Well, only 242 days since placing my pre-order and only 44 days after I'd expected delivery (originally), I eventually got to test a higher power rx8 at my Newbury dealer.

Suffice to say I cancelled the order after the drive as neither the performance of the vehicle nor the customer service (Mazda UK, not the Newbury dealership) made it cost effective...shame really.

What made it even more poignant was the fact that my vehicle had actually arrived at the dealership that morning and was undergoing PDI - though, after the test drive I couldn't even be bothered looking at it, no point really.

Oh well, some lucky chap is going to walk straight into the dealers and straight out with a new 8 without having to wait for three-quarters of a year.

C.

:(

Ah well, what was up with the performance? What are you comparing against?

What spec was your car?, did you notice any other 8's there?

Didn't notice any other 8's there. I was in a rush, so it was straight into the test drive and straight back to work. All the ones that arrived that morning were undergoing PDI out of sight.

Mine was a Silver higher power with no options apart from metallic paint.

I was contrasting performance with my curent Honda Civic Type R. The 8 just wasn't a "step" improvement in performance I wanted, high rpm torque just wasn't as good as expected, I though there was a tad too much body roll, I d'dn't like certain styling features, running costs were going to be 50% to 100% higher, customer service was terrible and I think there are still a few bugs to be ironed out with the engine (if you look at the US issues).

Maybe this car will be a lot better after a year of further development. I'm just not prepared to be one of the unfortunate guinea pigs.

C.

Shame, on the Mazda UK front, I dont blame you. I may even be following you if the Dec 5 delivery expectation doesnt improve...

Interestingly my girlfriend test drove the Type R the other day - amazing engine, but sadly the typical person driving the car is a bit of a concern....

EP3,

I am sorry to hear your dissapointing thoughts. But I do disagree with you on the performance issues, I drove the red 8 they had at newbury a few months ago, and I have to say that I was more than happy with the performance/power surge + the lovely sound that comes from the rotary when accelerating. If your one had all the extras, I would have been straight on the phone to Newbury Mazda, however I still think the red is the colour. By the way, who was your sales contact down at Newbury?

However, you are comparing the TypeR with the RX8, which are totally different cars. You might as well compare the performance of the RX8 to the EVO or the STi, because they too cost about the same money.

There will be a few cancelllations from all over the country...and do you know somethng...?? Not one person will say "I cancellled it because I did the sums, and I just can't afford it"

The type R is your typical boy racer car, where excessive engine noise and stiff suspension are mistaken for performance and handling.

If you are in to such things, you are not going to be able to appreciate the smooth power delivery and refined handling of a proper sportscar such as the RX8.

Time to put your baseball cap back on, and look for something crude with a small table stuck on the back, and a sewer pipe for an exhaust.

Cheers
---Dave

EP3 check your pm please...

Si - jst realised it's the same spec as you - are you wondering if this might mean that you can get yours early? :o :D

...called them - I can have it!!!! Need to move the 1k deposit, but assuming thats all ok then I can have the car on Monday!

Si (off to call MAzda)

You lucky lucky b*stard. Shame it wasnt black....

renegade_si, fair play...I am excited for you...

I've got to somehow get the £1000 back from T W Whites and then pay the lot @ list price to Newbury. All of T W Whites guys are busy at the moment.....
if I know its a matter of time but I will get the £1000 back then I'm putting money down on it now!

Si (rushing to do bank transfers online as I type)

I thought the 1k was with Mazda UK?
Either way, I dont see there being a problem - it isnt as if they wont be able to sell it - or give it to someone else in the queue....

Ed, ours was given to T W whites...

5-0 away win at Middlesbrough on Saturday 1st....car on Monday 3rd...wow..!!

I wish :) You're not a wolf as well Pillman are you?

Originally posted by renegade_si
I've got to somehow get the £1000 back from T W Whites and then pay the lot @ list price to Newbury. All of T W Whites guys are busy at the moment.....
if I know its a matter of time but I will get the £1000 back then I'm putting money down on it now!

Si (rushing to do bank transfers online as I type)

Now not only can you write that letter to Mazda; "I'M PISSED OFF WITH THE WAIT SO I'M CANCELLING AND I WANT MY DEPOSIT BACK" (yes all in caps), but you also get the car with even less of a wait! You lucky sonofawhatsit.

Cheers
---Dave

Mazda say that its between me and T W Whites now - nothing to do with them. Its down to Whites to decide how much deposit I get back....

Si,

Even if you only get 900 back, its not to bad, you get the car atleast

Renegade_Si,

Sorry mate, didn't get your PM till now, hope it all goes well.

Druck and Pillman....are you guys for real or did you both just come up the river in a bubble?

Pillman..."no-one is gonna say "I cancellled it because I did the sums, and I just can't afford it""...

Think about it man, who's gonna have placed an order in the first place if they couldn't afford it. Tyre kickers don't usually put down a bag-of-sand.

Druck..."The type R is your typical boy racer car, where excessive engine noise and stiff suspension are mistaken for performance and handling. If you are in to such things, you are not going to be able to appreciate the smooth power delivery and refined handling of a proper sportscar such as the RX8"...

...So, the NSX-R isn't one of the best supercars the world has ever known (to quote the late Mr Senna)? I nearly wet myself when you said the RX8 was a proper sports car...are you sure you're not Ian Duncan Smith in disguise.

C.

PS - I'm 35 and have never worn a baseball cap backwards...unlike IDS.

thanks EP3.... no worries. T W Whites have called and they say that my cars supposedly at Bookham?! I've basically told him the situation and he understands completely (its not his order, so its not his bonus, so he would!!!)
he;s gone off to give me a deifintive date to get it from them...

I cant believe the adrenalin im feeling here - all over a car!!!

Think about it man, who's gonna have placed an order in the first place if they couldn't afford it. Tyre kickers don't usually put down a bag-of-sand.


Are you kidding ep3..? I have no doubt in my mind that there a lots of people who put down a safe(ish) grand and did not do the maths...suddenly the cars on the horizon and they think ooh err..!!

Well done si! and dont forget the pics!

Now, if anyone in Scotland would like to cancel their order for a Titanium Grey, with leather and Sat. Nav in the next couple of days, I would really appreciate it... ;)

How interesting...Spoke to Hamer at T W Whites and they tell me the car is with them on Friday, and will be PDId and ready by next Weds.....Therefore for 2 days, I'm staying put...

still next Wednesday - wow!!!! Quick got to sort those insurance quotes - trawl through again at the weekend and hope the change of ownership of the new plate from Rich606 comes through!!

Come on guys, leave ep3 alone...I understand exactly where he is coming from.

We all put down our deposits not knowing how the car will drive, and it was bound to disappoint a few.

My mate has a Civic Type R, and I can understand that it is a hard car to beat in terms of performance, especially when it VTEC's! :)

I say good luck to you ep3, and sorry it didn't work out.

Shahpor

Originally posted by ep3
...So, the NSX-R isn't one of the best supercars the world has ever known (to quote the late Mr Senna)?.

I'm sorry, I thought you said you had a Civic Type-R, last time I looked it was quite different to NSX-R.

Cheers
---Dave

I am a typeR man (Integra) and they are fantastic performance cars.

However - A CTR is a very different animal to an RX8 and not really a direct compare.
I actually think ep3 is right - why spend the extra cash when a perfectly funtional hot-hatch matches your needs ?

I have driven both (CTR and RX8) and they are doing a different job. The RX8 is many times more sophisticated than the CTR with comfort and toys to match. What the CTR is , is a fantastic hot-hatch. Price/performance it cannot be beat. But , there is no escaping the fact it is a pretty boring looking people carrier with go faster bits.

ep3 has the same problem I had - if you want a step up in performance (I mean a significant step , the RX8 is only fractionally quicker than a CTR) where do you go ? The only real answer is EVO or Scooby land. However - neither of these will match the RX8s comfort , features , style etc... you trade it all for performance.

Anyway, good luck to EP3 - and let's hope that Honda bring the integra over so we can buy a real typeR ;)

Morgan.

Originally posted by ep3
Didn't notice any other 8's there. I was in a rush, so it was straight into the test drive and straight back to work. All the ones that arrived that morning were undergoing PDI out of sight.

Mine was a Silver higher power with no options apart from metallic paint.

I was contrasting performance with my curent Honda Civic Type R. The 8 just wasn't a "step" improvement in performance I wanted, high rpm torque just wasn't as good as expected, I though there was a tad too much body roll, I d'dn't like certain styling features, running costs were going to be 50% to 100% higher, customer service was terrible and I think there are still a few bugs to be ironed out with the engine (if you look at the US issues).

Maybe this car will be a lot better after a year of further development. I'm just not prepared to be one of the unfortunate guinea pigs.

C.

Were you the smarmy looking geezer with his woman crawling all over the 8 in the showroom yesterday?

Originally posted by renegade_si
I wish :) You're not a wolf as well Pillman are you?

Right Si I'm off to go and piss all over it. I saw your car yesterday and can only say Thank God I didn't order silver.

Glad you are getting your early though!

Mine is there next week!

Oh and Newbury got a low power silver in. There seems to be no pattern at all to the type of vehicles and dates of delivery.

Cheers

Originally posted by Contigo
Right Si I'm off to go and piss all over it. I saw your car yesterday and can only say Thank God I didn't order silver.

Glad you are getting your early though!

Mine is there next week!

Go ahead - I've been promised mine by next Wednesday at T W whites in Weybridge :D

Apparently that silvers in the showroom at the moment, is that right?

Besides, if you're gonna pee all over it, I am presuming its cos of jealousy...!

hope to meet up soon mate!


:)

They look good mate and I'm glad that you have sped it up. My delivery is next week too!

Red wins!!!

Originally posted by Contigo
Red wins!!!

Red is for loosers. And speeding tickets! :D

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Red is for loosers. And speeding tickets! :D

It's OK - Phil knows how to avoid speeding tickets!;) :p

Just come back from T Whites in Weighbridge (one red demo car and one high power black in showroom for customer). Then I popped down to T Whites in Bookham to look at Titanium (had not seen colour before). They had 1 Tit demo + 4 customer cars (1 silver, 1 black and 1 red + 1 other - can't remember).

Originally posted by Pillman
Just come back from T Whites in Weighbridge (one red demo car and one high power black in showroom for customer). Then I popped down to T Whites in Bookham to look at Titanium (had not seen colour before). They had 1 Tit demo + 4 customer cars (1 silver, 1 black and 1 red + 1 other - can't remember).

And your thoughts on the colours are (please)?

I'll be honest, I wasn't bowled over with it. In fairness the car was outside under a very grey sky. Don't get me wrong, it looked good, but I was hoping to say 'wow' to myself...didn't happen. Also, the red car has a very 'mica' look to it, whereas the titanium just looks metallic (didn't get a chance to mention this to the dealer as I was on my way home when the thought stuck me). On a positive note, the leather looked very good (however, the car didn't have that 'leather smell' like a new BM or Audi has. I expect I am being too picky for a £23,500 car...it’s not going to have £2k buffalo hide..

Just re-read my last post...sounds too negative and not a true reflection of how I felt this morning. The best bit of my morning was at Weighbridge (spent 1/2 hour going over the car/sitting in it etc) I was so excited…there were no other customers in the showroom and the dealer just said 'knock yourself out'.

You know how it is when you see a car in a showroom full of other enthusiasts all with their hand on the chins looking intellectual. Well today I was the small boy in a toy shop with no one around...I nearly did a nnnrrr….sound with my mouth while sitting in the seat. The front of the car is amazing….the driving position A1, the instruments ‘wow’...I can't wait..!!

I expect if we had sunshine like the aussies the cars would look a little better.

My thoughts from what I have seen.

Silver does not do the car any justice at all, not showing the curves and lines off.

Winning Blue - Nice but a tad too weak for my liking.

Yellow - Actually really liked this colour, really did look good on the car.

Velocity Red - Absolutely stunning in all lights. All the curves are shown and the beauty is that the colour changes from orange to scarlet dependent on light.

Black - I really like the black after having seen one on a car transporter recently.

Contingo, issue to me is that the red looks dull when there isn't a nice light shining on it.
Great for the summer months though.

Still haven't actually SEEN a silver yet...

I thought the Titanuim Grey was metallic but the publicity pack states its mica !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AnilS.

Originally posted by AnilS
I thought the Titanuim Grey was metallic but the publicity pack states its mica !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AnilS.

This is a long standing issue. We think it is metallic and they've got the brochures wrong.

2002 Civic Type R specs
Not a big deal (IMO) certainly not up to the specs of the 8, and I think the torque is a little lower at similar RPM's, also the 8 redlines so much higher. Not sold in USA, although everyone has a type R sticker.

Estimated Price : About $21,000

Engine
Engine Code : K20C
Type : Inline four, aluminum block and head
Valvetrain : DOHC, four valves per cylinder,
i-VTEC variable valve timing
Displacement : 1998cc: 86.0 mm x 86.0mm
Compression Ratio : 11.0:1
Claimed Crank Hp : 200 hp @ 7400 rpm
Claimed Crank Torque : 145 lb-ft @5900 rpm
Redline : 7900 rpm

Drivetrain
Layout : Transverse front engine,
front-wheel drive

Transmission
Gear Ratios
1 : 3.266:1
2 : 2.130:1
3 : 1.517:1
4 : 1.147:1
5 : 0.921:1
6 : 0.738:1
Final drive : 4.388:1
Differential : Torque-sensitive helical limited-slip


(Front Wheel Drive, ugh)
I have silver, looks like a James Bond car, love it, got the GT had since 1st of Sept. Leather smells great.

After driving the 8 today I'm not surprised it doesn't appeal to the type-R and other hot hatch drivers, used to small buzzy 4 cylinder engines putting far to much power through the front wheels, and shod in rediculously low profile tyres for road driving purely for styling reasons.

Whith such a car, it is very easy to find its limits due to the overwhelming technical compromise of an engine hanging out over the front of the car driving the front wheels. Accelarating out of a tight bend, you have the front wheels having to deal with the conflicting requirements of grip, traction and steering. Whilst the stiff springing and low profile tyres are easily upset by normal surface imprections. Its always going to feel fast having to fight these limitations.

The RX8 on the other hand suffers from no such compromises, it puts its power down through wheels at the correct end of the car, is pefectly weighted, with superbly supple long wishbone suspension. The result of this is that it feels completely effortless, neither the car or driver feels if they are doing any work at the same speed that has the hot hatch driver in a cold sweat.

Now before anyone thinks I am critising, I can appreciate that some people like the on the edge experiance of a hot hatch. They like to feel they are going fast, but I prefer to know I'm going fast.

Cheers
---Dave

Dave,

You are a very sad and deluded man. With one breath you are championing the 8 as a true sports car, then, the next breath you are denying all the factors that make sports cars...well...sports cars.

There are reasons beyond your own conception as to why stiff chassis, harder suspension, lower profile tyres etc... are required, and they're not just for style.

Obviously if you had any real technical knowledge you would know such things...but you don't. The simple fact is that you'd be much happier left alone in a room with a box of tissues and a glossy magazine full or rx8 pictures. You've obviously fallen head over heels for the car and can see no faults in it.

Ahhh,...true love is blind...

C.

err... Sorry - cannot support that.

I am a hot-hatch-type-R guy and what Dave says is true (if worded harshly).

I think the actual difference is that the RX8 has been designed to be what it is from the ground up, every component designed from the outset for that task.

The cars we are comparing against are conversions from sensible family people carrier hatchbacks. By their very nature they are a compromise. That does not mean they are not great fun though ! !

Morgan.

EP3; and theres me thinking you didn't have a sense of humour. But then again perhaps you really do beleive you have an NSX rather than a tarted up Civic. Oh dear :eek:

Cheers
---Dave

Puhhleeease. You only have to look at the civic. It could do 200mph, and corner like it was on rails. It still looks like fridge with spoliers and low profile tyres. Good job they dont do it in white.

lol several times!!.....this is a great thread.

It's all coming out now....ep3...you can compare it to a lovers tiff...starts off with "I just need some time to myself" ends up with a blazing row along the lines of "I never did fancy you..!!"

ep3 if you couldn't afford it at the time then you shouldn't have ordered it.

Contigo,

Not meaning to boast, but, I could walk into a dealership tomorrow and buy a fully loaded 8 for cash...that's not a lie. Cost wasn't the point.

If you'd actually bothered to read the thread you'd see that my argument was over the cost *versus* the benefits. If I'm gonna add 50% to 100% to my running costs, then, I expect the overall package to be in the region of 50% to 100% "better" than my current car.

What I (personally) class as "better" are better handling, bhp, torque, brakes, fuel economy etc... Much lower down on my list are "style" items such as free sytle doors, the fact that it's a rotary etc... Admitedly the 8 beats my current car in some of these classes, but, just not enough.

It's obvious that you and Dave describe "better" in a Blair-ite "Style over Content" sort of way. Perhaps you should join Dave in his bedroom..I'm sure he could lend you a tissue.

C.


PS - Dave, I do have a sense of humour...I've been laughing at your posts for ages.

ep3; you kill me you really do. You favour a tarted up family hatch back with non aerodynamic wings, rude boy alloys and a bucket exhaust, and then accuse us of putting style over content!

Blair-ite? You are Alistair Campbell.

Originally posted by ep3

What I (personally) class as "better" are better handling, bhp, torque, brakes, fuel economy etc... Much lower down on my list are "style" items such as free sytle doors, the fact that it's a rotary etc...

So what was it that attracted you to an RX8 in the first place ep3?
Just curious.

I can respect you decision not to proceed with your order. You pays your money, you makes your choice. But at the same time, there is no point in participating in a flame war and starting to slag off both the car and forum members with whom, until a few days ago, you shared a common interest - i.e. the RX8.

From what you've said you want from a new car, perhaps the 350Z would more meet your needs?

Good luck anyway. You must feel as if you are back to square one!

Originally posted by ep3
Contigo,

Not meaning to boast, but, I could walk into a dealership tomorrow and buy a fully loaded 8 for cash...that's not a lie. Cost wasn't the point.

If you'd actually bothered to read the thread you'd see that my argument was over the cost *versus* the benefits. If I'm gonna add 50% to 100% to my running costs, then, I expect the overall package to be in the region of 50% to 100% "better" than my current car.

What I (personally) class as "better" are better handling, bhp, torque, brakes, fuel economy etc... Much lower down on my list are "style" items such as free sytle doors, the fact that it's a rotary etc... Admitedly the 8 beats my current car in some of these classes, but, just not enough.

It's obvious that you and Dave describe "better" in a Blair-ite "Style over Content" sort of way. Perhaps you should join Dave in his bedroom..I'm sure he could lend you a tissue.

C.


PS - Dave, I do have a sense of humour...I've been laughing at your posts for ages.


Erm I sold an Impreza which was faster and had better handling than the 8. It was also a third of the cost of the vehicle I am waiting for. I just don't understand why it has to be 50-100% better to warrant buying it.

The way I see it is that a base Civic Typre R will cost you £15.5k and a base hi-power will set you back an extra £4.5k. For me that percentage increase say 25-30% is more than rewarded with the cars spec,style and overall package. I was looking at a CTR but then the 8 came along and I just couldn't believe the package for the price. After driving the 8 I just knew that it was the right decision. The power delivery between the two cars is completely different. One is a push in the back above 5000rpm and the other is linear.

How you can describe it as having a tad too much body roll is also quite mad! The car has perfect 50:50 weight distribution and the handling of the car is far better than other RWD vehicles.

It just seemed like a bit of a cop out to drive it and then dismiss it. I would have booked another one or at least slept on it. Also resiudals on this car WILL be far better than those of the CTR. You could buy this one and sell it for a few K more in say six months time and then get a reduced CTR.

I'm not getting at you and I fully respect your decision, but it seems like a bit of weak reason to get rid of a car after having waited 242 days for it.

I'm buying the RX-8 for the following reasons:

* It's rare ... not like any Beemers or Audi TT's
* It's engineeringly really unusual -- rotary, doors etc
* It's fast enough (just) for me and handles really well
* It looks classy and I'd feel stupid in a scooby or an EVO (too old for those)
* It's practical (my eleven year old daughter fits in the back)

If I'm honest I would have bought the VX220 turbo if I was single, but I'm not so the RX-8 is for me :)

If I'm honest I would have bought the VX220 turbo if I was single,

Any time you get a thought like that coming on, just remember; Griff Reece Jones in his underpants :o

Oh I love this thread. Great entertainment. Just bear in mind its been nearly 7 hours since I drove my RX8 and I'm still grinning like Tony Blair. I think the Civic type R is a great piece of engineering within the constraints of a family car but the 8 is in a different league.

I think the Civic Type-R comparison is valid. It may not be a direct competitor to the 8 but then what is?

I considered a Civic Type-R but was put off by the image/styling and worries that it wouldn't be very good for long motorway journeys. If the 8 can give me similar performance and handling to the Honda (doesn't need to be better) while also looking great, having loads of kit and being a comfortable, refined vehicle for long journeys then, for me, it has justified the extra cost.

I absolutely love the RX-8's styling and the performance is fine, I just need to be convinced about the handling. I know it may not feel quite the same as a Hot Hatch but I need to be sure that I will enjoy driving it. I have another test drive on Sunday and based on this I am going to make my decision.

Well just been back down there to drive it for an hour and ragged the tits off it. Got the back end out on a few twisties and the handling is superb. Much better feel for the RWD when you knock the DSC off. The car is ten times more fun to drive than a CTR.

ep3 don't cancel!!!!!!

Contingo,

I take it I left the car nice and warm for you!!!. What a drive it is, 90mph in 3rd gear!!!!!!!, the car really rocks. All the women love it!!!, everyone just looks in envy!!!!!, can't wait for mine. Thanks to Peter at Newbury for arranging the drive. I get my reg allocated on the 18/11/03, only a few weeks left, should be picking the car up the following week!!!!!

Should get mine this week mate! Oh yeah the car was warmish and I really wound it up. Over towards hungerford on the A4 touching 120mph with ease.

The handling is the best bit. I had the back end out on a few occasions and Peter commented on the fuel consumption of thecar. He reckons it has been averaging 16mpg, but it has been driven HARD.

Roll on the weekend!

I really hope Mr Plod isn't reading this forum and all the tales of naughty 3 digit speeds. He might get the idea that if he just sits down wind of the nearest Mazda dealer in his unmarked, and follows any RX8's that come out, there will be a guarenteed ticket oppotunity :(

Cheers
---Dave

Be careful kids!