I've owned my RX-8 for a week now and put 300 miles on it. The funny thing is, I work only two miles from my home yet I average about forty miles a day! I look for ways to stretch the shortest errand into an afternoon of driving bliss. Every single one of those 300 initial miles has been an incredible joy to me.

My criteria for choosing my new car was straightforward:
1) No more than $35K.
2) Sporty and fun.
3) Different.
4) Comfortable and well-appointed.
5) Four seats a huge plus.

This limited my choices to the obvious contenders: 350Z, S2000, G35, RX-8, Mini-S, and the like. The RX-8 was the last car I test drove. It came home with me that night.

It should be noted that I am not a 'tuner' or a 'gearhead'. But I do appreciate quality and performance. I also understand that with every plus there is a corresponding minus. It amazes me how many people say they want more torque but in the next breath complain about the mileage. Is the RX-8 the most powerful car in its class? No. Is it the fastest? No. Does it get the worst mileage? No. Is it the most fun to drive? Arguably yes! In fact, that's what every single review of the -8 by knowledgeable professionals has stated (Autoweek, Car & Driver, Fifth Gear, Motorweek, Top Gear, and TSN to name a few). Personally, I would rather enjoy every mile I put on the vehicle than be the first to bolt out into an intersection (and get T-boned).

My Shinka has four seats and better handling than the 350 or S2000. It doesn't look like another sedan like the G35's of the world. It is still very unique on the road and has a decent repair history -- unlike the Mini. It is well-appointed, comfortable, and has a decent trunk. It turns heads wherever I am. But most of all, it is FUN! There is no such thing as a universally perfect car, but the RX-8 is the perfect car for me.

Richard

 

Good write-up, Richard. Admittedly, I am a criticizer of the torque and speed, but I appeciate your sentiments. Welcome to the club and have fun with your new toy!

One question, though: ONLY 40 miles a day?!? I'm so bad sometimes that I'm already at 14,000 miles after just 7 months!

 

I drive about 60 miles a day
good points on your summary

 

Hm, yes, that's kind of a RX-8 disease.....

I was thinking to suggest an improvement of the NAV system to MAZDA:
It should have a "Longest Distance" menu option as well.... :D

 

Yes, guys, 'only' 40 miles a day, but remember that I work *two* miles from my home. ;-)

The nav system should also have a 'take windiest roads' option as well!

Richard

 

I did a little over 900 miles my first week :/ :D
Now I'm almost at 4 months with only 3300 (about 250-275 miles a week).
I go out of my way to get anywhere. I drive alone when theres room for me in a carpool, and I jump on the chance to run errands (as long as I don't have to park and get out of the car).

And yes, I'm aware of my addiction.

 

Sry for 2 posts, just read that^

Start a new trip, destination wherever, choose AVOID HIGHWAY.
Once you start on your trip, press POS, press Enter, choose Detour, Alt Routes, and pick the windiest route.

In addition, there is an option somewhere to increase the "out of the way distance" that Alt Routes plots (From 2 miles, to 5 or 10 miles out of the way); thats somewhere in the system setup I believe.

 

Its so funny with this car how it makes you excited to take the long way. With my old car if there was traffic I'd get mad that I have to the long route, now with the 8 its "Traffic? Sweet I'll just go around the city."

 

I, too, wanted a car with some power, and that was fun to drive. The 0-60 time was not a major concern. Handling, materials, and comfort were better than competitors. I cannot knock any of the competitors because they all fulfill a need in someone. The 8 did it for me.

 

I agree with your assessments, but I can't think of a car in its class that gets worst mileage.

 

In my first 2 days, I did 600 miles... At the end of the week, 1300... I love my 8.

*Sigh* Now if only I still had the girl who I thought would be sitting beside me...

 

I agree with all you said, with two exceptions 1) it handles better than the S2K 2) and the comment about fuel economy.

Enjoy your ride!

 

Momo -

Handling is, of course, somewhat subjective. But I am assuming that you have actually driven a Shinka (not a stock RX-8) and S2000 in making your comparison. I have, and to me the Shinka definitely outhandles the S2000.

Regarding fuel economy, I agree in retrospect that my choice of words was not the most accurate. There are several cars in its class that have an EPA rating of 17ish to 25ish (Imprezza, Lancer, Mustang, GTO, and our RX-8). It has plenty of company at the bottom. ;-)

Richard

 

I thought the S2K outperformed the '8 in all categories (regardless whether its a shinka or not....weren't the bushings or something the only thing different on the suspension? Can't really remember). My S2k felt very nimble...It even out handled my modified NSX. Congrats on the Shinka BTW. I'm contemplating selling my NSX for an '8.

 

In all honesty, the NSX is my all-time favorite sports car. The $80K price tag is the only detractor. Can you share your reasons for wanting to trade yours in for an RX-8?

Richard

 

Well, its a '91 with 150K on the odometer. Still runs like a champ, no squeaks or rattles...but its getting a little long in the tooth. I've been tossing the idea about buying an Rx-8 for a long time. Something nice about a brand new car, with brand new smell, warranty, navigation, heated seats and etc. Plus I used to own an FD Rx-7, so I kinda miss the wankel. Plus my friend has an '8 and its nice and quite...plus I LOVE the interior. Can carry more people and have an actual conversation with minimal road noise...I have to test drive one first though. It would be a very, very hard choice...

 

Rwp42, I'm not trying to be some smart @ss know it all. No I have not driven the Shinka edition, but from what I've read, there is very little difference between it and the regular 8.

I based my comments on the fact that we traded in our Miata for the 8. IMHO the Miata outhandles the 8. By no means is the 8 a pig, but the S2K is a different animal all together. We will have to wait to see what the MS8 will do against the S2K.

 

I've had my 8 for a little over 2 weeks and it got wet for the first time yesterday. (I've been babying it a bit too much I guess.)
I love virtually everything about it, but I must comment on the fuel mileage issue. The car's mileage is in direct correlation to how heavy your foot is. When I take it easy it's no problem getting 18 mpg, and vice versa.
Good luck to all you 8 owners out there. Aren't we lucky!!!!!!

 

If the s2k is only slightly better than the RX8 now, the MS8 should be better. But you can slap on a turbo and supsension goodies for the difference in price it should edge it out... the downside is loss of warranty. Good times ahead though.