Hi all! This is my first post, but I've been lurking for a little while, reading over all the posts and researching the RX-8 and rotaries in general.

I guess some background information is in order...Well, I work for a fairly large e-business company as a Java application developer. I'm located in Canada, and I currently drive a Honda Prelude, model year 2000, bone stock.

I'm really looking forward to hearing what the pricing for the RX-8 will be as I've got some decisions to make fairly soon and price is a big factor in helping me decide what car to get. Unfortunately, my current car has had some "issues" and I haven't been entirely happy with it. "Issues" that Hondas aren't supposed to have. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, it just hasn't lived up to my expectations (and yes that's a little contradictory).

The other cars I'm seriously considering are the RSX Type-S, the Nissan SE-R Spec V, and the Nissan 350Z. I have already taken the RSX out for a test drive, and unfortunately, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. It's a very nice car, but it didn't do things much better than the Prelude. Maybe I was expecting too much?

The SE-R Spec V seems a little underpowered and perhaps a little unfinished, but I'm still interested and I like the potential it may have.

As for the 350Z, this car is more money than I want to spend, and it's only a 2 seater (if I remember correctly), so that pretty much takes it out of the running.

So, hopefully Mazda sheds some light on the American and Canadian pricing of the RX-8 soon as I'm looking to get out of my Prelude and into another car shortly. I guess it's a toss up between the RSX and the RX-8 for me (although, I am concerned about purchasing a new car in its first model year).

The 8 is atleast a full year away from release.

Since I am also a Canadian and know all about our long winters, keep the Prelude for 1 more winter.

Also

Welcome aboard. I have been in a dozen or so forums before and very few compare to the quality and user ability of this one.

Great job RX8Forum

A fellow Protege owner told me that one of the dealerships by where he lives in MidWest USA I believe, has already had to replace four engines for the RSXs....
The Sentra SE-R is just plain fugly in my opinion, but to each his own.

Originally posted by TheOMan
The other cars I'm seriously considering are the RSX Type-S, the Nissan SE-R Spec V, and the Nissan 350Z. I have already taken the RSX out for a test drive, and unfortunately, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. It's a very nice car, but it didn't do things much better than the Prelude. Maybe I was expecting too much?
Hey OMan,
Well if it's any help, I own an RSX TypeS and I love it. You're probably right that it isn't too different than the Prelude, but it is a slightly nicer car overall. There are a few comparisons out there between the two and they pretty much all put the RSX Type S above the Prelude.

The spec-V is less powerful and not as refined as the RSX and probably the RX8, but it's got a fair amount of bang for the buck. If you're considering buying a nissan and need a 4 seater, look into the Altima with 240 hp or the 6spd maxima with 255hp. Of course if you want a really fast (but ugly car :)) you can go with the Subaru WRX.

As with anything though, you only get what you pay for: If you want a lot nicer than your prelude, you'll have to pay more for it.

You can always get a MINI. :D

Well, I guess I'd be keeping the Prelude at least until some solid Canadian pricing numbers are released for the RX-8 and then decide what to do based on that.

I do agree that the SE-R is not the nicest looking car (IMO), but I'm still intrigued by it for some reason.

As for the Altima and Maxima, I am considering them, but not quite as seriously as the other cars I had mentioned. Maybe I'll have to look a little harder at them. A friend of mine has the WRX and while it is fast, the exterior is...a little hard on the eyes, and the interior leaves much to be desired. I did say it was fast, right?

I did like the RSX Type-S, and I'm thinking that I'm going to have to take it for another test drive, to get a better feel for exactly what I did like and what I didn't.

Heh, the Mini is cool, but I'm not sure that I would fit in it, that is one small car.

The MazdaSpeed Protege sounds interesting, but again, it seems to be lacking in the horsepower department. However, the MP3 handles extremely well and we all know driving is not all about going fast in a straight line.

I am 6'7 and i fit in a MINI. And not squeeze in. I AM COMFORTABLE.

Originally posted by TheOMan
I did like the RSX Type-S, and I'm thinking that I'm going to have to take it for another test drive, to get a better feel for exactly what I did like and what I didn't.
Good Idea. The things that people generally complain about include poor handing due to the tires and some torque steer, and also a weaker than advertised sound system.

I will definately say the car is under-tired, but other than that I think it handles great. The interior is sweet. It comes with all the bells and whistles I'd like for a good price. It's also good looking car with decent power.