Would U Buy it Again?
#51
Got my RX8 last April; I'm just as infatuated with it now as the day I bought it (which was not true for any of my previous cars a year after getting them).
It sucks down the fuel, is gutless at low RPM, doesn't have much cargo room (compared to non-sports cars), the MP3 player blows, and the console LCD doesn't display enough info (and is unreadable in sunlight). But none of that diminishes my enthusiasm every time I start it up; until this kind of balance, tossibility, tight steering, smooth shifter, and responsive throttle is available in another inexpensive, lightweight 4-door with a comfortable ride, I can't see driving anything else.
It sucks down the fuel, is gutless at low RPM, doesn't have much cargo room (compared to non-sports cars), the MP3 player blows, and the console LCD doesn't display enough info (and is unreadable in sunlight). But none of that diminishes my enthusiasm every time I start it up; until this kind of balance, tossibility, tight steering, smooth shifter, and responsive throttle is available in another inexpensive, lightweight 4-door with a comfortable ride, I can't see driving anything else.
#52
If I had to get another new car in the price range - another RX8 would be one of my choices.... although I'm really wanting a C6 Vette.
But - there are ALOT of awesome cars coming out in the next couple of years.
But - there are ALOT of awesome cars coming out in the next couple of years.
#53
Absolutely. It has been very reliable over 32,000 miles, and I still enjoy driving it every single day. I can't think of another car anywhere near my price range that I'd rather have at the moment. If it stays reliable, I hope to keep it as long as it will last me.
BTW, I always read that resale value on this car is very good, so I'm not sure why I'm reading the opposite here. It doesn't matter too much to me, though, because I don't plan to sell it any time soon. Now, if it starts giving me trouble, it could be a different story.
BTW, I always read that resale value on this car is very good, so I'm not sure why I'm reading the opposite here. It doesn't matter too much to me, though, because I don't plan to sell it any time soon. Now, if it starts giving me trouble, it could be a different story.
#54
I myself have purchased a second rx-8. I got into an accident last july, and without hesitation purchased my replacement as soon as funds were available. Aside from the stories posted, if safety design is a concern, this car had saved my life once already. It's absolutely the funnest car I've owned, it's not afraid of being revved, and c'mon, the gearbox? It's gotta be one of the best next to an NSX or a Miata. Reliability factors ahead looks bright, as long as proper care is performed, I'd like to see the NA Renesis last as long as the other NA rotories.
#55
There's an old saying that "familiarity breeds comtempt" or something like that......
The 8 was in the garage all winter. I took it out when the pavement was dry a couple of times and drove around the block a few times just to circulate the oil a bit and keep the battery charged.
The snow finally melted this week and I've been using the car again. Taking it out on the highway, it felt terrific. Needless to say, I'd still buy the car today. I think when you do without something for a while, when you get it back, you appreciate it that much more.
The 8 was in the garage all winter. I took it out when the pavement was dry a couple of times and drove around the block a few times just to circulate the oil a bit and keep the battery charged.
The snow finally melted this week and I've been using the car again. Taking it out on the highway, it felt terrific. Needless to say, I'd still buy the car today. I think when you do without something for a while, when you get it back, you appreciate it that much more.
#57
I just wish I had waited until end of model year or bought it used. The prudent side of me says money spent on a car is the worst way to spend money. So at times I wish I'd eaten my pride and bought a used RSX or something, but it would have been a step down for sure. Assuming I would still spend the same amount of money on a car as I actually did, I still don't think I'd be happier with anything else.
#58
Without a doubt I would buy this car again! I've had mine since July'03 and I now have 50,000 Km (30,000 miles) on her...she still puts a smile on my face every time I take her out. I cannot imagine driving anything else.
#61
I'd buy again, but I don't know if I would BECAUSE of the rotary or IN SPITE of it. No doubt the engine is technologically interesting and cool to wind up to the limits. But how much more appealing overall would the car be with a high powered conventional piston engine that ALLOWS FOR MODS and provides gobs of horsepower and torque?
There is no other sports car in its price range that provides the flexibility of four seats, trunk space and utility, and looks (sorry, WRX sedan) that the RX-8 offers.
Maybe all the car needs is a BIGGER rotary engine, if they can't wring any more NA power from the car. No replacement for displacement?
I owned a 1992 Subaru SVX that was as cool in its time (4 wheel drive, 230 horsepower, great styling) as the RX-8 is now. Subaru never improved the car over the years, and never addressed its major flaw....no manual transmission. Eventually the car was allowed to die. Let's hope that Mazda does what needs to be done with the non-competitive hp and torque. It's too close to great to allow that to happen.
There is no other sports car in its price range that provides the flexibility of four seats, trunk space and utility, and looks (sorry, WRX sedan) that the RX-8 offers.
Maybe all the car needs is a BIGGER rotary engine, if they can't wring any more NA power from the car. No replacement for displacement?
I owned a 1992 Subaru SVX that was as cool in its time (4 wheel drive, 230 horsepower, great styling) as the RX-8 is now. Subaru never improved the car over the years, and never addressed its major flaw....no manual transmission. Eventually the car was allowed to die. Let's hope that Mazda does what needs to be done with the non-competitive hp and torque. It's too close to great to allow that to happen.
Last edited by mitchfried; 03-18-2005 at 10:56 AM.
#62
i would seriously have considered the Sti. I drove the Evo and was turned off and went with my rx8 but if i had gotten serious about the STi i think my choice would have been clear.
#64
I'd buy mine again, too. It's not my daily driver, and I really look forward to the weekends when I can take the RX8 out and play.
No one (except the very wealthy - with collector's cars) buys a car as an investment. You want to talk about loss of value, look at any car in the Kia or Hyundai line.
I wouldn't trade the nice short throw gear box for anything.
I have a few wishes of my own - but they are "comfort/convenience" items (automatic headlights, automatic door locking when car shifts into first). I don't wish for the Mazda auto climate control anymore as I have it in my Mazda 6 SportWagon (new Co Car) and I really don't like how it works - much prefer the manual controls of the RX8.
I'm satisfied with the gas mileage - especially since I'm one of those successfully running on 87 Octane.
Do it again? In a heartbeat!
No one (except the very wealthy - with collector's cars) buys a car as an investment. You want to talk about loss of value, look at any car in the Kia or Hyundai line.
I wouldn't trade the nice short throw gear box for anything.
I have a few wishes of my own - but they are "comfort/convenience" items (automatic headlights, automatic door locking when car shifts into first). I don't wish for the Mazda auto climate control anymore as I have it in my Mazda 6 SportWagon (new Co Car) and I really don't like how it works - much prefer the manual controls of the RX8.
I'm satisfied with the gas mileage - especially since I'm one of those successfully running on 87 Octane.
Do it again? In a heartbeat!
#65
I definitely would buy it again. I test drove the 350z and M3 before buying the 8 and have never regretted it. I bought it mainly as a track/autocross car. The only thing that might change my mind is if I stopped doing track events but that shouldn't happen anytime soon.
#66
Originally Posted by goforwand
This is the perfect car for me and my family. I could not justify purchasing a sports car with "0" utility due to my job (I get a car allowance) If I have to transport clients, I use the Odyssey and my wife has a fully functional automobile that can transport our 4 year old daughter, grab groceries, and hold a shopping cart full of stuff from Costco.
Given my...ahem.."maturity", the boy-racer STI and EVO's of the world just didn't have any appeal (plus they are just plain ugly.) I looked at many sedans after my debacle with the Pacifica, but kept coming back to the 8.
Funny though, I find myself caught up in the "mod" mode as if it were our old FD! The car brings out the kid in me.
Once the Greddy is on, then I think I'll have the ultimate car for personal and family use.
There's just nothing like this car...it can do it all. :D
Given my...ahem.."maturity", the boy-racer STI and EVO's of the world just didn't have any appeal (plus they are just plain ugly.) I looked at many sedans after my debacle with the Pacifica, but kept coming back to the 8.
Funny though, I find myself caught up in the "mod" mode as if it were our old FD! The car brings out the kid in me.
Once the Greddy is on, then I think I'll have the ultimate car for personal and family use.
There's just nothing like this car...it can do it all. :D
#70
I'd buy it again, but I'd get the MP3 player option in addition to the 6CD player I already have. And I'd get better looking winter wheels.
Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing. I love this car!
Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing. I love this car!
#72
For sure...
Bang for the buck, this car is head and shoulders above its competition. Its price point allows a guy like me to do more then just dream about owning a fantastic sports car.
No hesitation. I'd do it again.
No hesitation. I'd do it again.
#73
No question
The classic line of the car- will stand the test of time --years form now- despite its flaws, (and which car doesn't have them), the style seprates the vehicle apart from the rest on the road- you can not help but catch a second glimpse of an 8, as it goes buy-
No question- would buy againg in a heartbeat.
No question- would buy againg in a heartbeat.
#74
Some days yes. Some days no.
The no days are when I'm missing the power of my previous vehicles. Other than the lack of "straight-line" performance, there is not a single thing I would change about my 8. I would even sacrifice a few MPG for some more performance (and will in the future).
The no days are when I'm missing the power of my previous vehicles. Other than the lack of "straight-line" performance, there is not a single thing I would change about my 8. I would even sacrifice a few MPG for some more performance (and will in the future).
#75
Originally Posted by MI_FamilyMan
Goforwand, if you don't mind me asking, what debacle did you have with your Pacifica?
What I found was the car was totally underpowered (makes the 8 looks like a Lambo), a bore to drive, and had brutal sight lines (my wife couldn't stand it)
The "debacle" was just having to get another car within three months of buying the Pacifica. :o