Hey guys, I am new to the forum, I currently own a 03 Nissan 350Z touring and Im looking to upgrade to a newer car, especially with rear seats (I don't need them but just in case, "lack of space").
I personally never tought I would think of getting a Mazda RX-8, but from all the cars I seen in the price range I'm looking for, the RX-8 has the looks, space and hopefully power I need. I still need to test drive one, probably do it tomorrow!!
Im looking to buy a used one but with very low mileage, I found many of them in the 15k to 25k miles for under $21K. (2005)

How reliable is the RX-8? How about gas mileage?
also, when I go see one tomorrow, is there anything in particular I should look into before buying one if I decide to? does the car have any long term problems or any mechanical problems that Mazda didnt realize till it was in the market.

Most Z's have transmission problems and the window streaking. Also the tire feathering issue. I still haven't gotten any of them yet but before I do so, Im already prepare to move on and I want to see what you guys think?

ask if all the recalls were performed. mpg is about 18/21. I find the 8 very reliable if taken care of properly i.e. redlining once a day, check the oil about once a week and coolant.

When test driving it, try to take a fast turn. The handling on this car is much better IMO than the Z - and yes, I've driven one (my cousin has one, let me drive it 'fast'). I believe that will win your heart over, plus the symphony of a Rotary winding at 9000+ rpms.

Back seats RULE.

You will miss the Power and mpg of the Z.

But you will love the handling, looks, sound, feel, comfort, style...basically everything else about the RX-8. The fun to drive ratio is much better with the Mazda.

I might be a bit biased though. :)

If you do any kind of playing with your car or taking it to the track you will appreciate the adjustable camber and caster at all 4 corners from the factory that is lacking on the Z.

Its doesn't have the 'grunt' of the Z from the big tq numbers the Z puts up on that VQ engine but it also doesn't have the girth either. Keep in mind that it is what it is. Its a (relatively) lightweight, nimble car that is known in the tracking community as a momentum car because you aren't going to blow by everyone on the straights with its drag strip power but you can hold more speed than most through the corners so they will never catch you.

Its also very comfortable, smooth and quiet as a daily driver. And it loves to be revved up. Its a lot of fun.

I know that when you get a sports car, having back seats is NOT a priority... performance, handling, etc are the important factors IMHO... it's a sports car after all.

All that being said:

I owned two 2+2 (Stealth and RX-8) and I can say it's mighty practical to have those two back seats! You can throw a backpack in there with all your stuff when doing a long run... pick up unexpected passengers when needed... keep that extra fragile stuff you don't want in the trunk close to you...

And for those who don't use the 8 as their daily driver (I work from home) you get a whole new range of excuses to go for a drive... "What do you mean honey, our friends are taking a cab to get there? Call'em back, I'll go pick'em up!"

Definitely do some searches on the site here...there are a few threads doing some comparisons between the 8 & Z. The 8 (in my experience) is WAY roomier up front. Obviously, the back seats give you more room as well. It doesn't have the low end torque that the Z has, but it's plenty enough power for me.

You'll probably get a little worse gas mileage, but you can't really expect great mileage from a sports car, anyways.

Go for a test drive and see how you like it!

And it loves to be revved up. Its a lot of fun.

Mhm, you'd only be cleaning the plugs by revving. Gotta keep that carbon away :wiggle:

I know that when you get a sports car, having back seats is NOT a priority... performance, handling, etc are the important factors IMHO... it's a sports car after all.

All that being said:

I owned two 2+2 (Stealth and RX-8) and I can say it's mighty practical to have those two back seats! You can throw a backpack in there with all your stuff when doing a long run... pick up unexpected passengers when needed... keep that extra fragile stuff you don't want in the trunk close to you...

And for those who don't use the 8 as their daily driver (I work from home) you get a whole new range of excuses to go for a drive... "What do you mean honey, our friends are taking a cab to get there? Call'em back, I'll go pick'em up!"

I know that back seats are not a priority in a sport car, but like you said, it is more practical to have back seats in case of emergency. But overall, I dont really need them, it is just more practical since Im changing cars a bit.

Yeah you'll miss the TQ but in every other aspect its alot better! the 9k redline is personally my favorite part of it. Just know about keeping the oil topped off and redlineing and make sure that it's warm b4 you shut it off and it's a very reliable car and it's a blash to drive at any speed! Good luck man come over to the RPM side!

Easier to drive and live with on a day to day basis, but the Z has it beat in power hands down.

If you do any kind of playing with your car or taking it to the track you will appreciate the adjustable camber and caster at all 4 corners from the factory that is lacking on the Z.

Its doesn't have the 'grunt' of the Z from the big tq numbers the Z puts up on that VQ engine but it also doesn't have the girth either. Keep in mind that it is what it is. Its a (relatively) lightweight, nimble car that is known in the tracking community as a momentum car because you aren't going to blow by everyone on the straights with its drag strip power but you can hold more speed than most through the corners so they will never catch you.

Its also very comfortable, smooth and quiet as a daily driver. And it loves to be revved up. Its a lot of fun.

It seems to be a very comfortable ride, and especially I love to rev very high which its something the VQ lacks. The 07 Z has changed a bit still stays under 9k:banghead:

Back seats RULE.

what i love about the rx-8 over the z:
back seats (can't imagine how many times 2 seats were just not enough)
much more luxurious interior
imo better looks and body shape
much more usable trunk (couldn't even fit much shopping in the z)

what you have to get used to:
the 8 is a fast car, but there's very little torque, if you're used to the z, so u'll just have to drive it differently, but the good thing is that the 8 is a much lighter car.
i got worse mileage on the stock 8 (yes, it drinks) than on my "mine's" tuned z.

Definitely do some searches on the site here...there are a few threads doing some comparisons between the 8 & Z. The 8 (in my experience) is WAY roomier up front. Obviously, the back seats give you more room as well. It doesn't have the low end torque that the Z has, but it's plenty enough power for me.

You'll probably get a little worse gas mileage, but you can't really expect great mileage from a sports car, anyways.

Go for a test drive and see how you like it!

Worse gas mileage??? OH NO!!:icon_no2:
Im going to test drive one tomorrow and go from there, I almost purchased a 07 VW GTI with the GSD paddle shiftting but it lack way too much power so does the 06 Civic SI which I test drove today. I rather stay with RWD vehicles overall.

If you want some unbiased opinions, check out some of the reviews between the RX-8 and 350Z, giving the pros and cons of each:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=101039
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0403_compact_sport_coupe_comparison/2004_mazda_rx_8.html

Also, Top Gear reviewed the RX-8. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA

The RX-8 has never lost a comparison test with a 350Z. Not saying that it's a faster car, but it is 1000x easier to live with.

Oh, and be sure to take it up to redline (9,000 RPMs) tomorrow when you test drive it. People that are unfamiliar with the rotary engine tend to shift around 6,000 rpm, in which the rotary is barely producing any noticable power at all. Around 7 - 9k, though, it really shines.

go test drive one, you'll notice there's something about it that you like but you don't know what it is. You'll mind will argue "it has less power" and still you'll wonder what it is that you like about it. Then you'll realize why we all bought ours, something about it that i have no idea what it is.

It seems to be a very comfortable ride, and especially I love to rev very high which its something the VQ lacks. The 07 Z has changed a bit still stays under 9k:banghead:

Yea I have heard, but not experienced, the new iteration lost a bit down low in favor of a bit higher revving and higher peak numbers on the top end.

I almost forgot to mention you should search for and read a thread called "The little things". I believe its a sticky.

And as far as gas mileage goes I believe it was Road and Track that did the long term comparison between the 8 and your Z's sister car the G35 and the 8 was within .5 MPG overall after a full year of driving.

A couple of things I have noticed since I got the car...my gas mileage is basically the same ....always.....no matter how hard I drive ( sans full out track driving). I can put my foot in it away from lights and signs constantly, and run up in the high 70's to 80s and pass in the 90 MPH range on the highway and still get the same numbers as when I went for a day trip today and set a cruise at ~75-80 and ran an entire tank down. When i filled up yesterday I had put ~290 miles on the tank and put in just over 15 gallons which worked out to right around 19-19.5MPH. I get that every time.

If your one of those people that comes back complaining about certain aspects of the car after 2 months, (rough idle, bad mpg, no torque, etc) then buy a Honda Accord.

If your one of those people who love taking tight turns, running through the mountain twisties on a nice saturday, and has a great appreciation for over all aesthetic sexyness, the get an RX8 for sure!!!!!

The car is pretty reliable for the most part. Try to get a late model 05 or better, otherwise make sure the car has all recall work.

The engine will seem weak based on the Z but it is fun once you get use to it.

Gas mileage is the weak part. I do almost 100% city driving and average 12mpg. A good portion of RX's get really poor mpg and if you get one Mazda will do absolutely nothing to address this issue. Before you buy see if you can test drive the car for a day and check the mpg. On the Highway I have gotten up to 20mpg but average 18mpg on the Highway. If you drive hard this car will inhale gas.

Don't worry about gas I've got 12 b4 but that was a very snowy shitty day usually around 17.5 to 18.5 mostly city and 23 on city which isn't bad it's not too bad compared to the rest I think the Z is like 21/26 if i recall correctly so you're not losing too much if you do beat on it you most likely will be getting aroud 16 or 17 but normal is 18 to 19 but I take the 16 or 17 just becuase I love the 9k redline too tooo much. lol

i get 14 city. go me

Drive it ,you'll like it. That's all you have to do is take one for a test drive and find out how much more responsive it is than your Z. I checked mpg today and got 17.33. I like to run down the Highway in hi RPM's. The car is so alive above 5000.
Have fun and be sure to try some tight turns and long freeway ramps. You will be in awe.

If you want some unbiased opinions, check out some of the reviews between the RX-8 and 350Z, giving the pros and cons of each:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=101039
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0403_compact_sport_coupe_comparison/2004_mazda_rx_8.html

Also, Top Gear reviewed the RX-8. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA

The RX-8 has never lost a comparison test with a 350Z. Not saying that it's a faster car, but it is 1000x easier to live with.

Never tought the RX-8 would win in it's class against competitors such as the Z and S2K. I mean, it is the slowest one in it's class but like they said in both articles (I read the whole article of Edmunds and a bit of motor trend) it is the best one for the price. Funny they say the Z is like a muscle car in it's class.

I watched the top gear video before I purchased the Z and was very surprise that Jeremy always prefered the RX-8 over the Z. Anyways, he always hated the Z.

If your one of those people that comes back complaining about certain aspects of the car after 2 months, (rough idle, bad mpg, no torque, etc) then buy a Honda Accord.

If your one of those people who love taking tight turns, running through the mountain twisties on a nice saturday, and has a great appreciation for over all aesthetic sexyness, the get an RX8 for sure!!!!!

Funny you mentioned that, I'm a car enthusiast, reason I buy these type of cars is because of the same reason you do. I'm not expecting to get from the car the benefits of a luxury car, if so I'll buy a G35 if I just wanted the back seats. But I do like to see what each car has to offer, every car is different and there is something about every sport car that attracts us. I try to get that from each car I own. I was never a big fan of the Z, neither the RX-8 or many other sport cars in the market, but now, I grown a love for driving that is very different than just lots HP/TQ.

Only thing that really bothers me, I am originally from the Tri-state area but now I am living in Florida for the past year. I am not planning to stay here for long (should be going back any time between the end of the year and next year) but there are no turns in Florida so driving really sucks. All the roads are straight so having lots of TQ is fun. But believe me, I do take turns here like a Champ when I have the chance:rock:

Yea I have heard, but not experienced, the new iteration lost a bit down low in favor of a bit higher revving and higher peak numbers on the top end.

I almost forgot to mention you should search for and read a thread called "The little things". I believe its a sticky.

And as far as gas mileage goes I believe it was Road and Track that did the long term comparison between the 8 and your Z's sister car the G35 and the 8 was within .5 MPG overall after a full year of driving.

A couple of things I have noticed since I got the car...my gas mileage is basically the same ....always.....no matter how hard I drive ( sans full out track driving). I can put my foot in it away from lights and signs constantly, and run up in the high 70's to 80s and pass in the 90 MPH range on the highway and still get the same numbers as when I went for a day trip today and set a cruise at ~75-80 and ran an entire tank down. When i filled up yesterday I had put ~290 miles on the tank and put in just over 15 gallons which worked out to right around 19-19.5MPH. I get that every time.

that's not bad at all, by the way, I'm going to check out the sticky right now!

The car is pretty reliable for the most part. Try to get a late model 05 or better, otherwise make sure the car has all recall work.

The engine will seem weak based on the Z but it is fun once you get use to it.

Gas mileage is the weak part. I do almost 100% city driving and average 12mpg. A good portion of RX's get really poor mpg and if you get one Mazda will do absolutely nothing to address this issue. Before you buy see if you can test drive the car for a day and check the mpg. On the Highway I have gotten up to 20mpg but average 18mpg on the Highway. If you drive hard this car will inhale gas.

It seems like the only thing that is bothering you guys is the gas mileage, and especially that prices keep going up:icon_no2: , thats a tough one.:uhh:

It seems like the only thing that is bothering you guys is the gas mileage, and especially that prices keep going up:icon_no2: , thats a tough one.:uhh:

Yeah the Rx-8 is pretty thirsty for gas. But the pro's outway the latter.....
I am a former Z guy as well, had 3 Z's in the past , and was always curious about rotaries but was to intimidated to own one because of the horror stories. One test drive of the RX-8 and the rest is history.

The Rx-8 is "fast" (IMO its very quick, not fast) like somebody mentioned before on this thread,you just have to drive it harder in order to make it scoot, which is staying in gear longer and redlining it out. So at first , when you drive the 8 make sure you drive it hard or else you will feel left empty handed. This is one car that loves to be driven hard repeatedly. If you get one seek the redline often,
9KRPM IS YOUR FRIEND IN THIS CAR!!!:)

If you are concerned about fuel econemy, another alternative would be the
S2000. Its very similar to the Rx-8 minus the back seat and its a vert and is slightly quicker than the 8 . Revs high but you'll get anywhere from 26-29 mpg even on brisk runs.Ahhhh.....:icon_no2: You did menetion you needed a back seat though.... but if you absolutely don't have to have back seats and you want a fun car that is pretty good at the pump , the S2000 is your awnser.

Anyway you look at it, wether its the RX-8 or the S2000.... its a win- win situation!:lol2:

I have both an 07 GTI and an 04 RX8, and if you thought the 07 GTI felt weak, you wont care for the feeling of the rotary. To me, the GTI feels powerful compared to the RX8, but the rotary does gain speed quickly, you just don't feel it like you do with a car with more torque. (207ft lbs GTI, 166ft lbs RX8). But it is way more fun getting there with the engine wailing at 8500-9000 RPM. And concur that the RWD is much more of a pleasure to drive.

when I was looking for a car, there were 3 factors that made me get the car....
1) The wife likes it. - (and I have 2 kids, so the back seats are a plus)
2) The price was right
3) The test drive convinced me that this car handles.!!!! I fell in love right there on the spot.

Do Crossfires have back seats?

Never tought the RX-8 would win in it's class against competitors such as the Z and S2K. I mean, it is the slowest one in it's class but like they said in both articles (I read the whole article of Edmunds and a bit of motor trend) it is the best one for the price. Funny they say the Z is like a muscle car in it's class.

I watched the top gear video before I purchased the Z and was very surprise that Jeremy always prefered the RX-8 over the Z. Anyways, he always hated the Z.

Yeah, Clarkson absolutely hates the 350Z for some reason.

There have been about 5 different reviews by different magazines between the RX-8 and 350Z, and the RX-8 has won each time. If you want the most recent, pick up the new Car and Driver. There is a comparison between the new Shelby Mustang GT, Audi TT, 350Z, and RX-8. The Shelby Mustang GT came in 4th, the 350Z came in 3rd, the new Audit TT came in 2nd, and the RX-8 came in 1st.

Enjoy your test drive! I can almost guarantee you're going to love this car.

go test drive one, you'll notice there's something about it that you like but you don't know what it is. You'll mind will argue "it has less power" and still you'll wonder what it is that you like about it. Then you'll realize why we all bought ours, something about it that i have no idea what it is.

Its ZOOM-ZOOM...

Mazda has done a wonderful job capturing what makes a car fun to drive and really delivered. Its not the fastest, and its not the most economical (MPG)...but one drive and you'll know if you love it or hate it.

I'm a driver...I need feedback...I need to know what my car is doing...I need to feel connected...

I own an RX-8

Do Crossfires have back seats?

lol, my girlfriend likes that car, and no they dont have back seats.

Yeah the Rx-8 is pretty thirsty for gas. But the pro's outway the latter.....
I am a former Z guy as well, had 3 Z's in the past , and was always curious about rotaries but was to intimidated to own one because of the horror stories. One test drive of the RX-8 and the rest is history.

The Rx-8 is "fast" (IMO its very quick, not fast) like somebody mentioned before on this thread,you just have to drive it harder in order to make it scoot, which is staying in gear longer and redlining it out. So at first , when you drive the 8 make sure you drive it hard or else you will feel left empty handed. This is one car that loves to be driven hard repeatedly. If you get one seek the redline often,
9KRPM IS YOUR FRIEND IN THIS CAR!!!:)

If you are concerned about fuel econemy, another alternative would be the
S2000. Its very similar to the Rx-8 minus the back seat and its a vert and is slightly quicker than the 8 . Revs high but you'll get anywhere from 26-29 mpg even on brisk runs.Ahhhh.....:icon_no2: You did menetion you needed a back seat though.... but if you absolutely don't have to have back seats and you want a fun car that is pretty good at the pump , the S2000 is your awnser.

Anyway you look at it, wether its the RX-8 or the S2000.... its a win- win situation!:lol2:

The S2000 is another car Im looking at, but seeing that the rx-8 has the advantage of having back seats. whichever car I pick is my daily and I put tons of miles on them unless Im outside the country. Plus, I live with my girlfriend and seeing the trunk space of the S2000. guess it lacks lots of space for thr groceries.

Its ZOOM-ZOOM...

Mazda has done a wonderful job capturing what makes a car fun to drive and really delivered. Its not the fastest, and its not the most economical (MPG)...but one drive and you'll know if you love it or hate it.

I'm a driver...I need feedback...I need to know what my car is doing...I need to feel connected...

I own an RX-8

That line is convincing me to get one even more!

If you really want to step up from the Z-car the RX-8 is an option, if you look at price, but theres so many factors that makes the RX-8 different. We have address gas mileages, Oil maintenance, coolant, blip after short restart and its high reviving Rotary engine.

I think the main plus that the RX-8 has is its more comfortable and tuneable suspension for daily driving or Autox. With rear seats AND a trunk for better storage. So with a growing family you keep your sport car.

The Honda S2000 is pretty much in the same boat as the 350Z but with the 8's gas mileages, probably a little better mpg, but it lack in Rx-8 storage.

But gains in the cool factor of being a convertible you can't beat that in the summer time.

All this said if I was really going to upgrade from a Z-car it would be a 2000-2003 Bmw 330ci or a 325 all the plus of a RX-8 and the Ummp almost of the 350Z.

hello,
the rx8 is a nice upgrade to the Z as will the G35 coupe too. IMHO during my search for a sporty car, I was disappointed with the Z. It is a wonderful car but lack refinement and sophistication. The engine is fantastic then again I have a stage II 92x Aero that blows by VQ cars all day. In the end, the Z is a bit butch of a car which appeals IMHO to people who paper race alot. I would recommend a G35 coupe. A nicer implementation of the FM platform with the VQ engine. Has back seats too. The 8 is a delightfully great car in that it involves the drivers more and dances around the twisties rather than relying on the accelerator to make up on one's lack of driving prowess. It's one of those rare cars that allows the driver to be integrate with the automobile on every driving occasions.
The quality interior is leaps better than the Z too which you will quickly notice.

I have both an 07 GTI and an 04 RX8, and if you thought the 07 GTI felt weak, you wont care for the feeling of the rotary. To me, the GTI feels powerful compared to the RX8, but the rotary does gain speed quickly, you just don't feel it like you do with a car with more torque. (207ft lbs GTI, 166ft lbs RX8). But it is way more fun getting there with the engine wailing at 8500-9000 RPM. And concur that the RWD is much more of a pleasure to drive.

yes, but they are 2 completely different kind of cars. I also felt a little umcomfortable in the driver seat.

If you really want to step up from the Z-car the RX-8 is an option, if you look at price, but theres so many factors that makes the RX-8 different. We have address gas mileages, Oil maintenance, coolant, blip after short restart and its high reviving Rotary engine.

I think the main plus that the RX-8 has is its more comfortable and tuneable suspension for daily driving or Autox. With rear seats AND a trunk for better storage. So with a growing family you keep your sport car.

The Honda S2000 is pretty much in the same boat as the 350Z but with the 8's gas mileages, probably a little better mpg, but it lack in Rx-8 storage.

But gains in the cool factor of being a convertible you can't beat that in the summer time.

All this said if I was really going to upgrade from a Z-car it would be a 2000-2003 Bmw 330ci or a 325 all the plus of a RX-8 and the Ummp almost of the 350Z.

I'm also looking at some 3 series but I don't see any fun in driving them, and the RX-8 is a bit cheaper with the same options and I guess a more enjoyable ride.

hello,
the rx8 is a nice upgrade to the Z as will the G35 coupe too. IMHO during my search for a sporty car, I was disappointed with the Z. It is a wonderful car but lack refinement and sophistication. The engine is fantastic then again I have a stage II 92x Aero that blows by VQ cars all day. In the end, the Z is a bit butch of a car which appeals IMHO to people who paper race alot. I would recommend a G35 coupe. A nicer implementation of the FM platform with the VQ engine. Has back seats too. The 8 is a delightfully great car in that it involves the drivers more and dances around the twisties rather than relying on the accelerator to make up on one's lack of driving prowess. It's one of those rare cars that allows the driver to be integrate with the automobile on every driving occasions.
The quality interior is leaps better than the Z too which you will quickly notice.


I'm considering a G35 coupe but cannot find one under $25k with under 30K miles. And I been searching for one for a long time already.... I just stared thinking about the 8 the other day since I was giving up on the G.

Bad depreciation, yep the 8 has that.

I'm considering a G35 coupe but cannot find one under $25k with under 30K miles. And I been searching for one for a long time already.... I just stared thinking about the 8 the other day since I was giving up on the G.

Yeah those G35's hold there value well. I seen some G35's with low 50k miles on them , and there still selling in the price range of lowest 19k-22.5k highest.

Trying to find a low 30k mile G35 for $25k is going to be tuff. The BMW 330ci are nice, they ride nice, get decent milage, has name recognition, etc...honestly you would get bored with the BMW, there nice cars and all, owned a '94 328is , there more focused on luxury than sport. If you want sport you will have to step up to a M3, then again that will put you out of your budget. Its hard to believe
2k2/2k2 M3s are still going for anywhere in the ball park of$37-$43k!!!!:Eyecrazy:

M3's are fine cars.

my best friends own a 350z and an s2000 as their only cars... whether they admit it or not, they are jealous about the practicality of the 8.

i seriously cant imagine driving a 2 seater w/ shitty trunk every day. my friend with the s2000 gave up golfing a few years back when he bought it, ill let you figure out why... ;)

Lots of good info for you on this thread.

I'll point out insurance.

Z = sports car

RX-8 - sedan (State Farm anyway)

I pay ~$60/mo for full coverage. Married (which gave me no discount) and over 25.

Allstate wanted double that.

So figure what you lose in at the pump with the RX-8 is offset by the insurance. Maybe thats the way I can rationalize getting 12-14 mpg (all city).

It seems like the only thing that is bothering you guys is the gas mileage, and especially that prices keep going up:icon_no2: , thats a tough one.:uhh:

You are correct, I really love the car but the mileage issues is killing the love. What makes it worst is I believe the car should get better but Mazda absolutely refuses to admit there is a problem. They tell me my mileage is normal and when I ask what is considered unacceptable there won't answer.

I read all the posts you are reading now before I bought and figured it was a chance I'd get a bad mpg RX but Mazda would surly fix any obvious problem. I was expecting 15mpg, what a shock when that 11 to 12 started to roll in and this is under normal driving conditions. Again test drive the car and try to confirm your mileage, it can save you a ton of money and grief later.

As others have posted, 8's are all over the map in terms of mileage. Fortunately, mine is able to get 24-24.5 going 70MPH. Some never reach that going 55 with a tailwind.

With a used one it'll be hard to find that out unless you are allowed to drive it for an extended time and allowed to start with full tank.

Indeed...the insurance was a mega plus for me...cheaaaaaap....

And the money saved goes into the supercharger account...

Then I'll have all the straight line I will ever want, all the track capability I'll ever need...and still pay a fraction of insurance...

hey guys, I test drove a RX-8 and yes, it's performance its one of a kind, I understand how many of you guys love the car knowing that it isnt the fastest either the best in gas mileage. Sorry to say I found a Red G35 and under 10k miles. The dealership was asking $33K but unfortunately I still had my Autotrader Mag with me in the car and it was only going for 26-27K. I told them I saw it for 27k and they said, No way.. impossible, I pulled out the mag and they brought the manager, he confirmed that it was posted for 27k on autotrader and he couldnt charge me $33K. So hopefully by next week Ill be able to make the deal and become the owner of it.
One thing, after talking to you guys in this forum and taking the 8 for a test drive, I earned a respect for the car and learned to appreciate it. I feel bad it wasn't the one at the end But I really enjoy this forum and look forward to still be a member and help in any other type of questions regarding automobiles. Other forums tend to have wayyyyyy to many assholes and all I'm looking for is to have a good time while chatting about automobiles and other stuff. (any other members that own any other cars than the Z). Thanks for all the help guys!

Lots of good info for you on this thread.

I'll point out insurance.

Z = sports car

RX-8 - sedan (State Farm anyway)

I pay ~$60/mo for full coverage. Married (which gave me no discount) and over 25.

Allstate wanted double that.

So figure what you lose in at the pump with the RX-8 is offset by the insurance. Maybe thats the way I can rationalize getting 12-14 mpg (all city).

I agree 100%. I'm insured with USAA and even with a $250 deductible, my payments are about $60 month.

hey guys, I test drove a RX-8 and yes, it's performance its one of a kind, I understand how many of you guys love the car knowing that it isnt the fastest either the best in gas mileage. Sorry to say I found a Red G35 and under 10k miles. The dealership was asking $33K but unfortunately I still had my Autotrader Mag with me in the car and it was only going for 26-27K. I told them I saw it for 27k and they said, No way.. impossible, I pulled out the mag and they brought the manager, he confirmed that it was posted for 27k on autotrader and he couldnt charge me $33K. So hopefully by next week Ill be able to make the deal and become the owner of it.
One thing, after talking to you guys in this forum and taking the 8 for a test drive, I earned a respect for the car and learned to appreciate it. I feel bad it wasn't the one at the end But I really enjoy this forum and look forward to still be a member and help in any other type of questions regarding automobiles. Other forums tend to have wayyyyyy to many assholes and all I'm looking for is to have a good time while chatting about automobiles and other stuff. (any other members that own any other cars than the Z). Thanks for all the help guys!

Sorry the RX-8 isn't for you. It's not for everyone. Good luck with getting the G35....it's a great car.

Hi, I didnt read everything that was posted, but I can give you a ladies point of view, even if there has been one. I LOVE this car! I have owned BMW's, Supra's, even the 05 GT Mustang. Nothing compares......My mazda mechanic told me one thing...."drive it like you stole it",I live in N al and every chance I get I'm up in the mountains taking the twisties as hard and fast as I can. I'll drive this thing till I croak or it does....LOL or a new design comes out in the 8 that I like better, but thats going to be VERY hard for Mazda to do IMO. It's hard to beat perfection, unless of course you can make it more fuel efficient. You'll soon find that having to buy gas more often, is just a joy of ownership. I bought mine just because I loved it.,without any research, or anything, and I have no regrets..

Good luck. Sounds like you're getting a good deal. Its a great car. I like it better than the Z.

Nice choice I was looking at the G35 myself absolutely beautiful car, but the increased cost kept me away. For the same price you will pay for that used G35 you can get into a new RX-8.

You are right about the users here most are very helpful and knowledgeable. Of course Infiniti will service you far better then Mazda would in case of a problem. Good luck with the car, check the oil consumption before you buy I hear they have a problem with some of the V6s in those cars and Nissan/Infiniti is not really addressing the issue.

hey guys, I test drove a RX-8 and yes, it's performance its one of a kind, I understand how many of you guys love the car knowing that it isnt the fastest either the best in gas mileage. Sorry to say I found a Red G35 and under 10k miles. The dealership was asking $33K but unfortunately I still had my Autotrader Mag with me in the car and it was only going for 26-27K. I told them I saw it for 27k and they said, No way.. impossible, I pulled out the mag and they brought the manager, he confirmed that it was posted for 27k on autotrader and he couldnt charge me $33K. So hopefully by next week Ill be able to make the deal and become the owner of it.
One thing, after talking to you guys in this forum and taking the 8 for a test drive, I earned a respect for the car and learned to appreciate it. I feel bad it wasn't the one at the end But I really enjoy this forum and look forward to still be a member and help in any other type of questions regarding automobiles. Other forums tend to have wayyyyyy to many assholes and all I'm looking for is to have a good time while chatting about automobiles and other stuff. (any other members that own any other cars than the Z). Thanks for all the help guys!

Is it a 6 speed g35? I had a heck of a time finding one of those used in my area! I ended up with my 8 in the end, but the G is a nice looking car and a good performer. Good luck on closing the deal!

I had a G35 Coupe 6MT before I had the RX-8. From my experience I loved the RX-8 x10 more then the G35. Don't get me wrong... the G35 was fun... but it lacked the connection I wanted to feel with the road. I remember the first time I sat in it, I didn't feel like I was driving a car, but like I was in a video game.

With the RX-8 I felt connected from the first second I drove it. The only other car to make me feel that way is the STi. Sadly I had to give up my 8 for a work truck :( But I should be back in the market for whenever they do a redesign or whenever a new RX-7 comes out! The Rotary makes me happy.

make me feel that way is the STi. Sadly I had to give up my 8 for a work truck :(

Wow.... :icon_no2: My deepest sympathy man.

The 8 (in my experience) is WAY roomier up front.


Yeah, I totally agree. One of my best friends owned a 350Z and it felt a lot smaller inside than my RX-8.

A large 2-seater (passenger wise) would be a Corvette.

Regardless, the Z is a great car, and so is the RX-8. They're just totally different when you drive them, and it's up to you to see which one you like more. :)

He alreadyhas a 350z he was thinking about trading for RX-8, but the mpg made him decided on the Infiniti G35. He stated that he did like the RX-8. I think he will be in better shape with G35 should he decided to sell or trade it. Rather then buying the RX-8, resale wise. I mean how many $1ks lost is cuttin close curves worth.

If you can't find anything in your price range of $16k-$19K its hard to beat a Rx-8 with low miles, thats about the $ for a 50-60k mile G35. Its hard to beat the 8 bang for buck$.