I am 26 and don't own a RX-8. But I think it matches any people from 18 to mid-thirties. So don't worry too much, drive it and enjoy. I see old people driving Scion, I see young man driving Lexus GS, and RX definitely looks younger than GS right? Anyone can drive any car if they don't care what other people say and think.

 

I started auto-x'ing at 38 in a turbo GTI and bought my '8 three months ago. And guess what? I took second fastest time of the day at a local auto-x today on the stock tires. I'm 42 and still learning car control.

In an earlier post somebody mentioned that the younger 18-20 year old "Racing Stars of Tomorrow" have better reflexes and such. That is true but most of those racers have been racing karts and such since they were 10 or younger. I think they learned car control before they were 16. I'm not saying that a 22 year old will not be able to handle an RX-8, but an auto-x or two will definately humble you and show that you are not the great driver you thought you were.

 

when I could afford my first cars. MG Midget...death trap, Fiat Sypder...death trap, Alfa Sypder....death trap, Porsche 911 Targa....death trap (at least the way I drove it!)

I think the 8 is a great car for a "young person." It's fun, exciting, manageable, and safe. I also like the fact that you CAN'T pile in 15 "freinds" into the car on a Friday night and cruise around. Plus, a car of this stature for a young person would bring a sense of pride and respect for the automobile. Hopefully it would be a good lesson in responsibility, especially if they paid at least a portion of the vehicle cost.

My needs for the car were simple....how could I get a car that would provide daily thrills (ala my old FD) and still have the practicallity for a small family. Simple choice for me, so I guess I fit right into Mazda's marketing (30-45 w/ family in tow.)

My hope is that my daughter gets this car when she's ready...MS body, RB suspension and exhaust and anything else that gets done over the coming years, (maybe even FI :D )

 

30-something is old now? Geez, thanks a lot! I'm 31. I wonder if they'll let me park my 8 at the nursing home.

 

Dude, im 20 and i LOVE this car. I test drove the 8, s2k, sti, 350z, 330ci. I didnt like the handling and feel that the sti and 350z had, but the other 3 were great. Honestly the s2k has a more sport car feel to it when driving (as well as more power :p ), but the s2k also felt a little harder to get to oversteer (which i like for some reason). I finally decided the 8 over the s2k and 330 simply for the feel when I drove it, as well as saving $1000 a year for insurance compared to the s2k :D .

TRUST ME, i made the right choice. This car is EXACTLY what i wanted, plus it came with added benefits!!! GIRLS!!! I dunno what it is about the 8 but girls love it. Ive met 2 new girls so far due to this car ( ive had it for a month and a half now). THEY were the ones who started talking to me! Buy the car, treat it well, and it will get you what u want. That is ALL.

 

I wish I could afford it at your age! If you can get one, DO IT!

 

dude.. I think I am young ppl too..=P just 20. haha.. o well. 8 by her look is a very young ppl car. and also it's very "sharp" and cool. so.... but there has a thing .. it's what kinda young ppl u talking about. if it's a young ppl like when i was 18!! 8 is absolutely not my type. " a young ppl eager for speed. and winning." but I am 20 now. everything has changed. if i still is 18. evo will be my favor car. or.. Sti. and maybe i will buy a 2-hand miata and do a heavy mod.
the good thing about 8 is it can hang out more firends. then u got to univ u will know hang out some firend's importances. that's the reason I change my s2000 to 8.
and here is some advice .. if u got budget like around 20k~30k there are 3 car is not worth to buy 350z/g35 Rsx type-s. civic si . u might ask y? it's for different reason. just don't buy it.. if u really want to know y. ask me later i will tell u .