right now i'm looking at an 06 gt with 17k miles for $21k. I've also thought about an 04/05 but im sort of after the new keyless start thing. Is it really worth it to get the 06 just for the key?

 

I really like the advanced key system, but it wasn't a factor in my choice. It's nice never having to take the "key" out of your pocket to open or start the car.

I'd say pick the best that you can get for your budget and leave the key out of the equation.

Just as an FYI, I purchased my 06 brand new in march of 07 for 2.5k more then they're asking for yours.

Mazda usually has some pretty good deals in feb/march for the previous model year if you finance through Mazda Credit.

 

It's nice but I dont hink I would miss it.

 

I wouldn't let that be a driver in my choice...it'd be a 'nice to have', but it's not really that much of an inconvenience to stick the key in the slot and turn it car on.

 

I would just echo the above. I have it but it was not a deciding factor and I would not miss it. Go for the best deal on the car you like the most. If that happens to be the '06 GT the go for it!

 

Question: Can't you just get a vanilla key cut to fit and keep in the ignition. Then carry a regular key with you to disable the mobilizer. What are the security issues involved with this. If you gained access to the interior of the car, you can have access to all areas of the car anyway.

 

because it looks stupid

 

I thought the switchblade key was cooler.

 

....pretty minute factor in such a big decision. Plenty more reasons to get an 06 over the 04/05.....considering both in good running order/condition.

 

Meh. I'm gonna install an RFID chip in my arm and have it automatically un-lock and start on approach and stop/lock when I walk away.

Seriously though, the keyless thing would be kewl, but shouldn't be the deciding factor. I wonder if I can engineer that to work in my 05?

 

i like the new keyless system, but if you're buying used, might as well get a better deal and go for an 05.

 

my flat key will start my rx8 as well ???

I really have to start reading the manual and booklet that came with the car....

in addition the flat key is nice in blue jeans for sure but not worth buying one model year over another just to have it...at least not to me.

 

I'm looking at these two:
http://www.oaklawnmazda.com/used_veh...1da8fcc2ac5619

Also, what do you guys think between the cloth and the leather interior?

edit: sorry here's the link

http://www.oaklawnmazda.com/used_veh...d3ab8b2d212e1e

as for the blue, i actually like it. It looks much better in person

 

between cloth and leather is a hard call. The leather is pretty much a guarantee that its going to look like crap (cracking showing wear). The cloth will show stains. I personally like the cloth better in the rx8 you just have to be much more careful to not spill anything

 

Also, your links are both to the same car.

Im not a huge van of that blue, otherwise it looks like a nice car

 

I always buy my cars for the key.

 

Are you being sarcastic?

anyway out of those 2 links i posted, which one do you guys think is a better deal. both are certified btw.

 

since you only posted one link (twice) i'd say go for the second one.

 

The new key is amazing. I never have to dig around for my keys. When I lock the car, my key is in my purse so as long as my purse is next to the door it locks automatically. I never use the real key either...

I hear two beeps and its good to go. With tons of bags in my hand I don't have to drop everything and search for my key...I just push the blk button on the door handle, with my purse next to the door and voila...it opens!

Best invention I think!! As a matter of fact...I forgot what it looks like because I never use it physically. It stays hidden in my purse unless I'm Valet parking my car which I then have to explain to them how the key works and to tell them how to lock the door.

If the key is not by the door it will remain unlocked...so I always have to explain that...

I'd get the '06...

 

I went to test drive the car and saw the key. I wish they made it smaller.