Many of the design aspects are the same but the CX-9 has less flares and kinks. If you're going to get the same low mileage, might as well get a torque V6 and be able to have a 3rd row.

 

Man, if the CX-7 had a 6-speed manual over here like it does in Europe, I would've heavily considered that just because of the badass looks.

Damn yuppies and their automatics... what is it with this country? Have people forgotten / never learned how to drive? Or is not being able to yak on your cell phone while behind the wheel really that great an inconvenience?

/endrant

 

Yes, it is a shame that a lot of cars are slushbox cars. I was looking at a lot of cars since I am about to buy and I can't believe cars like the audi TT only come with the DSG. I know that they say the DSG is better than a manual because it is faster, but the true enthusiast wants a manual. I would never pick a DSG over a manual ever. One of the reasons I am getting rid of my CX-7 is because its not a manual and I get bored driving it. I need something fun to drive.

 

the only opinion I can add here is that I visited Puerto Rico with my friend about 1.5 years ago. If most of your driving is going to be in the middle of San Juan, the RX-8 may not surprise you, as traffic and other city elements may hamper the experience (for any sports car really), but outside of San Juan on some of those nice twisty roads and highways the RX-8 will really amaze you. Seriously.

Some of the country roads in P.R. remind me of the hill country roads we have just outside of Austin, and they really make the car shine.... with both just crusing speeds and then with a little more gas too.

Let us know how the test drive went.
michael

ps. Puerto Rico was just awesome to visit... looking forward to another visit. These are the pics I took when I was there-
http://www.mt-space.net/photoessays/...ico/page01.htm

 

Breathless..!

Thank you for taking me back to my beautiful island. It's been years since I've visited.

Awesome pics..photographer??

 

dont forget to buy a short shifter if you pick up the 8.

 

i see you john!!!!

 

Is the short shifter really needed?? I have only sat in the 40th anniversary and the shifter seemed really short throwed.

 

By the way the pictures are amazing. If you ever come back to Puerto Rico you should catch a ferry ride to Vieques another island like Culebras only bigger and with more beaches like the one you went to. It is amazing, I like it even more than Culebras

I do some city driving but its about 30 miles a day total, some days maybe 10 or 12 more, so nothing too bad, and the days I drive more it is at night so I can push the car a little harder. I drive fast a lot here, I have gotten to the speed limit in my CX--7 about 20 times, and thats only 120something so yeah I can enjoy sports cars here jeje.

 

If you want handling finesse and high speeds with a good looking car, get the 8. The rest are pedestrian cars.

 

Then, like most of the people in this thread have recommended, I think the Rx-8 will probably be the car for you. I would consider the MS3 a good alternative too.

I'll keep Vieques in mind when I find myself back in Puerto Rico... I'll also remember to bring the mosquito repellent too, those buggers really nailed me the first afternoon at Culebras.

Glad you guys liked the photos; I'm just a serious hobbyist. But my camera was stolen last year, and I'm about to replace it with a digital in the coming months... I'm pretty excited about that.

michael

 

^Yes I am considering the speed3 too but to tell you the truth I am an eye candy kind of guy and the RX-8 is some serious eye candy.

 

Well so I am just getting back home from the test drive. I was able to test drive a galaxy gray mica with black leather interiors GT 07. It had only 8 miles when I sat in it with all the plastics still on it.

I just have to say WOW, this car is awesome. It feels very nice, it does not have the kick my CX-7 or my dad's mazdaspeed6 have, but it feels very nice and pulls very nice. I love the smoothness of the motor at low rpms, the low whiirr the engine makes when you are taking off slowly in first gear, and how LOUD the engine sounds when you push it.

I am now in love with this car. Since it is a leftover 07 they are offering it to me for 5k less than an 08 although maybe if I talk a little with the saleswoman she might go a little bit lower since I also bought my CX7 from her and she is pretty cool. What do you guys think? Should I get this 07 for some less money or should I get an 08? By the way this 07 has all the accessories even the lip kit and everything so yeah.

ME LIKES IT VERY MUCH!!

you guys were right, this car just makes you fall in love with it.

 

Absolutely no reason to get an 08 since you'll probably get a better deal with the 07 and it's basically the same car.

Do it!

 

I have seen 8mpg in the 8 and i have seen 23mpg...usually 15 but it's all city if it's a mix of about 50 50 it's 18-19mpg sometimes 20 and i have a heavy foot too hammer down from stop light to light ha....I'd go with the 8 it's not the torquest thing but it will turn heads no matter where u go....I would def drive both the 3 and 8 but i'm encouraging the 8...good luck...

P.S. F*** Honda's

 

Anywhere but CA. Heads do not turn here unless your car is red and has a dancing horsey on the front.

 

I am crunching the numbers and finding out all the info for my mother to get my CX7 off my hands and tomorrow I will try and see what is the cheapest I can get for insurance to see if and when I can do all of this. Lets see how this all sorts out. Hopefully sooner than later

I already found someone to buy my catback, filter and bypassvalve from my CX7 so I will be able to use that money to buy my first RX8 mod, a nice sounding catback jeje