Hello all, I’m a long-time lurker, first time posting pics. My ride is a 2005 RX8 with the six speed tranny and Grand Touring package. I bought it new last year but have spent most of my time since then in Iraq (where I am currently). As a result, the car only has 14,000 miles on it. I was just home (North Carolina) for two weeks R&R and got to drive it for the first time in nine months. What I came away with is that when it comes to the RX8, you have to be in it for the entire driving experience, not just 0-60.

Well, here are my thoughts:

Looks: I like the overall look of the car but I think that the styling is a little overdone. I’m not sure how it will age but I suspect that in 15 years, it will look like a car designed at the height of the import craze. Still, the proportions and stance are great and it’s mostly pleasant to look at.

Interior: The materials are nice and don't feel cheap. The seats are very comfortable but the leather doesn’t quite look like leather to me. Minor complaint, I know. I'm 6'2, 220# and the leg room and headroom is just fine, even though I have the moonroof. The dash layout is nice and the tach and speedometer are very nice; easy to read and well-placed. This car is quiet inside, even at 90 mph, which is a surprise given the 18" wheels.

Practicality: Well, my 5 year old and her car seat fits in the back just fine. Fits all the luggage that we need for the three of us and last year we took a 800 mile round trip trip to South Carolina for four days and had enough room.

Ride/Handling: Driving this car keeps a smile on my face. What the RX8 does so well is make it easy to drive fast in any situation. Even my wife likes driving it and she’s not really into sports cars. The car is always composed and handles corners very well, though in eastern North Carolina, this is mostly limited to tight off-ramps and some back roads. The acceleration is just fine. Sure, I’d like more aggressive acceleration but again, this car is about the entire driving experience. The brakes work well and stop you right now, which is nice. I haven’t had a problem with brake fade but I haven’t really got to flog it around corners for an extended period of time. Yet.

As for gas mileage, well, who gives a ****. I knew it sucked gas before I bought it. Still, I have averaged 19 mpg so far which is liveable.

Concerns: This winter I’m moving to southern southern California (Twentynine Palms) and I’m aware of the engine deaths occuring in (nearby) Las Vegas, Arizona, etc. I’ll be upgrading to a deeper transmission pan (I’m sure someone makes one) and possibly an oil cooler. The car really will only be used on the weekends for fast three to four-hour blasts to Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, etc. so I definitely want to keep my engine temperature (engine oil, specifically) down. Otherwise, the car won’t be driven much since I’ll be living five minutes from where I work and I'd just assume ride my bicycle there.

So far, only had one issue with flooding. The dealer came out with a flatbed to get it and delivered on a flatbed the next day. No problems since. Stevenson Mazda in Jacksonville, NC has been good to deal with.

There is really only one downside to owning this car so far: every kid in a turbo-charged Neon wants to race. I don't waste my time; I'm a grown man with other interests and entertaining children isn't one of them.

Here's a few pics. Sorry for the lack of action pics but I’ll get started on that when I get back.

 

congrats!!

 

wwp the perfect color : ), enjoy it and drive safe

 

+1 you got the best color.

First thing to do is peel off those nasty dealer stickers on the trunk.

 

VERY NICE!, you might want to think about investing in some clear corners, like alerx-8's....

 

I liked this part, as I feel the same way. It seems like a lot of people get caught up in making their car faster, more attractive, or shinier than someone else's. Nice to read a reaction from someone who has a very realistic view of what this car is and enjoys it thoroughly. Also nice to hear that the 8 works well as a family car with the functional backseat. I will be at that point in a couple years, and I'd like to keep this car!

I hope you find some more curves to flog in the near future

 

Welcome.

^+1 to pretty much everyone's comments.

Two very important questions, though:
-- You said were you a long time lurker, so I'm assuming you've done your homework & know to keep the revs & the oil level high, right?
-- What's her name?

 

Great write up, and it's good to see another owner that sees the whole package.

Take care in Iraq...
michael

 

congrats with car, nice color

 

congrats, should have went with velocity red just kidding, looks good.

 

Hello and Welcome

We all get those stupid kids.

 

love the white - tho I agree that clear corners are a must on it.

stay safe - can't wait to hear you're home and correcting ^this^ issue!

 

welcome