Hey everyone,

I'm looking into buying a new car. And so far the 8 is high on my list. I'm going to my local mazda dealer to look at one today. Would there be anything major to look for?

I'm most interested in the 8 because it sits 4. I have no idea how much room there would be in the back seat, but thats one reason why I'm going today. My current car only sits two and it would be nice to have those two other seats. Another choice would be a WRX. ANy pointers would be great.

Here's my current car.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2102764/1

 

Nice work with the MR2. Obviously, you are familiar with the options in this market:
I looked at the maxima, g35, 350z, wrx, lancer (the good one), 325i. Figure you are interested in some "personal touches," right?
WRX, Evo, and RX8 are good for the price, base starting materials, and have four seats. The others cost much more for the same options.
The thing about the RX8 is that if you are interested in the personalization, avoid getting options. The dealer will try to sell you his kitchen sink, too. Ask for a specific car without this stuff and have them get it from somewhere (don't pay shipping costs).
Look out for the mileage on the car, 600 miles of "test drive" mileage is not cool, production date (refer to numerous threads on recalls, although any dealer worth his salt should have fixed them by now). Overall, the quality of car interior compared to these other two is better in the '8 hands down. WRX has more room in the back though. Hope it goes well with your choice.

 

actually, seating room-wise, the 8 and the WRX are similar in space, the WRX just has larger rear windows and no center tunnel, hence making it 'feel' more spacious than the 8

 

two very different cars.

If you're into cheap speed, wrx is the way to go. The rx8 doesn't respond well to mods. If you want handling, looks, ride comfort, interior quality then the rx8 is your choice. Also i've heard that the rx8's aren't that great in snow/rain so keep that in mind, although i have no first hand experience and i could be talking out of my ***. The subie has awd which helps in both regards.

 

All I have to say is, there is nothing quite like owning a rotary engined car!

 

i have firsthand experience of 8 in winter weather. GET WINTER TIRES if you even plan to go out on wintry stuff, the stock summer tires are completely useless on ice/snow/slush