I wouldn't I bought it New for my wife on November 4,2004 this car has and had so many problems I would of gotten rid of it but She insisted we keep it With her gone (she passed away) I can't bear to get rid of it now. It was the only car I bought for her new.

 

Just because - no - it was when I weighed (from 2005-2015) everything from handling, daily driving, fun factor, design, handling, manageable hp, support, 4 seats, price, and handling (did I mention handling) - the RX-8 won hands down. What was close: Toyobaru, Mustang V6 Ecoboost + $5000 more stuff = RX-8, WRX, and 200SX.

 

I've had my RX-8 Sport for a few years now and, for how I use it, I love everything about it - except the motor. Well, maybe not the motor itself - the concept is cool - it's the gas mileage and knowing that the seals are the weakest link.

I know, I know - "So, sell. Stop bitching and let someone else enjoy it."

Obviously it's not a deal-breaker yet since I use it as my DD. I knew about the fuel mileage before I bought it. When I test drove the car, I knew I had to own one since everything about how it drove was what I was looking for.

In overall execution, I feel that Mazda did a great job in making a two-ish door sports car with useable rear seats. Although I never put anyone back there, there's enough head and knee room to fit someone my size (5'10"). This is especially handy with one car seat to deal with - I love the rear doors!

Once I have to put a car seat behind the driver (me) then the RX-8 will be replaced with a four door vehicle. I may even keep the RX-8. I still enjoy it at the track and for autocross.

If I had a huge garage and the means to afford several interesting sports cars this one would still be in the collection.

I love that Mazda wasn't afraid to go against the status quo and continue their rotary tradition with this car.

Mazda's philosophy of engineering fun to drive vehicles is admirable and I'm thankful.

 

I can bitch all I want I would call this car a lemon it had and has so many problems. I'll get em fixed. Right now it won't start again. Instead of getting the problem fixed on a recall Mazda sends out a video on how to shut it down and start it. When it runs it runs great and I love driving it. I take it out on a stretch of highway near me and go as fast as I can the last time I took it up to 137mph The car handles great. Im on the second engine with the original in my garage. I'll get the problems fixed and drive the he'll out of it. I'll have it till the wheels go square. The would run for her perfect but when Iwwould go out with it, dam thing won't start leave me stranded you name itthe car most llikely knew it wasn't her driving it. She loved it and that's all that mattered. Like I said she pasted away in June and I won't get rid of it Cuz when I drive it I feel her presents I owned it New and the only owner I'll get it to look brand new again. Enjoy your RX8 any way you use them.

 

I started out by looking to replace a car I had to sell when my wife was out of work to make ends meet. (Ironically, my 8 is up for sale but I'm fighting for overtime and doing everything else so I don't have to.) I wanted a fun, unique RWD car for Colorado Summers so I could pin the needle through the mountain passes and enjoy driving a car that's meant for that, driving. I will own one again, even if I have to sell mine. I love it. It is, so much fun. Corner to corner through the needle at 8k with the exhaust blaring race car style f1 noises and whine behind my head. It makes me giggle like a little school girl. We have a small tunnel in downtown Denver on Speer street... When the car is warmed up and traffic is clear I cannot deny that I have floored it through there to hear it roar.

 

It is such a great driver's car - everything works so well and it feels so good to drive.
By the numbers, it kinda sucks.
But the driving experience is excellent, build quality is excellent, etc.
The Cayman is better, but not by a lot. And they are still 25k+ for a good used one.

 

I wanted something with at least a small backseat, so cars like the 350z and S2000 were out.

Test drove a Mustang and a G35 which had some advantages over the RX8, but preferred the RX8 overall for handling, high revving engine, comfort, forgiving ride on city streets, awesome shifter, and practicality.

 

I have a weird thing where I hate cars that have big red taillights so looks were a big part of it. I also had a super ricey rx8 in midnight club LA when I was younger.

When I was deciding on my first car it was between an 08 Tiburon and my 07 rx8. I barely fit in the Tiburon and as far as insurance is concerned, the 8 is a four door. So it was a no-brainer. Almost 5 years and 50k miles later I still get in the 8 every morning with a smile.