Currently we drive a 99 Miata, with a Subie outback sport wagon for practical times. We're thinking of selling the Miata, and I don't want to drive the Subaru as the only car (it handles like a tank). So, we're in the market for a good-handling, fast, luxurious, practical, 4 seat car, and it will be our only car (we'll sell the Subie going into next winter). The Rx8 is at the top of my list right now, but I have a couple of concerns as follows:

1) Fuel consumption. Is there any evidence the 2006 models with the "upgraded" rotary (whatever that means?) are any more fuel efficient?
2) Roof rack - I have read here that it can be done with the right parts from Thule/Yakima, but have not seen any photographic evidence. This is essential as we bike/canoe/ski.
3) When I test drove an 8 on a snowy day here, it took a long time to crank... like 30 seconds! Is this normal? Is the 8 a good car for winter starts? I am not concerned about winter handling - we drive the Miata with snow tires and it handles fine, obviously we'd put snow tires on the Rx8.

Given these concerns, here are some of the other options I have been thinking about...
1) Subie WRX wagon
2) Infiniti G35
3) BMW 3Ci coupe
4) An 06 Miata (sorry, MX-5) and keep the outback.

So, persuade me either way. Any other vehicles I should be considering? Any specific reasons to favor the 8 over the others I have listed here?

 

If you search you'll find probably hundreds of threads on fuel consumption, and since Mazda hasn't stated any major changes for the 2006 year it should be similar fuel economy. The stated figures might be a bit lower since the new EPA testing regulations have started, but that won't affect the real world results.

I think you can put a rear bike rack on the trunk, but I'm not sure about the roof. I know I wouldn't want something potentially marking up my nice red roof...

Are you overstating how long it took to crank? 30 seconds is extreme for anything but if it did I'd be more concerned about that particular car. Remember in snowy climates you'll need snow tires which add to the total vehicle cost.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, wouldn't you be better off with some type of small SUV or wagon type car? At the very least it would be much more practical.

 

The upgraded 06 is only using the 6 port motor from the manual trans but detuned a bit and a lower redline, so fuel economy will not change.

I also have never sen a roof rack but I am sure anything is possible, are you think ing a permanent one or a removable one?

The 8 sometimes will take a second to crank but not 30 seconds, the car you drove sounds like it needs the new batery, starter, plug service done.

 

i do find there are transmission problems with mine in the very cold, but once it warms up the car is fine. as far as hard starts, i have not had any problems with that in the cold. i dont know if you can put a roof rack in the car. the fuel consumption is about 18mpg, but if you are buying a sports car you should kind of expect it. as for the automatic, i would seriously think twice about that, if you dont know how to drive a stick, it is not hard to learn. maybe 1 day or 2. there is nothing like taking a spirited drive in your beautiful 8 with full control of the shifting. the 8 auto will have more power in the 06 then in the past, so if you do want an auto, dont get the 04, or 05 they are SLOW!!!

 

Item #1: I'm not going to address.
Item #2: Bike/Canoe Roof Rack the WRX wagon wins. The others have a much shorter roof for a rack. MX5 no roof at all. RX8 has a pass-through to the trunk area which would exept skis, inside and protected from theft. Adding a hitch and Thule reciever type bicycle rack would be possible.
Item #3: In Chicago, my car starts fine. It has never flooded, even just moving it around in the driveway. There is a TSB about slow starts which changes the starter, battery and plugs for a faster start. The only problem with the RX8, in the winter, is the OEM tires (as you allready know).

 

Point 2, the roof rack - apparently there is a roof rack from Yakima available in USA:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/new-way-carry-tires-autocross-52904/
...not sold in Sweden though...

Point 3, cranking - I have had several cold starts at -5 degrees Celcius (23 F?), only one "hard" start so far - perhaps the example you drow had been flooded by the previous driver?

Cheers, Niclas

(Oh and we test drow an WRX before the Rx-8 - not bad, rules in the snow - but we liked the Rx-8 interior and "drive feel" better... )

 

whao, a canoe on the roof of a RX8! i need to see a picture of that!

 

You might want to check out the G35 and the Volvo S40 or S60. Less sporty but more luxurious, with more trunk space. Both also have 4WD options which are great for snow.

 

I saw an RX-8 with a ski rack just the other day on my way to work, so they must exist.

If I lived where it snowed, however, I'd be looking into the WRX/STI more thoroughly than the RX-8.

But the G35x only comes in auto