.

mysql101

The rx8 properly tuned with turbo at 300 whp level should be reliable. I'm just under that and don't have issues.

shaunv74

I've had mine since '04 and it has 50K miles on it. It's been great with no real problems. Anything I had a problem with the dealer fixed under warranty. Just make sure you get the balance of the warranty and you'll be fine. The bumper to bumper is 50K miles.

eviltwinkie

I hate you mysql101...and your ideal high powered ways...I coulda used that juice this past weekend on the long straight...instead I watched and waved as the z06 became a small dot in the distance...

I forced him to let me pass later...but whatever...it was the principle of the thing...

Alano

What'd it cost you to have the turbo put in? If its a right price, I might pick up an 05 06 and use the money left over to put the turbo in. In any case. 300whp is more then enough for me. I just want something faster then all my friends heh. A friend of mine just got the speed 6 =/ Its going to be tough, we've got evos, m3's, srt's.

Plaz

Test drive often before buying. Coming from an S4, you might not be able to deal with the relative scarcity of low end grunt.

eviltwinkie

The MS6 is nice...but I can keep up w/ a buddy who has a CAI downpipe and other mods. Now the MS3 is one fast little bastard. However from what I understand most of the MS boys are having reliability problems with the turbo bearings going out and passing oil. It happened to the MS6 buddy this past weekend during an HPDE.

Your not going to be able to pass an STI (my other buddy) unless you put in a feed 4.77 gear and learn to drive better than they do...that or also install FI...

Alano

Hm. Well honestly, I like the car for the looks, and nimbleness the most. Not really a fan of straight racing anyway, I dont see a point. If thats what I wanted I would definately go with a V8 beast. The 8's are really one of the nicest cars I've seen stock and especially when modded. I just have to try and get over the Z . At least I'll have 2 extra seats, and some suicides . Another thing that bothers me is I see more females then males driving them...am I missing something?

eviltwinkie

Chicks DIG the 8...most dudes are only interested in straight line performance and hence shy away from it...

I for one LOVE it...but thats cause I have tracked the car and know what its DESIGNED for. Racing for me is NOT going in a straight line...

If you want to pass a stock Z...swap out the pulley to the Agency Power one, pop in the flywheel and use a supercat...Done...

Alano

Well when you say they dig the 8, do you mean from the outside, or them driving it The car should never be used to pick up girls..but it doesnt hurt to get attention from anyone. Regardless, I love the look, and I think ill be getting a black one sometime in a few weeks. Now, any real difference with the packages? What I should or shouldnt get?

eviltwinkie

Chicks like to look/drive it...It always catches thier eye...

The only differences in the packages you should be aware of will again be what is your intended purpose...for autox and tracking you want the spartan GT version w/o nav, sunroof, and leather...its lighter than the other versions...

Oh and get the 6-speed...anything less is uncivilized...

Alano

I think I'll just pick up a fully loaded GT. Im not a tracker at all really. Now all I have to do is decide the color I want Leaning toward black. Are there options to get 2 tones seats or does that have to be aftermarket. I didnt see any options on the mazda website.

puch96

You should get one of these......then beat all your friends....
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/7710...otus-Exige.jpg

lone_wolf025

With black or red you have the option of getting black and red two toned leather seats.

Alano

Thanks guys for all the input. As for the nicest sounding growl from the exhaust, what do you guys suggest?