HP/Torque Deficit??? RX8 vs. 350/S2K??? MPG sucks??? Sorry, but it's gotten to me!
11-16-2006 | 10:42 PM
#1
Thread Starter
II SOCIETY
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From: The Bay Area
HP/Torque Deficit??? RX8 vs. 350/S2K??? MPG sucks??? Sorry, but it's gotten to me!
hey gang,
I've been surfing this site for some time now and have realized something rather odd. Not most, but enough people seem ot have a chip on their shoulder about certain issues (e.g. MPG, Torque, and HP) that have been beated to death within the last two weeks or so. I can't even imagine how long they've been circulating since the inception of this site!
My thing is, when I test drove my car for the fist time--it felt like a ROCKET! I usually ride 1K cc motorcycles so I'm a pretty (or so I thought) good judge on torque and power. The handling felt like nothing I've ever felt on 4 wheels! Damn near motorcycle-ish in fact! Actually, if I would be so bold, I'd say that if there was a car out there that resembled the handling, acceleration, styling, performance, and sheer sexiness of a modern sport bike--it'd be the 8! Hands down!
I know the Z is our closest competitor, maybe the S2k as well, and seems like a lot of folks here wish they've gotten the Z instead of the 8. Where I live, just outside San Francisco I see Zs and G35s more than Civics almost. Thus far, I've seen only 2 other RX8s. One was in a parking garage, two on the freeway (280N).
If I hadn't read that our car only kicked out 159 ft./lbs. of torque and 232HP, I'd swear it was tons more. I'm thinking most of the "chip" on peoples shoulders is the paper factor--that is, it's less on paper so must "feel" less as well. I say, to hell with the numbers and bragging rights! I feel like a friggin' lithe demon in my car and that's all that matters to me! Not to mention, I've got a sunroof, four doors, back seats, a truly unique engine (Damn near all Nissans and Infinity's just about use the same 3.5V6 Z engine tuned or de-tuned to some extent) that has as much character as a living, breathing, human being. I LOVE THIS CAR!
As for the MPG, I read the factory sticker and am willing to pay the price, the tank is large enough to go "regular" distances, just costs more to fill up--but then again MPG was not my priority in purchasing the car. If it were, I'd have went with a Honda Insight or Toyota Prius or a Schwinn.
So, please, save the complaints--trade-in your car for a 6 or 8 cylinder and be happy! I know I am! This forum is so much funner when we got people talking about DIYs, sharing funny anecdotes, and appreciating our investment rather than complaining. Life's way too short.
I've been surfing this site for some time now and have realized something rather odd. Not most, but enough people seem ot have a chip on their shoulder about certain issues (e.g. MPG, Torque, and HP) that have been beated to death within the last two weeks or so. I can't even imagine how long they've been circulating since the inception of this site!
My thing is, when I test drove my car for the fist time--it felt like a ROCKET! I usually ride 1K cc motorcycles so I'm a pretty (or so I thought) good judge on torque and power. The handling felt like nothing I've ever felt on 4 wheels! Damn near motorcycle-ish in fact! Actually, if I would be so bold, I'd say that if there was a car out there that resembled the handling, acceleration, styling, performance, and sheer sexiness of a modern sport bike--it'd be the 8! Hands down!
I know the Z is our closest competitor, maybe the S2k as well, and seems like a lot of folks here wish they've gotten the Z instead of the 8. Where I live, just outside San Francisco I see Zs and G35s more than Civics almost. Thus far, I've seen only 2 other RX8s. One was in a parking garage, two on the freeway (280N).
If I hadn't read that our car only kicked out 159 ft./lbs. of torque and 232HP, I'd swear it was tons more. I'm thinking most of the "chip" on peoples shoulders is the paper factor--that is, it's less on paper so must "feel" less as well. I say, to hell with the numbers and bragging rights! I feel like a friggin' lithe demon in my car and that's all that matters to me! Not to mention, I've got a sunroof, four doors, back seats, a truly unique engine (Damn near all Nissans and Infinity's just about use the same 3.5V6 Z engine tuned or de-tuned to some extent) that has as much character as a living, breathing, human being. I LOVE THIS CAR!
As for the MPG, I read the factory sticker and am willing to pay the price, the tank is large enough to go "regular" distances, just costs more to fill up--but then again MPG was not my priority in purchasing the car. If it were, I'd have went with a Honda Insight or Toyota Prius or a Schwinn.
So, please, save the complaints--trade-in your car for a 6 or 8 cylinder and be happy! I know I am! This forum is so much funner when we got people talking about DIYs, sharing funny anecdotes, and appreciating our investment rather than complaining. Life's way too short.
11-16-2006 | 10:58 PM
#5
VRZOOMZOOM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 323
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From: Central Jersey
Amen?? haha. Yeah I've been lurking around here and other forums before i actually stepped foot into a dealer to check out the real deal myself. I've always like the RX-8 but then i started reading people saying low torque, blah blah the car not fast, its slow blah blah blah, MPG, oil consumption blah blah....u know what ! I wanted to see if i liked the car myself, not what some paper spec said or what other people who probably didn't even drive it said....well turns out.....when i test drove this car back in Jan for the very first time, i thought it had more than enough juice for my taste, certainly not explosive or anything but it felt like it had much juice than a civic off the line. and I didn't even bother to pay attention to the tach and just went more by a feeling. The one time i looked down i was revving at 5 grand and i was like wow that pretty high but it feels like its revving at 3K.
This car definitely rocks, enough that 8 months later i have an 8 in my garage haha, 8 months, 8 lol haha. The car is well rounded overall. Are their cars faster sure, get better gas mileage sure. but there no denying that the RX-8 is one unique car, most people are paper spec so if they dont see 300HP, its automatically slow. It doesn't have bragging rights....so to speak........i mean whats more powerful statement to some insecure people?? saying i have 300HP or saying hey my car handles better than most other cars......fact is its the insecure people who need the bragging HP whereas most RX8 owners know they have a unique well rounded cars, i like to even say its an understated. cause of the fact there aren't that many on the road and when you do see one, its like wow.
I also think its pretty damn stylish since its 04 debut. I have passengers in other cars doing the follow stare just to check out the entire car. I dont know how many people will do a follow stare on a Z cause there a dime a dozen but driving this car feels semi-exotic.
A lot of people still dont know what it is.....and thats great, i dont want this car to be so mainstream people aren't amazed when they see one. I think it still looks futurstic and will age gracefully. I mean its only now that cars are catching up to the styling of the RX-8.
I really think for a person to drive an RX-8 is to think unconvential. After all the rotary engine is not your typical engine. I think RX-8 owners have a finer appreciation for driving and cars in general. I believe every car enthuasiast should experience a rotary engine for once in their life, its really that damn good IMO. I'm actually grateful at people who dont like the RX-8 because of its so called reliablity or the fact it consumes oil regularly or the fact it doesn't have "power"......because it only makes it more unique, i think it actually seperates the true enthuasiast versus a wanna be "me too" fake enthusiast who just looking at specs on a paper instead of focusing on the overall driving experience.
This car definitely rocks, enough that 8 months later i have an 8 in my garage haha, 8 months, 8 lol haha. The car is well rounded overall. Are their cars faster sure, get better gas mileage sure. but there no denying that the RX-8 is one unique car, most people are paper spec so if they dont see 300HP, its automatically slow. It doesn't have bragging rights....so to speak........i mean whats more powerful statement to some insecure people?? saying i have 300HP or saying hey my car handles better than most other cars......fact is its the insecure people who need the bragging HP whereas most RX8 owners know they have a unique well rounded cars, i like to even say its an understated. cause of the fact there aren't that many on the road and when you do see one, its like wow.
I also think its pretty damn stylish since its 04 debut. I have passengers in other cars doing the follow stare just to check out the entire car. I dont know how many people will do a follow stare on a Z cause there a dime a dozen but driving this car feels semi-exotic.
A lot of people still dont know what it is.....and thats great, i dont want this car to be so mainstream people aren't amazed when they see one. I think it still looks futurstic and will age gracefully. I mean its only now that cars are catching up to the styling of the RX-8.
I really think for a person to drive an RX-8 is to think unconvential. After all the rotary engine is not your typical engine. I think RX-8 owners have a finer appreciation for driving and cars in general. I believe every car enthuasiast should experience a rotary engine for once in their life, its really that damn good IMO. I'm actually grateful at people who dont like the RX-8 because of its so called reliablity or the fact it consumes oil regularly or the fact it doesn't have "power"......because it only makes it more unique, i think it actually seperates the true enthuasiast versus a wanna be "me too" fake enthusiast who just looking at specs on a paper instead of focusing on the overall driving experience.
11-16-2006 | 11:07 PM
#6
zesty!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: ft. hood , tx
^I have the same opinions aswell. This being my first sportscar, it definately made the driving experience a lot more enjoyable then driving my past vehicles which my last one was a civic.
I more so joke on the mpg then bitch saying that it eats the premium gas like candy, it has it's reasons consider that the engine is like art. I'm rambling off, but let me say that I'm very much looking forward to this weekend as I have just got done washing the car and applying the tire shine crap that blings out the tires.
I more so joke on the mpg then bitch saying that it eats the premium gas like candy, it has it's reasons consider that the engine is like art. I'm rambling off, but let me say that I'm very much looking forward to this weekend as I have just got done washing the car and applying the tire shine crap that blings out the tires.
11-16-2006 | 11:17 PM
#8
Let me put some negative examples down :
According to some people on this forum, they would rather get a Hyundai even a Silverado than Rx8 ! Cuz they just cant accept the fact that *sports car use more gas* and want a Hyundai even silverado instead. and comparing a car with 15.9 gallon gas tank with a truck that has a 26 even 30 something gallon gas tank ! (person said that after 200 miles of driving still has 3/4~1/2 left, DUH, learn math)
GG
According to some people on this forum, they would rather get a Hyundai even a Silverado than Rx8 ! Cuz they just cant accept the fact that *sports car use more gas* and want a Hyundai even silverado instead. and comparing a car with 15.9 gallon gas tank with a truck that has a 26 even 30 something gallon gas tank ! (person said that after 200 miles of driving still has 3/4~1/2 left, DUH, learn math)
GG
11-16-2006 | 11:18 PM
#9
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by mysql101
yes, but if you want a motorcycle that feels like a car*, there's only one choice. Harley.
* Slow car with 80 hp.
* Slow car with 80 hp.
11-16-2006 | 11:21 PM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
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I have both cars now and have driven them plenty of times. There is no way in hell the RX-8 can match the power of the Z, but I sure do love the feeling of the rotary spinning at the high RPMs. My fiance is not into cars, but even she was surprised at how willing the car will rev. The Z doesn't like to go past 6200RPM, the RX-8 starts to come alive around that time. Handling is a toss up with the Z being a better high speed car while the RX-8 feels better for the local roads. They are both good, just different.
I do think the Z is more hardcore the more I drive both cars.
I do think the Z is more hardcore the more I drive both cars.
11-16-2006 | 11:23 PM
#12
⎝⏠⏝⏠⎠
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 5
From: USA
Originally Posted by tmak26b
I have both cars now and have driven them plenty of times. There is no way in hell the RX-8 can match the power of the Z
Originally Posted by Ike
Your butt dyno sucks. I also don't think people are using the word "unique" enough in this thread.
11-16-2006 | 11:25 PM
#13
Thread Starter
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From: The Bay Area
VRZOOMZOOM,
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate all you've said and I feel the same way! Yes, I am greatful that our car is exceptionally unique and that most do not consider it due to it's, what I call, "character." And I'm also happy that the "brochure" racers, that is "I can beat your car...look here, it says that I've 26 more HP...", aren't driving our cars--makes us all look like (what we into motorcycles call) "Squids!"
For about a decade, I was turned off of cars. They were (are) big, slow, expensive, and handled like boats. Until I drove an 8! Now, I can't get enough of it. With motorcycles, a bike with a larger engine, say a Suzuki Hayabusa (1300cc) that can go over 200MPH STOCK, is not considered a superior machine to, say a Yamaha R1 (1000cc) with a 189 max MPH.
Every vehicle is a tool, no? A sledge hammer is a big, masculine, and butch tool--no doubt! But would you operate with a slege, no way! For that, bro, I'd want a scapel--razor sharp, precise, and lithe! Feel me?
Furthermore, the max HP listed in brochures are:
1) "Claimed HP", most don't measure up on a non-biased dyno
2) Are only really felt in the upper echelons of the RPM range--not normally felt in regular or spirited driving
3) May not even be duplicated due to driver skill, road imperfections/limitations, etc.
*So what's all the hype about the numbers game? If you ask me, it just sells more cars...and weeds out "Squids!"
NYCGPS,
Who said anything about Chevy Silverados? Just curious, I can't find it on this thread...
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate all you've said and I feel the same way! Yes, I am greatful that our car is exceptionally unique and that most do not consider it due to it's, what I call, "character." And I'm also happy that the "brochure" racers, that is "I can beat your car...look here, it says that I've 26 more HP...", aren't driving our cars--makes us all look like (what we into motorcycles call) "Squids!"
For about a decade, I was turned off of cars. They were (are) big, slow, expensive, and handled like boats. Until I drove an 8! Now, I can't get enough of it. With motorcycles, a bike with a larger engine, say a Suzuki Hayabusa (1300cc) that can go over 200MPH STOCK, is not considered a superior machine to, say a Yamaha R1 (1000cc) with a 189 max MPH.
Every vehicle is a tool, no? A sledge hammer is a big, masculine, and butch tool--no doubt! But would you operate with a slege, no way! For that, bro, I'd want a scapel--razor sharp, precise, and lithe! Feel me?
Furthermore, the max HP listed in brochures are:
1) "Claimed HP", most don't measure up on a non-biased dyno
2) Are only really felt in the upper echelons of the RPM range--not normally felt in regular or spirited driving
3) May not even be duplicated due to driver skill, road imperfections/limitations, etc.
*So what's all the hype about the numbers game? If you ask me, it just sells more cars...and weeds out "Squids!"
NYCGPS,
Who said anything about Chevy Silverados? Just curious, I can't find it on this thread...
Last edited by Phantom Menace; 11-16-2006 at 11:36 PM.
11-16-2006 | 11:31 PM
#14
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by Phantom Menace
VRZOOMZOOM,
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate all you've said and I feel the same way! Yes, I am greatful that our car is exceptionally unique and that most do not consider it due to it's, what I call, "character." And I'm also happy that the "brochure" racers, that is "I can beat your car...look here, it says that I've 26 more HP...", aren't driving our cars--makes us all look like (what we into motorcycles call) "Squids!"
For about a decade, I was turned off of cars. They were (are) big, slow, expensive, and handled like boats. Until I drove an 8! Now, I can't get enough of it. With motorcycles, a bike with a larger engine, say a Suzuki Hayabusa (1300cc) that can go over 200MPH STOCK, is not considered a superior machine to, say a Yamaha R1 (1000cc) with a 189 max MPH.
Every vehicle is a tool, no? A sledge hammer is a big, masculine, and butch tool--no doubt! But would you operate with a slege, no way! For that, bro, I'd want a scapel--razor sharp, precise, and lithe! Feel me?
Furthermore, the max HP listed in brochures are:
1) "Claimed HP", most don't measure up on a non-biased dyno
2) Are only really felt in the upper echelons of the RPM range--not normally felt in regular or spirited driving
3) May not even be duplicated due to driver skill, road imperfections/limitations, etc.
*So what's all the hype about the numbers game? If you ask me, it just sells more cars...and weeds out "Squids!"
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate all you've said and I feel the same way! Yes, I am greatful that our car is exceptionally unique and that most do not consider it due to it's, what I call, "character." And I'm also happy that the "brochure" racers, that is "I can beat your car...look here, it says that I've 26 more HP...", aren't driving our cars--makes us all look like (what we into motorcycles call) "Squids!"
For about a decade, I was turned off of cars. They were (are) big, slow, expensive, and handled like boats. Until I drove an 8! Now, I can't get enough of it. With motorcycles, a bike with a larger engine, say a Suzuki Hayabusa (1300cc) that can go over 200MPH STOCK, is not considered a superior machine to, say a Yamaha R1 (1000cc) with a 189 max MPH.
Every vehicle is a tool, no? A sledge hammer is a big, masculine, and butch tool--no doubt! But would you operate with a slege, no way! For that, bro, I'd want a scapel--razor sharp, precise, and lithe! Feel me?
Furthermore, the max HP listed in brochures are:
1) "Claimed HP", most don't measure up on a non-biased dyno
2) Are only really felt in the upper echelons of the RPM range--not normally felt in regular or spirited driving
3) May not even be duplicated due to driver skill, road imperfections/limitations, etc.
*So what's all the hype about the numbers game? If you ask me, it just sells more cars...and weeds out "Squids!"
11-16-2006 | 11:41 PM
#16
Thread Starter
II SOCIETY
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From: The Bay Area
Ike,
Hahaha. I'm glad! That's what this club is for, no? For the LOVE of [our] cars! I hear enough bitching...I wanna meet people with the same passion and infatuation with the RX8 as I have.
And note, most people putting 8's down on this site don't even own one...so what are they doing on the site? Spying for Nissan, prolly! J/P.
Or maybe, they're tired of their over-rated econoboxes and want to see whats up when your car was intentionally designed as a sports car--not a factory after thought to "fast-and-furious" an otherwise commuter car...
Hahaha. I'm glad! That's what this club is for, no? For the LOVE of [our] cars! I hear enough bitching...I wanna meet people with the same passion and infatuation with the RX8 as I have.
And note, most people putting 8's down on this site don't even own one...so what are they doing on the site? Spying for Nissan, prolly! J/P.
Or maybe, they're tired of their over-rated econoboxes and want to see whats up when your car was intentionally designed as a sports car--not a factory after thought to "fast-and-furious" an otherwise commuter car...
Last edited by Phantom Menace; 11-17-2006 at 03:46 AM.
11-16-2006 | 11:44 PM
#17
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by Phantom Menace
Ike,
Hahaha. I'm glad! That's what this club is for, no? For the LOVE of our cars! I hear enough bitching...I wanna meet people with the same passion and infatuation with this car as I have.
And note, most people putting 8's down on this site don't even own one...so what are they doing on the site? Spying for Nissan, prolly! J/P.
Hahaha. I'm glad! That's what this club is for, no? For the LOVE of our cars! I hear enough bitching...I wanna meet people with the same passion and infatuation with this car as I have.
And note, most people putting 8's down on this site don't even own one...so what are they doing on the site? Spying for Nissan, prolly! J/P.
11-16-2006 | 11:51 PM
#19
Thread Starter
II SOCIETY
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From: The Bay Area
Ike,
Well I wouldn't go as far as to say that. It is an "open" forum. Notwithstanding, kinda "Loser-ish" for one to hang on a forum for RX8s when you don't even own one though, huh?! It's like "go find your own forums" or something, huh?! Almost like, why are you here if you've nothing to contribute by not owning an RX8?! Right, Ike?
After all, the website is called "RX8 Club.com" no? Not Overrated Econobox.com, or lets make our commuter/base model more appealing by adding Turbo and Brembos on an otherwise crappy design that didn't sell so well but maybe with turbos, brembos, and a highlight spot on Fast and Furious III.com. You know, its like if Toyota decided to Hop-Up the Yaris by giving it turbo and Brembo brakes, maybe a cheap looking vented hood, a carbon fiber wing, some rims and calling it...the Revolution or something, huh? Cheesy, no? Like a 32 year old in a factory hop-ed up Yaris?!
For years, surfing a site that's named after a car he doesn't own! Now how "40 year old-virgin" is that, bro?
I just find it hard to wrap my head around the idea that people will either, purchase a car and stick with it if it's obviously plainful for their egos to own or talk negative about a car that they do not drive on a daily basis.
Well I wouldn't go as far as to say that. It is an "open" forum. Notwithstanding, kinda "Loser-ish" for one to hang on a forum for RX8s when you don't even own one though, huh?! It's like "go find your own forums" or something, huh?! Almost like, why are you here if you've nothing to contribute by not owning an RX8?! Right, Ike?
After all, the website is called "RX8 Club.com" no? Not Overrated Econobox.com, or lets make our commuter/base model more appealing by adding Turbo and Brembos on an otherwise crappy design that didn't sell so well but maybe with turbos, brembos, and a highlight spot on Fast and Furious III.com. You know, its like if Toyota decided to Hop-Up the Yaris by giving it turbo and Brembo brakes, maybe a cheap looking vented hood, a carbon fiber wing, some rims and calling it...the Revolution or something, huh? Cheesy, no? Like a 32 year old in a factory hop-ed up Yaris?!
For years, surfing a site that's named after a car he doesn't own! Now how "40 year old-virgin" is that, bro?I just find it hard to wrap my head around the idea that people will either, purchase a car and stick with it if it's obviously plainful for their egos to own or talk negative about a car that they do not drive on a daily basis.
Last edited by Phantom Menace; 11-17-2006 at 04:03 AM.
11-17-2006 | 12:04 AM
#20
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by Phantom Menace
Ike,
Well I wouldn't go as far as to say that. It is an "open" forum. I just find it hard to wrap my head around the idea that people will either, purchase a car and stick with it if it's obviously plainful for their egos to own or talk negative about a car that they do not drive on a daily basis.
Well I wouldn't go as far as to say that. It is an "open" forum. I just find it hard to wrap my head around the idea that people will either, purchase a car and stick with it if it's obviously plainful for their egos to own or talk negative about a car that they do not drive on a daily basis.
That's die in a CROSSFIRE for those not paying attention.
11-17-2006 | 12:04 AM
#21
Originally Posted by Phantom Menace
NYCGPS,
Who said anything about Chevy Silverados? Just curious, I can't find it on this thread...
Who said anything about Chevy Silverados? Just curious, I can't find it on this thread...
there you go. Its a pretty funny thread. i cant stop laughing when I first saw his thread.
For your Convenience :
Originally Posted by danhilde
Well, I had fun driving my RX8 but I just traded it in today and am now thrilled to be driving a Chevy Silverado. I had actually been contemplating going back to a truck anyway (I had my 8 For Sale for 7-8 weeks on Cars.com and Craigslist with no bites); the RX8 is not quite the practical vehicle that I need with two young children. But earlier this week when my ignition coils fried suddenly and I had to crawl into the dealership and ride my motorcyle for 2 days until I got the car back, I realized that it was time (just prior to my 30k service) to say goodbye to this vehicle.
Now, a few words about the "sale" in case this can help anyone. Apparently it is not that easy to sell an 8. I had it for sale for more than 2 months with no real hits. I originally had it FS at $20K. After a few weeks, I went to $19K OBO. I finally put a $18K sign on the car. No bites.
So when I went to the Chevy dealer this morning to check out the Silverados, I fully expected to get a completely unacceptable trade-in offer from them. When they offered me 14K I walked ... they chased. Long story short; we got to 16K trade in offer and this was effectively 17.3K savings for me (because I now had to pay sales tax on the new price minus the 16K which turned out to be $1300 less sales tax). So I basically let the 8 go for 17.3K and I'm satisfied. I talked the dealership from $29.8 sticker to $25.2 so this, with the trade-in number, made it a smokin deal in my opinion.
My advice to Mazda re: this RX8:
* Tighten up the short list of problems that people are experiencing with the car so that the car is more reliable.
* Fix the freaking gas mileage problem; it's a disaster no matter how people want to rationalize it. When the EPA sticker says 18-24 and Iim getting 13-15, there is something very wrong; period. The fact that what mileage people are getting varies so widely is obviously an indication that there is a problem.
* This may sound extreme .. but I believe that Mazda should consider abandoning the rotary engine model and using a traditional engine model with this gorgeous style. I would like to see this happen. Let the rotary continue to be developed but in a more controlled market setting.
Take care all .. it's been fun.
Dan Hildebrand
P.S. I drove my Silverado 110 miles today, the needle is still above F. What else can I say.
Now, a few words about the "sale" in case this can help anyone. Apparently it is not that easy to sell an 8. I had it for sale for more than 2 months with no real hits. I originally had it FS at $20K. After a few weeks, I went to $19K OBO. I finally put a $18K sign on the car. No bites.
So when I went to the Chevy dealer this morning to check out the Silverados, I fully expected to get a completely unacceptable trade-in offer from them. When they offered me 14K I walked ... they chased. Long story short; we got to 16K trade in offer and this was effectively 17.3K savings for me (because I now had to pay sales tax on the new price minus the 16K which turned out to be $1300 less sales tax). So I basically let the 8 go for 17.3K and I'm satisfied. I talked the dealership from $29.8 sticker to $25.2 so this, with the trade-in number, made it a smokin deal in my opinion.
My advice to Mazda re: this RX8:
* Tighten up the short list of problems that people are experiencing with the car so that the car is more reliable.
* Fix the freaking gas mileage problem; it's a disaster no matter how people want to rationalize it. When the EPA sticker says 18-24 and Iim getting 13-15, there is something very wrong; period. The fact that what mileage people are getting varies so widely is obviously an indication that there is a problem.
* This may sound extreme .. but I believe that Mazda should consider abandoning the rotary engine model and using a traditional engine model with this gorgeous style. I would like to see this happen. Let the rotary continue to be developed but in a more controlled market setting.
Take care all .. it's been fun.
Dan Hildebrand
P.S. I drove my Silverado 110 miles today, the needle is still above F. What else can I say.
- and they all live in different areas on earth, of course they would get different MPG. Depends on my driving(how aggressive I am at the time), my MPG can go from 10-14(city) and 18-25(highway) so whats the problem ?
- Rotary Engine represents Mazda, its Mazda's image. The engine is nice and smooth, and it has unbelievable amount of power for its size.
Stay in the truck and be happy.
Last edited by nycgps; 11-17-2006 at 12:13 AM.
11-17-2006 | 12:17 AM
#22
Thread Starter
II SOCIETY
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,077
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From: The Bay Area
Conventional Engine in a what?! WTF? Good riddence, if you ask me...you're right bro, if you've got a friggen Aquarium for a gas tank and get 4MPG, 110 mi. aint gonna dent your 30+ gallons....and yeah, we may get a few recalls. But they're quick fixes and a recall, in and of itself, is not always a negative thing! It's Mazda taking responsibility to fix it and not sweep it under the rug. Plus, I get a free wash/vacuum everytime I stop by the dealership... 
Last edited by Phantom Menace; 11-17-2006 at 12:21 AM.
11-17-2006 | 12:22 AM
#24
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by nycgps
- Want to know my brother's 05 Altima SE-R ? Still trying to do the recall after 2 months of waiting on *parts* to come, not to mention all the other problem thats driving him crazy. The Recall ? oh, he got the letter about 1/2 year ago, but just got some time 2 months ago to stop by the dealership ... still trying to do it. Mazda car is not reliable ? Maybe, but at least everything fix in a *timely matter*
- Rotary Engine represents Mazda, its Mazda's image. The engine is nice and smooth, and it has unbelievable amount of power for its size.
Stay in the truck and be happy.
11-17-2006 | 12:25 AM
#25
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by Phantom Menace
Conventional Engine in a what?! WTF? Good riddence, if you ask me...you're right bro, if you've got a friggen Aquarium for a gas tank and get 4MPG, 110 mi. aint gonna dent your 30+ gallons....and yeah, we may get a few recalls. But they're quick fixes and a recall, in and of itself, is not always a negative thing! It's Mazda taking responsibility to fix it and not sweep it under the rug. Plus, I get a free wash/vacuum everytime I stop by the dealership...