what color are the lights on the base model rx8.. ? if i didn't get any options on the rx8 would i be dissapointed?

the light bulbs are just regular yellow

Add the xenon. They are worth it.

Can you just put the other builbs in? after you buy the car? Are there any other differences besides the bulbs? Or is the wiring harness different?

Originally posted by 1BUFFDADDY
Can you just put the other builbs in? after you buy the car? Are there any other differences besides the bulbs? Or is the wiring harness different?

are you kidding me, is this a serious question

Originally posted by ZoomZoomH
are you kidding me, is this a serious question

Be nice, he probably wouldn't ask if he wasn't serious. I am not sure about the RX-8, but you can by aftermarket xenon kits. The downside is that they are usually very expensive.

yeah i was in a cynical mood when i posted that.

any of the optional trims above base model comes with HID headlights, which is a completely different lighting system from the base halogen lights, including the headlight housing.

IIRC, there was a law that was passed in July BANNING sales of aftermarket HID auto lighting systems in the US (except the DOT-legal retrofit systems that are available).

so if you want to improve over the base halogen headlights, best bet is probably the Silvania Silverstar bulbs.

I got a base and I immediately replaced the two lowbeams into Silverstars. They are relatively cheap, bright, and reliable. I've had them in both of my cars.

Originally posted by mikeb
the light bulbs are just regular yellow

Halogen bulbs are NOT yellow! They're quite bright white -- they just look yellowish when compared side by side with HID.

Someone else mentioned Sylvania Silverstars -- I agree, they're a huge improvement over stock halogens. I replaced the bulbs in my truck with Silverstars soon after I got it. (My 8 has HID).

and another plus of a halogen bulb is that do not cost $400 when they burn out. That is the only downside to the HID and my guess is they don't last that long.

Umm.. no.

Xenon bulbs have a longer life than halogens. Have *you* ever seen a high end automobile with Xenons driving around with one out? I didn't think so! ;)

well that's good

so how long do they last on average does anyone know? Does the HID bulb get less bright over time?

The base would be good as a daily driver, and where you have no garage to park in, and where you don't have a lot of time to rub it with a diaper. One of my two RX-7's was a base model that was good for any condition. I about drove the wheels off of it. My 2nd RX-7 was loaded, and it was garaged and selectively driven.

Options are options...base car or loaded it's still more or less the same (save a differential and rotor size).

Unless you need to have certain upgrades in your car, if you drove it and loved it, get it!

-Eric

I am totally happy with my base model 6 speed

Another thing...
Why take a loan out on things you can add to the car later

It's usually more expensive to add on factory options after the fact.

-Eric

Thanks for the responces. I know it seemed like a dumb question, but you never can tell. I was just over analyzing the situation. It had some dumb thought that the HID prequired more current, thus may provide more heat the the standard wiring harness was equipped with. I was just trying to identify the expense in the upgrade.

I dunno...add interest to that GT package and see how expensive those Bose speakers are

Originally posted by 1BUFFDADDY
Thanks for the responces. I know it seemed like a dumb question, but you never can tell. I was just over analyzing the situation. It had some dumb thought that the HID prequired more current, thus may provide more heat the the standard wiring harness was equipped with. I was just trying to identify the expense in the upgrade.

actually I think HID lights draw less current then standard bulbs

Originally posted by flatso
actually I think HID lights draw less current then standard bulbs

They work on a much higher voltage though, its not 'just' the bulbs, its transformers etc too.

UK HID cars have auto leveling and washers by law also.

Originally posted by RobDickinson
They work on a much higher voltage though, its not 'just' the bulbs, its transformers etc too.

UK HID cars have auto leveling and washers by law also.

Ok now I' m confusedI heard there is less drain on the battery with HID lights. Can someone with electrical knowledge explain if thats true.

Originally posted by flatso
Ok now I' m confusedI heard there is less drain on the battery with HID lights. Can someone with electrical knowledge explain if thats true.

Dont confuze current with voltage.

Xenon HID need high voltage (dangerously high, be carefull with them) but use low current ( low current can cill, 10ma easy).

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question387.htm

The reason there expensive is because theres a lot of stuff that goes into them.

Any 'blue' look normal halogen bulb will be dimmer than its equivelant full spectrum because of the filtering used. It may look brighter on casual inspection because of the spectrum of light filtered.

I too have the base model. I am extremely pleased with the halogens. They are brighter than any other halogen's I've seen. I live in the city, so the advantages of the Xenon's are minimal. I"m not worried about hitting a deer or anything. The physical look of the halogen lights (lights off) are the exact same as the xenon's. I broke it down like this when deciding on the sport package or not....

Are Xenon's really that improtant?

Answer...depends mostly where you live. While nothing beats an Xenon bulb in brightness, do you really need it? In my case living in the city, my answer was no.

What about DSC?

Short answer....Why pay for something when it seems everyone that has DSC is turning it off? It would be nice to have in some situations, but I've never had a car accident and I've never had DSC before. So again, it's a nice feature, but IMO not completely necessary.

And finally, what about fog lights?

Another short answer...You can have these put in by Mazda aftermarket if you really want these. I like the looks of the 8 w/ out fog lights...so again I'm happy.

Other than that...the car is the exact same car as the fully loaded GT package (I'm talking engine, perfomance, etc). I saved $1,100 (between the base package and sport package) on stuff that again IMO are nice to have but not necessary to get the thrill of driving out of the 8 that everyone else does. Hope this helps you in making your decision.

Originally posted by allstate
.
Are Xenon's really that improtant?

For me they came standard as part of the 231ps car in the UK. I may have paid extra for them, I do like them, but there not a 'must have'

Originally posted by allstate
.What about DSC?

Short answer....Why pay for something when it seems everyone that has DSC is turning it off? It would be nice to have in some situations, but I've never had a car accident and I've never had DSC before. So again, it's a nice feature, but IMO not completely necessary.

Being new to RWD performance cars and picking up my 8 just at the start of winter I'm sure the DSC has saved me a few times - as its saved other people.

I , like most people have it switched on and switch it off occasionaly. It is a safety feature and cars have survived long enough without DSC like equipment. If your reasonably confident or take it easy it shouldnt even be an issue.


Originally posted by allstate
And finally, what about fog lights?

Another short answer...You can have these put in by Mazda aftermarket if you really want these. I like the looks of the 8 w/ out fog lights...so again I'm happy.

Fog lights? the front 'drivers lights' that often get broken due to stones, the ones I dont use? Could easily live without them.


The 8 is an amazing car. Be it with all the toys or straight up and no options. My 231ps car has the strakes fited and thats all (we get a better base spec than US tho).

If I had to live without DSC, 6CD, Climate control, drivers lights etc I would, its the cars performance and handling thats more important.

The base 6sp RX8 has the same engine, suspension and brakes. The only "drivers" option available on the 6sp RX8 is the DSC. Since the RX8 is an extremely well balanced, stable sports car with a great limited-slip differential and ABS I don't think the DSC will be missed by most drivers. On test drives I drove both DSC and non-DSC cars and didn't notice any difference. The non-DSC actually feels like it has traction control due to the limited slip (unless you stomp the gas on a wet road in the middle of a turn.) The RX8 is a very easy to drive performance car, it doesn't have any nasty surprises waiting for those driving with DSC off.

I bought the base model, and can't think of any option available that I miss.

--Dave.

PS. If you're getting the automatic, then get the sports model for the better suspension, brakes and wheels, and realize that with only 7500rpm available, it's going to be a much slower car.

If I could just add Xenons as a stand-alone option to the base model, that'd be my first choice.

But I do want the Xenons and the DSC, not for me, but for when my wife drives the car. It's just a bit safer dynamically for her.

Otherwise, the base is quite good.

I have the base Canadian model and am extremely happy with it. The lights are way better then my 2001 Passat and i prefer not to have DSC and driving aids since i like to control my car and not be controlled by it. Sure leather is fun and my GF misses the butt warmer but i have 3000$ more in my pocket and bought a winter car with it, saving my 8 of all the salt and rocks of the Mtl winter.

Originally posted by Other_Dave
PS. If you're getting the automatic, then get the sports model for the better suspension, brakes and wheels, and realize that with only 7500rpm available, it's going to be a much slower car. Agreed.

I have the base model, and it rocks. Think of it this way...it is faster than any other RX-8--less weight!