So I got a 800 $ raise a month and its time for a new car! I've always had my eyes on the rx-8, was gonna get it after I got out of the Marines (blah got discharged for having TMJ on the 2nd month of boot, wtf is that all about!?) Anwyas with this new raise I can afford a new car, hoiwever I would like to ask your opinions on it all.

1.) o you have any regrets on going with the rx-8? would you rather have went 350z- or some other model, currently looking at the 06 gt Eclipse running around 26,000 with a bit higher horsepower.

2.) Have you ever had any problems that would be like wtf! what did I do to deserver this punishment from God!?

3.) Would you recommend me buying another model car for around the same price, cheaper price for same performace or going a little higher for better performace?

4.) So, when I get behind someone slow I like to pass them, I do not want them to be able to stare at me like "whats your problem" I want to pass them and make them say "wtf was that?" As far as I understand the higher it's revved up at the more hp it has, meaning that I will get a slower start off the line if I were racing? Right? This this car have the HP to be able to pass cars like it should?

5.) Are there any modifications that will give this car more HP, not really wanting to turbo it because I think it would void a lot of the warranty.

6.) Does the Mazda RX-8 hold its value good compared to other cars? IE, the Eclipes dont hold their value very well, would the RX-8 compare to the Eclipse or does it retain value?

7.) Should I wait for the 06 model or go for the 05 which I can get the dealer to down on and + the 06 hasnt been sitting in the weather for like a year.

If there are any personal opinion to be added please do so, unless your gonna talk mean about me .

Also if this is in the wrong thread I apologize.

I also did a search but coldnt find the info I was looking for. So, once again the info put in this thread is greatly appreciated

 

1) No. Have you seen the new eclipse? It looks like poo.
2) No.
3) I'm biased.
4) The 8 doesn't have the normal off the line torque that I believe you're looking for. If you know how to shift and are familiar with the RPMs in the gears, you can pass whoever you want.
5) Yes, but you'd have to do many mods to noticibly gain HP.
6) IMO, yes. I have an 04 and I currently owe less than what KBB says its worth so I think that's good.
7) Your choice. We know a few things about the 06 models (see stickied thread in Discussion), but you'll get a better deal on the 05. It depends on if you want the updated changes or not. Personally, I'd choose the 05, or even 04 since the changes have not been significant enough to warrant spending $2-4k just because it was built more recently.

My personal suggestion: go for a test drive. That's what sold me, no questions asked.

 

Try the Mazdaspeed M6 274hp. Handles like a charm.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Check out the sticky threads here on "the little things" and "satisfaction survey". You'll find most owners/forum members are delighted with their cars. But rather than listening to advice on an internet forum (full of biased owners ), take the 8 out for an extended test drive. You'll know if the car is for you.

Most of us here have been seduced by the way it feels, the way it handles, the way it communicates with the driver, the style, the speed and the refinement. If you're not completetly in love with the car after the test drive, keep looking.

The most common reason I've seen for owners getting rid of thier 8s is they wanted more power/low end torque. Make sure you're happy with the performance before signing on the dotted line.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the fast responses! I'll take it out for a test drive around monday or so. I will keep looking for info on this site, seems like I could learn a lot. Low end tourqe doesnt mean much to me, as long as it opens up after 4k-5k rpms.
I look forward to get to talking to you guys and lending info of my own if I can. You guys have a great night/day and thanks for the warm welcome!

 

All the 3 cars you mentioned above are very different from one another. Do yourself a favor and test drive all of them multiple times and make a list of what you like and what you don't. I personally like high revving engines and so I got the RX-8. I would put the mitsu and RX-8 in one category when it comes to resale value. The Z definitely holds more value than the other two. My car gives 12.5 to 16 mpg. I don't mind that, but some people don't like those numbers.

 

Although the Eclipse GT has more hp & tq then the RX-8 it is very heavy making it just the same if not a tad quicker through the 1/4mile. However, if you throw some corners in there the RX-8 will destroy the Eclipse because it is heavy and it is FWD. As for the 350Z, It is a great car like the RX-8 and quicker. But, the RX-8 is more convenient with its 4 doors/seats.

 

1.) Do you have any regrets on going with the rx-8? would you rather have went 350z- or some other model, currently looking at the 06 gt Eclipse running around 26,000 with a bit higher horsepower.
The regret I get from going the RX-8 is gas mileage wise, with the huge increases in gas price. I'll have regret too if it turns out the reliabilty of this car is really bad. So far I don't have that regret yet though.

Personally I still like my car better than your other choices. Though the G35C would be a close second if it didn't cost more and if two of my friends didn't have it already.

2.) Have you ever had any problems that would be like wtf! what did I do to deserver this punishment from God!?
Yes, when I hit a drunk driver who ran a red light and had to drive a Neon for 2.5 weeks.

3.) Would you recommend me buying another model car for around the same price, cheaper price for same performace or going a little higher for better performace?
It all depends on what you want. The cars that get cross shopped often are the 350Z and G35C. Also consider (a bit more expensive) the Mitsubishi Evo and the Subaru WRX STi if you really love performance. The new Eclipse is a thought, but it is FWD if you care about that.

4.) So, when I get behind someone slow I like to pass them, I do not want them to be able to stare at me like "whats your problem" I want to pass them and make them say "wtf was that?" As far as I understand the higher it's revved up at the more hp it has, meaning that I will get a slower start off the line if I were racing? Right? This this car have the HP to be able to pass cars like it should?
You can downshift to pass people. But you're not going to zip past people from a slow roll or a stop (unless you do a high clutch drop). So yes, you can pass most cars if you can downshift to the 5000+ RPM range. From like 1K-3K rpm the engine will feel weak.

5.) Are there any modifications that will give this car more HP, not really wanting to turbo it because I think it would void a lot of the warranty.
From what I read, not really. Sure there's a lot of mods you can do that will give you some HP but it's apparently really minor until you go the forced induction route. And from what I hear the turbos aren't all that great right now.

6.) Does the Mazda RX-8 hold its value good compared to other cars? IE, the Eclipes dont hold their value very well, would the RX-8 compare to the Eclipse or does it retain value?
I'm guessing it won't hold its value well. Mazda doesn't have a good reputation for price retention (IMO only Toyota and Honda have that). And I don't count the FD because that's more of a collector's car in my opinion. The RX-8 has some problems with minor reliability issues apparently

7.) Should I wait for the 06 model or go for the 05 which I can get the dealer to down on and + the 06 hasnt been sitting in the weather for like a year.
Wait and see what the changes are. And see if you like those changes enough to pay the extra money. I don't think the new model will have much more HP or torque (if any at all).

 

^^^ what he said. Rx8 does not hold its value at all. Maybe later on when it becomes more rare, since sales are plummeting, I doubt you see a lot out there. Til this day I think this car is pretty rare.

 

u can get kicked from the marines for having TMJ?

 

Too Much Jelly in his belly :p

 

yes, dumbest thing i've ever heard, even after they spent around $25,000 on training me at that point.

 

They do not hold their value at all. You won't get anywhere near KBB or NADA. Our cars are selling at dealer auctions for 16k. They might show you the number you want on paper, but that is not what you really getting for it. I was thinking of trading it in, but the highest I have seen is 20k, and I have it all and low miles. You might want to think about used or wait to find a really good deal on an 04/05 new. If you pay MSRP you are already getting raped. Almost no dealership I have seen is selling them that high. Just my $.02

 

1.) I have no regrets. I got my 05 last December, and have loved every minute of it. This car rocks!

2.) No problems so far. In the time I've owned it I've only had good experiences.

3.) I'd love to have a Lotus Elise, but it's a bit pricey for me. Plus I need the back seat for "Das Kidlet."

4.) My first experience at passing a slower driver had me saying "WTF was that!?!" The 8 has much more mid-range power than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. The "sweet spot" in the power band is much longer than it is in other cars (if that makes sense). The only major problem I have is holding it back!

5.) For more HP, first consider a cat-back exhaust and something like Racing Beat's intake. Personally, I don't want to go with a turbo or supercharger at this point. I'll let somebody else work out the kinks first. :D

6.) Holding its value? Buddy, there ain't no way I'm selling this car, ever! :p

7.) Buying an 05 will be cheaper (I assume) and you don't have to wait.

As far as anything else, stay up on the developments and experiences of other people here and in other RX-8 Web sites. Reading other people's experiences has been great for me, and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) section has been a tremendous source for upgrades and other ideas.

 

1.) Do you have any regrets on going with the rx-8? would you rather have went 350z- or some other model, currently looking at the 06 gt Eclipse running around 26,000 with a bit higher horsepower.

I dont have any regrets, Actually I do .... is that .....

why didnt I get this car SOONER !!!! :D

Our car is around 3000~ lbs, compare to the 06 Eclipse GT which is 3600~ lbs. You might not feel much when you're going straight but when you're trying to go fast on a corner, you will say "****, this crap is HEAVY!"

2.) Have you ever had any problems that would be like wtf! what did I do to deserver this punishment from God!?

Same as above

"WTF ! What did I do to deserves this punishment from god!? I should've got this car sooner!"

3.) Would you recommend me buying another model car for around the same price, cheaper price for same performace or going a little higher for better performace?

I mean I like F50, but for around the same price hmm ...

If you dont care about Ride comform, I suggest you go for the new 06 STi. IT cost more than the 8 but Im sure you will happy with its AWD, 300HP and 300 lb-st of Torque. but be aware that not many girls like STi and Evolution, for example my gf hates the look. I mean I love STi/Evolution, but I think I love my GF more.

Good luck with the maintence too, when your Warranty is over, just get yourself prepared for the Bills thats going to come to you. Turbo dying is one good example. and Boxster Engine(maybe all Turbo-charged engine)is known to have problems after a few years of running.

8 has the style of a high end sports car (my own opinion), Good Performance, Excellent handling, Excellent Road feel, Seat for 4, Good price.

4.) So, when I get behind someone slow I like to pass them, I do not want them to be able to stare at me like "whats your problem" I want to pass them and make them say "wtf was that?" As far as I understand the higher it's revved up at the more hp it has, meaning that I will get a slower start off the line if I were racing? Right? This this car have the HP to be able to pass cars like it should?

That really depends on how u drive. In the other words, how "good" you're.

I went right pass a 350Z 35th edition the other day.

and there was a G35x tried to beat me in Accelration speed, but I smoke his *** like theres no tomorrow.

Both cars have much higher Torque/HP than our 8, but how do I still beat them ?

THe only Mod I have is the K&N INtake Version 2, and Original MS Spoiler. Imagine if I get the Racing Clutch and Racing Beat's Flywheel ?

5.) Are there any modifications that will give this car more HP, not really wanting to turbo it because I think it would void a lot of the warranty.

First thing is Intake, then you might want to work with a cat back or whatever. but dont expect too much tho, since this is still a N/A car. (if you're be able to get the Mazdaspeed Version II's PCM you should be able to get better accerlation times)

6.) Does the Mazda RX-8 hold its value good compared to other cars? IE, the Eclipes dont hold their value very well, would the RX-8 compare to the Eclipse or does it retain value?

You'll always lose around 3-5K value for a new car (with this price range), IF you're planning to sell your car, I suggest you to do a Lease rather than Buy.

7.) Should I wait for the 06 model or go for the 05 which I can get the dealer to down on and + the 06 hasnt been sitting in the weather for like a year.

Go for 05, or even better, a 04 (if you can find one), Much better deal.

If there are any personal opinion to be added please do so, unless your gonna talk mean about me .

Also if this is in the wrong thread I apologize.

I also did a search but coldnt find the info I was looking for. So, once again the info put in this thread is greatly appreciated

Try harder (search) next time, these topic has been discussed like 1000s of times.

 

"..and there was a G35x tried to beat me in Accelration speed, but I smoke his *** like theres no tomorrow."


You sure you weren't the one smoking something?

 

I just bought a 2005 and think itis awesome. More horsepower than you can use legally and terrific in the corners. No first hand knowledge about reliability but it can't be too bad unless you have a car specific problem. Resale sucks on all cars because it is a depreciating asset so only buy it if you plan on keeping it awhile. If that is not certain then buy a used one and reap the benefit of someone else taking a hit on the initial depretiation.

Gas mileage sucks but I knew that going in.

 

guess not means i cant join the marines

 

did u want to?

 

Get a waiver for it. Or you can have a seurgery on it and see if that fixes it. If you go for a surgery talk to a good doctor that has done a lot because some can be fixed but A LOT cannot be fixed. Some even fix themselves over time. If you decide to go to the Marines let me know and I'll tell you some great advice.

 

wait a second.. You can't join the marines if your bloody jaw cracks?? your right, that is the stupidest thing ever!! not that i intend on joining the marines (plus they wouldn't take me :P my jaw has been cracking for the last 10 years.. it doesn't get any better, trust me.. it actually get's pissed off sometimes and i have to take anti-inflammatory medication to stop it from hurting

But ya, in regards to the 8, best thing i've ever owned and it's given me no issues after 36000km
MrJynx


MrJYnx