Can't believe my Miata is actually gone. It all happened so fast. I needed something more practical and my Miata was in need of some serious maintenance so it just seemed like a good time to shop around for something else. I test drove an RX8 about a year ago when I bought my wife's MX3 and I remeber liking it, but there was that 300 horsepower gorilla named Mustang that just looked so cool. Well I finally test drove one last week and it just wasn't special enough. Sure I knew how to make it look cool - tugnsten grey, add a duck tail spoiler, 18" wheels, perhaps even 2 white stripes down the center, but couldn't quite master hanging my head out the window to look at myself driving by. The interior was just OK and unless you've got the pedal to the metal, it's not that interesting. So the Mustang was out and the NC, although brilliant, was just not what I was looking for.

So I did some internet sleuthing and found out that 05 RX8's are still around - due to the demand for the 3 there aren't any 06's on the lots yet. No matter, the 06 and the 05 are no different except for the fact that you can get a hefty discount off of an 05. After an inventory search, I found the only 2 silver w/ red/black's and started the emailing. This really is the way to go. Don't bother calling dealers. One was already gone but one was still available at Tustin Mazda in the OC. After a small amount of negotiating I was offered a price of $26,600 - msrp was $31,685 and they were interested in my trade.

Well I drove down there yesterday on that wretched I-5 and after a short test drive I remembered how cool the 8 actually is. The interior in red and black is just so cool, I can't understand why anybody would want the plain black - the salesman said they don't order many with the red and black because people aren't into it. That just makes no sense to me.

After a little more negotiating I mangaed to get them to agree on 8 grand for my 01 base with 36k. I know I perhaps could've got a little more privately, but realize everything was orgininal on it - brakes, tires, etc. and that nagging clutch shudder as well. I had replaced the clutch once, but never could get rid of the shudder which seemed to get worse over time.

Before I knew it, it was a done deal and they really wanted me to take the new car home right then and I found myself having not buyer's remorse but seller's remorse. I was kind of looking forward to one last day with my Miata. The dealer was kind of surprised that I wasn't more excited to take the 8 home. It's probably the first car I've ever owned that I was sad to see go.

... Well after one day, I think I'm in love again. The 8 is awesome! I'm keeping it belowe 6 grand for the most part and it's still fantastic. It's just so cool and fun to drive. For the last few years I've done what many do and compare 0 to 60 times and specs and reviews and think things like the 8 isn't fast enough or there isn't enough torque or ... what a crock. That stuff really isn't important. The renesis is so cool, smooth and willing, it's just perfect - along with the rest of the car, I was smiling all day today driving it, and I haven't even begun to push it yet. I actually find myself feeling sorry for everyone else driving around in there incredibly boring and conventional driving appliances. I don't really have anything bad to say about it, it's the sports car with no compromises - alright 2 minor complaints reverse is a littel tricky to engage and the Bose with 9 speakers should be better - it's not bad really, I might even say it's good, but it should be better. That's about it, really. I can't wait until the break in is over. Oh yeah one last thing, in West LA the 8 is quite an exclusive automobile - a zillion 911s, boxsters, G35s, 350Z's, but very few RX8's, wait make that a bazillion Mustangs too - so glad I didn't get one of those.

Oh yeah one last thing. Dealer was pushing this service called Signature Finish.

http://www.alexico.com/

It's a sealant that goes over the paint and interior. Guarenteed for 5 years. Saleman was saying that all you have to do is rinse the car with water and it's clean and shiny and that the interior and leather doesn't age or crack - kind of sounds too good to be true. Anybody have any experience with this service?

Also, they were offering to put in an Icelink ipod adapter for 400 bucks. What's better Icelink or Audiolink?

Thanks

 

congrats and welcome

 

Joy!

 

Welcome to the cult... I mean club.

 

Congrats! The silvers have quite a reputation here.

 

I can't speak for this particular service, but most dealers offer a teflon coating service. I got it because it was almost free, but it doesn't really seem to do anything more than what a good wax would do. I don't think it lasts 6 months like they say. This could be a different service (their website is pretty short on details) than what I got so check out for details.

 

Congrats man. Enjoy the ride.

I had the red/black with silver combo at first, but I'm kinda glad I got all black with black now. Now people just see black when they look through my tints. haha. the red/black leather is very nice on silver though. Great choice.

 

I was imagine that a claybar would take it off. I would not get it.

 

I saw an '04 with this plastic film on the front bumper, it looked like crap. I guess it was to help with possible rock chips.

 

congrats and welcome to the club

 

congratulations on your new 8! here's to many happy miles with it!

All these "Signature Finish" 5-year paint protection warranties are bullshit. See my post here.

(In short, it is sealant that's probably far from industry best [I.e. what you can get online]. They will probably be poorly applied by your dealer. The contract most likely says that you can come back every year to "maintain" the sealant, but almost nobody ever comes back]).

I recommend some surfing on autopia forums, which has a wealth of info about how to properly care for your car.

 

Congrats on your purchase and welcome. I am sure you will enjoy your car immensely. Make sure you warm her up before switching her off to avoid any slight chance of flooding.