Somehow, I think I'm going to really regret that decision once I have the Mazda3. I love driving the RX-8 but gas prices are making me think of these bad thoughts. I used KBB.com to see the ballpark area of how much I should try to get. $17,550 it says and the Mazda3 is around that price as well with a couple of options. Any other cars I would look at that are around that price range?

Did you calculate the fuel cost difference over a year between the two cars?

Somehow, I think I'm going to really regret that decision once I have the Mazda3. I love driving the RX-8 but gas prices are making me think of these bad thoughts. I used KBB.com to see the ballpark area of how much I should try to get. $17,550 it says and the Mazda3 is around that price as well with a couple of options. Any other cars I would look at that are around that price range?
What kind of mileage are you getting on your 8?

What kind of mileage are you getting on your 8?

17 city, 24 highway. Not bad but I drive a lot as well.

17 city, 24 highway. Not bad but I drive a lot as well.
You're doing really well compared to a lot of 8 drivers on here. If you drive a lot it may add up.

Check out the 3's mileage here.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

you get 24 on the highway?! KEEP IT!!!! I would kill for that kind of mileage. I've tracked EVERY single mile on my car for the past 18,000 miles and my all time best tank was 21.3 mpg. :D: (100% freeway)

you get 24 on the highway?! KEEP IT!!!! I would kill for that kind of mileage. I've tracked EVERY single mile on my car for the past 18,000 miles and my all time best tank was 21.3 mpg. :D: (100% freeway)
Going how fast on the freeway?

cruise was probably around 75 or so for most of the trip. I went from Orange County to San Luis Obispo. :)

cruise was probably around 75 or so for most of the trip. I went from Orange County to San Luis Obispo. :)
For 75MPH avg that sounds reasonable.

Good lord - 20mpg is my car's 'holy grail' of fuel economy. 24mpg? that's fantastic. The price difference in the rx8 and a new 3 alone wouldn't be worth the 'few' mpg difference, imo.

:naughty: Well i was at the dealership getting my gas cap replaced(wro)and took a good look at the mazdaspeed 3 and at 22,ooo and some change not to shabby!but when i bought the rx8 (04-t.grey 6spd)and said what the hell have some fun the sticker said 18cityand 24 highway boy was i wrong for thinking that it was true .i also am glad i did buy it.I never had so much fun with a car that gives me the freedom to really enjoying driving even when the a&** holes make you wish you could ban them from the road. i see that the 3 says 18 city and 28 hwy.well this sure felt like daja vu but i am to happy with my 8 for now going on four years soon and i don't even think the turbo could make me like it more than my 8 but who knows a few more years and maybe just maybe?:dunno: i need to give mazda a hats off because if you relly like or even love a great driving experience than the rx8 for you!if you can stand the gas prices and a little oil every now and then.for the buck i am happy.and let the flame wars begin!:SHOCKED:

I also need more cargo room too. Gas is just the biggest reason.

I also need more cargo room too. Gas is just the biggest reason.
Get the 5DR 3. I think its a great car regardless MS3 or not.

I was looking into the hatchback. Might get it in July. I'm just going to think it over first and not rush the decision.

I was looking into the hatchback. Might get it in July. I'm just going to think it over first and not rush the decision.
Buy a low miles used one. I am sure there are plenty on the market since its been out for a few years.

My dad doesn't want me to buy a used car. I don't know why. We have never bought a used car ever. When I got my RX-8, it only had 5 miles on it.

Try avg. 100+ miles a day on premium @ 20mpg. Even as much as i drive, the 3 wouldn't save me enough money to make me change to a 3. Unless you drive even more than me I don't see the big deal Unless it's just what you want. In tht case, go for it.

If I can fit a 120w amp, a 65w amp, two elec. guitars and cases, and an acoustic guitar and two passengers. i think that's pretty darn good storage capacity for a sports anything.
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Your car probably doesn't have a spare tire that my dad made me buy though.

What about a civic? or a cobalt?

Try avg. 100+ miles a day on premium @ 20mpg. Even as much as i drive, the 3 wouldn't save me enough money to make me change to a 3. Unless you drive even more than me I don't see the big deal Unless it's just what you want. In tht case, go for it.

If I can fit a 120w amp, a 65w amp, two elec. guitars and cases, and an acoustic guitar and two passengers. i think that's pretty darn good storage capacity for a sports anything.

whos paying for the car, the insurance, the gas and the other non-car related bills?

mazda 3 is a good car btw. even though its a FF car i find it to be a really fun car.

the money you loose in the trade in will likely be more than the money you save on gas for the next 3-5 years

the money you loose in the trade in will likely be more than the money you save on gas for the next 3-5 years

Yeah, the loss from the RX-8's depreciation will far outweigh gas benefits. Plus the new 3 will cost $17,750, but it will be worth $14,000 the instant you drive it off the lot. Moreover, if you actually trade it at the dealer, they will stick it to you there as well. If you sell it on your own, you might do a little better, but that's a hassle and who knows how long it would take.

What about a civic? or a cobalt?

OMG I spit out my drink when I read that!

Funny....yeah, funny!

Before I bought my RX-8 I was driving a mazda 3: 5-speed 2.3L. Great car! The rx8 is obviously more fun and a totally different kind of car, but the 3 is a good buy and also a fun car to drive. I was pleased with the gas mileage. If you buy a 5-speed and stay above 3k rpm there's a respectable amount of pep. I also found the handling and cornering to be enjoyable. Good car for the money

I mom just got a mazda 3 for 15K (base model but still a great deal for a great little car.)

doesnt the mazdaspeed 6 get awesome gas mileage due to the turbo 4? Sounds like a good fit for you.

Good luck

OMG I spit out my drink when I read that!

Funny....yeah, funny!

Well, the SS supercharged, which has been discussed here a number of times is a heck of a car. Good fuel economy, amazing straightline performance, decent handling. They can be had cheap with a few miles on them too.

As far as the civic, although I was very impressed with the mazda 3 5 door, I was able to get my fiancee's 06 civic si with 12k on it for a few grand less than a loaded non-mazda speed 5 door. The si is a great car too, and amazing mpg if its something that matters to you.

The ms3 is AWESOME. I don't think I could bring myself to go FWD, but if I did, that would be the car. I suspect if driven hard (as it inspires one to do) it probably gets pretty lousy mileage.

If you add up the cost in fuel savings vs the depreciation, you'll probably see a modest gain at best. I'd stick it out with the mazda until your payoff is equal or greater to your trade value + your downpayment. That may be tough to do if you bought the car new as it depreciates like a rock.