I'm seeing a lot on here about '04/05s, but is there anything good/bad about the '09 RX8? I'm planning on surprising my husband with one, but I want to know all I can before I do it. He showed interest in one and is currently deployed, so that's why I'm looking into it.

Do you still have to carry extra oil around?? I keep seeing that pop up in your threads.

Sorry I sound stupid on here... I've done a little research and someone showed me this site.

All help is appreciated! :)
Thanks!

honestly i dont really know much about the 09s coz i own an 04 BUT im nearing 90k miles on my 04 and (knock on wood) no problems so far minus the maintainence stuff. and honestly you should expect that with any sporty car. there are a bunch of guys with 09s on here so they should know. as far as i know there are quite a few "problems" taken care of with the 09's as theyre not a whole new model but more of an upgrade.

Mazda seems to have learned abit from their mistakes with the earlier version of the RX8 and made changes to the 09 to (hopefully) correct them. The reason for carrying oil around is twofold.
One: because the car injects oil into the combustion chamber. Some people mistake this for the car burning oil. That isn't exactly true. The oil is injected to help lubricate seals in the engine. A little more engine oil may be used than with a piston engine. This is dependent on the amount of aggressive driving that is done. It really isn't much more than would be expected. You just need to check the oil level every other fill up. You should be checking it every fill up anyway, with any car.
Two: Previously, in other earlier RX models, it was found that premixing (2 stroke oil with the gasoline) was found to help make the engine last longer between rebuilds. This shouldn't be necessary with the 09 RX8 that is used as a regular car.
Just follow the directions in the owners manual and it should be fine.

Thank You for your support of him and his job.
Beale AFB?

The problems you're noticing on the pre '06 model years were possibly due to several reasons i.e. OMP flow issues, lack of knowledge on rotary engines and involved maintenance, and more.

The '09 models now has a revised OMP (additional nozzle) system which alleviates the under-oiling / bad seals scenario. The '09 models still share the 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine and power output is the same as the previous models.

The '09 models combat some of the issues that plagued the early models however due to the nature of the rotary engines: oil consumption can be expected. It is perfectly normal and your husband should carry an extra quart of oil with him.

They're great cars, handle better than about 90% of the cars out there, and are very unique. They just require the right owner to keep it in great condition. Neglect and rotaries just do not mix at all!

Thanks for the inputs, guys. I don't think he knew about the oil maintenance. He's not a big car guy... just wanted something cool. He's been driving the same truck since 94 and I think he's due an upgrade. :)

I have a little time before he comes home, so I'll keep reading here to be sure I get the best deal for my money when it comes time to buy.

And yes, alnielson, we're both Beale folks! :) (how'd ya know?)

Thanks for the inputs, guys. I don't think he knew about the oil maintenance. He's not a big car guy... just wanted something cool. He's been driving the same truck since 94 and I think he's due an upgrade. :)

I have a little time before he comes home, so I'll keep reading here to be sure I get the best deal for my money when it comes time to buy.

And yes, alnielson, we're both Beale folks! :) (how'd ya know?)
I have some internet stalking skills. Don't worry, I'm mostly harmless. :cwm27:
I spent thousands of dollars, in the past, on making my previous RX7's race worthy. Neither of them could match the handling of the RX8. It is compliant on the road, yet handles marvelous on the track.

He's pretty lucky to have you as awife.... If i randomly got a new car It woud be EPIC!!

I know right!!! :) I'm probably more excited about getting it for him than he will be when he gets it. :)

Wish me luck! Got about another month to go without telling him...

Can you be my wife too :);)

Checking the oil is easy... it might sound tedious, but it really isn't. I wouldn't say you need to carry around a bottle at all times. As you check it, you should see if it's low. So, you might want to have one ready at home or know that you can run to the store sometime soon after seeing that it's approaching the point where it's too low, but that shouldn't be too hard. Checking it is a bit easier in the 09's.. the engine cover has a little spot you can open and the dip stick is right there. All you have to do is check it while you're standing around and waiting for gas to fill up anyways. It's very easy, so I wouldn't let that worry you to the point of not getting the car.

Obviously we're biased, but it really is a fun car. Most the reviews are good and usually mention the smooth feel of the engine, the great handling and pure fun factor of driving the car. I've personally driven a few cars that I knew were better cars, but they just didn't have the same connected feel you get with the 8 which immediately turned me away. So to make a long explanation short... if he already showed interest, I'd say go for it. It's a very enjoyable car to drive and the community is great.

I'm seeing a lot on here about '04/05s, but is there anything good/bad about the '09 RX8? I'm planning on surprising my husband with one, but I want to know all I can before I do it. He showed interest in one and is currently deployed, so that's why I'm looking into it.

Do you still have to carry extra oil around?? I keep seeing that pop up in your threads.

Sorry I sound stupid on here... I've done a little research and someone showed me this site.

All help is appreciated! :)
Thanks!

We will have to make a special thread just for you .

'Pics of Hawt ladies who buy an rx8 for their BF/husband' . LOL

If its any consolation, i have a 05 RX-8 with a couple of upgrades and i may be moving to New York next month and if so ill be dumping my car for basically what i owe on it (very cheap). What part of texas are you in?

i just purchased a 2009 rx8 bout a week ago and all i can say is that its the best car i could of purchased...

Thanks, Spoolin8, but I prefer to get a NEW one. :)

just posting to say I love my RX8. It's the first car that I've every had that I didn't tire of after 2+ years of ownership. This october it will be 3 years!.

Also want to point out the obvious, BEST WIFE EVER. Seriously, very cool and a big thanks to your husband who I take it is partly responsible for our continued freedom and many others!

Just to re-iterate what everyone else is saying...don't let the oil thing worry you..it's just the nature of the beast. Oil is injected into the engine to lubricate the seals, so, you're going to actually burn a little, by design. Every other fill up, check the oil, if it's a little low, top it off.

I did a little searching before I bought mine, just to familiarize myself with the whole 'rotary' concept..

Here are a couple of videos you can look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGrD7FTFLJc&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOtQG35EK_s&feature=related


These helped me understand what was happening with what I was "hearing" under the hood.

Thanks, UniBroW!

And for the record, we both are... I just happened to get a better deployment while he's in a hotter place. Mine gave me the dough to do this surprise!!! :) Got to love our govt! haha

If I only had a wife like you...

I think an 09 RX-8 will be perfect for you and him, just do the extra maintenance and you will be fine.

Thanks, UniBroW!

And for the record, we both are... I just happened to get a better deployment while he's in a hotter place. Mine gave me the dough to do this surprise!!! :) Got to love our govt! haha


hats off to the both of you, you have my entire families utmost respect!

:beer05:

Well deserved for one of our men in uniform from a very classy Lady.

The 09's are not a radical change from earlier years but Mazda did address some potential reliability issues along with a bit of a facelift (the latter I and many here didn't like at first, but it's growing on us). One of which mechanical upgrades was a third oil injector to better lubricate the rotors apex seals. As cited by others it's not allot of oil, but something to be checked a bit more often than piston engines.

Just be sure to get him a 6-speed and one of the strong colors - black, silver, grey, or red.
Given suede-out combat boots these days he's probably not used to polishing things (as we in the ol' Corps), so silver is the easiest color to keep clean. ;)

Thanks for your support on the homefront and his overseas.

I just want to know one thing; got a younger sister with the same personality?


Wife buying a new sports car for hubby FTW

I always wondered why people get married...
This must be what they mean, when they say 'wait for the right one' !!

Also, props to your hubby for fighting for his country.

Huey, he wants RED. I like that it's called Velocity Red! :) And I'm pretty sure he wanted a manual anyway.

To be honest we liked the way the '08s looked better than the '09s, but it's getting harder to find a NEW '08 in red. (I keep finding them in silver or grey...) He definitely wants a new car, not a used one.

Thanks for the comments, guys. I was originally going to surprise him at the airport, but I got a look at the trunk this wknd and there is no way his luggage will fit in that opening!! So instead I'll hide it in the garage and let him find it in his own time... :)

Might as well get a lawyer and divorce

haha just kidding.

this is really cute i wish my gf got me a car for me its the other way around :(

Awesome -my wife did the same exact thing for me... and it was awesome!

I def recommend this car 100% - you can go crazy like I did or keep it all stock.

Props from one soldier to another; if you need anything or have any questions (and yes I am serious) - let me know and I'll get you my number and you or he can call me at anytime.


The car costs a few bucks - but the community included you get for free ;)

Thanks, Kane!! Pretty sure he'll keep it all stock, which is why I want the best. But having said that, I'm trying to keep the price down, too. All I really knew he wanted was a red RX8 with a rear spoiler (and not the flat ones on the trunk lid either!!), so the rest of the specs will be what I want!! haha!

Remember, Velocity Red is the fastest colour!

Huey, he wants RED. I like that it's called Velocity Red! :) And I'm pretty sure he wanted a manual anyway.

To be honest we liked the way the '08s looked better than the '09s, but it's getting harder to find a NEW '08 in red. (I keep finding them in silver or grey...) He definitely wants a new car, not a used one.

Thanks for the comments, guys. I was originally going to surprise him at the airport, but I got a look at the trunk this wknd and there is no way his luggage will fit in that opening!! So instead I'll hide it in the garage and let him find it in his own time... :)
Don't get Silver, they're cursed. And Titanium Gray is French for silver.:rollingla(RX8Club joke)

That's a good thing that they don't make Titanium Gray anymore. I guess Galaxy Gray aren't cursed. :)

Well, I've got an '09 red one so y'all have good taste in color. It's gone 7000 miles with no problems so far. I used to carry around oil but the oil level hardly drops so I don't anymore. I still check every few fill ups but just out of habit.

I would go with whatever one you think looks better and that you can get a better deal on. There are a few minor upgrades mechanically and in the options to the '09 but not enough to make your decision. Now Mazda dealers are definitely hurting so go in with your best bargaining skills. You be able to get a killer deal!

09 GTs are where it's at! The perforated leather seats are amazing.

This Soldier is certainly pleased he went with the 09 instead of a used :yesnod:

Get him a R3 in Red... Most of the Mazda dealers around here only have roughly the R3's in stock (usually only 1 new RX-8) and they are going BRAND NEW for $27,500 around here so goodluck...

I'm stuck between the Touring and Grand Touring... What's the big dif?

Leather seats, rain sensing wipers (amazing feature), keyless ignition, power drivers seat, heated seats and mirrors, and bluetooth.

I'm loving my 09 RX-8 GT! I would rather not have had the power moon roof for headroom and weight distribution reasons, but it is nice to have in sunny weather.

You said you wanted to get him "the best", so that would be GT (except of course the R3). ;)

Leather just gets better with age, cloth not so. And around here I demand heated seats. :)


I'm stuck between the Touring and Grand Touring... What's the big dif?

^^ I'm not a big dude by any standards but those Recaro seats are just uncomfortable. GT is where it's at.

So the Recaro seats are standard in the lower end 8s?

Not really interested in leather - too hot where we are.

Recaros are the special racing seats in the r3 trim.

trust me you wont regret the leather the recaros are standard and ONLY availible on the r3s the standard 8s get the cloth seats theyre all the same shape size (minus the recaros of course) but the leather ones are leather last better i think but are heavier sooo it depends on what you want

Think I'll stick with cloth - only because I don't like sticking to the leather when it's HOT outside. :)

if thats what you want great :) alot of ppl like cloth i just recently switched my cloth to leather and the guy drove 300 miles to do the swap thats how bad he wanted cloth lol

btw who exactly will be making the car payment on this "gift" ?

Since we have a joint account, it will be both of us, but I'm doing the direct deposit from my paycheck... He won't even care. This is a man who still shakes his bday card for money - even from me!! haha (And yes, I usually put money in it, too!) :)

If you're getting at the "who will pay" gets to decide the seats, that won't work... He likes cloth, too. :)

lol i guess youll really dont like the hot leather huh? lol oh does anyone know if the did away with the 2 tone interiors in the 09's i think the red black was sexy and the tan black was pretty good too i wonder why they stopped makin em ... if they did

If I know Joe I'd definitely go with the all-weather mats, just gotta hose em off to get them looking like new. Best thing I've done for my car!

btw -All the seats are made by Recaro...

^ really? even the older ones? i didnt know that!

Yep, just like the brakes are made by Brembo...

Kinda makes you wonder why people spend so much to "upgrade" them...

I knew the guys would be thrilled to see a wife doing this for her hubby. I approve, too!!! [Back in the day I got my hubby a 911. ]

Great feedback...Only drawback I see is that I would consider this more of an enthusiast car and requires a little more care than other cars, but maybe this car will make him more of a car guy...I forgot all about motorcycles when I got my rotary. Make sure U get a great deal since they do depreciate more than other cars of its price range.

And the Shinka's have Tokico struts, so not much point in upgrading those either. ;) I do like my Hawk Ceramic pads tho'.

Back on topic, get your husband whatever you both like, that's all that matters.

So, looks like VR Touring?

Yep, just like the brakes are made by Brembo...

Kinda makes you wonder why people spend so much to "upgrade" them...

Good for you, Urban! That's awesome!! :)

THanks for all the inputs. I'll be buying around the end of Aug. I'll post a pic of the one I get when I do.

See you then!

Oh, another important question... What's the difference in handling between the Touring and Grand? And I might as well include the R3 because it has some options on it that I really like... Do they all drive about the same?

dam i had no idea about the brakes either i have changed mine but i love my ceramic pads so i guess iss ok. but dam we have brembos!

I'm not to sure about this. It's like my girlfriend trying to buy me electronics - she just doesn't know the right thing to buy and esp if you guys share the money he might be mad. I'm also in the military but I'm interested in ALOT of cars and shopped around alot before deciding on my 8 so that could be what he was doing. Anywayz I would freak out if my my wife bought a car while i was deployed and it wasn't the car I wanted esp with the amount of money involved. But hey maybe you just know your husband THAT WELL.

Thanks, Mystic. I think he'll love it. Remember those commercials around Christmas when someone gives their spouse a new car as a surprise? He's always saying, "Wish someone could do that for ME!" haha

And my recent deployment gave me PLENTY of money to fund this endeavor. :) That's one thing we're not concerned about...

oil capacity has increased in the 2009 models (to a listed 4.6 quarts from a listed 3.7), which may be part of the reason why owners don't seem to need to add as much oil

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142745&stc=1&d=1248460973

There's no difference in handling between Touring and Grand Touring, they're just different trim levels.

The R3 has a bit stiffer suspension as it's intended to be the 'ready for the track' edition, much as the S2000CR is Honda's track-ready equivalent.

Oh, another important question... What's the difference in handling between the Touring and Grand? And I might as well include the R3 because it has some options on it that I really like... Do they all drive about the same?

One thing could be very important. The moonroof takes away some head room so if your husband is tall, ie, around 6'2" or so, it could be better to avoid that option.

BTW, thanks for your service to our country! We'll definitely want to see lots of pictures of him getting his surprise 8. Sounds like he may already have dropped enough hints. Do you think he may be half-expecting it?

We're both short, but we don't like the moonroof option on cars anyway. (Used to until I drove one with it... Decided it's not as cool as I thought!)

I think he thinks he's going to buy a car when he returns. He told me while I was deployed that I should take the money and buy a car with it. But I told him we had better things to spend our money on! haha! :) Also, I did some upgrades on his 1994 Ranger Splash which he knows about, so I think I took the suspicions out of a new car option... :)

Thank you both for your service. Good luck with finding a new 08. I'm sure you could fit his luggage in the back seat!!!

Somehow on a whim I stopped at a dealer today and found a Velocity Red '08 Touring with the spoiler!! The only thing was the radio didn't have mp3 aux input... I'm waiting on the window sticker to be emailed so I can study it more. The price was $30k, though. I'm thinking that might be too much for an '08. But I'll compare it to the '09 I'm "building" online. I'll post the sticker when I get it, too.

That is way too much for an 08 touring. I paid that much for my 09 GT with the premium package.

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm thinking. Still curious to review the sticker. I know part of it is because it has some fancy Bose system but it's still an '08...

He actually didn't have any '09s on the lot and I really wanted to compare body styles. Someone told me they are the same, but I distinctly remember my husband liking the way the 08s looked compared to the 09s. Pictures aren't distinct enough.

I would be worried about the happy face.

That is the most hideous front end I have ever seen

08 Looks better than an 09 (except for R3)

I would NEVER pay close to 30K for a 2008 RX8; don't let them pull any shit on you.

You can definitely get a much better deal on an '08 if you find one. Good luck!

Do any of you have the manual/automatic transmission? (Is that the right term? It's where you have both...)

Anyway, just wondered how you liked it. I am looking at that for the car now. I kind of like it, but I wanted opinions out there!

Thanks!

its actually an automatic with a shift gate and steering mounted shifters its still an auto though ... and IMHO dont get it ... i got mine coz i had a broken left leg left hand and left hip so i couldnt possibly drive a stick ... thats why i got a 2010 camaro 6sp ... the auto 8, although its not horrible its just not nearly as much fun and is alot slower than the stick ...

No auto... unless you want to punish your husband.

One thing could be very important. The moonroof takes away some head room so if your husband is tall, ie, around 6'2" or so, it could be better to avoid that option.

6'2" here with moonroof, long legs, no problems, got 3-5" of room too.

Oh, another important question... What's the difference in handling between the Touring and Grand? And I might as well include the R3 because it has some options on it that I really like... Do they all drive about the same?

The R3 has slightly tighter suspension but it's not very noticeable. The GT and Touring are exactly the same except the GT has a few more creature comforts on the inside.

Somehow on a whim I stopped at a dealer today and found a Velocity Red '08 Touring with the spoiler!! The only thing was the radio didn't have mp3 aux input... I'm waiting on the window sticker to be emailed so I can study it more. The price was $30k, though. I'm thinking that might be too much for an '08. But I'll compare it to the '09 I'm "building" online. I'll post the sticker when I get it, too.

I picked up my 09 for 24k (with premium package), brand new, in August of 08. So you've definitely got a lot of lee-way in price, especially if you offer cash.

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm thinking. Still curious to review the sticker. I know part of it is because it has some fancy Bose system but it's still an '08...

He actually didn't have any '09s on the lot and I really wanted to compare body styles. Someone told me they are the same, but I distinctly remember my husband liking the way the 08s looked compared to the 09s. Pictures aren't distinct enough.

Bose system, for the 09 anyways, is part of the Premium package, not sure bout earlier models.

04-08s have a different front and side than the 09s.

More info here with pics:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-8

"The updated [2009] version is slightly slower than the previous model (0-100 km/h in 6.7s from 6.4s)." -Wiki

I would be worried about the [2009] happy face.

That is the most hideous front end I have ever seen

I'm sure everyone has already answer4ed all important questions so I just wanted too say...YOU ARE A GOOD WIFE! <I suspect> :)
________
Buy Bubblers (http://bubblers.net/)

And some advice...

Go with a Manual Transmission
My opinion 08 would be a better deal.
Expect at least $4500 off sticker on an 08
________
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i think the 08s look better too ... minus the r3 which is sexy but i hate the smiley face on the 09

I'm 6'3" and have an 09 with moon roof (which I didn't want). The amount of headroom you will have will depend on how upright you like your seat. I normally have mine pretty close to fully upright, but with my seat like that, my hair is rubbing against the roof (and no, I don't have an Afro!). I plan to track my RX-8, so wearing a helmet is going to be tight.

I'm not sure I buy the "09s are slower than the 08s". That seems to be the general opinion, but I've never read a review yet of the "normal" (non-R3) 2009 RX-8. 0-60 mph might turn out slightly slower due to the shorter gearing possibly requiring a shift just before reaching 60, but other than that, I can see no change that would significantly affect acceleration for the worse. I don't believe the car is significantly heavier with the same equipment.

Most do like the style of the 08 better than the 09. Personally, I prefer the back end of the Series II (09+) to the Series I (08 and earlier). The front end, I have mixed feelings about. Except for the "mustache" on the grill, I prefer the Series II, but that mustache really is kind of weird. Fortunately, I have a black RX-8, so the mustache is largely irrelevant.

There are significant reliability improvements in the Series II that, to me, make it well worth buying it over the Series I. This is one of the reasons I chose an RX-8 at all: it's been out for several years and therefore hopefully has most of the bugs worked out. I plan to keep my RX-8 essentially forever, and this was more important to me than having the latest, greatest thing (i.e., the 370Z).

I'm not sure I buy the "09s are slower than the 08s". That seems to be the general opinion, but I've never read a review yet of the "normal" (non-R3) 2009 RX-8. 0-60 mph might turn out slightly slower due to the shorter gearing possibly requiring a shift just before reaching 60, but other than that, I can see no change that would significantly affect acceleration for the worse. I don't believe the car is significantly heavier with the same equipment.

1st redlines at 37mph
2nd redlines at 64mph

Think I'll stick with cloth - only because I don't like sticking to the leather when it's HOT outside. :)


Hey chica. Welcome to the forums. :) If you happen to bump into a TSgt King at Beale, tell him I say hello. They just left me in San Antonio, to head to Beale, and I left to D.C. :)

Now down to business. I don't like sticking to leather when it's hot either. The Recaros are not all leather in the R3s. Your booty sits on cloth and back are on cloth. The edges/lips, whatever you wanna call em are black leather with red stitching. As far as who can fit in em. I have a pretty good size rear end and it fits just fine in there.

The VR in the in the R3 had me second guessing my Aurora Blue after following Remyngton around on some rides. It just looks plain sharp. But, I got Blue since I'm obsessed with the color.

The famed "smiley face" - I like it. A lot of people don't. To each their own.

If you need anything else hun, lemme know!

:)

Hey chica. Welcome to the forums. :) If you happen to bump into a TSgt King at Beale, tell him I say hello. They just left me in San Antonio, to head to Beale, and I left to D.C. :)
:)

Hey, I think I just went to King's SNCO induction ceremony last night! (If it's the same one.)

Thanks for the info. Going to test drive the car this wknd - finally!! Plan on buying the last wknd in Aug. Not finding good dealers up here and might have to venture out. Reno is looking nice... Just want to get a good deal AND good service. (Is it too much to ask for both???)

Nice photo, too! (Both of them! HAHA)

r3

yes

vr

yes

awesome wife

yes


----

all the Marines that have been around say air force chicks are the best. i guess its true!

I'm 6'3" and have an 09 with moon roof (which I didn't want). The amount of headroom you will have will depend on how upright you like your seat. I normally have mine pretty close to fully upright, but with my seat like that, my hair is rubbing against the roof (and no, I don't have an Afro!). I plan to track my RX-8, so wearing a helmet is going to be tight.

I'm not sure I buy the "09s are slower than the 08s". That seems to be the general opinion, but I've never read a review yet of the "normal" (non-R3) 2009 RX-8. 0-60 mph might turn out slightly slower due to the shorter gearing possibly requiring a shift just before reaching 60, but other than that, I can see no change that would significantly affect acceleration for the worse. I don't believe the car is significantly heavier with the same equipment.

Most do like the style of the 08 better than the 09. Personally, I prefer the back end of the Series II (09+) to the Series I (08 and earlier). The front end, I have mixed feelings about. Except for the "mustache" on the grill, I prefer the Series II, but that mustache really is kind of weird. Fortunately, I have a black RX-8, so the mustache is largely irrelevant.

There are significant reliability improvements in the Series II that, to me, make it well worth buying it over the Series I. This is one of the reasons I chose an RX-8 at all: it's been out for several years and therefore hopefully has most of the bugs worked out. I plan to keep my RX-8 essentially forever, and this was more important to me than having the latest, greatest thing (i.e., the 370Z).

I think the 09's are 10 lbs heavier on paper. The R3 is supposed to be a little lighter but I have not weighed mine to see.

In terms of gearing I hit around 65 mph before I red line in 2nd gear, and 3rd is just plain illegal. ;)

rad,

get the '09 VR in the R3 pkg. its the one that has the cooler spoiler that you are looking for!
and since someone verified the recaro's sports bucket seats are only half leather, that should solve ur problems.

good luck on the purchase. you are a nice vvife, and ur hubby is lucky to have u. and vice versa

The R3 sure is sexy!

yup i love the black!!! oh and the europeans get a white that is super sexy too!

Ok, so I went back to that dealer with the '08. (The original guy was fired!) The new guy is MUCH better. AND the price of the car went down $10k! Now what do you think? I really would like your opinions on whether or not it's a fair price. Seems very fair to me considering all the options on it, but I want to be sure. So now the price is $23,990. Attached is the sticker info.

Let me know what you think.

Oh, they also offered me 4.65% financing for 60 or 72 months!!

i think thats a great deal and i like the 08s better anyway

Thanks... I'm going to call my bank in the morning, but I doubt they can beat that interest rate. :)

Looks good to me.

I don't know if I missed the reasoning on the auto vs manual....but I really would suggest the Manual Transmission.
________
LeolaHotty cam (http://camslivesexy.com/cam/LeolaHotty)

I missed that - NO TO AUTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's the manual/auto...

The 212-hp power rating is a telling feature that it is an automatic transmission. The "manual" bit of "manual/auto" might refer to the "manual mode" feature of an automatic transmission (sometimes a.k.a. "sport mode") that allows you to tell the car which gear to go into - typically by moving the shift gate into the "M" mode, or using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

As you have seen, many recommend going with an actual manual transmission (clutch pedal and all), as there are many advantages; higher power, higher engine redline, more responsive overall experience. The manual transmission of course takes more driver involvement, but that is part of what makes the car so much fun to drive. I would implore you to look for the manual transmission models (232-hp rating).

It's the manual/auto...

theres no manual auto its an auto with a shiftable gate ... but for that price if your husband doesnt really mind the loss in power then id still get it ... but i would definitely suggest the manual

To harp on the "more responsiveness" of the manual transmission (MT): The "manual mode" of the automatic transmission (AT) pales in responsiveness compared to an actual MT. The AT and "manual mode" have an inherent input "lag" when you want the car to downshift and GO (whether it be by stabbing the gas pedal or "shifting" the paddles/gear shifter into a lower gear). This is not the case with a MT as the drivetrain is more directly connected (i.e. no torque converter).

I hope this explanation makes sense. Myself coming from never previously having driven a MT car, it can be a major change in feeling the dynamics of how a car drives.

^ your absolutely right i have driven manuals all my life and this is actually my second auto and the only reason i got it was coz i was all broken up from my last wreck and couldnt shift this was gnna be my temporary car but i fell in love and i have a manual 2010 camaro and had (burned down) a 335 6sp (which i will replace with an m3 hopefully so i just kept the auto 8 coz i love it

Thank you, everyone, for your inputs!! However, I know he prefers an automatic most of the time. I can appreciate the MT abilities, but I really think he'll be happy with the "choice" of either.

I did finally test drive this car today and WOW!!! :) After driving a truck for the last few years, this car was AWESOME!! :) The dealer let me take a curvy road to see how it handles. And I cranked it up so quickly and smoothly that I didn't even realize it!! (This could be the start of my husband's speeding ticket phase - again!) haha

So, contrary to your opinions about the M/AT, I'm getting that the price is right for this car... right?? :) That's my main concern tonight...

I don't know if this will help you. But, I'll tell you anyway just to give you idea what is happening in other areas. I had offer down to $25,500 on RX8 2009 GT fully loaded AT with nav 9,000 miles 60,000/6yr warranty. However, I went with MT 2009 instead probably shouldn't have said that part oh well.

Good luck and your husband is already a lucky man.

dam thats a good deal ^

Ok, so I went back to that dealer with the '08. (The original guy was fired!) The new guy is MUCH better. AND the price of the car went down $10k! Now what do you think? I really would like your opinions on whether or not it's a fair price. Seems very fair to me considering all the options on it, but I want to be sure. So now the price is $23,990. Attached is the sticker info.

Let me know what you think.

Oh, they also offered me 4.65% financing for 60 or 72 months!!


I'm not really sold on that "deal" IMO.. I got my 09 for 24k brand new.. :dunno:

Since your going with AT and you wont get the ability to rev into 9krpms every now and then to clear out some of the carbon build up then I would suggest going with a 09 model. Mainly because of the changes in OMP and the added oil injector and a few other small changes within the engine bay.

Transmission wise I'm not to sure about the AT but with the MT it was redisgned some what to be more durable.

Were not too sure as of yet but I believe the added mechanical changes for the 09's their should be a lower percentage of failed engines compared to the older models.

If he wants an AT car he doesn't deserve it :P

He's got a good wife though.

All your ports open at around 7krpm anyways, and the AT can reach past that. So clearing out carbon is no issue. A lot of AT owners have already said the transmission can easily hold out at NA power, you only need to worry about it when you go FI.

THanks for all the info. And frankly, my husband deserves whatever HE wants!!! :)

If he has to stop & go in daily driver commuting traffic then an automatic is certainly justified (thankfully mine is smooth sailing most of the time).

And the price looks pretty good. There will always be those who say you can do better but at a point you just have to pull the trigger and, as Nike says, Just Do It. ;)

THanks for all the info. And frankly, my husband deserves whatever HE wants!!! :)

All your ports open at around 7krpm anyways, and the AT can reach past that. So clearing out carbon is no issue. A lot of AT owners have already said the transmission can easily hold out at NA power, you only need to worry about it when you go FI.


Yea but heres the thing. How many "normal" people that purchase an rx8 in AT form will actually take the car to 7k above? Maybe if your between the ages of 16-26 but the normal person doesnt really floor the gas. So reaching that kind of revolution as needed to limit the carbon build up wont be acheived unless you are a educated rotary owner and know of the issue.

For the average person the 09 refresh should be a little better than the older years in terms of reliability. Carbon build up will always be a reoccuring issue. But hopefully the added injector should limit the need of premixing and premature wear for the bearings/apex seals. In the hands of the average person there would be less maintenance needed. They will only have to worry about checking oil and adding when needed between changes, along with limiting carbon build up with a redline daily.

As for the transmission I was refering to durability and reliability for the MT. I'm not sure if they redesigned the AT for the 09 model, since the AT is pretty solid for 06+ years.

Then it's up to Radbunny to relay to him to redline it. I'd hope that anyone getting the RX-8, regardless of MT or AT, is bringing it above 7krpm at least. The additional 2krpms that MT has will assist in removing more carbon, but that shouldn't mean AT owners should not revving high either.

The 09s should prove to be better in oil distribution, but that's a decision that Radbunny will have to make because she would know her husband more.

just wanted to shout out to a fellow service member, i would have to say you are an awesome wife and want to let you know, I served once with a bad one and now she is gone, could keep things to herself if you know what i am saying.. Now I have a good one.. Congrats on him coming back home....

Well, it sounds like an Auto is what you need! It will still e a fun car and will last a long time if taken care of properly.

Make sure you post pictures when you buy it!
________
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Then it's up to Radbunny to relay to him to redline it. I'd hope that anyone getting the RX-8, regardless of MT or AT, is bringing it above 7krpm at least. The additional 2krpms that MT has will assist in removing more carbon, but that shouldn't mean AT owners should not revving high either.

The 09s should prove to be better in oil distribution, but that's a decision that Radbunny will have to make because she would know her husband more.

Most deff, it would be a wiser choice to go 09 since its their first rotary most likely. But either year should do them fine as long as they take care of the car properly. In which we all here have not failed in giving her the correct information.

Thanks to everyone for your inputs. I have definitely learned a lot here!! :) I do love the car after driving it - and this coming from a girl who has driven a truck most of her life because she doesn't like being that low to the ground.

We do live in a stop-and-go traffic area, so the AT would be useful in that time. In fact, that's the one reason we both prefer it. I promise I will let him get it out and up over the 7K rpms once in a while. :)

I pick up the car later this week. Oh, and they are upgrading the stereo with the mp3 hookup I wanted. :) SWEET!

I'll post pictures soon! He gets home in a few weeks now and I can't wait!!!
Thanks again for your help. Even if we didn't agree on everything, I really appreciate the candor and information.

Happy driving!! :)

Thanks to everyone for your inputs. I have definitely learned a lot here!! :) I do love the car after driving it - and this coming from a girl who has driven a truck most of her life because she doesn't like being that low to the ground.

We do live in a stop-and-go traffic area, so the AT would be useful in that time. In fact, that's the one reason we both prefer it. I promise I will let him get it out and up over the 7K rpms once in a while. :)

I pick up the car later this week. Oh, and they are upgrading the stereo with the mp3 hookup I wanted. :) SWEET!

I'll post pictures soon! He gets home in a few weeks now and I can't wait!!!
Thanks again for your help. Even if we didn't agree on everything, I really appreciate the candor and information.

Happy driving!! :)



Congrats on the purchase and your husband is one lucky man!

Try and take the car above 7k rpms at least once a day. It clears out the carbon in the engine, the same engine in your car can handle 18k rpms but the transmission's can not. So dont be afriad to take it into high rpms esp with an auto since your 2k lower than us with the MT, rotaries love high rpms its where they shine...

Have fun with the car and we can't wait for the story when your husband comes home.

P.S. Pic's when you get a chance!

Cya around

Yea stop with the "if its AT, it isn't worth it" crap. It's a damn fine car even with AT. you can redline easily if needed. The AT is no slouch.

Lucky guy to have a such a wife. He will enjoy it, just be prepared for him to love the car and spend lots of time with it.

Thanks, Bigbacon!! :)
And I can handle being second to this car...
Here are some pics but it's still at the dealership awaiting that mp3 upgrade. (Plus, this keeps me from driving it before he gets home!!)

good job thats a clean looking car ... and yes he deserves whatever he wants ...

Awesome!! Very clean car and it even comes with strakes very cool. You should look into getting that wind deflector.. removed =P

^ you mean wind deflector right? .... the sun visor takes itself out in a few months LOL

I had a wind deflector as well and i took it off.. looks alot better however there were some scratches from it being on so long....

yeah that was my bad lol... :lol2:

Well done Radbunny.

btw: I too would recommend you have the dealer remove the wind deflector. Fugly!

Thanks, Bigbacon!! :)
And I can handle being second to this car...
Here are some pics but it's still at the dealership awaiting that mp3 upgrade. (Plus, this keeps me from driving it before he gets home!!)

Haha! Thanks for clarifying, Adam. I was wondering what you meant!!

^ you mean wind deflector right? .... the sun visor takes itself out in a few months LOL

lol, when I bought my used 8 I was like "Why the hell would you take the sun visor out??? Head room maybe???" haha, then I learned about the issue reading on this site. When I tell my friends that it's a common problem with the 8 they look at me with utter confusion, like "How did they f*ck up sun visors????" I don't even care, I think it's kind of funny. The interior is like top grade comfort and amazing design, yet they screw up the sun visor. But I like you're quote, that'll be my new story.."Oh that, it's a self removing sun visor"..

Apologies to RadBunny, not trying to change your topic...I've been following the thread and I can't wait to see some pics of your husband with his new RX-8! Thank you both for your service.

Haha! That's okay, B. But I do have a question... what are y'all talking about with the interior sun visor?? What's the concern?

Thanks!!
By the way, I pick it up this wknd and my husband comes home in about 10-15 days! WOO HOO!!

Some folk's sun visors have fallen off. No problem with my '05 to date tho'.

Again, well done Radbunny and enjoy the homecoming!! :)

Ah, ok! Thanks.

You guys don't know how stoked I am about all this. Again, thanks for your inputs. I'll post pics later.

Until then, happy driving!!!
Shauna

Video when you surprise him!!!!!

Thanks, Bigbacon!! :)
And I can handle being second to this car...
Here are some pics but it's still at the dealership awaiting that mp3 upgrade. (Plus, this keeps me from driving it before he gets home!!)

Next stop: A long road trip to break that engine in :)

Hope you and the Mr. enjoy the car :rock:

One caveat about high-revving the engine: don't do it until the *oil* temperature is up! Without a real gauge, a reasonable guess is to wait for 20 minutes or so of less-than-4000-rpm driving, before ventureing higher. The '08 will come with a 100k 8 year warranty, but it's better to avoid issues in the first place.

I'm seeing a lot on here about '04/05s, but is there anything good/bad about the '09 RX8? I'm planning on surprising my husband with one, but I want to know all I can before I do it. He showed interest in one and is currently deployed, so that's why I'm looking into it.

Do you still have to carry extra oil around?? I keep seeing that pop up in your threads.

Sorry I sound stupid on here... I've done a little research and someone showed me this site.

All help is appreciated! :)
Thanks!

AS one of the first owners of the 09, I can tell you Mazda have ironed out most if not all of the issues the first series had, (which is normal for Mazda to do).

As far as oil use goes, do NOT take any notice of the first series owners, they have special adjustments (PCM Flashes) uses more engine oil than Mazda would like them to.

The 09 has a completely different method of delivering the necessary engine oil to lubricate the Internal Seals, I do not use the volumes of oil that S1 owners do, but it is NORMAL for the engine to use some oil..OK.

No, I do not carry oil around, very unnecessary.

Thanks, Bigbacon!! :)
And I can handle being second to this car...
Here are some pics but it's still at the dealership awaiting that mp3 upgrade. (Plus, this keeps me from driving it before he gets home!!)

OH, I am a bit late, you bought an 08 S1?????...just make sure you pre-mix...
and you were worried about oil use.

Sorry I did not read the entire thread, you have done the deal,,,good luck, I know which one I would have bought, but the deal is done.

Still a great car, and a lucky hubby..

Some folk's sun visors have fallen off. No problem with my '05 to date tho'.

Again, well done Radbunny and enjoy the homecoming!! :)

I think my sun visor fell off like 3 times. But it hasn't fallen off int he last two years at all....go figure.
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I think my sun visor fell off like 3 times. But it hasn't fallen off int he last two years at all....go figure.

Mazda modified them to Stop them falling off..

OH, I am a bit late, you bought an 08 S1?????...just make sure you pre-mix...
and you were worried about oil use.

Sorry I did not read the entire thread, you have done the deal,,,good luck, I know which one I would have bought, but the deal is done.

Still a great car, and a lucky hubby..

That's what I was thinking. I saw the tails and was like "Wait...I wonder if anybody else realizes this isn't an 09!! Then I saw your post and realized that I must have missed when she said she is getting the 08. Hm!

That's what I was thinking. I saw the tails and was like "Wait...I wonder if anybody else realizes this isn't an 09!! Then I saw your post and realized that I must have missed when she said she is getting the 08. Hm!

Yeah, Bummer... as I think the price she paid could have been a lot lower, but it is an Auto I guess...

---Quote (Originally by CyberPitz)---
That's what I was thinking. I saw the tails and was like "Wait...I wonder if anybody else realizes this isn't an 09!! Then I saw your post and realized that I must have missed when she said she is getting the 08. Hm!
---End Quote---

---Quote (Originally by ASH8)---
Yeah, Bummer... as I think the price she paid could have been a lot lower, but it is an Auto I guess...
---End Quote---



xun4gvn4everx
Instead of being so negative, why don't you praise the woman for doing something nice for her husband? Why do you have to judge every little detail of what someone does? Who cares what year or model she bought. The fact is she did it to make her hubby happy and that is all that matters. Stop being douchebags and just complement the girl on being an extraordinary wife!


This is what "xun4gvn4everx" Posts and then DELETES his POST

How brave of you.....calling others douchebags and then deleting.

If you BOTHERED to read, I said "Lucky Hubby"...

This is what "xun4gvn4everx" Posts and then DELETES his POST

How brave of you.....calling others douchebags and then deleting.

If you BOTHERED to read, I said "Lucky Hubby"...


Or rather I deleted my post because after posting I decided to check even further back to see if what I perceived was really what you were portraying and when I saw it was not, I deleted my post. So I turned my opinion of you around, but now that you have decided to pull up my deleted post, which I took off because I saw you all meant no harm, that shows how deep you will pull to find some dirt on anybody. Which sadly enough in the end, though I "thought" you were an ok person, now you have just proven to be a full blown douchebag

http://i.pbase.com/o4/98/583898/1/63713938.qaEEdjG9.popcorn.gif

Or rather I deleted my post because after posting I decided to check even further back to see if what I perceived was really what you were portraying and when I saw it was not, I deleted my post. So I turned my opinion of you around, but now that you have decided to pull up my deleted post, which I took off because I saw you all meant no harm, that shows how deep you will pull to find some dirt on anybody. Which sadly enough in the end, though I "thought" you were an ok person, now you have just proven to be a full blown douchebag

Grow UP!

Really wow? I am going to be a man and step away from this argument. I already "erased" my misswords, so you can continue to fight with a ghost cause I am too mature for this.

lol ... no need to fight in some other threads...
But Ash8: Stop thinking the Series II is godly... not trying to be mean, but man it does get annoying.
Xun4...: Ok :)

Anyway, you should really make a video when he comes back from wherever he is (sorry didn't read the whole thing). You are truly a good wife.

Yeah, guys, can't we all just get along??? I merely posted this thread to gather info and I didn't mean for everyone to get all crazy on here! :)

No need to be offended by anyone's opinion. . .

9 more days!!!!! :)

lol lol this is funny ... ^ u seem realy excited!

I am, Rod, and nothing anyone says on here is going to take that away from me.

I've already got an overnight bag packed and in the backseat in case he's ready to take a trip to Reno or something for the wknd. :)

Took her out for some photos today! Here is one I can share. :)

Man Its Like Fire ^^^

lol/

Congrats on the purchase. Great to see another Cowboys fan as well!

man its like fire ^^^

lol/

lol!!!

Took her out for some photos today! Here is one I can share. :)

OK, maybe I missed something, but that is not an 09.
The 09 has smaller side vents and a side turn signal.

BTW, the mp3 deck is great, I demanded one for my 07, I can burn a CD with 7 or 8 albums and off I go.

OK, maybe I missed something, but that is not an 09.
The 09 has smaller side vents and a side turn signal.

BTW, the mp3 deck is great, I demanded one for my 07, I can burn a CD with 7 or 8 albums and off I go.

Ya you missed about 3 pages... Lulz

I can't believe this thread is still going after 6 weeks

^ me too! But it's over now... go back to your lives! :)