I thought that a reasonable poll would be for those who have test driven the car, who is going to carry on and wait and who will cancel?

Sorry, can't vote as my test drive is the end of this month.

Cheers
Oilman

Not voting either because my test drive is tomorrow but in a low-power.

I would vote if you'd put a button in saying......yes I will stay for now but not 100% impessed so could lean either way.:)

What test drive!!

Where are all these cars? My dealer keeps saying that he will not have access to a car until October!!

I'll vote after the 13th...

But to be honest, it'll have to be pretty awful to make me cancel. I've already sat in the cars at Milford and was impressed with the quality of the finish, and there's a lot more than just the performance that's made me order the RX-8....


-andy-

Let's be honest ... get behind the wheel of one of these things (the hi-power version at least) and you just can't live without it ...

unless of course it doesn't arrive in November ;)

I'll be in one a week tomorrow (9th) so I'll report back and answer the poll then.

Leeds Mazda has 2 rx8's that week - so if you're close, try to get a test drive. :cool:

Stu C

Still no intention of test driving one - so have to sit out of this one I am afraid !

M.

Really nice - although the clutch was a bit harsh.

Just thought that I'd put this back up the list as more people have drives.

Also for those that are 'drop'ping - it would be useful to hear why?

Originally posted by morganrogers
Still no intention of test driving one - so have to sit out of this one I am afraid !

M.

You said this on another thread but I must have missed the reason why.

Dont know really -

- Partly because I have waited since Jan anyway. A test drive 8 weeks from delivery hardly seems worth it.
- Not going to cancel my order whatever happens - so why bother ?
- It will only make the wait seem worse anyway.
- Having mine be the first I drive will be kinda cool.

I realize this all puts me in a minority.....

Just interested, would you seek a test drive if half of the reviews on these forums were negative? I can understand the reasoning of wanting your first drive to be in your car (although it's a bit warped;) ) but it's a bloody expensive risk to take!

Yeah - no pain , no gain .....

- I ordered the RX8 as it is the new rotary , the fact it is (almost universally acknowledged as) stunning has turned out to be a bonus !

Didn't expect to get a test drive anyway , so I am feeling no loss at not having one. Have enjoyed seeing the car for real though. Just makes me yearn for mine more is the problem !

M.

Mine's booked for 4/10/03

Cheers
Oilman

Only 1 month to wait then:D

I bet you'll be in suspenders the whole time until now end then.

Not sure I want pics posted of THAT !!!

Bump!

OK - those folks who have cancelled the order, - let's hear the reason why on the thread please?
:eek:

Hmmmm...not sure I can take the cancellations seriously from people who give no reasons. Also hope there is no pointless trolling going on.

Are too many people expecting an out and out sports car, stiff suspension, rocket accel etc?

I'll give my verdict tuesday as I'm testing one then....but it'll have to be crap for me to give it up now. I still need the 4 seats and something sporty that IS NOT a bmw (had 2 before, so want something else)

Stu C

be sure to post your review here Stu.

I've my test drive Thursday - I shall reciprocate.

Bump this back up - for those that have cancelled - PUT YOUR REASONS HERE !! :confused:

Can the poll be edited to add another option?
* Not sure, need another test drive

;)

OK - I've just had my test drive in Leeds, so here we are:

They had 2 cars, Silver and Tit Grey, the silver looks a bit weedy but the Tit Grey looks nice. Also it had a sunroof, - and believe me there is loads of room to sit in it with plenty of headroom - and I'm 6 feet tall.

The leather is plush and very comfortable, one thing that struck immediately is that at first there seems to be very little footroom, but once you get used to it it's fine and comfy.

All of the controls are where you want them - dead easy to reach and accessible, - absolutely no problems.

The view from the drivers seat is fine, the bonnet eyeline looks superb - and you really know where the front of the car is. - Rear view is OK - not fantastic, but again, once you are used to it, with the wing mirrors it's very well designed to give full viewing.

The electric seats can adjust themnselves to exactly how you want them, and both drivers and passengers are heated (in the leather version).

Now the drive - about 40 minutes all together. - It needs revs - the first thing that I did when reversing it is stall it :confused: but then when you get used to it it purrs.

Turning circle is great - absolutely no problems.

This car sticks to the road like glue, with absolutely no steering wheel shake - even at 125 mph (yes 125 and it still had something in the bottle), taking a roundabout exit at 85 in 3rd gear is absolute;y terrifying, but 2nd time around you realise that this car is really a drivers car.

It just goes and goes, no matter what the gear - the car seems to have no limits. - I didn't redline it as there seemed little point - 85 in 3rd and there is plenty of room to change up (or down !!??). It is so responsive that 6 gears seem wasted as you easily get lost as to what gear you are in - you just have to watch the revs.

And that's the key, - instead of the engine sound (which is like a sewing machine in overdrive) change with the rev counter.

A WORD OF CAUTION - YOU WILL GET NICKED IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL - its just so easy to get up speed and so smooth that you do not realise how fast you are going. - And that is my only fault with the car - the digital speedo is simply not good. - You easily miss it and this must be a dangerous thing. - Be warned.
:eek:

Nothing really to say other than I shall certainly be keeping the order and I cannot wait for the black beauty in November.

Roll on delivery !! :D

Crabacle - a roundabout exit at 85mph? OMG, you lunatic! ;) 125mph, yes, I've done that and got the ban, but I didn't think 85 on a roundabout was possible. I take it this was during the day with a reasonable amount of traffic? The RX8 really does have amazing grip - that's what I call a road test! I bet the salesman went a whiter shade of pale? :D

Its got to be said that the salesman told me to do it. - Personally I was crapping my pants.

This was his route with his idea to show what the car could do. :eek:

thanks Crabacle, trust you liked it then!:D

Cheers
Oilman

125mph OMG;)

Good review and very encouraging. I take it the roundabout was one of those big motorway junction type things and not a little one like I got on my housing estate. Could you still feel the road at that speed? One of the reasons I am getting rid of my 4WD Audi is that it is great at that kind of stunt but you cant really feel what the car is doing as the g-forces build up. I hear the RX8 gives great feedback.

Now the main point of my post. Have you all seen the results of the poll so far? Nearly half are disappointed? I dont believe that at all because I havent seen one bad road test review of the car (in the UK at least). Could some of you speak up and say what you didnt like? Or is that being negative? Its just that I am surprised by the poll and wonder if it is just people disgruntled with the wait who are giving the 'no' vote.
JH

Only one post from me as i have only just stumbled across the site, however my drive in the RX8 has led to a cancellation, although the car was an easy enough drive it lacked any real grunt, I found myself constantly down changing, I need a lazier car with torque as well as more power, I think a bigger engine will suit me better. Pity, because its a niche car that nearly hits the spot! Probably will end up with a used BMW M3 or a 350Z but the latter is not yet in the country so I will have to wait a bit before deciding. Good luck to everyone who decides to go ahead.

Hmm, 19 cancelations and only 17 prepared to continue with their orders.

Well even though I haven't had a test drive I will be continuing with my order no matter what so I'm going to vote as if I've had a test drive.

I suggest all those who will be getting the car irrespective of a test drive, do the same.

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
Hmm, 19 cancelations and only 17 prepared to continue with their orders.

Well even though I haven't had a test drive I will be continuing with my order no matter what so I'm going to vote as if I've had a test drive.

I suggest all those who will be getting the car irrespective of a test drive, do the same.

Yeah this number suprised me. However, I will certainly be continuing with my order. Don't get me wrong this car isn't perfect (what is?) but God I loved that 20 minute drive. It just seemed such a long time ago.

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
Hmm, 19 cancelations and only 17 prepared to continue with their orders.

Well even though I haven't had a test drive I will be continuing with my order no matter what so I'm going to vote as if I've had a test drive.

I suggest all those who will be getting the car irrespective of a test drive, do the same.

Funny how 19 people have voted to cancel after a test drive, but only 1 person is honest enough to post their reasons.

If people aren't prepared to post their reasons, I think the poll is of little value.

Here here.
Use it or lose it.....

How can you vote in favour of a car in a poll asking if you will keep or cancel after driving if you have not driven the car? That makes the poll an absolute farce.

This equally applies to negative votes without a test drive!

We should kill this poll unless people give their reasons for rejecting the RX8 .... not adding much value

Because even after a test drive I would buy the car. I'm not that hung up on performance. How the car handles and the fact it seats four adults are the most important things, and from all the reviews, personal and press, these will meet my expectations.

That I can enjoy the car on it's own and have fun driving it whilst still having a very practical car are my purchasing factors. The RX-8 will meet these requirements perfectly.

It seems from the few replys here that most people have cancelled because the car does not 'feel' fast enough for them. If all they live for is that narrow band of turbo power then perhaps they would only be happy driving Thrust 2. They'd be able to accelerate like stink but you'd never go round a corner.:D

As the other half says, those who are too hung up on speed in order to beat other drivers do it because they feel inadequate and are using their cars to prove they are better than that other man in the other car, 'penis extension syndrome'. According to her shes more than happy and I need not prove myself in that department by racing other blokes.;)

If you want smack between the shoulder blades accelleration, go buy a complicated four pot motor which has to use forced induction to make up for the lack of power through the entire rev range. If you want a smooth sophisticated practical sports car, support the research and development of the rotary engine and buy that RX-8.

Sorry just felt like preaching this morning, Sermon over!:)

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
Sorry just felt like preaching this morning, Sermon over!:)

Is that from The Book of Renisis Chapter 1 verse 10 :D

Revolutions, Psalm 9000.;)

Just bumped this up to the top again.

It's a bit disconcerting that keep/drop seems to be running at 50/50 with no reasons explained for the drop.

Perhaps there is some undercover voting going on here, but Mazda beware. People seem to be getting seriously fed up now with the wait and when the drive comes they may be realising that there are other cars that are as good if not better. So, Mazda, what are you going to do to keep your customers??

This poll is much closer than I would have believed!

I suppose I'm lucky I got the whole thing the 'normal' way around.

Went for a test drive (5 & 6 spd.) then gave them the deposit.

Still jealous I got to wait till March to get my car.

If anyone is cancelling their order can I take their place please?

Deskjet640C, what have you ordered ?

AnilS.

I suppose messages like this below in the US forums are a cautionary red light to wannabe UK RX8 owners:
I agree, the gas mileage is horrible and after 2,000 + miles, it is getting no better. I spoke to Mazda today and my paperwork is in the works to return the car.

This chap gets 17mpg (that's about 15 UK mpg (x 0.83) which I would have thought is unbelivable, but others are giving similar figures. Most UK 4x4's manage to get over 20! I'm reserving my final judgment for my 2nd test drive. I want that car so I'm going to give it another chance to steal my heart! :D

Originally posted by garygfx
I suppose messages like this below in the US forums are a cautionary red light to wannabe UK RX8 owners:


This chap gets 17mpg (that's about 15 UK mpg (x 0.83) which I would have thought is unbelivable, but others are giving similar figures. Most UK 4x4's manage to get over 20! I'm reserving my final judgment for my 2nd test drive. I want that car so I'm going to give it another chance to steal my heart! :D

Gary,

To convert US to UK gallons it should be (x 1.2) so he is actually getting 20.4 miles to the UK Gallon.

Cheers
Mark

AnilS

I ordered the 5 speed in Velocity Red with Red/black leather. May look a bit posey but I thought what the hell, go for it. (mid-life crisis)

No Nav (I know my way to work) and no sunny.

Only options I may get are gas struts for the bonnet.

Originally posted by MarkW

To convert US to UK gallons it should be (x 1.2) so he is actually getting 20.4 miles to the UK Gallon

Does that mean the University of Exeter have got it wrong?
Dictionary Of Units (http://www.ex.ac.uk/cimt/dictunit/dictunit.htm#sumtable)

Note to self: don't send kids to Exeter Uni. ;)

Originally posted by garygfx


Does that mean the University of Exeter have got it wrong?
Dictionary Of Units (http://www.ex.ac.uk/cimt/dictunit/dictunit.htm#sumtable)

Note to self: don't send kids to Exeter Uni. ;)

No, I think your kids are safe at Exeter Uni

We are infact, both right :D

To convert US to UK gallons is (x 0.8327) as they say

But,

This means that US gallons are smaller than UK gallons.

Therefore, as an example, 10 US Gallons = 8.327 UK Gallons

At 17 miles to the US Gallon, 10 Gallons would give you 170 miles

170 miles / 8.327 UK Gallons = 20.41 miles per UK gallon

Same as saying multiply the US mpg by 1.2

Hope this makes sense :)

Originally posted by deskjet640c
Only options I may get are gas struts for the bonnet.

Ah, this must be the thing that opens the bonnet nicely without propping it up with a twig? (I'm new to car techno-speak!) Is that a dealer fitted option? Any idea on the price please?

Your mid-life crisis may be over by the time you get the car though! ;) Seriously, good luck - enjoy!

MarkW, my brain hurts now. I don't follow but I believe you. I've had to write an apology to the author of that web page because about 5 minutes ago I emailed him saying he got it mixed up. Now I think Exeter will ban my kids from going there! ;)

Egg|face|on|my :eek:

Originally posted by garygfx
Ah, this must be the thing that opens the bonnet nicely without propping it up with a twig? (I'm new to car techno-speak!) Is that a dealer fitted option? Any idea on the price please?Excuse me for jumping into your forum, but I would have SERIOUS reservations about adding the gas struts to the bonnet (hood) of the car. I have already have one sharp dent and 2 wavy areas in mine. The aluminum hood is somewhat fragile. The resistance offered by the struts may cause the bonnet to buckle under pressure.

NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED REGION

Thanks Puppy,

You're obviously welcome to add to the forum, thats just the kind of information we require. Is yours a one off case, or are there many more reports of this problem?

Is Mazda going to do anything about it?

thanks puppy

I'd been considering the struts too, might be worth while trying to find an appropriate sticky for recording these kind of comments for the benefit of all.

Had a test drive today in a Hi-Power was all that I expected (hoped) and more. Smooth acceleration (as previously reported no kick in the back like a turbo) but you are still at 80+ before you know it. Held the road brilliantly around a very fast roundabout - only wish that the drive had been longer :-)

driven it - getting it

surprised the poll has so many dropping it, trolls?

There is a God!!!

What a sweet, sweet car!!!

Pump it back to the top -

Test drove the Hi Power last week and it was excellent.Quite a relief after some of the things Autocar have said.
I've just been testing the only other car on my list, a BMW M3 with a sequential gear box. I remember when I first read about the RX-8 in CAR magazine April 2001.It had a sequential box too then,mind you it also had 250 bhp,cruise control...
I think I may stick with the RX-8. Whilst the M3 was VERY fast I thought the RX-8 had better steering feel and basically just felt more fun.
Perhaps I'll get tired of having to thrash the RX-8 to get the best out of it,end up selling it after a couple of months and get the M3. However,I'm hoping that the extra effort required in the RX-8 will make it a more rewarding drive.

Test drove a 'Red High Power'. Never enjoyed a more exciting time in a car. Recently drove the Alfa 147 GTA (great sound) and the SAAB 93 AERO (didn't like the late turbo kick and the short 1st gear). RX8 much better. Wild horses couldn't keep me away from the car...

Pillman, how come your car is being delivered in January when you ordered as late as 29th Sep? My dealer told me in mid Sep that I'm looking at March if I ordered then. I wonder if each dealer is given different delivery slots? Can I order from your dealer? ;)

Got my 2nd test drive this Saturday. I hope I get the red car as that's my favourite. I must remember not to be such a pussy this time around. Most of you guys weren't scared to thrash it judging by some of the comments! :D

I weakened. Gonna drive tomorrow.....

Originally posted by morganrogers
I weakened. Gonna drive tomorrow.....

I'm sure it will take at least a week for the grin to wear off!!!:D

Enjoy it mate.:)

Garygfx, I don't know, I was orignally told 1st March. Then the same week I was told Feb. 2 days ago I was talking to the dealer who said we should actually have your car ready in Jan...??? He did say that it was dependant on getting my car into October's production run...

Lastly, I don't think using my dealer (Canterbury) should make any difference. The guy there might just be hugely optimistic.

Today I was told there's a 5 month waiting list which is the same for a Mazda 6, apparently. Pillman, you're very lucky not having to wait that long. Canterbury is a bit too far for me otherwise I'd be down there tomorrow morning!

I had my 2nd test drive and after saying how I didn't need the satnav I spent most of the time looking at it to see what was around the corner! I didn't know the area. Still, if I want a fancy satnav system I'd rather pay half the price and get one with even more features. I'm sure there's one that also warns you of speed traps.

The dealership didn't have any prices for the accessories so I handed them the one I printed out from the Mazda website and then the salesman made a photocopy of it! :D

I didn't order an RX8 because we couldn't finalise a price. I wanted the 6 disc changer swapped for the MP3 player but was told it costs £300. No way will I pay £300 to have my £300 disc changer swapped for a £300 MP3 player. That means I would have effectively paid £600 for it. (Yes, I know a 6 disc changer only costs £200 in the high street but so does a MP3 player - I'm keeping my figures in line with Mazda's inflated figures!) If they don't want my business I'm sure another dealer will - even if it's not a Mazda garage. I can't believe I walked away without signing!

DROP..............NOT LIKELY!!:D

Cheers
Oilman