I am coming out of an Integra with a skunk shifter that I am at my wits end with. Every car I have test driven to replace the Integra has been an automatic because I was sick of stop and go traffic and jerky shifts. Then I tried the rx8 and completely changed my mind. Learn to shift it yourself and you will love the 8.

 

Prod, this is important you need to read this

I am 6'4'' 220 I have test driven about 6 and am in dealing right now to get one. I choose the rx-8 over the WRX for serveral of my own personal reasons but lets focus on you here.

Like you have said yourself you may or may not be a little nerdy, thats cool man, as long as you are yourself then no one can complain. However a new rx-8 in your first year in college will really be good for you. first, it is really cool and chicks dig it, second college kids take weekend road trips which you all can take in the rx-8 with enough luggage to make it a few days at least, third chicks like it.

Now you could get the practical WRX, and lets be honest if you are buying a new car right now and choosing between the two the WRX is probably a safer bet, but the RX-8 is just cooler and in your first year of college it will be a great boost of self esteem.

Now imagine you meet a girl at one of these "LAN" parties and after nerdily hacking away your computers you guys decide to take it back to your place for some "interfacing." What is that young lady going to think when sees a WRX compared to a RX-8.

Her thoughts:
WRX - well this guy is very practical and safe
RX-8 - this guy is a bad boy with a hot car and I should sleep with him

Just trying to help you out buddy

 

DON'T GET ME STARTED!

*looks around*

Darn...you already did! Frazzle!

Anyway, ATs are fine...they are not as fast as the 6-speed but how often does that REALLY matter? The auto just makes normal driving around town so much easier...plus, your girl friend might just like the auto also - but that is another story.

No problems with flooding, getting good gas milage (20-21 with an occasional 23 MPG), pretty darned quick when required, handles just as well as a stick, etc.

All the other AT owners who have posted before me have said it better than I have...the AT is fine.

The AT also looks unique with the manual shifers on the wheel - too cool.

Take a good look at what you will be doing with the car 98% of the time and buy accordingly.

 

About the trunk.
Depending on the size of the monitor, my guess is that a CRT monitor will not fit through the trunk opening.
There is plenty of room in the trunk, it is just the opening that is very limiting , IMHO.

 

vel525, I wish I could have taken a car like the 8 to college with me. Hell, I wish I could have taken any car to college with me.

 

1. My last car prior to the Rx-8 was an Audi Quattro TT. I don't really miss AWD at all. However, if you're ever going to drive the Rx-8 in snow/ice/sub-freezing temperatures, get snow tires or you'll be sorry.

2. I have a MT and have suffered from 1 flood. Anecdotal evidence seems to show the ATs being bigger flooding risks than the MTs, but both are risks. Taking reasonable warmup precautions WILL NOT necessarily prevent your car from flooding. If I had it to do over again, I'd wait for the '05 model and see if Mazda can fix the problem.

3. About the same as the MT. Mileage on the Rx-8 varies wildly depending on how you drive it. Lots of short trips, extended idling, and stop and go/city driving can result in mileage as low as 12-13 MPG. A majority of highway driving can get you 19-20 MPG, possible a bit more if you drive slowly. It's unrealistic to expect much more than 20 MPG on the Rx-8 no matter how you drive.

4. Flooding and mileage are by far the most significant issues with the car. There are reports that the actual horsepower is significantly lower than Mazda's latest published figures, but that's still unconfirmed. If the car feels fast enough for you in a test drive, I wouldn't worry much about the actual numbers.

Understand that snow tires are not an option if you ever plan on driving in snow/ice. They are essential. Many people buy a second set of rims, mount snow tires on them, and swap them out themselves when the seasons change.

The Rx-8 consumes oil as part of the engine design. Make sure to check the oil at least every 1000 miles. Expect to add at least a quart every 2000 miles.

5. No. Well, I suppose it'll be easier to eat or talk on your cell phone when driving, but otherwise, no. I'd recommend getting the MT. It's a forgiving MT car to drive, and if you already know how, you'll get used to it very quickly.

 

NERFED!!! By the mom machine.

The Mazda:

I went to the dealer and looked at the RX-8. I fit inside it just fine. Rear leg room left something to be desired; I expected this. However, when I was in the drivers seat, there was no legroom; the back of my seat was against the front of the rear seat. Also, the trunk was disappointing in size. The showroom model had a spare tire kit in it, which I knew.

Now on to what happened. The salesman wasn't the nicest guy I've ever met. He also didn't appear to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. I bet I could have easily beat him out on his knowledge of rotary engines. In fact, I would have made sure not to buy the car from him. He didn't seem to be selling the car, or helping me out. My mom ended up screwing me over. I told her it was a sports car; I showed her some pictures. Yet, upon seeing the car, she said I couldn't have a car that small. (Basically it was a nice way of saying "You can't be in a car that cool") I pointed out that it had a spare tire kit in the trunk which took up a lot of room, and I mentioned that she doesn't like my friends riding with me so rear leg room isn't a factor. But still, things weren't going well. To make matters worse, the salesman was trying to shove us out the door the whole time. I left the dealership without even getting a test drive. Ok, so I won't be getting an RX-8, at least not until I get out on my own and I pay for it myself.

The BMW:

We went to the next car on the list, the BMW 325xi. The salesman at the BMW dealer was very nice, and immediately offered a test drive. The car drove very nicely, with excellent cornering: no body roll at all. The leg room was excellent, both front and rear. Front headroom was great, rear headroom was lacking for someone my height; a few stray hairs that were sticking up kept contact with the roof. The acceleration of the car was only slightly better than the 2001 2.5L 4 cylinder Outback I drive. Overall, the car was excellent, and I felt that it is worth the $30,000 price tag.

The Subaru:

The final stop was the Subaru dealership. The Subaru dealership in Annapolis happens to be the universal guinea pig dealership. The reason being is that we buy our Subarus from the same salesman in Waldorf who always hooks us up with a good price. We only go to him if we've already decided to get a car. I met a very good salesman, the best of the 3 that day. This guy was 6'6", a good 3" taller than myself. He greatly appreciated my needs for headroom and legroom. He immediately arranged for me to test drive an H6 3.0 Outback. While waiting for a fellow salesman to get the liscense copied and the tag number of the car, the subject of the turbocharged Subaru Forester came up. Apparently, the Forester XT is faster than a normal WRX. (Not quite as fast as an STi, but almost.) He said that it does 0-60 in 5 something and the quater mile in the high 13s, low 14s. Also he said that its published horsepower is 210 but a friend of his dynoed it and got like 230. (Perhaps HP has been understated by Subaru, the opposite of Mazda's overstatement.) Ironically, he mentioned how he and a friend continually beat an RX-8 from light to light in the Forester. (Who didn't see that coming?) Knowing that you can't always trust a saleman, I confirmed this by reading a Car and Driver review. 0-60 is 5.3 seconds, quater mile is 13.8!!! I drove the H6 3.0 Outback that I had considered as a good college car. I figured it was practical and it would be decently faster than my 4 cylinder. Well, I was disappointed to find out that the acceleration isn't that much better. So next I drove the turbo Forester (auto, of course). That car had some speed. After I hit 3000 the spedometer just shot up. That was with an auto. A manual would be even faster. If I do end up getting the Forester, I'll get a manual because I know enough about cars that a turbo is worth twice as much on a manual. The interior of the car was akin to the BMW; it was extremely well finished. It had the most headroom and legroom of all the cars I looked at, and it had a huge moonroof. The car is amazing, I'm still not sure if I'm going to get a new car this year or not, but I think the Forester may be my car. It's a good utility car and it's fast, but an RX-8 is still cooler and a much better chick magnet.

I was a bit shocked from today's results. I'm still surprised. I would have liked to test drive the RX-8 even if my mom wasn't going to let me have it. I am aware that it's not that fast, but it has to be the coolest car around under $80,000. I knew, as soon as he said a Forester could beat a WRX and almost tie an STi that an RX-8 was going to come up being a loser of a race. I'm sure an RX-8 has a high top speed. The Forester tops out around 130, I assume the 8 can probably make 150. (I'd like to know if anyone has maxed it out for the official top speed.)

 

I think the Forester would be a great choice. You can haul stuff, it's fast and fun to drive. Safe in all types of weather, and very moddable. Odds are it will also be quite reliable. Some guys are already seeing around 350whp with it not even being out a year (don't count on the reliability at that point :p). If you get tired of the sloppy handling a few fairly inexpensive upgrades will take care of that. It's a sleeper and won't have the bling factor of an RX-8 but it's got a lot of other things going for it.

 

To me an AT is like having sex with a condom. Sure, it is safer and you are still having sex..But when you finally commit and no longer need it...Well, it is pretty hard to go back.

 

I have to agree. You will regret getting an auto later on with this particular car. Most any other car it makes no difference. But the 8 almost requires a manual if you are going to take advantage of the engine. Even if you have to learn on the car, you will learn fast, and in one month you will be a pro.
Getting this car in auto is would be like buying an H1 Hummer with only 2 wheel drive (it such a thing existed).

 

1) I like how you come to a board about RX-8 and ask what you should buy. As if there is any question as to what the users will recommend.

2) I notice you pay a ton of attention describing the Subaru in all your posts, and barely half as much talking about any other car. It seems to me your choice is already made.

3) I just saw a pic of the Subaru Forester. I'm glad you like it, but .... oh my god. That's a momma's car if I ever saw one.

 

Prod,

I've purchased 13 cars in the past 10 years and all I can say is I've seen ALL kinds of dealerships. Not to my surprise, Mazda ranks at the bottom of the barrel (fact is Mazda is a small time player so only the slimiest businessmen would want to run a Mazda dealership). Most of the Mazda salesmen don't know jack about the cars, they could be selling shoes for all I care. I had to be a little pushy to get a test drive. I have a feeling that because of your age the dealer didn't take you seriously.

I currently drive the A4 3.0 Quattro and the handling is nothing close to a RWD car. Traction is pretty good, but the car is just so damn front heavy (like the Forester). My wife's 323 wagon handles like a dream because it is RWD and is perfectly balanced at 50/50 (just like the 8). I guess if you live in the snow, you have to get AWD, but dude you should at least test drive the RX8, just be persistent and they will let you test drive it (MT please).

Forester is a good car especially with that turbo, but man that car looks very very ugly. It's like a box on wheels. The design is so dated. I'm afraid you have your mind set on that car already though. Good luck.

 

Got a Auto and love it, test drove the stick, it was fast but not that much faster, your still not beatin most other true sports cars anyway so ***** it. Plus when you are going to college, some nights you will leave the bar drunk as hell and will want your friend to drive, oops he doesnt drive stick, Now your in jail with a DUI, and your mom takes your car away!!! Get the Auto, if you really wanna race professionally and think the extra 30 or so hp will help that much go ahead and get the stick, you'll still get smoked if you race most other sports cars, unless however the road has a lot of turns.

 

I think there's a misconception that MT owners only get MT because they want to accelerate faster. It gives the driver a lot more control over the engine and car vs. AT. And in the case of the 8, you get two more gears! Not trying to offend anyone, just stating the facts

 

My reason exactly.

 

Well sorry to disagree with you but my experience was very good and getting a test drive was as easy as saying I want a test drive. Since my saleman is also a professional race car driver he seemed to know what he was talking about. I have bought quite a few new cars also and at different brand dealerships and have never really had any problems but I don't go in with a chip on my shoulder either. I would say volkswagen was the best dealership I have bought from but mazda was very good also.
ers

 

Yes but for someone who lives in a busy metropolitan area the manual will be a killer. I'm driving manuals for 25 years and I now that . When I got my Auto RX8 is like I'm in haven! I can shift and control the car like an MT but I also have the D for just relaxing in traffic or when I talk on the phone. You can bit the conveinence!

Also just FYI the AT RX8 has more torque then the MT! If you deside to go with either one you will be happy, don't worry. RX8 rocks!

 

AT drivers of the world unite!

It took every bit of sense I had in my head to not get the MT. If the car was my weekend toy it wouldnt be a question. However, anyone who can drive five days a week, two hours a day, in the South Florida traffic I do, is better than I am. Plus I can talk on my cell phone, eat a cheeseburger, drink a coke, keep one hand on my wife's leg, and still shift gears. Top that mannys.

PS. Obviously Im kidding. Just dont think the MT is "my world" practical. But if the shoe fits...

 

I would go with the manual. The low end touque is much higher with the manual. The combination of horsepower and overall driving experience make the manual the choice for most. Out of the corners you can downshift much more effectively and get out of there like a bat out of hell. The extra horsepower should be reason enough to go with the manual, plus chicks love a guy that can drive a stick. I say if you get a sports car why not make it a real sports car and get a manual. For those that got an auto I can only ask why?
For those that haven't caught on I'm being a smart *ss. I have a auto and I love it to death. Nobody on this site is a professional race car driver that goes to the track everyday with their 8, instead everyone drives their 8 to work, school or any other normal daily routine. So thats why I say get the car that you enjoy and fits into your everyday adventures, because your the one driving it, not anyone else on the site. I'm not trying to offend anyone, just tired of hearing the manual vs. auto debate. Does anyone else agree with this?

 

I aggree if I am paying for it I guess I will buy what I want. I drove MT for 30 plus years and all kings of vehicles. We bought the AT for many reasons and am very happy with the AT. If you want the MT buy it if you want the AT buy it. We bought the car for many reasons looks being one of them and it does turn heads when you drive it. If you want the AT BUY it and don't worry what other people , who are not paying for it think, just enjoy the RX8. Buy it you will not be sorry.
ers

 

I test drove the auto, but the engine was so sluggish accelerating out of a curve. I used the manual-shift mode and kept it in second, the salesman told me to shift into 1st gear while going 20 mph (I didn't of course), but boy it felt like I was driving a civic.

 

Well I have the AT and it does not seem slow out corners to me , also have a turbo eclipse spyder also so I know what speed is. The RX8 comes out of corners fine for me , if you don't like the car buy something else.
ers

 

chill out...just noting my observation. i like the 8, but just not so sure about the AT. if you are happy with yours, that's great. is your eclipse also an automatic?

 

Here's the thing that bugs with about this thread. i think every car enthusiast knows that the ideal transmission for the 8 is the manual. Without the turbos (as in my 3rd gen RX7), the rotary is a low-torque engine (that's why the s2000 doesn't come with automatic) and MT is the best way for the driver to extract the most torque out of it. The biggest pet peeve i have with the 8 AT is that it's a damn 4-speed. That's what a pickup truck and an econobox has, not a $30k car. When a person decides to buy the AT 8, he (or she) is making a compromise (for whatever reason). Off course we are no longer helping Prod here, but the original thought was to convince him to try the MT since that is the ideal transmission for the 8. I have nothing against AT owners, my daily driver is an automatic.

 

I am chilled yes this eclipse is was bought for my daughter , had another one that was 5 speed and not all stock and that was fun to drive. Perhaps you and the others do not mean anything by your comments but I figure when I spend 32 grand for a car I will at this time in my life buy an AT if I choise to. I have nothing aganst MT , in fact I still like to drive it sometimes. I like the car for its looks and even being a AT its a blast to drive holds the road like its glued to it. I just tonight had a nice ride on some back roads full of S turns and such, zoom zoom zoom.

ers