A long post...sorry.

An aside -
I seem to have two accounts on this site...old age no doubt (other is under 'motor') but no reply from sys admin on that one at the moment....

Down the road it may be nice to drive a rx again (only one I had was a 80 rx7). Mostly I recall it was a very light sports car, dam large sun roof, and way fun rotary engine that liked to spin. So I figure if I came across a really gem used rx, once I have money again, it would be good to know which should be on a short list to consider. Since I don't really know rx models well figured i would tell you the little I think I know (not much really) and then what things are important to me.

Got a 07 mx5 at the moment with a auto/manual shifter combo...(sorry, happen to like it over a manual shifter).

I made a few notes of the different rx models:
78 - 85: like the original body style, it would bring back memories of my old rx-7.

86 - 92: could live with the newer body sytle but no convertible since I have a mx5 (unless I got rid of it)

93 - 95: assuming, ride too stiff/hard from what I read to want to live with one.

04 - present: way more $$$ then I could spend I bet though very nice body style and guessing any auto/manual combo would act much like a mx5 auto/manual does (which to me is nice/ok).

If I get one, a 1st or 2nd gen would be a stick of course and that is would be great if I kept my mx5 auto/manual car.

The 4th gen though too much $$$ does offer better looks (then the 2nd gen I feel) plus usable back seat (not needed much but nice to have I would say).

So, if one tries to do a value vs cost would there be a 'better' pick for each gen?
Here is my guess (meaning I don't know ditto per say other then reading a edmunds inside line 'mazda rx-7 and rx-8 article):

1st gen: 83 (rear sway bar) or 84-85 (fule injection, larger brakes on se)

2nd gen: not a clue as to which year(s) one should consider other then abs on 87 and later and some came with turbos (not sure if one should stay away from turbos in a rx or not). Last year 92 model maybe???

3rd gen: figure I should skip that one

4th gen: 04-05 had 4 sp auto, 06 had 6sp plus more hp (6port vs older 4port)

I read a post here and there about a new rotary coming out. Though I would not have the money it would be nice to know if it is coming out as an 08 though figure no one knows just yet.

In order of importance this is what I would want:
1. a model/gen that has fewer engine issues/electrical issues for the gen it is in.

2. Pure hp is not the most important thing to me so long as it can get out of its own way in traffic and is not a total dog.

3. better of the two mpg, stop laughing, would not hurt so if it is close between one gen and another or one year and another then the one with better mpg would win maybe...
Yes I know...don't by an rx and want good mpg.

Ok, that is it sorry for the dam long post.

well obviously for the money's worth I would say buy an 04 rx8

if you want a fast car only and don't care about anything else, get an FD, they depreciate quite less these days but the maintainance will kill you

An FC GXL or a turbo II would be a nice buy if you can find a good condition one. I'd skip the FD. Somehow the headaches of unreliability outweighs any potential funness. The only thing it really has over the rx-8 is fast. You can get than in a 350z or a WRX too with weight more reliability to boot.
If money is not an issue, then for sure an RX-8 is the best of them all. :) Modern update to the rx-line. It's like should I get a 964, 993, 996 or a 997?

It depends on how much you need to depend on the car. If you need a dependable car, get the RX8. You can have fun with this car without mods, if you wish.
If you can work on your car and afford to have it down for repair, I would get a S5 FC. They can be had for a very low cost, leaving you with money for mods or repairs if necessary.
Most FD's see to never be operational around here.
FB's are dependable, but are around 25 yrs. old. The one rotary car shop here in Chicago won't touch them.