reference my first thread on this forum: Clicky

I went for my 2nd RX8 test drive last weekend. I'm about 95% sold on the car now. Even with it's ~220? hp the car was still a hoot. Taking a few on/off ramps I noticed a bit of body roll - then just 'stick'. Mountains of 'stick', if you will. I'm thinking eliminating too much of the body roll may reduce traction, although I doubt I could argue a case for that suspicion.

Anywho - Along for this test drive was a friend who is an accomplished track stud in local miata circles. More than that, he's able to articulate 'what' the car is doing, and what he likes or doesn't like about how he's feeling the car behave. More than anything I wanted his opinion on the car - one who has no vested interest in buying it.

While speaking with my friend, he brought up a couple valid points:

On RX8 vs. 2001-2002 S4:

Spending ~$25k on a car, I'd want the car to be mint. That's a lot of money to spend on a car and not get the latest interior styling, exterior styling, and such. Buying a car several years old, and with 30-50K miles is more of a 'risk' than an RX8 - even with the slightly exotic 'rotary'.

On RX8 vs. 05 Mustang GT:

Never mind the mustang raising my insurance some $600+ per year, spending $25K on a car and getting a car that, while fast, LOOKS like a 1969-level of interior design isn't that appealing. Frankly, the Mustang's rather plain interior is a turn-off compared to the 'jet-fighter-feel' of the RX8.


On RX8 vs. Aftermarket:

No matter HOW much faster either the S4 or the Mustang GT is than an RX8, I 'do' own a sport bike capable of mid 10-second 1/4 mile passes, at about 130mph. Both the S4 and the MGT would need (tens of?) thousands of dollars invested to catch the bike. When I want speed - straight line or even curvy speed, which can't be touched but by a VERY few ultra-exotics, I simply gear up, and hop on my .636 Liter Kawasaki. End of discussion.



Thus - that's the status. Finding a Buyer for my miata is the hold up now. I realize it's not a great time to sell a convertible...however, I'm willing to make a pretty good deal just to get rid of the car.

(btw, pics of the car are in that link)

:D

 

And you have no criticism of the 2005 Mustang EXTERIOR? The new Mustang's exterior is atrocious, what with its crude crude edge and cut lines and a tail that DOES NOT END and the strangest vanilla-yet-awkward B-pillar to C-pillar to tail that DOES NOT END transition.

 

The exterior is beautiful; except with rear tires which are too skinny for the large wheel-openings...'haunches' if you will.

 

Like John McEnroe used to say: "You can NOT be serious."

 

I have a feeling they're going to redesign the exterior in 2 years or so, which will make it look a lot more attractive. If I were in the market for a new mustang (which I'm not), I'd likely hold off until then.

 

I want you to go right up and stare from the 3/4 rear view. And don't blink. Let your brain absorb those lines all in. Follow the C-pillar line down to the end of the tail.

Next, move to directly behind the car and stare at the taillights. Detective Columbo couldn't even do that **** with his eyes.

 

Or perhaps I just sit here at my computer and NOT do those things? Frankly, I 'like' the look of the car - regardless.

 

Hard to say just yet...would rather drive it first before making opinions. I mean, the '04 GT convertible that I drove was fantastic. My 8 is great, but I won't knock the GT for a second, it's also a rear wheel drive throttle house. However, I've read the '05 GT is an even better car driving wise in terms of throttle response than the '04, so I'll hold off on the criticism until I get a chance to drive the '05.

 

I think we're past the Mustang as DMP already chose the 8. Anyone want a Miata so he can enjoy the 8?

 

EXACTLY!! :D Thank you!

Somebody help a brotha out! :D

SOMEBODY buy my WONDERFUL Miata. :D

 

how much are you selling it for?

WA is pretty far from FL anyway

 

Asking 5800 obo. Figure about $1k for shipping though... to florida.

 

Shipping???
I'd say a 1 way ticket from Florida to WA and have fun driving it down!
It's still warm enough to get some "top down" time, too!

I would have loved to have a convertable, but I needed 2 more seats, and I wouldn't be able to put the top down with the baby in the back.

 

I'm in the same boat - I need to sell my car before I can get my new RX-8.

Anybody in the market for a 1985 Porsche 928S Euro?