Hey everyone! I first want to say what a wonderful site this is! This forum has been EXTREMELY helpful in my research.

I would also like to apologize in advance if any of these topics have been discussed before...I searched, but could not find.

So I am 18 years old (19 in November). I have had a 2006 Toyota Camry LE since my 16th birthday (yes, my parents are VERY nice to me). I am at a point in my life where I feel I am ready for an improvement in my ride Plus, I have never had a ticket or been in an accident so insurance won't be that bad (got a quote from my insurance company: it should only go up $300ish per year).

I have had a fascination or RXs for quite some time and I can finally afford one!

So after all my research, I still have some questions:

1) Is there going to be a 2010 RX-8? If so, do we (the public) know what kind of changes are being made over the 2009?

Some websites like vehix.com have a 2010 model listed, but the mazda website has no mention of a 2010

2) Assuming there is no 2010: I am torn between the '09 Grand Touring and the R3

For one, the body on the R3 is sexy as hell and I want it!

However, when I was doing the "build it" on the mazda site, it seemed that some options such as the Nav System are not available on the R3. Is this true? I'm one of those people that really need a GPS. I suppose I could still use my Garmin Nuvi that I have been using in my Camry, but I think it would look tacky in my fancy-shmancy new car

Also, and maybe this is just me, but I think the stock seats look way cooler than the Recaro. I really like the idea of a black RX-8 with the red leather seats *drool*

3) Since I have yet to test drive any 8s, I was wondering what everyone's opinions are on the upgraded suspension on the R3 vs the standard on the Grand Touring.
Is it really that much better? Please take into account that I do not plan on doing any racing; but I do want to be able to have a little fun

3.1) Assuming that the R3 suspension really is worth it: Do you think it would be possible to have them install the stock seats instead of the Recaro? Or do you think I am crazy for even thinking such a thing?

3.2) If 3.1 is not a feasible option, do you think it would be possible to order the Grand Touring with the R3 body and forgo the R3 suspension? That body is just orgasmic...

4) Does anyone know if there is an option to have your iPod integrated into the stereo? In my current car, there is a plug in my glovebox for my iPod so I am able to control it through the stereo as well as skip to the next song via the steering wheel controls.

If not, does anyone know of an after-market solution?


Thanks so much in advance for all your help. I really appreciate it!

 

yeah the search should help but here we go i dont know much about the suspension specs so i cant answer the nav give it a few months if now already and they'll have a kit out to integrate an aftermarket nav. as for the recaros theyre sooo sexy why would you NOT want EM but if you dont im sure someone with a gt on here will love to swap in oppose to lettin the dealer benefit from swapping you to lower grade seats

 

Like I said, I haven't test driven an 8 yet. Maybe I'll change my mind about the seats after I try them.

 

since you're in sac and want the old seats...if u get the r3 im willing to trade my seats for the r3 recaros

 

Since everyone seems to want them, I'm assuming they must be awesome. I haven't seen them in person yet, but if I decide to do that, I'll hit you up.

 

Everybody just wants an R3 because it's the "High-performance" model. If you really look at it, the only advantage you get over the other models is a foam filled cross-member, Bilstein shock absorbers, and Recaro seats (did I miss anything?). It has the same engine, transmission, and rear end as ALL of the other models.

You could buy a Sport model, as I did, and spend the money you save on upgrades that would make your car MUCH better than the R3. I personally an going to be buying adjustable coilovers (haven't decided which yet) and filling most of my frame with high density foam myself. Besides, those seats are very uncomfortable, unless you are a 150 pound twig, which I am not.

I got my Sport model for $24,500 out the door with tax, title, gap, etc. thrown in to boot. I would never have gotten the same deal on an R3 because there are maniacs out there who would pay sticker price or more, just for the pleasure of having "the best". Sticker on an R3 is 32k. I saved over $7,000 that I can spend elsewhere.

I could understand clamoring for an R3 if it were FI or had a 20b. But a set of shocks, uncomfortable seats and foam? C'mon....

edit...

I forgot to mention the body kit...which I'm not personally a fan of (still has a moustache). I'm probably getting the AutoExe kit.

 

^Thanks for the input! I'll definitely keep all that in mind.
Plus, like I pointed out, the R3 seems to be lacking some features/options...doesn't really make sense to me because it is still the same car.

One difference that you did forget to mention: upgraded 19" wheels on the R3

 

I wish the economy was like this when I bought my 8 two years ago.

I spent 21k all together for my 2004 w/ 30k miles

 

I think you'll like the Recaro's when you use them...if not well I could take them off your hands

 

The R3 is the true sport version. Or at least its supposed to be; in reality I believe it acts more as an honorary model to the previous Rx7+8's that were also dubbed "R3" (may be wrong on this part).

Anyway, its supposed to be the stripped-all out-non fancy schmancy-fuction over form-magical whatever Rx8. Hence, no stupid GPS option (cUz RAaAcce cArzz dunt neeedz GpS!) Or moon roof for that matter.

But it's really not, more of a future collector's...and the Recaro seats are like the only real reason everyone got so hyped up over the R3 for the most part.

So it has a better suspension, nicer body design-really is only a body kit which in the future several more will be available while currently there are already better looking kits out (check out Auto-exe), larger rims by one inch-also something you will probably like to change, said Recaro seats, the already mentioned foam filled frame, maybe different tires-also replaceable, loss of availability of some options, and perhaps a super cool 15 minute DVD for the exclusive R3 owners. I dunno.

Everything mentioned above is replaceable. And honestly, with any Rx8, the mod bug will bite, especially at your age man, unless you're the type who just wants a nice brand new fancy performance car stock. But if thats the case, get a Lexus ES250/350 or Infiniti G37 or something because the downfalls of an RE may numb you out of the initial excitement over the looks of the car after a while.

RE cars have a long history of purists and enthusiasts, that is THE market of the R3...

So if you choose Rx8, as already mentioned, (I would maybe do this if I had the chance and change)get a base model which is Sport I believe. Drive the car for a year, learn to understand the behavior of real sport cars versus sporty cars, save up money, MOD TO PREFERENCE. You will be happier, trust I now, because I was in your shoes three years ago and finally know where I want to go with my car. I just need money lol.

Even better idea - In the same way that the R3 is just slightly different (by adding bolt-ons sans the foam) over the regular 09 ==> so are the 09s over the 04-08s...not gonna go into this though, do some research.

Disclaimer to *********: Yes, I know the real differences between the 1st and 2nd Gen 8's, I just don't wanna confuse the kid and he should search for this info anyway. So don't bash me for what I'm saying here and bring in additional OMP, engine control, rev limiters etc into this...

So. I will say you can get a 04-08...which is fundamentally identical to all 09 models...for almost 1/2 the price...dive into the plethora of aftermarket support we now how for the 1st generation with your saved money...we have the technology to make him stronger, faster, smarter...and yes, even better than the 09 R3.

 

well said and i sorta agree with him. if i had the money though id honestly go with the r3 i mean the kit and the 2 recaros would probably add up to close to 5k in parts and then labor or time doing it yourself but then again its personal taste. i did get a base 8 n mod it so i can see what he means

 

Thank you Targatheory for the detailed response/advice!

Since I first started this thread (a couple days ago), I think I have decided against the R3. Starting with the stock isn't quite my thing: I enjoy all the little extra features that come with the Grand Touring...and I pretty much need a gps (bad sense of direction I guess lol).

Right now, my budget is about 35k (but hopefully I don't hit that on just the car!!!), assuming I can sell my car for what I'm asking.

If I do get an 8 (which I am still leaning towards), the reason I really want a new car is so I can be 100% sure the engine gets broken in properly (unless it isn't as important as I think). I plan on keeping this car for years.

Also, I see you mentioned differences between the series 1 and 2. I tried to search but couldn't find any good information. Could someone maybe post a link to a thread that talks about this (or any other site for that matter)?

Thanks a bunch!

 

Have you guys ever sat in those Recaro seats? They're nice for 10 minutes....then they start to get real uncomfortable. Definitely not something for a DD.

 

Oh, one more question:

I was wondering if someone could provide me with some info regarding which mods will and will not affect the warranty.

I'm assuming that body kits wouldn't (am I right?) But what about others? Again, sorry if the info is already on this forum somewhere; I did attempt to search.

Thanks.

 

1) Yes, the only changes for 2010 mostly likely will be additional colours...

2) Between the Grand Touring and the R3, it's personal preference... Since you haven't test driven any, there's not much I can say. The leather seats from GT are nice and "feel" better than the 1st gen. If you like all the gadgets, auto lights, wipers, nav, moonroof, bluetooth, etc., then I would opt for the GT (will be a bit more expensive, but with the economy the way it is, I'm sure you can get a good deal).

Now, for the R3... I felt better seating in the Recaro seats while others have not (I use mine as a daily driver). You really need to get a feel for them as they are not for everyone (since they are not adjustable). The suspension is an improvement, however it's not like you cannot spend extra on the GT with a new set-up. Again, why did I get the R3 over the GT? It had everything I wanted already directly from the showroom (seats, body-kit, wheels, sat and bluetooth) and I didn't have to spend any time with labour (nor do I have a shop or garage I can use). The price I paid for mine also made it even more appealing.

3) I covered some aspect of it in #2... but just keep in mind that the RX8 in any model is quite prepared if you do ever plan on doing any occasional racing/autocross.

3.1) Are you crazy?! lol The benefit of the Recaro seats is that it gives you more lateral support and is perfect for holding you when going through curves - giving you a greater sense of security/control.

3.2) Sure, you can get the R3 body kit from places like japanparts.com and other kits from autoexe. If you do a quick search you can find some other kits for 09s.

4) Currently, I'm just using the AUX input option as it's standard on all 09s. I know the 1st gen had aftermarket ipod integration however not sure if it's compatible with the new headunit.

Again, test drive them both... I love my purchase of the R3 and do not regret it. Just keep in mind that the tyres will be more expensive with the 19's on the R3. If that's not an issue, then I say all for the R3!

 

very well said

 

Thanks snicklefritz! Very helpful. I agree that I cannot truly discuss it more until I finally get to test drive one (or two, or three...)