I just took my first test-drive of an rx-8, and as expected loved the way it felt on the road. Two things really bothered me though, one was the glossy black finish around the radio, second is the clear headlight and taillight fixtures with the flimsy looking gray thing in them. Are there any options that replace either of those parts of the car? I drove a 2004 and had a couple decent color choices, if they will sell it to me absurdly cheaply I may trade in my 2000 S4.

 

You can get "carbon fiber" or colored appliques for the piano black panels. They advertise in the big car mags. You're the first I've heard who doesn't like them, though.

I've seen no replacements for the light assemblies. People are even grafting them onto other cars. Anyone else know?

 

yeah on the second part rex, ive never seen anyone who dont like em. where have u heard seen of people grafting them onto other cars? this makes sense as they look very cool, like a work of art.

 

I just like understated style I suppose, the shiny black doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the interior, and the taillights are just too flashy. Plus I've never understood why car companies make funky shaped stereo panels when so many people like to customize with their own stereo.

 

yeah then you cant put in a funky head unit or it will look out of place(which is good)

ill be swapping my piano black for cabon fiber. i think the piano black looks fine in there stock. its nicely made, the only cheap thing i would say is in there is the brushed aluminum scratches over time which stinks.

 

Not a fan of the piano black finish center panel neither, but it's ok. I think that Carbon fibre would look worse. I would have preferred a black satin finish. Never liked shiny stuff in the interior.

I also think that the rear lights assembly could be improved. Again, too shiny and too busy for my liking. Hopefully someone will bring out some after-market lens.

 

as long as they arent Alteeza's im fine with aftermarket lights. the first person i see with Alteeza's on their rx8 i will personally fly to their house and beat the rice out of them. thats what we do at rx7 club because some stupid company(cant think of the name of the company off the top of my head) decided to make Alteezas for the FD, and now ever ricer that has a barely running FD got them.