O.K no flames please I am looking for a toy to fill the space in my garage it should be noted the space is not huge but I have it narrowed down to the Rx8 and the 350z I am looking at 04 model years.
Both have appealing features I like that the rx8 has a back seat as I have children the z has alot of low end tourque that the 8 is missing. I am reading alot about both cars and in the comparison test the 8 seems to beat the z almost every time .My main concern is the reliability factor I see so many threads about how people have gotten rid of there 8 because of the problems experienced .
That said I could care less abut mileage as niether car is gonna get 30 mpg they are sports cars I realize that the 8 is the worse of the two but this alone is not enough of a reason to discard it .So I guess what I am looking for is anyone out there that had this same dillema and chose the 8 do you have regrets and let me her from someone or 2 with an 04 that is not ready to get rid of it.
Thanks again and please no flames.

 

I know the 2007 350z's have been upgraded. They now have, as others above have posted, more HP and refined handling but I found this article comparing the 2003 RX8 vs. 2003 350z and was a good read.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...pageId=57427#2

BTW, sorry if it's a repost but I hope it helps.

 

Search around on here, you'll find *many* posts by people who have had no problems, including '04 owners. On a forum like this, it's just natural that the people with the most problems make the most noise; nobody is generally inclined to write in saying "Yep, no problems again today!" I have an '05, no problems, no intention of getting rid of it, no regrets, tons of smiles and a warm smug feeling for picking this car.

 

I didn't find the "on-paper" 159lb-ft to be an issue when I was test-driving the rx8. One just have to know how to use it's powerband. With the sweet 6spd, it is a joy to drive. My current ride is a stage II WRX wagon putting out in excess of 280lb-ft. I initially thought the rx-8 was a dog. But it wasn't. The Z is nice, but I'd get at least an 05 or above. Lots of issues with early Z. Didn't like the interior one bit. Felt alot like an Altima with lots of plastic bits. But the V6 is smooth and nice. The rotary is smoother. Tough choice. In the end, I need a back seat because we have a child so at least in a pinch, the rx-8 can be used as a baby transport while the Z does not provide me such option.

 

For a second "toy" car why not go all the way and get a Miata or S2000?

 

There is little between them in most aspects except this .

I have 3 kids & despite the fact that i'm by myself most of the time when driving - the back seats make the car practical as well as a fun toy to own .
You may find two seats being way too big a compromise ......

 

I have an '04. It is one of the best purchases I've ever made. I didn't want it just for power or to beat everything else out there, I had originally started liking it because it was different.
I have had very few issues with it, minor warranty work. I bought it with 7500 miles and now it is at 16000. The cars are reliable as long as you are willing to take car of it: let it warm up before shutting it off, check the oil, etc.

I have said this before: The only reason I would sell my 8 would be due to financial troubles, but since the resale value is less then I have financed, it wouldn't really help much.

 

I've had my '04 RX-8 for about 3 weeks now. I do not regret it one bit. My 3 year old fits in the back seat fine. I havn't had any problems with it and I love the fact that there aren't many 8's in my area. People comment how nice it is all the time. everyone and there brother has a Z around my town. Jusr make sure that there are no open recalls on any 8 you are looking at. I don't think you will be disipointed with your decision.

 

No problems whatsoever with my year-old '05.

As others have said, you CAN'T formulate an opinion about any car's reliability based on what you read in that car's forum! Frustrated owners, fed up with poor dealer service, often seek out and find their car's forum to look for solutions to problems—and just to vent. Quite natural, if you think about it.

If you check RX-8 reliability from OBJECTIVE sources, you'll find the 8 is rated anywhere from "Excellent" (Road & Track Long Term test, 10/06…

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2

…to Average/Below Average (Consumer Reports, which rated it "below average" its first year, "average" the next year, and now "below average" again).

My point is, the RX-8 is NOT the reliability disaster you read about here!

 

is it me or is this just a rx8 vs. 350z thread with a stealthy title?


my predictions:

it'll get up to about 8 pages.

Top Gear and the M3 get mentioned a few times.

The evo and STi pop up in page 6.

nonetheless, sounds like from your first post, you are leaning towards the 8..."just because". Sometimes, that's all you need. Good luck.

 

I highly suggest a used 911.

 

What about an M3, Evo, or STi? I'm sorry...I couldn't help myself.
Bad Phantom! Bad!

 

go test drive both.
if the rear seats are not the selling point for you then a test drive will most likely have a clear cut winner.

good luck with everything.

 

yes it does and no it wont. thread closed