...but try as I might, I can't find a car that I want to replace for my 8.

I've test driven 7 different cars in the last 4 months now, and came within inches of making an offer that would have locked me in if accepted on a BMW 330i.

I know there are plenty of more powerful cars, which is the biggest deficit of the 8 relative to the 350Zs, Beemers, Porsches, V8 Mustangs, STis, Evos, etc. of the world, but I know there are not many better handling cars than the 8, and I KNOW FOR A FACT that the 8 has amazing braking and steering feel compared to almost any other cars I've ever driven.

In the past, once I made the decision to bail on a car, I simply pulled the trigger.

My car is an '05, and I can't find anything, older, the same age or newer, that I like as much considering the total package.

 

If i didn't have my 8 I'd prolly go sti, its awd great for summer and winter, turbo 300 hp stock plenty options to work with, four door fit your little friends in there real nice car...if you wanted to go cheaper i'd go with an s14 sr20 swap and your good to go!

 

i was in the same exact boat until i found my ///M. It's a good problem for you to be having! LOL

Enjoy your 8 brother! its the *****.

 

i rode in my friends' STIs (yes multiple ones) many times, and they just feel so... unnatural... in the way they go about going really fast. actually i feel the same way for any awd cars, it's RWD or none at all for me

 

Hey man. So, I had a 2004 RX-8 and went on to an 07 Sti. The Sti is a great car in it's own way; it's actually quite practical, goes like stink, has a lot or room, and has an incredible amount of grip. While I do love the Sti, very few things can match the satisfaction that I got while driving the 8. In terms of a car so balanced, forgiving, and with such incredible handling, the 8 is very hard to beat. While the Sti has great turn in, comparing it to my 8 just isn't fair. I mean, the 8 was designed from the ground up to be what it is, the Sti is basically an economy car with a massive amount of engine and suspension tuning with some nice brembos. And this is coming from someone who loves their Sti. With that said, I'm selling my other car so I can keep the Sti....and get an RX-8 (probably going to go with an R3), because I love the RX-8 that much and agree that almost nothing can come close.

Now, with that said I have driven a few cars that I think match or almost match the dynamics (handling wise) of the RX-8 or are at least equally satisfying in their own way:

BMW 135i
BMW Z4M coupe (Love the ride Kevo)
Porsche Cayman (s)-overpriced but incredible. Probably one of the best chassis in the world IMHO.
Honda S2000
E46 M3
New M3
Lotus Exiege/Elise

Those are the only cars under $100,000 that I would consider getting instead of an 8 (although I might be forgetting a few) (I also hear the new 370Z track edition is real good, but I haven't driven one yet)

 

I didn't drive any M versions of the 3 or 5 series (maybe I was afraid I'd 'must have'), the STi was scary fast, but I didn't like overall feel (I know this is subjective, so don't jump on me STi fans - the car is a beast), and I wish I had, but did not, get a chance to drive the 370Z (I actually really like the way the Infinity G37 looks, with the very sleek profile, all dripping wet, like it just got out of the pool).

 

My choice would have been difficult if it wasn't for the fact that the 8 is so much cheaper than what I considered the competition.. I had to choose between the Supra, RX-8, and S2k, and among the 3 the 8 is the best deal =p

 

Test drive the 370Z, i think then ur mind will be made up either way. If that car doesnt suit u then ur just gonna have to stick with the 8

 

Yeah I also say try the 370z loads of power and should handle pretty good...

 

Outside of the 8 I'd go with the 370.

I think the 370's are going to be classics real easy.

 

I get what you mean but I need something a bit more practical so I am thinking of changing to an EvoX. But if I were you id go try the 370z, and the 135i is a nice choice too.

 

You can get a great deal on a used M3. I almost pulled the trigger on one but after giving it some thought I decided to keep my 8 since I will be buying my son a car pretty soon. Really the resale is bad on the 8 that I won't lose anything keeping it for another year or so. But I change my mind like clothes and I am an impulse buyer so.....

 

The only cars I've found that match the balance of the 8 in the same price range are the S2000 and the Miata (NC or NB). If you can live with a small 2-seater, definitely give those a try. Otherwise I agree, it's hard to find a car in this price range that matches the balance (and especially the practicality) of the 8.

 

yeah i'd think about an evo 8 or 9 if I was looking..for something non rotary....but if i could find an FD i'd for sure go with that...or a supra who know i just love anything fast haha...or handling great around turns!

 

Ford F L E X

 

MX-5 miata?

as long as you don't need much cargo space.

 

s2000 is the closest you can come IMO. Engine is nowhere as smooth as the 8, suspension is harsher, cargo space is non-existent, and even with the top up it is so noisy it made me wonder if I forgot to close the door lol. But if you are okay with these things, it really is one of the purest driver's cars ever made.

 

Id get an nsx , thats my next car

 

Not to give you more reason to keep her or sell but...
do a search for the car trade-in clunker program the government is looking to do. If your car is covered by the program you could save some serious coin by waiting to trade yours in after that program goes into effect....

 

Exige

 

The S2k is too small and the suspension too harsh for the roads here, which are terrible, although I like that car.

Same thing with the Miata, although again, I really like the Miata (the interior is stellar and I the exterior styling is great, too).

I don't think the government is going to pass a cash for clunkers program anytime soon, and if they do, it will be a very confused piece of legislation, but time will tell.

I do like the 370Z. A lot. It's not cheap, though. Strong, strong motor.

Another thing I like about the 8 is that if you drive it hard, it responds, but if you just want to cruise on the highway or stretch it out on an open road, it can be very mellow, compliant and comfortable.

With the stock summer tires, I never realized how much road noise was being introduced into the cabin. Now that I replaced the Dunlops with some BF Goodrich's, this car is much quieter, and it always had a serene ride, especially for such a good handling car.

It's one of the few cars that is mellow enough to be a comfortable daily driver yet aggressive enough to chase down its competition at the track. It has a dual personality.

 

Saw one of those at the drag strip last week. Looks sharp but I wasn't that impressed.

 

Thank you sir! I think it's swell too.

 

Swap your 05 for an 09?

 

Ya, go with a car like kevo's if you can. Maybe a M3?

Of course... if it is in your budget.

Or you could just buy an rx7 FD....:D