I started my car hunt with the intention of getting an RX-8, and I (think) I finished it last night by deciding to get ... an RX-8. For those going through a similar process, I thought I'd share my thoughts about it. I don't want to insult any other cars here. Without exception, every other $30k-or-so car that I considered had a lot going for it, and I would be pretty content (or very happy) to own one, but the RX-8 is what I want. I must also disclose that I love RWD cars in general and Mazdas in particular (and have had three Miatas, all of which started out normally aspirated, then two wound with superchargers and one with a turbo), which makes the decision easier for me. Anyway, here goes. These are just test notes, mainly from various e-mails I wrote during the car hunt:

[THE HUNT BEGINS]

I took about a half-hour RX-8 test-drive last week. I think I would get the base six-speed with the Sport Package (HIDs, fog lights and DSC/TC). Blue or yellow. I dig that blue.

I didn't come even close to its limits, but I did observe:
The powerband reminds me of the Miata, the S2000, and the WRX: Mushy down low and strong up high.
The exhaust note is sexy but subdued, maybe too much so--then again, we had the windows closed.
The rev limit beeper (warning at 8,500, redline at 9,000) is quiet and unobtrusive; dare I say perfect. (Don't worry, it was a dedicated demo car.)
The (sport) suspension is firm but compliant, with almost no body roll.
Visibility front, side and rear is quite good.
The sense of space around the driver and front passenger are excellent; much roomier than a top-up Miata.
The upgraded 300-watt Blows sound system sounded pretty generic.
The seats are excellent.
The (upgraded sports) brakes are extremely easy to control and powerful.
The car had an solid, almost Teutonic feel.
The clutch is soft, like a stock Miata I suppose; very different from my Charles Atlas Signature Edition ACT Extreme clutch.
The electronic-assisted steering is OK, but maybe slightly overboosted.
The shifter is very Miata-like.
Turn-in seemed Miata-like; not sharper (like the S2000), not duller.
I'm not sure I noticed any real benefit from the sunroof, but it might be nice in the countryside.
It's cool how you can see the protuberant left front fender from the front seat.
Sixth gear is pretty damn boring.
You have to push the shifter down to get into reverse, on the right.
I didn't notice the carbon fiber driveshaft. :)
Traction control is defeatable.
Compared to the Miata, the car felt much more like a real car, Larger, more solid and poised. Not a go-kart at all. I felt more like a BMW driver than a Miata driver. Can I be that person? I think so.

[THE HUNT CONTINUES]

Looked at the RX-8 again at lunch. ...

You can throw this message in my teeth six months from now, but the more I think about it the more reluctant I am to modify this hypothetical RX-8 that might (please, please) reside soon in my garage: Maybe an intake, conceivably an exhaust some day, and eventually new tires when the old ones wear out. But I would not want to install more punishing suspension, lower the car, or force the induction. And it already has so many of the things I added to my Miata: Nicer interior, gauges, seats, headlights, wheels, brakes, etc. Yup; it's already just about perfect. And since the stock airbox is probably a CAI routed from below, putting in a cone-style K&N would probably impair its performance, not enhance it.

[I LOOK AT ALTERNATIVES]

Test-drove 20th Anniversary Golf and loved the outside. Great yellow; great body; great wheels. Interior kind of chintzy. Bolsters huge; shifter sloppy. Great power; great handling.

Checked out G35 Coupe 6-speed but the salesman was a real jerk and the car was marked up to about $36k. The interior was a little too glitzy for me. Couldn't test-drive it.

The only new Audi A4s and 3-series Bimmers in this price range are a bit too generic and underpowered and Buick-ish for me.

[LATER]

Test-drove a silver Lancer Evo ... silver, with the huge wing. Turns out they can order it without any wing, or with a little wing. Sweet car; tight as a rat's *ss. Great shifter, good clutch, great steering, terrific brakes. Rough ride on bad pavement; decent freeway ride. Terrific grip. OK power down low, pretty powerful up high. Ugly, cheap interior, but comfortable and functional. Great Recaro seats. Nice on the outside. I liked it overall, but the cheap interior would really bug me. Rockin' stock stereo; sounded great on Everything Must Go, title track.

Test-drove blue '04 WRX sedan. (They aren't giving STi test drives unless you're buying--chicken and egg problem there). Not much power down low and less than I'd expect up high. Not crazy about the interior, esp. the awkward steering wheel. Just doesn't get my blood flowing at all.

So now I guess I'm down to the Evo versus the RX-8, unless something else comes* along. Not sure which I prefer. The RX-8 look cooler and is a better freeway cruiser. The Evo feels like a go-kart and is really fun to drive. The RX-8 has a very nice interior with a hundred excellent touches. The Evo has the same interior as my rental Protégé, except in some respects it's even cheaper, but the stereo and seats rock. Both cars have great brakes. The Evo has a lot more power. The Evo seats five; the RX-8 4. The prices are a virtual wash. What to do?

[I MAKE MY DECISION]

Last night I pored over the STi brochure (don't have an Evo brochure)....

I then pulled out the RX-8 brochure again (I hadn't looked at it for almost a week) and started going back through all the interior and exterior and mechanical details and it felt like easing into a warm bath: It is SO MUCH NICER in so many ways. The Lancer Evo's interior is from ... well ... a Lancer, which is a $14,000 car. The STi is very similar to the WRX interior, which I find extremely bland and uninspired. The rest of the Evo and STi are pretty nice, but the RX-8 looks a lot better from the outside, too, at least from my own perspective. And the stock WRX really does not feel very exciting to me at all, to drive.

In light of that epiphany I have made up my mind--if all goes as I hope, the RX-8 is my choice. ...

Just as a minor twinge, however, as I drifted from wakefulness into sleep I relived driving the Evo, and that thing really is a hoot. The whole thing is reinforced so well it all feels like a solid block of rubber, like a superball. As they said in Car & Driver, a Viagra pill the size of a hockey puck could not make it any stiffer. And with those almost-slick tires and perfectly flat cornering, I felt like a hero just pulling out of the parking lot. What a fun car.

Nice post!

Almost sounds like an EVO is what you want, but you like the superficial looks of the RX8 <--- wait did I just say that?

I hate the looks of the EVO, doubt I would ever buy one, but it sure sounds like you enjoyed it more, but if you can't get over the looks........

The RX8 is VERY classy and a great drive.

Charles Atlas Signature Edition ACT Extreme clutch

What a great line. :D

Note to self: Don't kick sand in Zonker04's face. His muscular left leg would kick my *ss. ;)

Hey, that was a great detailed review!!! I was like you, going into my buying decison, the RX8 was the clear choice. In fact, I put off my purchase for nearly two years in anticipation for the RX8. Last May, I test drove the EVO as a goof. I always respected the car when it was overseas, but never thought I was one of "those people".

The car floored me when i drove it back to back against the 350Z and the S2000. It was the intangibles that won me over. Steering feel, shifter and clutch action, seating position, seats, steering wheel, etc. Of course the power and handling were were top notch too, but these other things were a very nice surprise.

Anyhow, I bought the EVO in July and have not looked back (excpet for the ticket I got!!!).

It sounds like you feel like I did when I bought the EVO. Really, your decison comes down to how much weight you place on your perception of exterior and interior looks. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for the replies. After I made that post, I realized I had closed it with that last wistful Evo thought. (It would screw up this thread's continuity to edit it out.) And the Evo certainly made me wistful: I was extremely impressed with the car. But let me please add this new closing thought:

I have been driving bugs-in-the-teeth, flat-handling Miatas for 12 years now. My current Miata has about 250 HP, 240 ft. lbs. of torque, and very stiff springs and clutch. 2340 pounds on the scale, manual steering, manual windows, no cruise control. In some ways it's like a convertible two-seat Evo. And I love it. So I love the Evo, too. As RevHappy says, the "steering feel, shifter and clutch action, seating position, seats, steering wheel, etc." are all to die for.

But, as I go to a four or five-seat car, and look at the Evo and the RX-8, I think the RX-8 is the one for me:

Most of my miles are 200+ mile freeway trips up and down this state (California), and it's not the smoothest freeway in the world, and I love the notion of having that jet-fighter cockpit, smooth effortless ride, six speeds, etc. etc. If it were a question of power and handling, I'd pick the Evo. But for my purposes right now, I want something a little more polished, but which will still give oodles of thrills on the country roads. If I could have an Evo in one garage bay and the RX-8 in another, I'd do it. But for me, right now, the RX-8 is calling.

Originally posted by Zonker04
Thanks for the replies. After I made that post, I realized I had closed it with that last wistful Evo thought. (It would screw up this thread's continuity to edit it out.) And the Evo certainly made me wistful: I was extremely impressed with the car. But let me please add this new closing thought:

I have been driving bugs-in-the-teeth, flat-handling Miatas for 12 years now. My current Miata has about 250 HP, 240 ft. lbs. of torque, and very stiff springs and clutch. 2340 pounds on the scale, manual steering, manual windows, no cruise control. In some ways it's like a convertible two-seat Evo. And I love it. So I love the Evo, too. As RevHappy says, the "steering feel, shifter and clutch action, seating position, seats, steering wheel, etc." are all to die for.

But, as I go to a four or five-seat car, and look at the Evo and the RX-8, I think the RX-8 is the one for me:

Most of my miles are 200+ mile freeway trips up and down this state (California), and it's not the smoothest freeway in the world, and I love the notion of having that jet-fighter cockpit, smooth effortless ride, six speeds, etc. etc. If it were a question of power and handling, I'd pick the Evo. But for my purposes right now, I want something a little more polished, but which will still give oodles of thrills on the country roads. If I could have an Evo in one garage bay and the RX-8 in another, I'd do it. But for me, right now, the RX-8 is calling.

Thanks for the insightful post. Giving that you are doing a lot of highway driving (especially on so-so surfaces), you are making the right choice. Considering the lack of a sixth gear and cruise control and a stiff suspension, it makes more sense. Also, with Califiornia's crappy gas (91 Octane max), you are going to lose 20 or so HP. There are some ECU reflashes and other mods that can make it up though.

I am not sure how old you are, but it seems the younger drivers like the EVO and the WRX etc. To me( I am 38), those cars seem like a young man's or woman's car. I could not even see myself in either of those cars no matter how fast or how well they drove. I guess as you get older you feel like you want something sporty,luxurious and different. The Rx 8 is all that rolled into one package. Don't get me wrong...I bet those cars are a blast to drive but the styling just appears "too young".....gearing towards the teens and 20's crowd. The RX 8 is a fine choice though.....I guess who cares what other's think...it's what you like and what meets your needs. My current car feels too young for me...I have the Protege5 sport hatchback and I feel young in it.......I have seen a mix of ages in this car but I guess I ready to mature a little...hee,hee! In 3 weeks I will be a new RX 8 owner....and well, we shall see how mature it makes me feel......yea, right!!! When you getting the 8?

You said it exactly, CruzDreamer (and RevHappy): I just turned 40 and, with three kids, suddenly I feel like it's time to get a more "mature" car, which is not to say anything against street-legal go-karts, but for my purposes right now I'm kind of looking forward to pampering myself a bit. Finishing a four-hour drive in the turbo Miata always left me feeling completely thrashed.

I won't be able to take the whole family on trips with only four seats (with my wife there are five of us), but our Odyssey can do the job for that. I will be able to take the three kids to school, soccer, etc. in the RX-8, and make my frequent business trips up and down the state. (My nine-year old daughter is four feet tall and with the front passenger seat all the way back, and making sure she doesn't lean forward, I think she'd be OK with the airbag up there, although I'd like to figure out how to turn it off.)

I'm waiting for an insurance determination on some damage to the Miata from a fender bender, but as soon as I get that worked out I should get the '8. Maybe as soon as in the next two weeks. Thanks for all the interest. Oh ... and I want a blue Sport Package. :)

My wife isn't much of a car person, but is most understanding of my insatiable desire for cool cars. Yesterday, we were returning from a drop off at the airport, interstate to interstate (I95/I16) and I took the ramp, about 300 degree one, as fast as I felt controllable. I can only tell you that my entrance speed (at the end of the ramp) was slightly more than 100 and she didn't complain! There was no lean, no roll, no DSC/TC, nothing. It just tracked as I intended. For me, that was a revelation since she goes nuts if I go over 65 in my Miata! All is well.:cool:

I have no doubt of it, Tybee. The RX-8 handled great on my test-drive and it has a wonderful chassis. [I guess I should do a search, but I don't know anything about the OEM 18" tires. I don't think they're Z-rated, but I know that's not the end of the inquiry. I have been running Proxes T1-S on my Miata and wouldn't mind putting some on an '8.]

Anyway, I see the RX-8 as something like a lesser-powered, more practical Porsche 996, which is all right by me!

Originally posted by Zonker04
I have no doubt of it, Tybee. The RX-8 handled great on my test-drive and it has a wonderful chassis. [I guess I should do a search, but I don't know anything about the OEM 18" tires. I don't think they're Z-rated, but I know that's not the end of the inquiry. I have been running Proxes T1-S on my Miata and wouldn't mind putting some on an '8.]

Anyway, I see the RX-8 as something like a lesser-powered, more practical Porsche 996, which is all right by me!

Couldn't agree with you more. I have ES100s on my Miata (a little cheaper than the T1-S) and they do fine on the road and in autox for CS, just having fun. The OEM tires are W-rated I think...should go check first but I was here now. They are 'stones 040s and not the best tire in my book, 140 rated for mileage, "A" rated for traction. Chances are when replacement time comes, I'll get either 030 Pole Positions, or spring for Pilot Sports. The 030s are rated "AA" and 240 and are less expensive than the 040s!

Originally posted by cruzdreamer
I am not sure how old you are, but it seems the younger drivers like the EVO and the WRX etc. To me( I am 38), those cars seem like a young man's or woman's car. I could not even see myself in either of those cars no matter how fast or how well they drove. I guess as you get older you feel like you want something sporty,luxurious and different. The Rx 8 is all that rolled into one package. Don't get me wrong...I bet those cars are a blast to drive but the styling just appears "too young".....gearing towards the teens and 20's crowd. The RX 8 is a fine choice though.....I guess who cares what other's think...it's what you like and what meets your needs. My current car feels too young for me...I have the Protege5 sport hatchback and I feel young in it.......I have seen a mix of ages in this car but I guess I ready to mature a little...hee,hee! In 3 weeks I will be a new RX 8 owner....and well, we shall see how mature it makes me feel......yea, right!!! When you getting the 8?

One of my favorite threads on evolutionm.net:

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42415

I'm 29, so I guess maybe I'm a middle-aged driver for an EVO. :D

Great to hear another decision. Posts like yours help other to see the decision process and the "why" you chose what you did. I spent forever deciding and then did it all over again during the buyback offer and STILL came up to the same conclusion - RX8.

While there are a lot of great cars out there and MANY MORE coming out this next year, the RX8 is a real winner.

BTW, we have a 2001 Miata Special Ed. If you were going to "upgrade it" which would you do, turbo or supercharge and why?

Also, have you heard of the True-Flow foam filters that use the OEM housing yet boost performance? I am waiting on them since it doe not modify the car.

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
Great to hear another decision. Posts like yours help other to see the decision process and the "why" you chose what you did. I spent forever deciding and then did it all over again during the buyback offer and STILL came up to the same conclusion - RX8.

While there are a lot of great cars out there and MANY MORE coming out this next year, the RX8 is a real winner.

BTW, we have a 2001 Miata Special Ed. If you were going to "upgrade it" which would you do, turbo or supercharge and why?

Also, have you heard of the True-Flow foam filters that use the OEM housing yet boost performance? I am waiting on them since it doe not modify the car.

My dilemma re the Miata is much the same, but if you turbo/SC, you'll also have to do some serious mods to the suspension. I put a K&N in my '02 SE and it may help a little, but it sounds good too. And Mazda can't complain. If you want to have some fun and want to autox, just lay out some bucks for a set of wheels and some Hoosiers for the track. One autox I went to this year was "won" (FTD) by a 2000 CS Miata running Hoosiers. The lineup included an S2000, two 350zs, 3 WRX's, 1 EVO and two 'vettes. If you can't go fast with 90hp, 300 ain't gonna help...except in a drag race.

RevHappy: When I was checking out the Evo yesterday, I saw a family man bring his kids in and check one of them out. Very cool. I hope he gets it. They all looked way psyched about it.

Rodster: Your avatar frightens me. Who is that? I dig it. I don't know about that foam filter but K&N makes a flat filter that fit in my '92 box way back when. If you go on the Miata.Net and check the forum (as I'm sure you've done) you'll see all the heated fighting over supercharging versus turbos. As I see it, either one is a fantastic way to go, but if you want something that's bolt-on, right out of the box, the Flyin' Miata II turbo (which I have) is the most effective way to get big power. The supercharger kits just aren't really there yet, unless you want lesser amounts of power. I have owned two JR SCs and installed six of them in various Miatas, but they just aren't all that satisfying and I don't like the throttle response or overheated intake air. The Bell superchargers had reliability problems. But the new FM Ubercharger SC (still in development) should rock. Right now, for big power, the FM II is hard to beat.

And yes, Tybee, for flat-out Miata fun there's no need for forced induction. (But it's also a lot of fun.)

I can't wait to get my 8!! Like a grown-up Miata, huh?

Zonker04,

Having read your posts in this thread, I'm in exactly the same boat as you. I'm also in my 40's with 3 kids. My current ride is a 2 seater (87 RX-7) but we have a minivan for hauling the family. My 7 is just too much fun to give up without a fight.

I think the RX-8 is the perfect "evolution" for me. It combines the practicality of 4 seats with a level of refinement missing from my 7. And its not giving up anything in the fun to drive category.

Since I've been driving a blue rotary powered car since 1980,I tihnk a Winning Blue RX-8 is my destiny. The only question remaining is when. I'm trying hard to wait out the first model years bugs but resistance is fading fast....

Zonker,
That miata sounds like a beast. There is something to be said about a turbo-charged roadster!!

Roadsters are really starting to grow on me. I think the Lotus Elise might just be my next car. How about an EVO/RX8 and an Elise in your garage. Sounds like a nice couple. :)

Heh heh; yes, the Miata is a beast, and kind of a sleeper, too. You can see it here (http://miata.cardomain.com/id/zonker92).

This (insurance) wait is really bugging me ...

Originally posted by cruzdreamer
I am not sure how old you are, but it seems the younger drivers like the EVO and the WRX etc. To me( I am 38), those cars seem like a young man's or woman's car. I could not even see myself in either of those cars no matter how fast or how well they drove.

I'm in total agreement here. I keep dropping by my Mazda dealer from time to time and they have a yellow MSP there. I test drove it, and without having the knowledge of testing a BMW newer then 99, I'd say the MSP is a better handling, smoother riding machine with one kick*ss stereo and some get up and go.

Having said all that, its too kid punk / generation X for me. I'm 39.

I'm sticking to my guns, Black GT RX-8 for spring 2004.

Originally posted by Zonker04
I must also disclose that I love RWD cars in general and Mazdas in particular (and have had three Miatas, all of which started out normally aspirated, then two wound with superchargers and one with a turbo), which makes the decision easier for me.

Hey Eric A., is that you? ;) A belated 'Hi!' and welcome to the forum. I enjoyed your notes above from your various test drives - you've captured well the feel and spirit of the RX-8. It does make a nice family hauler that still lets you really enjoy the drive. It's been compared to a 4 door Miata before - but like you say, not the same go-kart feel. I'm really enjoying the 8, and have to admit that there are days (like today) when I could have driven the Miata but still picked the 8! :)

Are you planning on keeping your Miata? It sounded like you were going to switch to the RX-8 rather than have both...

Regards,
Gordon

Yo, Gordon; yeah it's me all right! Thanks for the kind welcome. The deal is, I had a little fender-bender (OK, a panel bender) in L.A. on Sept. 10, and I'm waiting to hear from the insurance company about what they're going to do with the car.

Even if they total it, I'm gonna buy back the salvage, because the damage is only cosmetic, but the whole ordeal is taking forever, and in the meantime I've been driving a rental Protege. Since I have three kids, the five-seat Protege has really come in handy taking them to soccer games and school, etc. And I had been ogling the RX-8 for some time now anyway, and one thing led to another and here I am.

If I keep the Miata I'll probably strip it down and sell the turbo, etc., to finance the RX-8. I dunno. I'm pretty much determined now to get a bigger car. Whether I keep the Miata or not is a separate question. But, as you can see, I do love the '8 so that would take a lot of sting out of the transition.

As for the MSP (Evolv) I've been driving this rental Protege for a few weeks now, and even with a turbo and some suspension bits I'm still not sure I can get excited about this car. I guess I could test-drive the MSP, but FWD cars generally aren't my thang.

my avatar was actually a practical joke that a friend pulled on me. If you saw the theatrical poster for Terminator 3 you might recognize the body and background. The head is my own taken from another picture. Mike, my friend, was playing around in photoshop and well, the rest is evident. He had just done that when I joined this site so I thought I would use it for something.

How do you get an darn avatar under my name? I go to the part where you can download and there's just a small box w/ a red x in it...no choices. I tried downloading my own and can't seem to. What do I need to do. I am not a computer whiz so........I had a graphic pic reduced to fit and could not get it to work. Any suggestions? thanks.

After you have 10 posts then you can add your own avatar. You go to the User/CP button at the top and to Edit options. At the bottom is the avatar control. There is a button to change the avatar. oh, you have to get the image to an acceptable lower res or it will not accept it.

So yesterday I bought a red Sport Package with CD changer, rotary accents and spare tire. (I may sell the spare kit; it's too damn big for my trunk.)

I am very happy with my purchase. :D It really is an amazing car. The kids love it, and made me drive them into the parking lot at school so all the kids could ooh and aah, and they did. It's powerful enough for me without being crude, and extremely smooth and well-damped. I would never guess at the low torque numbers if I didn't know them.

congrats
and post pics

Originally posted by Zonker04
So yesterday I bought a red Sport Package with CD changer, rotary accents and spare tire. (I may sell the spare kit; it's too damn big for my trunk.)

Congrats, Eric! You'll love it! 2 weeks after I picked mine up in July, my son and I left for a 2 week road trip to the Monterey Historics. It's a fabulous car for distance driving, and is very versatile - excellent for cruising on the freeway, and excellent for hitting the twisties (we did the Mount Hamilton run the day we left Monterey :D ).

Enjoy!
Regards,
Gordon

Eric - congrats

Hey Gordon where is the Mount Hamilton run

I'm planning a road trip to Ablerta and west next year, break in period for my 8

Here's a map (http://www.ucolick.org/general/lickmap.html) - California Route 130, the Mount Hamilton road, runs from east San Jose, California, to the Lick Observatory. It's extremely twisty and windy, and the road down the back side is even better!

Regards,
Gordon

Thanks, everyone. I'll try to post some quick and dirty pix here.

And here:

Sweet pix, Zonker!

We're most likely going to pick up an "8" within the next few months. Have looked at and tested some other contenders (we've even considered a few SUV crossovers in our search to replace my aging PGT), but the 8 does it for us!

Love the red -- we haven't decided if we're gonna go Red or Ti, though Sandi is leaning towards Ti.

Just going to go with the sport model, just exactly like the one you picked up -- accents + CD changer + spare. We don't want/need all the extras, especally the moonroof.

zonker
great pics
I love the red myself

welcome

Thanks, Dewds!

I yam loving this car. Had to scoot to make a left turn arrow this morning. Put down the hammer and made the light with half a second to spare, heel-toeing and downshifting and accelerating out of the turn: I could feel the tail thinking about coming out, but not quite doing it--sweet!!!! The traction control never kicks in under normal driving

Fast forward almost three years, and here I am again, posting in my own original thread, albeit under a different moniker:

When we left off before, I had bought the RX-8 after test-driving the Evo, and I was mighty conflicted between the two.

Well, the RX-8 was a noble steed and it served me extremely well over the last 2.5 years. Never gave me any trouble, handled like a dream, and got nice looks wherever I went. But eventually I decided I wanted a five-seater, and I never quite forgot about that Evo.

So ... last night I just traded in my 2004 RX-8 (20,600 miles; perfect condition; $19,000) for an Evo IX with the Sun(roof), Sound (upgraded stereo) and Leather package. Here's a quick review:

Driving the Evo (aka Baby Huey) is a whole different experience from my RX-8. The cabin is orders of magnitude more open and light, especially with the sunroof open. The windows and windshield are much larger, the window sills a bit lower, the seating position much higher.

My three kids seem much to prefer the Evo's interior: They get power windows in back; they can open the doors themselves; and there's a lot more hip and shoulder room when they're sitting two across. We did three across last night, and that seemed good, too (less so for longer trips). Happily, the rear seating on the Evo (biggest in class?) really seems quite roomy.

I dig the interior in general: The small orange instrument cluster is low-rent as are the switchgear and door handles, but the dash overall is good to look at and the shifter, pedals and steering wheel are all delights to use. I particularly like the leather Momo wheel and mini-baseball-like black leather shift knob. The leather package adds leather to the door panels and center console arm rest, so they're pretty nice too.

The steering is very quick but I got used to it quickly. Turning radius is larger but still workable; I can still pull the necessary U-ey into my lot at work. Corners flat and quick. Suspension is stiff but I like that. Rougher than the RX-8 but not too much so.

The power is a bit like walking a Rottweiller: As long as everything's mellow it just ambles along like a Tercel. Tip your foot into the throttle and the dog sees a cat and rockets forward like a guided missile, in a blur. Laggy? Yes; just a bit.

Engine noise is very purposeful, not just the exhaust but under the hood too. Loving all the details, even those I can't see: Magnesium valve cover, hollow cams, variable intake cam, forged pistons. There a cold-air intake with an extruded aluminum pipe running to the turbo; very nice welds on the pipe.

And I have always creamed of red Brembos and this particular style of wheel; can't complain there.

I also dig the looks front to back, flared boxy fenders, rear windshield wiper, stubby little antenna up top.

This morning I passed one motocop with his radar gun out, but I wasn't speeding; still made me paranoid though.

I will likely pull the wing off in the next few days; but I think I'll keep it for occasional use. The (hollow) carbon fiber is just stone gorgeous. My kids love it, of course.

I was afraid it was so Spartan that it wouldn't have an interior trunk release, but it does. Relieved about that. The "315-watt" stereo sounds good to me; much better than the base stereo in my 8. The sub box in the trunk looks cool.

From the outside, the car looks relatively small, but on the inside it seems almost huge to me. And one nice detail on the engine: It comes factory pre-filled with Mobile 1, and on the oil filler cap it's got a big Mobile 1 label. Cool. (I'm a big fan of Mobile 1.)

No pix yet, but except for the sunroof it looks just like the one below. The interior shots are of the leather package in other Evo IXs.

So I just wanted to say that the RX-8 was a great car, but at the moment I wanted (needed?) something different. Apples and oranges, in a way.

Great to hear about your purchase! I too am almost ready to trade my baby in for much needed space. Things have changed since I bought her....new jewelry business and my son is a lot bigger now and complains now about my car when he used to love it. My concern is what I will get for my 8....2004 Auto GT with 31,000 miles...great condtion, just some scrapes on the wheels. I owe more than $19,000 unfortunately. My hubby says no more rolling the upside down money into the next one!! So....I have to wait. I really hate to give her up but I need space!! Though for a sports car I have been more than pleased with the space and trunk capacity! IMO the RX8 is still one of the best looking cars out there. I am not an EVO fan.....too young looking for me but cool for youthful guys. I am 40 but I do feel like I am 30. So, now I want something cool and reasonably priced and with some good utility and good gas mileage. Here's what I want, well so far my first choice....( no comparison to an RX8...boo hoo), Chevy(yikes, did I say Chevy?) HHR. Love the looks and how I can customize it(love the orange), but it may be too small. Next...ok...brace yourselves.....Honda Element....ok on looks(new ones without the black plastic panels) but good for an autistic son, jewelry stuff and great on gas for it's cargo space...not to mention reliable!!!) OK....hubby wants me to get a van.....I am not a van person at all. So, one van type vehicle is only possible.......Mazda5....sporty looking little hauler and if it drives like the Protege 5 wagon I had before than it is a possibility.....white, tint windows etc. I read in some review that it drove horribly and that surprised me. Anyone else know about that one? Guess I can drive it for myself. So, my concerns are price, cargo, gas mileage and looks!!! Hard to satisfy all of those and still look cool and love driving my car! I have not been on the forum for about a year...busy.....but had to sort of talk this one out I guess! Thanks for listening! Wendy

Thanks for the nice note, Wendy. Those all sound like great options for you. I would encourage you to test-drive them and, when the time comes, go with what appeals to you most emotionally, and well as practically.

I have looked over the Mazda 5 but I have not driven it. I thought it was really cool. I also like the Element. I have not really looked much at the HHR, but it could be nice. Anyway, good luck to you and yours!

Just bought mine at the start of the year. I'm 44 and have two kids so the only criteria the wife mandated was it had to have 4 seats. 350Z, S200, Miata all ruled out right off the bat. Eov, WRX and STi were also ruled out pretty quickly, great for performance and AWD but did not like the boy racer image and low rent interior. Looked at the Eclipse but it is a lead sled and is lacking in many areas, pretty car though. It came down to two cars the Legacy GT and RX-8.

Legacy GT had all the goods of the STi but had a far better interior quality and amenities. It also had a better ride quality while only being slightly slower (0-60 5.1 sec) but was a very dull looking car. The RX-8 was a beautiful car and I always wanted to own a rotary. I read every thing I could about both cars for about two years. One month I was sold on the RX the next it was the GT. This went on for 2 years. When it was time to buy I test drove the RX-8 and new right then this was the car. Bought it two days later, love every aspect of this car except the abysmal gas mileage.

Excellent choice. A few years back the low-rent Evo interior put me off, too, but this new leather one is much nicer. Still cheap, but it actually looks nice in a lot of ways. The front Recaro seats are amazing; black perforated leather (see above). Yum.

I test-drove the Legacy GT a few weeks back. Damn, but that thing pulls like a freight train! Great bottom end. But I couldn't stand the front; reminded me of Taurus, and the interior was almost too nice for me, if that makes sense; I like something a little more basic and sporty.

The STi is great, but (1) they wouldn't let me test-drive one; (2) I can't stand the nose; and (3) I hate the blue seats. Plus, no sunroof. So that was out.

Thanks Hard8......Have fun with your car....all the car magazines seem to like the EVO if I remember correctly! I have driven the HHR and the Element but not the Mazda5. Both drove ok but in comparison to my 8, well, there is none and that is what I struggle with too. Looking for the fun factor(zoom, zoom) so I am hoping the 5 has it if I can't get the HHR. The HHR has more of the amenities(like leather,sunroof,heated seats, autodim mirrors,remote start etc.) I want and looks for about the same price...the others don't even offer leather!! So many decisions but I have time I guess. Thanks again and enjoy! P.S. Cool seats!

Thanks; you, too! :)

Excellent choice. A few years back the low-rent Evo interior put me off, too, but this new leather one is much nicer. Still cheap, but it actually looks nice in a lot of ways. The front Recaro seats are amazing; black perforated leather (see above). Yum.

I test-drove the Legacy GT a few weeks back. Damn, but that thing pulls like a freight train! Great bottom end. But I couldn't stand the front; reminded me of Taurus, and the interior was almost too nice for me, if that makes sense; I like something a little more basic and sporty.

The STi is great, but (1) they wouldn't let me test-drive one; (2) I can't stand the nose; and (3) I hate the blue seats. Plus, no sunroof. So that was out.

I hear ya, if Subaru could just get a good design team they would make a killing. I just could not image looking at the Legacy every morning for the next 10 years. Being from the Midwest I do miss that AWD. Have you seen the next Eov making the rounds at the car shows, very nice.

Yeah; the Evo X looks like a real beast, although I have to say I'm a sucker for the looks of the IX, which almost reminds me of an old E30 M3, boxy fenders, juvenile wing and all.

The X looks more like a hypersteroidal Acura TL, and I bet it costs a lot more, too.

Yeah; the Evo X looks like a real beast, although I have to say I'm a sucker for the looks of the IX, which almost reminds me of an old E30 M3, boxy fenders, juvenile wing and all.

The X looks more like a hypersteroidal Acura TL, and I bet it costs a lot more, too.

My love for the E30 M3 is a big reason why I love the looks of the Evo and WRX/STI. There's just something about fender flares on a boxier car that make it look so intimidating and sexy in an understated way.

Also, I'll never understand all the fuss about interiors. It's all plastic, some a little "better" plastic than others and I just don't drive around looking at how beautifully molded my plastic interior is. Functionality wise, the Evo interior is damn good, great visibility, perfectly placed pedals, great steering wheel, the shifter position is very natural, and oddly enough all the vents seem to be placed better than in many of my previous cars. Oh, and the seats, best seats I've ever sat in in any car, including exotics.

What you said, Ike. And I am all about the user interface; that holy quadrangle of shifter, seat, steering wheel and pedals. The Evo (and the RX-8 and Miata) have them set up just riiiiight.

What you said, Ike. And I am all about the user interface; that holy quadrangle of shifter, seat, steering wheel and pedals. The Evo (and the RX-8 and Miata) have them set up just riiiiight.

I can't use my normal driving position in the RX-8, me legs always hit the steering wheel. :( I sit more forward than most people my height, but most cars I don't have a problem with.

I like to sit forward, too, but it works for moi.

I can't use my normal driving position in the RX-8, me legs always hit the steering wheel. :( I sit more forward than most people my height, but most cars I don't have a problem with.
I'm not sure I understand. What is you're height? I'm quite short, and have to sit quite forward just to reach the pedals. Haven't encountered a problem with legs and the steering wheel. I can't quite picture how you are doing it.

maybe Ike is 10 feet tall thats why hes having a problem

Im 6 ft and I have no problem driving my 8, oh yes with my gf's parents in the backseat as well (just happened tonight)

I'm 6'2, and if I put the seat back a bit it's fine, but with the seat where it feels comfortable for me my legs hit no matter what.

In response to the original poster, get the Evo! :hahano:

I'm 6'1 and I can't heel-toe unless I put my steering wheel all the way up (which looks very awkward)

In response to the original poster, get the Evo! :hahano:
That's me--that was my old moniker--and I did! :beer05::lol2: