I regret to inform everyone that after much soul-searching I took the buyback offer from Mazda in the last few days of September. Last week I got the paperwork to finalize everything and confirmed the buyback - I expect to return my car in the next week or two.

I am very sad to give up what has been the most fun car I have ever owned. Needless to say, as a staunch supporter of the RX-8 from day one, my decision had nothing to do with HP issues.

In early September I told my wife about the free servicing and $500 offer because of the HP fiasco. I also mentioned I could return the car if I wasn't happy. At that time we both agreed we would definitely keep the car. I filled in the form but didn't get around to sending it off to Mazda.

In late September I took my wife and 4 month old baby for a LONG drive (over 2 hours) - they were both in the back and it was only the second time the baby traveled in the car (the first time was just 'around the block' for 2 minutes). They hated it after the first 20 mins - the ride in the back was hard and noisy and my wife found it impossible to fuss over the baby by leaning over the central console (she is quite short).

On top of that my annual bonus and payrise in September was derisory (same for everyone at my company - I am grateful to still have a job) and the $15k I required to pay off part of my $35k loan on the car did not materialise, leaving me with a larger than expected monthly car payment. That's when the idea of swapping the RX-8 for a bigger and cheaper sedan was raised - the G35 Sedan which has always been my alternative (safe?) choice to the RX-8. There were some other minor RX-8 issues (mainly poor fuel economy and weak AC) but nothing I couldn't live with.

I took delivery off an '04 G35 Sedan over the weekend. I am sure it will be a great vehicle too, although during the (1200 mile!) break-in prcess it feels ponderous and deliberate compared to the RX-8. If anyone cares I can post pics or give a rundown on the pros/cons of each, but I am sure it's nothing you haven't seen many times before.

Finally, for making this 'sacrifice' for the family, my wife agreed I can get a dedicated sports car (just for me) if we can afford it in a few years time. There could be a rotary in my future yet...

 

Too bad your license plate says "2ROTOR". Now you can't transfer the plates to another car, unles you get a used RX-7.

 

Sorry to hear you had to take it back.
The baby will outgrow this stage in a couple of months. Mine is 8 months old and she likes to ride in the back, but I seldom use the car transport her. It will be better when I get a forward facing seat.

So, basically it was a financial decision. Good for you for taking charge of your financial responsabilities. The g35 is a good decision, but did you consider the accord. Can't beat performance for $23K.

 

13 months after joining this forum... ouch.

Well, with a baby, it took courage to get one in the first place.

I see a new RX-7 in your future.

waddaya gonna do with that plate?

 

sorry to hear that pelucidor but it seems like you made the wise, grown-up decision (hate it when i do that). good luck with the g35 and remember you dont have to leave the forum just because you don't have the car.

 

That is sad news Pelucidor -- to use the old cliche -- they will have to pry my 8 from my cold dead ..... especially after I got my Borla installed :D

Someone is going to love the bonus Huper-Optiks tint they will unknowingly inherit.

BTW --- '04 G35 for less $$$

Having two small kids -- I think if you would have held out a few more months they would have loved the 8 (vroom vroom it dad!! -- as my littlest one says from his car seat with a big smile on his face).

Hope you stay a part of things -- have enjoyed your thoughts -- and thanks for the response back on the tint.

 

sorry to see the 8 leave the family. you have a beatiful baby and a wonderful home though. best of luck, and poke back in from time to time

 

Pelucidor: The G35 you ordered in June finally came in.
Did you end up getting the $595 Wear Care on your RX8?

 

What are the gains on the Borla?

 

Have you considered selling the baby, thus losing the problem with the back seat and gaining money to pay for the car? As your wife is understanding enough to consider buying another sports car in the future, I'm sure she would see the economic sense in just producing another child at a more convenient time. It makes sense to me, but then I'm single and there are probably reasons for that.

 

Thanks for all the nice comments - I thought I would be branded a traitor or a troll like some here with G35s .

I will definitely hang around here as it is still the best car forum (although the new forum color schemes are hard on the eyes - I am waiting for Classic to be resurrected). You might also see me at freshalloy or g35driver, although as the car is into it's second (or third) model year all the questions I have about it are already answered. None of the fun and anguish of a first year car...

 

Actually that is one of the reasons for getting the G35 (although I also test drove the new Acura TL - beautiful inside but boring to drive and too obviously FWD). The car I custom ordered in June (and then canceled in August) only arrived last week at the Dallas dealersip and I got it for $500 over invoice with free shipping to Houston. I still dislike the view of the front (headlights) but other angles are really growing on me:

 

who's says you haven't? but we'd like to keep you around anyway to bring you back to our side :p

 

I never thought to ask her that. You are right - having that first baby was pretty easy for me, so another at a more convenient time should be even easier. Too late now.

 

Wow. I bought the 8 over a miata in case me any my wife have a kid in the next couple of years. Hahaha. Good thing its too late to return. But good for you. Nice job pops!

 

I'm interested in your pros and cons on the two cars.

The g was my second choice but I wanted the coupe.

good luck

 

Did you end up getting the 5 speed auto or the new 6 speed?

Either way the G seems like a good car and better suited for your needs.

Hope you enjoy it.

 

I am soon going to be able to have some real experience here, my RX-8 is staying, and we pick up a G35 sedan (auto) for my wife (on Friday).

The 8 is too small for the family car, and the G35 should be a nice car for the money. It is certainly nicer handling than the 2004 TL. The inside of the TL was nice, though...

 

even if you cant wait for the next 7 to come out (and your baby is older), I heard a rumor that the Mazdaspeed 8 will be supercharged 300 HP 300 pound/ feet. That should be quite a ride.

 

I think you made the right decision. That VQ35 will be eating up pavement long after the renesis expires.

 

Congrats on your new car Pelucidor!

I've always enjoyed reading your well thought out posts and I hope you still visit us here once in awhile. I'm sure you can provide a unique perspective of the RX-8 on any other forums you go on.

Brian

 

I fail to see the point of comments such as this, other than as incindiary to folks who might get a rise out of it. Can't people just grow up and post comments which are constructive and/or informative/useful?

Simon.

 

Sorry to hear, Pelucidor. But you did what you had to tdo and put family first. It could have been worse. You could have gotten a minivan or SUV. Hang around.

 

Fat chance. With the expansion of the Internet and governments doing what they can to bridge the gap between the haves and have nots for Internet access, you'll see a greater amount of retards like these online.

 

Just take the high road and ignore them..