I think that my chances of getting an RX8 are really slim. I rather buy a great used car so i could save some money instead of buying a new RX8. What do you think the best replacement would be?

WRX, I can't think of anything else I would buy that is cheaper. Peppy, handles great, and plenty of room inside the cabin.

Rob

330Ci, or G35 Coupe.

I like both, for performance at least. 330 is more refined inside and out, but G35 does have the RWD, performance, and interior room that I like. The exterior and interior build quality leave some to be desired.

those were 3 of the cars i am looking at. I was really thinking about WRX, but I'm a little skeptical because of all the clutch problems. I don't know about the G35 and 330, I'm not really a luxury guy.

MasiveMunkey,

The "best replacement" for the RX-8 is very driver subjective - so you question is difficult to answer. In my opinion, the RX-8 compares best to the G35 coupe and 350Z. Given that you believe the RX-8 will adversely challenge your budget, both of these vehicles will be out of your price range.

I believe Hercules' suggestion for the BMW 330ci is quite good but this too will be out of your price range. The 330 was introduced a year after the most recent 3 series revamp in 2000 (e46). A used one will most likely set you back more than a new RX-8. A 98 328is can be had for around $22k. A '98 M3 goes for around $26k. Of course, the older you go, the cheaper the car will be. Both of these cars are a lot of fun to drive, the M3 being exceptionally fun. The quality of the interior is quite good and reliability for the e36 years has been decent.

You could also consider an Audi A4. Audi's don't hold their value as well as BMW's so newer models can be had for similar or less money. A 2001 A4 1.8T will put a $21k hole in your pocket. The interior quality of the A4 is well above standard even though leather can't be had in the 1.8T model. The 1.8, however, makes up for it in potential performance gains from the aftermarket. A significant upgrade in hp and torque can be obtained through a simple ecu swap. Also, the stock A4 isn't the greatest of handlers, not like a Cadillac but not on par with a BMW. There are numerous aftermarket solutions to this though.

The WRX is of course an option but, IMHO, it is definitely lacking in the style and interior quality departments.

I hope you find this helpful.

The 2004 WRX looks much better, the clutch problem is fixed as well.

Rob

I had an STi on order till I heard about the RX-8

Originally posted by Digisan
The 2004 WRX looks much better, the clutch problem is fixed as well.

Rob

I had an STi on order till I heard about the RX-8


Same here.... I was really looking into the Sti after seeing the WRX. I have a buddy who has one and it's nice. Was tempting at the time, but the 8 tops it all!

The production run of STi's is so limited that you'll be paying over sticker for them. The Subaru rep at the Houston Auto show said the average Subaru dealer will be getting about 8 the first year.

On a related story, my traffic lawyer is one lucky SOB. The first 300 WRX's that came into the country a couple years ago came with leather as an option, different ground effects, and a performance tuned engine that is close to what the STi is going to offer.

When I first saw it I asked my lawyer. "Who did your mods?" which he replied with "No, I was on the preorder list of the first 300 and it came this way."

One tight ride...

-Mr. Wigggles

Nissan 350Z, without a doubt. The 330Ci is more a comfort car, like the Peugeot 406 Coupé. The WRX and Evo are too different to compare them with the almighty RX-8. The Audi TT 3.2 is also a very good car. But can't handle the 350Z and RX-8. Also when it comes to pricing

I put down a deposit on the 2004 WRX (not Sti). I really liked the HP and AWD. My friend has one all worked up. It is sooooo freaken fast and has a ton of grip. The only thing I did not like about it was the interior was a little cheap looking for a 25k car. The main reason I decided to go with the Rx-8 was the price. I never thought it was going to be 31k loaded so i grabbed my deposit and ran for the mazda dealer.:D

Other 2 car I was considering before I ordered the RX-8:
2004 Subaru WRX STi
2003 Lexus IS300 /w Turbo Upgrade & Supra 6 Speed Tranny

The only car I considered was the 330Ci, in actuality. But the price disparity and the bleh looks (comparitively), and not to mention it didn't even have a LSD and oh yea did I mention.. cost 10k more :)

The RX-8 is a 330Ci wrapped in a nicer looking, cheaper, rotary powered package. I expect the RX-8 will be just as fast, and probably better handling. Can't say no for that ;)

Why is everyone recommending cars that are at or above the RX-8 price? :confused: The guy said he couldn't afford an RX-8 so how does it make sense to recommend a G35C, 350Z, WRX, 330, etc. etc.

If I had to recommed a "somewhat" close (and I use that term loosely) vehicle for under $19k ($10k+ less than RX-8) it would have to be the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. Get a new one V6 fully loaded, good handling, good acceleration, warranty, decent looks, etc. Sat in one in Detroit and was fairly impressed with what you got for the price.

Now this car will not handle or perform like the RX-8 but hey in the end you get what you pay for (and a little more if it has a rotary under the hood) :D

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/images/showroom/car/2002cars/tiburon/color/TiburonBig1.jpg

I totally agree about the tiburon. Also check out the mercury cougar.

A quick search of kbb.com showed other cars in the class:

Chevrolet 2003 Cavalier 16045 - 17295 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Ford 2003 Focus 15665 - 19130 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Ford 2003 Mustang 18265 - 18995 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Ford 2003 ZX2 15260 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Honda 2003 Accord 19760 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Honda 2003 Civic 15170 - 19710 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Honda 2003 Insight 19540 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Hyundai 2003 Tiburon 16524 - 18524 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
MINI 2003 Cooper 16975 - 19975 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Mitsubishi 2003 Eclipse 18717 - 19617 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Oldsmobile 2003 Alero 18495 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Pontiac 2003 Sunfire 15475 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Toyota 2003 Celica 17790 - 18590 Coupe Photo Compare Quote
Toyota 2003 Solara 19850 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Volkswagen 2003 Golf 15870 - 18480 Coupe Compare Quote
Volkswagen 2003 GTI 19640 Coupe Photo Compare
Quote
Volkswagen 2003 New Beetle 16525 - 19900 Coupe Photo Compare Quote

on the 2004 wrx- you have got to be kidding me! that wing! how can you say it looks better with that godawful looking spaceship thing slapped on its tail?:confused:

the tiburon is a good choice. especially the new 6 cyl. i'd take it ove the eclipse.

on the scooby side- i'd say get a slightly used imprezza rs. insurance should be cheaper than the wrx and with a few mods it could pass for one.

the honda insight is cool. hybrid and all. a little on the small side but big on cool. save alot of money on gas and you can get a kickback on your fed taxes for the hybrid. that ends soon tho so if your thinking that way buy one soon

LOL, I think the spoiler looks great (STi). It's nothing new to me, but for others it may be a shock. I don't think the WRX's come with the same spoiler. The Tiburon, put some tracks on it and call it a tank.

Don't underestimate the Mazda6. I sat in one and was very impressed with the seats, the interior, the layout, the overall design, the performance . . . well, with the car in general. Even with the 4 cyl, the performance with the manual tranny is very good and the mileage is good also.

Did I mention this car is a looker.

Well, take a look and a test drive. You'll be surprised!

i really wouldn't want a FWD car, i really like the new 2004 WRX, but the interior still looks like crap. Thats what really made me like the RX8 is its interior. It's very kool.

You might want to look at the Dodge SRT-4. It got Sport Compact Car of the Year in SCC magazine and offers a lot of performance for the money (only $20K)....and it's new....just a thought...:)

Yes the WRX interior looks and feels like crap. Forget the STI, Subaru can't figure out how much to sell it for.

there are lots of great cars u can get thats affordable and NEW.
Hyundai Tiburon, dodge neon srt-4 "I think", honda civic SI, nissan sentra spec V, mitsubishi lancer. I'd get the new neon srt-4 " I think thats what its called." nothing is faster than the srt-4 in its price range. All the cars I just mentioned are under 20 grand... so if u can't afford a rx-8 and want something good heres some.

Yeah, the 330, G35, 350Z, IS300 are definitely out of his price range.

The Tiburon is a good suggestion. I think the Neon SRT-4 would get obnoxious as a daily driver. How about a 1-2 year old certified Acura RSX-S? It's pretty fast and has decent luxuries (when compared with the Tib and Dodge). I'm not into the Celica, but some people are.

In bigger cars, the Acura CL and TL can be had for little money, especially the CL. Of course, you sacrifice some in the looks department (in my opinion).

A used WRX would also do the trick. But I'm unsure what kind of warranty would be left. If you're the gambling type, a slightly used Mustang or Camaro will get you moving in a straight line (but not much else) for little money. Excuse me for swearing in this forum...

If I was plunking down close to 20 large on a car, I would want to make sure it's not too old and prefferably has some kind of warranty left on it. But that's just me.

Heard on a Dodge Neon SRT-4 radio ad: "The fastest production car in the world under $20K"

That's a pretty nice title to have and should give you an idea of the performance for the money compared to other "econo boxes". Something else to consider is the SVT Focus. My wife had the ZTS model and it was pretty damn quick in the 5-speed config. And that's even without the turbo.

I really agree, the Ford Focus SVT is a huge deal for the money.

I love rice, but I can also spot a deal - good performance, immense interior & amazing value. The only dark spot being a little less reliable ( according to Consumer Reports )








The WRX is only ugly till your in it -
Then it is butt ugly.

Infiniti G35c and BMW 330ci.

I'm with Herc. The G35 coupe and the BMW 330ci was the other two cars I was cross shopping. Since I was going to get the G35 coupe before the RX-8 came out, it would be second on my list. Followed by the Beemer only because of it's higher cost.

But I'm glad I waited for the RX-8 instead of getting the G35c. In my opinion, it has a much sharper exterior, and I feel it has a sportier and better quality interior than the G35. Some may classify the G's interior as being more luxurious, but seeing and feeling it gave me the opposite impression. It felt too "plastic" with a cheaper look and feel. Not up to par with the rest of that great automobile. I won't miss the extra HP and torque, especially when the trade-off is a better handling "fun to drive" car. Plus I'm saving about 5 grand.

G35 or Z350

If you want performance, quality, and price then you can't beat the WRX regular. For $23k you can get yourself a car that will pretty much perform with almost anything up to $30k and many things well over. The interior isn't crap, some of you guys are just spoiled. It is actually pretty decent. The only thing I found chincy about the interior was the cup holder. Everything else is ok. And the Suby is a reliable product as well. And you can get a one or two year old version for $16k-20k. How can you beat that. But the 04 will get rid of the bug eyes. It will also have a regular spoiler, not the big wing that comes with the STI.

I am still considering the WRX. I drove one. It is a blast. And since it was the #1 import sports car for the last couple of years (well maybe except for the Miata), there are tons of aftermarket upgrades available.

mustang cobra or camaro ss

used ones are cheap. but that's one man's opinion, and i'm into those cars, and the rx's... =)

Best car next to an RX-8 : My Miata. Hopefully then it'd be my RX-8! seriously, the Miata is a great car, and some drives of the RX contain Miata comparisons for good reason! AND, the best part, you can pick up a great used one for around $10K, depending how old you are willing to go. But as long as it's been reasonably cared for you should expect a lot of life from a decent used one!
Or a used Prelude - those are great, albeit different, cars. I'd cut a lot from my budget before giving up on an RX-8 though!

I notice no one has mentioned the MazdaSpeed Protege. I too had to give up the dream of the RX-8 for the time being. I notice a lot of people mentioning the WRX. I looked at one and was really put off by the interior.

I chose the MSP because of the balance between performance, handling, style, and interior. I am perfectly happy to "settle" for 0-60 in 7 seconds and 1/4 mile in 15.5. In the real world I will get more pleasure out of the interior and the 450 watt MP3 player than I would from the extra speed of the WRX.

On top of that, I have seen several WRXs around town, but no other MSPs.

I am kinda curious why I am the only one to think of the Speed as an alternative to the RX-8. I really would like to know if people here don't consider the MSP as a contender. Don't worry about insulting my new car. I'd like to hear some honest opinions.

I like the Protege 5; used to have a Protege (91); liked the MP3 too. I'd probably lean towards a 6 if no RX-8 was coming, but I have to say (close your ears) I'd think about the WRX too. I have a Subaru XT6 AWD that is kinda fun for a heavy '89 auto car.

RX7 - the FD!!!

and play with it =)
get some 3mm ceramic seals and go from there...

Good topic! An answer I'm still trying to find. Here are my brutally honest observations.

Test drove Mazda6 yesterday - great bang for the buck performance and safety wise, but a little cheap inside, FWD, and heavy curb weight.

I currently drive a '01 Protege ES and the MazdaSpeed certainly seems appealing but several key issues were not addressed. The seats are the same as all regular Proteges and IMO, the worse feature of my car - too flat and zero lower back support. The gearing is pathetically low (try a 4 hr road trip with the tach at 3250 rpm while only doing 110 kph) - no need for a radar, the screaming engine will deter you from wanting to speed. Finally, there's no side airbags despite its availability in the States. Honestly, it's a great little car which does everything I expected it to. It's a bummer because all of these complaints are relatively easy to address (given the car market segment and budget). I would have been first in line for one otherwise. LSD and boost would certainly make it seem like an even more fun ride.

Looked at an '04 WRX. Much improved front facia was the only reason I could now handle walking into the dealership (although I still find the front overhang excessive). Honestly the interior seemed ok to me. Rear seat room is less than a Protege though and no split-fold seats means I'd have to get a wagon for my MTB (don't ask how I was going to try and fit one in the RX-8 if I got one).

Tried an RSX Type S but for the $$$, I find it a little too bland. Positives were a great shifter, seats, well spaced layout, and general asthetics both inside and out. Probably the things which deterred me (taking the price into consideration) was the lack of LSD, having to wind out the motor for some OOMPH, side airbags with no head protection - "thank god the ribs are ok, they'll come in handy for a brain-dead individual who's skull is stuck in some SUV grill", no HID, no 17" rims, and a sunroof which sticks of the car resulting in as much racket as a bike rack would.

Tried a Mini, centre mounted speedo was annoying, and wind noise at 100 kph was excessive. $29K Cdn for 160 hp Mini Cooper S? Sorry, I'll get a *base* RSX instead - same HP and it runs on regular gas. Mini was a fun ride though but the lack of LSD would again bug me.

IMO, the 350Z is not the same market simply due to only having 2 seats (don't even get me started on the lack of value for a $44K base car with a 3200+ lbs chassis and V6 motor). G35 coupe, although very sweet looking, is too upscale to be in the same market as well (G35 sedan might be more realistic).

Now, if Nissan would have brought over their latest generation Silvia/240SX (S16?), that would be a comparison!

Don't think the RX-8 goes without comment. ;) $37K Cdn for no seat warmers, no HID, no alarm, and no sunroof... If it wasn't for the 18" rims, beefier brakes, and LSD (and torqueless 250hp rotary?), I'd look elsewhere. Wait a minute, I already am?!?! Only 6 years of memories in my FD (now that invoked emotion!) keep me curious of the RX-8.

For performance, price of repairs no issue, FD RX-7 :D Will outdo most cars even new today ... :p

If you really want a RX8 in the future and RWD, I say buy a RX7
and learn about the wankel powered cars. Shame that the newest LHD RX7 is from 1995....