Hi, I went out to test drive an RX-8 yesterday at "Mazda Autos of Great Neck." It was the one car I had to drive because I work Valet and have driven virtually every car… thoroughly (if you love your car please do not valet it), all except the RX-8, pretty weird. I’ve driven FWD cars for three years, I wanted to move on to a RWD, maybe AWD. My choices were the Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, Mazdaspeed 6, Subaru WRX. I thought about the STi and Evo but everyone I know my age who has one has either totaled it, near totaled it, or sent a backseat passenger to the hospital with a fractured neck. I’d like to think of myself more capable than that, but I’ll save such beast machines for a few years down the road. It came down to the S2000 and the RX-8. More times than not I love going against those who put up arguments about practicality, but for a full time student who has to drive 40 miles a day, 5 days a week just for school through any conditions, the S2000 didn’t hold up through my mental scenarios. Short wheelbase and inexperience with RWD didn’t help. I’d also have to buy the hardtop for the winter which would make the final price ridiculously high, not to mention insurance. So before even driving any car, I had it narrowed down to the RX-8, especially with all the discounts for '05s. Then I read a book about the history of the Wankel which made me want it more.

The dealer let us take it out alone which was surprising but cool. Only condition was not to put too many miles on it and not **** off the local residents. No joke, the first thirty seconds was all I needed: this is my next car. The other 15 minutes was not a decision making process, but an unwillingness to give it back. The smooth, no vibration, free-revving Wankel is a thing of beauty. I can’t believe a 1.3L is doing this. Exhaust note is distinct, the steering so crisp, and the brakes excellent. The clutch is pretty soft and it’s not as aggressive as sports cars get, but it was very enjoyable. At first I was not very impressed with the cabin materials, but I think I had higher expectations than I should have. When it comes down to it, I don’t really have a problem, I like the interior design, especially from the driver’s point of view. The doors feel like they’re hollow. I wanted to floor it a couple of times, and did in a really quiet neighborhood. Some guy got pissed and started waving his arms at me violently. I felt pretty bad but I didn't want to get a speeding ticket doing it on the main road. This thing has less torque than my Scion tC. No problem, I can live with it. The horsepower in the higher revs is great and puts a smile on my face. Not the fastest car, but I care more about turns and driver feel/involvement. A beautifully balanced car, it offers everything I need on a day to day basis. Anyone who cries about adding oil from time to time is a girl. That dealership alone had 3 2005’s on the lot and it’s a pretty popular dealership I’d say, so I’m sure there are still a lot in this region. If it were up to me I'd like the Velocity Red Mica with Black/Red interior, Grand Touring, 6 Speed. We'll see what colors I can find.

My current car, the Scion tC, is great (have to give it up to my mom since her Audi is on its last breath), and though I’m very impressed with what Toyota did for the price, but I’m sick of driving an automatic. It is dropped 1.5” around with TRD Springs/Struts and Hotchkiss Front/Rear sways; Intake/Exhaust. I was impressed with the handling at the time, but the RX-8 is something else. Even though I can live with the stiffest of suspensions (19 years old) and don’t really mind it, I like the BMW-like blend of handling and comfort. After two years of driving a dropped car in New York City (wtf!) and two bent rims, I can say, though not passionately and angrily, that it is starting to get to me. I’ll be overseas on vacation for a month, but once I get back the car will be mine.

BTW, yes, Daddy is buying the car and paying for insurance. But not gas (****). Disregard the first person references to money being spent.

 

I hope you know if you decide to mod your 8 but keep it NA your not going to get much power at all.

 

yay for speeding thru a quiet neighborhood!! :-/ :dumbass:

and less tq than your scion? What? 4lbs-ft? lol

I hope daddy has good insurance; ever think of a driver education day, at a local track?

 

bad first post

 

Yea, I know NA mods are a waste of money. Only thing I'd do is exhaust. It's better that way anyway, saves me money. No, daddy does not have the greatest insurance. Never really understood the hate in forums against speeding on quiet streets. There is a right and a wrong way to do it, particularly if it's a straight road. Turns are a different story. Driver education at a track is great and I'll do it sometime.

 

Nice, it's a great car, and I really don't think you can beat it for the price and fun to drive factor.

 

You're a hard guy to impress Lesper, I spent about 45 minutes writing that up.

 

While the RX-8 is a comfortable, smooth performing vehicle it still deserves a lot of respect. In many ways its refinement covers up just how powerful it is. Like the STI and EVO (and actually all the cars you listed), it is a powerful, high performing car (beast) that can get away from you and hurt you if you push it in inappropriate circumstances.

The wrecks and injuries that you reference are caused by the driver, not the car.

Hope you enjoy your RX-8, but take care driving it on the street. If you enjoy pushing the envelope on your car you may want to look into a performance driving school, where you can learn the ins-and-outs safely.

 

Naturally.

 

I thought it was a good, honest write-up. I wish you luck on finding the best deal on an 8, you shouldn't have any problem finding a great deal on an '05, people here have gotten as low as $22K on a new '05. BTW, any stories on why you don't recommend using the valet?

 

Thanks. Well, at least around here, most valet attendants are younger kids like myself who when put in the position of driving someone's car would like to test the full bounds of its acceleration. In general though, valets don't drive it as if it is their car. I go to great lengths to take care of my car in every way possible. When there's a rush of cars to a restaurant, they'll slam doors, go from reverse into drive without coming to a full stop, and in general just not drive elegantly. Of course you won't see any scratches and such, but just overall it won't be given the same respect you would yourself give it.

 

I believe that Lesper's comment was less about the effort that you put into the post and more about the content. FYI, comments about opening it up in residential areas where kids play and such will draw the ire of some members. Just remember that many 8 owners have families with small children that live in suburbs.
Not so sure you can feel a difference in torque between a TC and an 8. I mean whats their ratings? Something like 163 and 162lb-ft respectively, right?
There also plenty of great mods that you can do to the car to enhance the overall feel of the car. Sways, short shifter, fluid swaps(that doesn't sound right), clutch and fly, and shocks and springs are all worthwhile improvements to the car.
Also don't be afraid to invest in yourself. "Racing" driving lessons are available all over the country that can teach you how to better handle your car near its limits, as well as handling tough situations. IMO, the 8 has plenty of power. And I gaurantee that the cars limits are well beyond what you and I can do. And wayyyyy beyond what should ever be done on the road.
Anyhow, good luck with the 8. It's a great car.

 

Premier, just a suggestion. SCCA Solo II or other autocross events will help you learn how your car handles. Learning on the road course will teach you how to drive fast. I would, for you, suggest the former.

 

You're in the same position as me Except I don't have a car yet.

 

Kinda hard to get a car with no job and a 15 dollar a week allowance from mom.