I just started leasing an 08 VR GT MT, with black/red interior. It wasn't so good on unplowed, unsanded/unsalted roads after 4-6 in of snow recently, but other than that, its great. Someone at the dealership mentioned a problem with 07s and starting problems, but I didn't pay too much attention since I was getting an 08.

The GT comes with a spare tire kit, which makes the entry/exit into/out of the trunk even smaller and more difficult, but that's not why I got an 8.

 

I think you would have to get the MT to really get feel of the high RPMS. Correct me if I'm wrong Rotorheads but doesn't the AT have a lower Redline? And I've never been a fan of the paddle shifters. Go GT trim with a rotory accents they look good on a stock body kit. See if they could throw in some MS parts as part of the deal like CAI (why not). You wont like the tires in the rain they are abit twiggy but the DSC saves you!!

 

What don't you like about the sand/alcantara interior? Is it hard to keep clean, or something?

 

The only reason to get an 06 or newer is if you are getting an auto. If you're getting a manual then it doesn't really matter. If you find an 04 or 05 manual with low mileage get it.

 

Again, thanks for eveyones input . Its been VERY helpful . When it warms up here in April I think I'll try and find a few for test drives .

based on what I've heard , I'm going to try a 04 base MT as a starting point, then an 06 GT MT to compare the option advantages , and then an 06 or higher AT to see how the auto tranny feels in the seat (don't really care about dyno data) . ...... or if a stormy blue 07 shows up , I might just by it no matter what it is .

more comments if you have them ?

how strong is the air conditioning and heat in the cars ?

 

Once the car is warmed up the heat is HOT. You will never get cold in an RX8. I haven't had mine long enough to see if the AC is good but in hot weather I tend to prefer driving with the windows down and sunroof open

As someone mentioned earlier, the AT has a lower redline, 7500rpm instead of 9000rpm on the MT. My "smile zone" is 6000-9000 so only having half of that range to play with would make me a sad panda.

 

It's not really about keeping it clean, but i personally think it doesn't go that great with galaxy gray, especially with the red stitching. My heart was set on a black leather but i settled for this one instead. I'm still trying to convince myself that the sand interior looks good.

 

I spoke to a guy that does buy backs for Mazda. He told me that every buy back he had was an automatic. Could just be a coincidence, as it is only one guy.

That said, if you like the current design, I am willing to bet you can get one of the the best deals ever on a 2008 when the 2009's are on the lot since they updated them.

 

If you're at all tall, look for a Sport.

The sunroof in the Touring and GT really eats headroom - at least for me it's enough so I literally don't fit.