Hey this is great, everycar i thought about buying has a forum. I was recently going to buy an 04 Ford Lightning...But since i have been reading about the oil prices going up and the low gas milage on the lightning. I have pretty much changed my mind. I want a car that will be good on gas (better than lightning) but not to sacrafice the performance.

I have only a few questions.

1.What looks do you get from others?
2.Can it hang with M3's or other sport coupes?
3.Can I use the Ford X-plan? Since Mazda is owned by Ford.
4.What type of insurence am i looking to pay?

 

I don't know what kind of mileage the lightning gets. but the RX-8 is definitely NOT good on gas. It's probably comparable to driving with a V-8...most SUV's get better gas mileage.

But why oh why have so many of us bought them? Because of all the other AWESOME things that outweigh the poor gas mileage.

Read this thread:
The Little Things

 

1. People can't stop looking. I see them pass me, on the freeway and turn around to look at it (very often, to the point I get upset when they don't :p ) People go out of their way to tell me they like the look of it, and want to know more about it.

2. Depends. Going straight, no it's can't keep up with an M3. If you look for some video clips (I'm sure someone will post a link) there is a twisty track where it scores the same time as an M3, but an M3 is way faster. In other words this car handles well, but is lacking the speed of many sports cars. If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times, but, I still think it's plenty fast for me. Also keep in mind this car has very low torque, so it's a different driving experience.

3. Doubt it, since it's not like General Motors. Ford is in a partnership with Mazda, they hold 51% of the stock I think but don't own them outright (as far as my knowledge, could be totaly wrong though).

4. Insurance would of course depend on age driving record and whatnot. If your over 25, and have a great driving record, it's really quite affordable. Many insurance companys see it as a "4 door car," and that always helps.

-Rupes

 

Ford owns 32%, and is the majority share holder of Mazda. I believe you can use the X-Plan, my broker bought an RX-8 using some kind of "Ford retirement plan."

 

Your two listed choices are quite different to say the least

F150 Lightning: Truck
Specific output: 70.2 horsepower per liter
Redline: 5,250 rpm (fuel shut-off at 5,400 rpm)
Weight Distribution, f/r: 57% / 43%
Payload: 1350 lbs. (612 kg)
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs. (2,270 kg) wow
EPA Fuel economy: (est.) 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway

RX8: Sports Car
Specific output: 183.1 horsepower per liter
Redline: 9,000 rpm :p :p (fuel shut-off at 9,500 rpm) it will go to 10K
Weight Distribution, f/r: 50% / 50% out handles all but more expensive cars.
Payload: One drvier + 3 amazed passengers & some luggage
Towing Capacity: not relevant buy a truck or a suv
EPA Fuel economy: (est.) 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway a much discussed topic It's a sports car get over it.

If you like to drive buy the 8, its addictive. Want MPG buy a Civic.

 

Agreed, although keep in mind the $ differential between an M3 and 8. But if you want to regularly smoke M3's get an EVO/STi. The 8 handles like a dream and has some nice get up and go but isn't going to be destroying racers at the stoplight.

I pay about $300 a year more (CDN, so $200 USD) in insurance on my 8 than i did on my 95 VW Passat. It's a 4 door here as far as insurance is concerned

 

1. It goes without saying that I get more looks and compliments than I ever would have imagined with my 8. Almost everyone else on this forum would likely agree. It's weird being at a stop light and seeing the car next to you telling you to roll your window down so they can tell you they like your car. Every other time I go to the gas station, half the time I'm in a grocery store parking lot... you name it. It's a great feeling.

2. Compare with an M3?! I wish. Check the facts: M3=333hp; RX-8=238hp (man.), 197hp (auto). That's not to say that it's a slow car, though. I had my concerns, and still do, but I've also outraced several modded cars on the interstate, and I drive the auto. The initial pickup is slow, but the Renesis engine thrives at higher rpm's and will easily take you to the governor (150mph) once you're above 4000 rpms. Plus, consider that the 8 is an overall lighter car than most (the rotary engine is smaller and lighter), and you still have a somewhat potent little rocket. This car isn't known for its acceleration, though; it's known for its handling, which it does exceptionally well. There are numerous threads on this; click the Search button at the top and you'll see...

PS. An 8 costs $30,000 less than an M3.

3. Not sure.

4. Insurance is cheap on this car. I'm 26 and got a great deal on it. Consider that the 8 is a sub-compact with 4 doors and, I think, a 1.8L engine, and you've got a really good insurance rate.

 

What other cars are you considering besides the Lightning? That might be a better starting point for this forum since everyone here gets tired of the torque/speed and fuel consumption debates.

 

<<3.Can I use the Ford X-plan? Since Mazda is owned by Ford.>>

Sure can. Mazda salespersons sometimes refers to it as the "S" Plan. Been there, done that.

 

Hey, the other cars i was looking at would be the G35 infinity,miata speed,volkswagon r32..i LOVE to drive..My insurence quote was 143.XX for the lightning..yes very low for the power..but im not joking. i have it in writing. This will be my first car i will be purchasing.

Also..how about the clutch life..i drive motorcycles and sport quads..Im pretty good on the shifting..but i have never drove a manual car. and i would feel pretty stupid when i go to test drive...and if i can do it but still being a beginner how long should the clutch last on me?

 

1) Envy, lust, breast exposure from some ladies
2) not in a straight line but you'll eat them up in the corners
3) what is the X-plan?
4) I paid $6.00 more per month than my Jetta, call your insurance co., they will quote you for free.

Get the car, enjoy the ride!!!!