The Little Things
#226
More than anything else, its the most unique car on the road. Nothing looks like it, nothing sounds like it, nothing drives like it , nothing else is as smooth and nothing else has a renisis.
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
#227
Go baby!
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I just drove from San Diego to Sunnyvale (500 miles) and back 3 days later. I arrived totally relaxed and refreshed. The lumbar support is awesome (I had it at the firmest setting). Other cars, I would have arrived with a sore back. This was just plain fun, and it felt like a 90-minute drive each way.
#228
Go baby!
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Here's a new one; a good thing masked by a bad one. If you need the car towed (as I did for flooding) you have eye hooks to install at front or rear for tow connection. The sockets to screw in these eye hooks are very cleverly hidden in the grill work underneath camaflaged flaps. You can read about them in chapter 7 of the owners manual under "towing."
My wife's beemer also has screw-in towing attachments, but there's a big, ugly flap in the bumper in which the fittings are hidden. For such an expensive car they made no effort to disguise the fitting. The RX-8 solution is much more elegant. Of course, it would be way better if they made a car that didn't flood...
My wife's beemer also has screw-in towing attachments, but there's a big, ugly flap in the bumper in which the fittings are hidden. For such an expensive car they made no effort to disguise the fitting. The RX-8 solution is much more elegant. Of course, it would be way better if they made a car that didn't flood...
#230
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Here's a "little thing" on the plus side that I just noticed. Mazda gives the rear seat passenger (behind a non-power seat) a little pull strap to flip the front seat-back forward to get out of the car. Hmmm, if I ever actually have someone riding back there I will have to try to remember that. Picture below (I hope)....
http://www.gingersrus.com/RX8/SeatPullStrap.jpg
http://www.gingersrus.com/RX8/SeatPullStrap.jpg
#231
Actually, I thought that strap was positioned there so the driver could easily reach it instead of the passenger, which IMHO is another little thing. 1. strap exists. 2. positioned within reach of driver.
#232
I'm Tantalizing
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Ok here's my first additions....how the doors open wide to make vacuuming and cleaning easy and the in dash CD does not skip, believe it or not the one in my Z3 skips over every hard bump.
#233
I still think the best thing is all the rubber neck stares you get from people as you drive by. Or how goofy my wife thinks I am when I look into the garage just to take a quick look at my other half (HA). Makes you feel like a million bucks.
#234
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Wow! I think just about everything has been mentioned... here are a few things that I still can't get over...especially for $30K
1) Aluminum... light, stiff, and in the right places. My car (GT) is just over 3k lbs with me in it and a full tank of gas... amazing for a car that will actually seat 4 adults.
2) Style... only car I have every been in where I have been flagged down (twice) so that someone could ask me about it. Also, still can't believe they put a rotary symbol on the edge of the headlights.
3) Accessories...real quality accessories, Mazda actually had them out when the car was introduced...can't get that from the U.S. manufacturers, it usually takes a year or more.
4) Passengers... my whole family fits...my girls think it is a race car...they beg me to spin the tires (they call it that wwhhiirr sound) and go fast...their mother has threatened my life so no more.
5) Drivability...I am like a kid with a new toy even after 6 months, I still can't wait to drive it every day... as others have done drive a few other cars in its class...it is not the fastest but it begs to be cornered and the overall feel is better than most.
6) Brakes...awesome, no upgrading required even for those who plan to take it to the track.
7)My golf clubs actually fit into the trunk!
1) Aluminum... light, stiff, and in the right places. My car (GT) is just over 3k lbs with me in it and a full tank of gas... amazing for a car that will actually seat 4 adults.
2) Style... only car I have every been in where I have been flagged down (twice) so that someone could ask me about it. Also, still can't believe they put a rotary symbol on the edge of the headlights.
3) Accessories...real quality accessories, Mazda actually had them out when the car was introduced...can't get that from the U.S. manufacturers, it usually takes a year or more.
4) Passengers... my whole family fits...my girls think it is a race car...they beg me to spin the tires (they call it that wwhhiirr sound) and go fast...their mother has threatened my life so no more.
5) Drivability...I am like a kid with a new toy even after 6 months, I still can't wait to drive it every day... as others have done drive a few other cars in its class...it is not the fastest but it begs to be cornered and the overall feel is better than most.
6) Brakes...awesome, no upgrading required even for those who plan to take it to the track.
7)My golf clubs actually fit into the trunk!
Last edited by sun stroke; 01-20-2004 at 12:05 PM.
#235
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These have all probably been mentioned already, but I don't have the patience to review all 22 pages. Some of them are really little:
1) I really like the soft lining of the sunglasses case above the dash. Hey - I love the fact that the car has a place for sunglasses period. It may be common in other cars, but it's the first time I've seen it.
2) Only time will tell, of course, but the seats (I have the fabric/rubber seats) seem very durable; they're also very comfortable.
3) It's nice that you've got some time to roll the windows up after you turn off the ignition. I never remember to close up before I take the key out.
4) Speaking of the sunglasses cubby, there's tons of storage space in this thing, and it's all pretty cleverly deployed. (Shame they didn't use the space for those of us who don't have NAV for more storage, though. I'm never satisfied.
1) I really like the soft lining of the sunglasses case above the dash. Hey - I love the fact that the car has a place for sunglasses period. It may be common in other cars, but it's the first time I've seen it.
2) Only time will tell, of course, but the seats (I have the fabric/rubber seats) seem very durable; they're also very comfortable.
3) It's nice that you've got some time to roll the windows up after you turn off the ignition. I never remember to close up before I take the key out.
4) Speaking of the sunglasses cubby, there's tons of storage space in this thing, and it's all pretty cleverly deployed. (Shame they didn't use the space for those of us who don't have NAV for more storage, though. I'm never satisfied.
#236
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Originally posted by lbrintle
The front center storage compartment. I love how it slides and flips open to store the hands-free cellphone headset and battery charger.
The front center storage compartment. I love how it slides and flips open to store the hands-free cellphone headset and battery charger.
#237
The Doctor is sedated....
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I haven't had a chance to read the entire thread yet, (23 pages!:D). But one of my personal favorites is the fact that the speedo is "wife-proof". There have been plenty of times when we're cruising along going well above the posted speed limit, and she'll strain to look over to see just exactly how fast we are travelling. I just love this car!:D
Funny little story along these lines... we went for a drive to a "neighboring" town (30 miles West of Laramie), which of course takes a really great mountain road to get there; lots of twists and turns:D When we got to the town limits, the posted speed limit is 35, Mrs. Doc said "The speed limit is 35, not 20." To which I said "Ummm, err, I am doing 35." hehehehehe
Funny little story along these lines... we went for a drive to a "neighboring" town (30 miles West of Laramie), which of course takes a really great mountain road to get there; lots of twists and turns:D When we got to the town limits, the posted speed limit is 35, Mrs. Doc said "The speed limit is 35, not 20." To which I said "Ummm, err, I am doing 35." hehehehehe
Last edited by doccable; 03-31-2004 at 06:52 PM.
#238
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Continuing to receive Pre-Order gifts almost 1 year after the fact. This weekend I received the AutoArt 1:43 scale RX-8 in the mail. Major surprise on my part - I pre-ordered 15 months ago, car was built 10 months ago, and delivered 8 months ago. Yet the gifts continue to trickle in. Awesome pre-order experience.
#239
i've had mine for two months now and when i get out of it you just cant wait to get back in .this car has so many good features they out weigh the bad by so much, it's totally additive
#240
Wants an 8 again
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No particular order here just ramblin
It is Yellow
it is Sexy
Exterior Door handle are perfect (big pet peeve in past vehicles for me(flippy style yuck))
TPMS
Zoom Zoom rotary
balance
stance
locking gas cap
audio pilot
seats
steering wheel controls
the steering wheel feel (you know if you've driven one)
head lights
18 inch wheels
big brakes
spoiler
rotary accents package
appearance package
pedals
transmission
how it becomes and extension of myself and then make drive other cars feel uneasy
shift **** (feel)
locking compartments
light hood
style style style
Yellow (I know, just want to make sure you understand i like Yellow)
ease of entry and exit ...for all four occupants (but mostly for me
the "Jetson" sound of the engine at low RPMs
all the sounds from 1000 to 9500
the beep
oddly enough the digital speedo
oh yeah the "Time, CD/Station, Temp" dash read out
mirrors
Home link mirror
auto dim rearview
DSC (saved my butt in the snow once)
exhaust ( the way it is integrated in to the body and not just an after thought)
trunk not a hatch
radio antenna
handling
heated seats
storage
sun visors
tire potential with stock rims
air bags everywhere
The way I feel when i turn around in the parking lot, look back at this beautiful Yellow Mazda RX-8 and remind myself it is mine.
P We all have heard enough about all the potential Yuck factors,,flooding, MPG, rattles, AC not cold, Take this moment to rejoice in why you love your 8 or lust after owning one (as applicable)
It is Yellow
it is Sexy
Exterior Door handle are perfect (big pet peeve in past vehicles for me(flippy style yuck))
TPMS
Zoom Zoom rotary
balance
stance
locking gas cap
audio pilot
seats
steering wheel controls
the steering wheel feel (you know if you've driven one)
head lights
18 inch wheels
big brakes
spoiler
rotary accents package
appearance package
pedals
transmission
how it becomes and extension of myself and then make drive other cars feel uneasy
shift **** (feel)
locking compartments
light hood
style style style
Yellow (I know, just want to make sure you understand i like Yellow)
ease of entry and exit ...for all four occupants (but mostly for me
the "Jetson" sound of the engine at low RPMs
all the sounds from 1000 to 9500
the beep
oddly enough the digital speedo
oh yeah the "Time, CD/Station, Temp" dash read out
mirrors
Home link mirror
auto dim rearview
DSC (saved my butt in the snow once)
exhaust ( the way it is integrated in to the body and not just an after thought)
trunk not a hatch
radio antenna
handling
heated seats
storage
sun visors
tire potential with stock rims
air bags everywhere
The way I feel when i turn around in the parking lot, look back at this beautiful Yellow Mazda RX-8 and remind myself it is mine.
P We all have heard enough about all the potential Yuck factors,,flooding, MPG, rattles, AC not cold, Take this moment to rejoice in why you love your 8 or lust after owning one (as applicable)
#241
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DSC
I'll just chime in again, about the DSC. I really like having this. It allows me to comfortibly push the limits of the slide factor of the car. So, I know that in almost ever case it going to save my butt. Especially fun, when other people don't know that it's there. They get that quick sensation, that your about to slide, and ruw, ruw, ruw, the DSC kicks in, and flashes on the display.
Oh and I've had my Car for 8 months now, and I am deeply in love with the car. I don't think it will ever leave the family...
Also I haven't had any problems.
Oh and I've had my Car for 8 months now, and I am deeply in love with the car. I don't think it will ever leave the family...
Also I haven't had any problems.
#242
I REALLY LOVE THIS CAR!
Join Date: May 2003
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About the DSC
If you haven't tried the car with the DSC and TC off, you're missing a treat. I ran in an autox last week (first time in the car with street tires), and you'll be amazed just how much rubber you can leave in 1st AND 2nd gear. I'm not talking about 7k rpm drop clutch. Just wind up to around 3k and let it out. On my first run, others commented about how much wheelspin I left (doesn't help times though). It's just neat that it will do much more than you think it will with the low torque. Now if I can just get my hands on some proper Hoosiers....:D
#243
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Didn't have time to read all 24 pages of all the great little things that make the 8 a truly great car ... I hope this one hasn't already been mentioned:
I have a 4 month old baby girl, her infant carrier fits in the backseat, her stroller fits in the trunk. By far, the best reaction I have gotten with my 8 was when I parallel park downtown (they're already looking but trying to remain aloof), I open the rear doors (openly staring), pull the baby out of the back (now they're pointing), and finally open the boot and pull out the monster stroller (final eye pop). True joy of ownership.
No way can I get that kind of joy from any other car on the road today.
I have a 4 month old baby girl, her infant carrier fits in the backseat, her stroller fits in the trunk. By far, the best reaction I have gotten with my 8 was when I parallel park downtown (they're already looking but trying to remain aloof), I open the rear doors (openly staring), pull the baby out of the back (now they're pointing), and finally open the boot and pull out the monster stroller (final eye pop). True joy of ownership.
No way can I get that kind of joy from any other car on the road today.
#244
Do What!
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Yes the stares, but this morning on the feeder road I stop and to my left pulls up a Ferarri 365. My windows were down and the guy hollers out asking if I am happy with it. I said yes, but your car is pretty nice too. He yells back, "Oh this, this is my wife's car, I am taking it to get the oil changed, my car is a Red RX-8 GT. Zoom Zoom!" We gave each other the thumbs up and drove away.
The guy actually said zoom zoom and understood it. I saw him turn into the local no name high end import shop for his oil change in my rear view mirror as I got on the highway.
The guy actually said zoom zoom and understood it. I saw him turn into the local no name high end import shop for his oil change in my rear view mirror as I got on the highway.
#245
Pro Audentius
Originally posted by bgparsons3
...when I parallel park downtown...
...when I parallel park downtown...
#246
Absolute Rotary Madness
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I love the steering wheel. It just responds so quickly... It's like the alfa's 156 I used to have! Even better 'cause it makes 3 turns lock-to-lock (alfa did 2.2) which makes it easier for u-turns!
#247
All of the great things listed here are true, but the very best feature that I noticed on day one when I got it........
My wife can not see how fast I am driving from the passanger seat!
She has to rely on the number of cars I am passing and the wind sound coming thru the sunroof. (She is getting better at this I must admit but I do not have to listen to her as much as I did)
My wife can not see how fast I am driving from the passanger seat!
She has to rely on the number of cars I am passing and the wind sound coming thru the sunroof. (She is getting better at this I must admit but I do not have to listen to her as much as I did)
Last edited by RX8 Pusher; 05-20-2004 at 05:29 PM.
#248
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It may seem like a small thing but I like how the moonroof shade has vents built into the front. On hot days, I like to leave the moonroof tilted up. I use to have to leave the moonroof shade on my Honda slightly open to get any ventilation.