Hi all,

Since I didn't see a newbie/welcome area figured this would be the ideal spot. Well I'm in the process looking for and obtaining an Rx-8. Always been a Chevy guy for over 10 years since their engines were always reliable to me and never had any issues other than typical maintenance with them, especially their trucks. Started with a '92 S-10 before moving onto a used '03 S-10 and got a '08 Colorado last year namely because of my sports bike I had and wanted another truck for transporting it if I visited fellow buddies who bike (motorcycle).

Due to an accident last year the bike is outa the picture and I'm back to deciding to get rid of the truck and put a sports car in place to get my adrenaline level back to normal ^_^ The Rx-8 fits me perfectly with its uniqueness and overall design all around. I've been reading up on this board for the past few days and information on the car online for a while now before pulling the trigger on getting one of them.

Moving to the informative part from fellow members, I have a few questions that would be great if I could get some experienced feedback on to help me narrow my search:

1) Is it in your opinion better to wait out for the 16x supposingly to debute in 2011/2012 in what I assume would be an Rx-9 or just get an Rx-8 now and wait until a little later after it comes out and they work the bugs out? Perhaps the fact I'm antsy and been patient all my life for things I want and right at this moment, could give less of a **** waiting unless someone gives me some dire information that shows it would be a better call

2) It seems according to the specs that all versions before 2008 get better MPG than the 2008/2009 ones, anyone back this up? I'm not looking to get anything older than a 2007. And although this is trivial, I'm just curious, something else to consider

3) Has anyone had any issues with the 2007-2009 versions flooding when doing everything right? This means, letting it warm up before running it, having fresh plugs in it, so forth and it still flooding for no reason.

4) I'm debating between financing a 2008 or 2009 instead of buying used. Your thoughts? Reason why is for 2008 models Mazda is offering 1.9% APR and for 2009, 2.9% APR until end of this month. That's a big reduction and a great offer. Course on top of this I get company discounts with Mazda so that helps as well Used would be nice even with only a few miles as the everyone knows the cost drops off when it leaves the dealer's lot. However this means getting a loan at my own end which won't be close to what Mazda is offering currently for APR.

5) I've searched and read a lot on the 2008-2009 versions. Opinions on which you think would be better to stick with one or the other keeping performance, looks and cost in mind? Oh and I'm not looking at the R3, I prefer the GT base.

Well look forward to getting to know everybody and hopefully meeting up later down the road!

-V

 

ugh, thats a lot to read haha longest first post i have ever seen. welcome to the club

 

I don't know about questions 2,3,4,5... but if you always are waiting for something better to come out, you'll never get anything. Do your research and if you think you'll be happy, just do it; that is how I base my decisions. Be thorough and than follow through with no regrets.

The new 16x engine and rx-9 is a bit of a mystery, will it be a 2+2 or a true coupe, how much more powerful will the 16x be?

If you like the styling of the 08's or 09's just pick one up. You can always go with the 3 year lease than trade in for the 16x rx-9 .

 

Welcome 2 the addiction......
id go w/ the R3....

 

HAHA, nice 1st post, too long for any of us lazy people to read. Therefore, no flaming!! Welcome.

 

lol i had to take a break and resume my reading haha jk bro.

welcome!

 

just so you know...there's no going back once you've taken the RX pill lolol. whatever you choose (regardless of the look), you'll enjoy driving it!!

 

Well I'm planning on seeing how deep the rabbit hole goes anyhow

 

The real world MPG has not changed significantly. The reason it is rated differently by EPA is different testing method/standards. But apparently, the 09 engine is suppose to be more reliable.

 

welcome...i personally like the looks of the older 8s better than the 09s...but the new engine is suppose to be better...haven't seen/heard of any proof to back that up yet...look at them both...drive them both...and go with your gut

i've had mine for 5 years and still love it as much as the day i got it

 

hey man welcome.

 

Welcome!

 

Enjoy your stay.

 

that's what i'm talkin about!!

 

the only reason the 09 is supposed to b better because of the 3rd injector but with some premix on the 04-08's everything is a go

 

Pretty much all about what you want to spend. You will save a ton of $ by gettin a low mileage 07-08 over gettin an R3. But if ur the type who wants to buy it and do nothing else to it, then the R3 isnt such a bad idea as u have all the extras already equipped. Plus the R3 will be a collectors item.

Dont hold ur breath re: the 16X car. Get an 8.

 

Although i don't know for sure of course, I am willing to bet that these statements regarding the vehicle Mazda puts the 16x in are going to be true:

-will weigh over 3200 pounds
-will have a lower redline


Having extremely high redline and low curb weight really are integral to providing the rx8 experience. I wouldn't wait around for the big ol' cruiser they will surely make with the 16x.

 

Welcome to the club. A for effort on the world book of records for the longest intro post!! I don't think there is anything X related you can't find here!

 

Well I plan on modding it over time a bit, not sure how far is allowed before warranty is voided but my guess is by seeing what people do here I shouldn't worry too much

That being said, the R3 is from what I've been reading into more track oriented and not so much for comfort as a GT would be as a DD. Now I could be completely wrong if some people have driven both and say the R3 is way better on the road for a DD. Again is just what I've read on the review. Depends what I can negotiate with local dealers to get them to bring their prices down and on top of that not low balling me on a trade-in. I'm not compromising on a 2008 vehicle trade-in to get a shaft, they either cut it close too market price or I walk. People in this economy are looking more into used vehicles than brand new anyhow. Plus the fact not sure yet I want to get brand spanking new to pay 3-6k over depreciation hit it will take right off the lot.

 

Way to be Pro-Active!!

 

1. Buy stickshift
2. Buy new/used....buy with warranty
3. Yes buy an 8~
4. You are gonna love this thing!

EDIT: GT if better for DD, trust me I have one.

 

Say Whatttttt? That was never a doubt! I come from a racing background and ALL my vehicles I've ever owned have always been standard baybee! An exception is the last one since the only standards that were of avail were in lesser trim versions which sucked for interior.

 

^^although u know that eventually all cars are going to be paddle shifted AT's.... GTR, ZR!

 

^Zumn, they are not paddle shiffted AT's...

 

oK THEN.....AT'S

edit: GTR is AT ZR1 comes in Stick....Lexus LSF comes in 7 sp AT!! AWD.