Hello, everyone. I guess I'm also one of the many considering an RX-8, and just like the last car I bought, I made sure to go to a reliable forum where owners were talking about the car. This forum is very healthy, and is probably the best way to get information about an RX-8 beyond the standard articles/reviews you see everywhere else. Nothing beats hearing from the folks who actually own the car, and not just their likes but also their dislikes. The bottom line is that I place a lot of value on a community that shares a common interest, so that's why I'm here

My name is Danny and I live in San Diego, CA. I currently own a 2003 Acura TL-S w/Navi, and I've been looking at a replacement car (so yes, I'll be selling the TL-S); something smaller, to be quite honest, but as much fun to drive, if not more. So I've been looking at 3 cars, but the RX-8 keeps calling to me . The other considerations are the WRX STi and the Honda S2000. I wouldn't buy an S2000 brand new (probably a used '02 model), but it's actually coming down to the RX-8 for me, regardless. So, I plan to make the purchase probably within the next 2 to 3 weeks. I'm looking at picking up the 6speed in Metallic Blue, and will probably get the Grand Touring package with spoiler, and the smaller extras (I'll see if they can throw in the trivial stuff such as the floormats, etc). Not sure if I should go with the Appearance Package or the Rotary Accent package ... any thoughts? Oh yeah, I'll probably avoid the GPS and opt for a 3rd party solution (probably the Garmin 2610 or MAYBE figure out a way to get my Powerbook to merge with the RX-8 cockpit

I have a friend who's trying to get me the S-Plan pricing PIN, so hopefully I'll hear something very soon (before the end of month cut-off date). I wish I knew about this earlier, since my brother just picked up a Mazda3 S-Sedan. However, I did point him in the right direction for getting his $250 Rev-It-Up coupon, thanks to this forum. So kudos to you folks for helping out with that

Well, I guess that's the latest. And I do hope that I'll be able to join the ranks of happy RX-8 owners very soon!

Danny

 

Hello Danny!

RX-8 floor mats should come with it. Have you driven the 8 yet (sorry if you have, I only skimmed your post)?

 

Oh darn. Well, I don't drive stick, so I pretty much have not done a test drive. Heh. However, I did jump in the car with my friend who did the test driving for me, and did he have fun! So I'll probably be one of those shmucks that can't drive the car off the lot, and has to bring someone to do it for him I considered the auto version of the car, but then I concluded that if I ever wanted to sell the car, it would be a tougher sell considering the market segment. Oh well!

Now I'm embarrassed.

Danny

 

PSSH! Nonsense! There are plenty who can't or are rusty because it's been awhile!

We first drove an auto... and almost walked OUT! We relented and drove the manual. WOW! The difference is night and day to us.
Try to get your lessons in with a friend who has a stick. You've got a little while, which is plenty of time to learn. Ask anyone, the manual 8 is one of the EASIEST sticks you'll ever drive! It absolutely fits like a glove!

 

She's right. It's one of the easiest sticks to drive and learning to drive stick is something that is worth every minute of stalling and frustration. And really it doesn't take too long. Have fun and let us know how your test drive goes.

 

You'll have a blast and you'll probably wonder why you haven't always driven a MT car, after the first few days of getting used to it that is. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new ride.

Ike

 

Hey dude! I just saw your post and location (San Diego) and intent to buy soon. I'm in the exact same position, but looking for the Titanium M/T with Sport Package. I've been around to a bunch of dealers doing the price comparison, and FWIW, here's what I've found out about SD Mazda dealers on the RX-8.

Had appointment @ Cush Mazda to find out about 'Costco' price. Turns out to be 1k over invoice, but John Hine in Mission Valley's price is about 800 over invoice. Hine is where I've been treated really well and done all my test drives. Well, Armando (the fleet manager @ Cush) said he's going to get me a quote to compete with Hine, and that he is 'sure' he can beat a 4.5% APR (what the Pt. Loma Credit Union offers, if you get direct deposit. If no DD, then 4.99% = Hine's initial offer).

Got an email from a guy named Joe Gomez out at El Cajon Mazda, through one of those internet price quoters. He didn't know which packages I wanted, but said that EC Mazda is $500 over invoice, to start. That means Hine and Cush Mazda (way up in Encinitas) better get me a good deal. I think they're gearing up to give me a good one (trying to buy before the June 30 College Incentive Bonus leaves), so I'll let you know how that goes.

Have you had any other dealer experiences in San Diego (or anybody else for that matter)? Any other local price quotes? I'll post what they come back with soon... Right now, Hine is 800 over invoice with good loan stuff (although I'm probably financing independently).

planetside, to discuss this further, please PM me.

-Travis

 

Travis, I sent you a PM. Thanks for the info. That gives me some extra ammo to work with just in case.

Thanks for the welcome, everyone. Anyone in San Diego interested in a very well kept '03 Acura TL-S?

After doing some reading here on the forums, I'm now considering yellow as a color. It's probably just the collector inside of me, though.

Danny