Just curious as to what other cars some of you may have been considering along with the RX-8. Personally, I had been considering the EVO and the STi, with maybe a couple other less likely considerations. Ultimately, the RX-8 won out in my case just for being the best overall package of performance, practicality, looks, luxury, and pure "bang-for-your buck" value! It also didn't help that the EVO and STi have a serious "boy racer" image ala "Fast and the Furious", even if I personally don't really care about the "image" of a car other than what I perceive it to be.

With all due respect to any owners out there, once you get down to facts, those cars are just souped up econo boxes, although very fast ones at that. IF you can accept that, and you are happy, then that's all that matters. For me, I understand those cars are powerful and have AWD, which makes them very appealing in a lot of circumstances, but even AWD has its negatives to it. The way I see it, if AWD was the best option for sports cars, then Indy, Nascar, and the fastest drag cars would all be AWD. AWD may dominate in rallying and some other special circumstances, but RWD dominates in overall power delivery and efficiency. I'm all for discussing different points of view on this, so please don't take any of this as a flame either way.

Anyway, let's hear what some of you were cross shopping, if anything, out there.

;)

Heck, if it weren't for the RX-8, I'd probably not be buying a car right now... I'd probably spend the money elsewhere or save it... I'd still be driving my 98 zx2 probably 5 years down the road... but, that was before I saw the RX-8.. :-)

It's kind of funny how everyone seems to have considered completely different cars- for example, my husband and I were looking at the Z4 (too impractical), the Miata (same), and the BMW 3 series. The RX-8 seems to fit the bill for everything we needed- fun, great to drive, and can carry 4 passengers. And it's a little different- and since we both love the RX-7- wasn't too difficult a choice in the end.

We're thinking the Mazda6 might be a fun addition now too..but we'll see what happens in a couple years when the 8 is paid off.

I am with CraziFuzzy, I would not be buying another car if it were not for the RX-8. I would have bought the RX-8 had it come out earlier..... and I would have waited more if needed be. I have been watching this car since the RX-Evolv. I never knew a person could drool so much for so long :D

Originally posted by Elara
It's kind of funny how everyone seems to have considered completely different cars- for example, my husband and I were looking at the Z4 (too impractical), the Miata (same), and the BMW 3 series. The RX-8 seems to fit the bill for everything we needed- fun, great to drive, and can carry 4 passengers. And it's a little different- and since we both love the RX-7- wasn't too difficult a choice in the end.

We're thinking the Mazda6 might be a fun addition now too..but we'll see what happens in a couple years when the 8 is paid off.

Very true which is exactly why I thought it would be interesting to ask my fellow RX-8 enthusiasts about it...;) I had been keeping tabs on the RX-8 since the concept car was released and it has always been at the top of my list of "must have if it ever comes out" cars. I'm looking forward to a very long and enjoyable experience with my RX-8.

This is definitely a "want" over a "need" decision for me as well since my current car is only going on 2 years old. Hey, I had to drive somethng until the RX-8 came out you know...;)

I need to have the ability to carry four people comfortably on occasion, having two small children (one going to be 3 years old and the other is going on 8 months!) since this is going to be my primary vehicle for the forseeable future, but I didn't want to have to "compromise" any more with "sport sedans" either.

Kudos to Mazda for being the first to realize that a "true sports car", doesn't have to be a two seater, two door, self indulging car ("purists" that say otherwise be damned... ;) ...LOL). By making the RX-8, Mazda is rewriting the definition of a "sports car" to include the daily driving experience and practicality only the RX-8 can provide those of us that need/want both without compromises. That's one thing I don't agree with some automotive writers on about the RX-8. I don't see it as a compromise in any way shape or form. I see it as an ingenious sports car design that lets you indulge in all that can be expected out of a world class sports car, while allowing it to be enjoyable and purposeful in other ways as well. No one ever said that those had to be mutually exclusive, it just seemed to work out that way in the past for one reason or another.

Again, thanks to Mazda for bringing the design and vision of world class sports cars into the 21st century!!! :D :D :D

Had my heart set on the STI. Even made a 7 hour trip to the Detroit auto show to see it!! That's when it happened. From across the room, my eyes fell upon the RX-8. I had seen it in pictures and wasn't overly impressed at first. But when I saw the RX-8 in the flesh, I was sold instantly. I love so much about this car. The four doors, styling. engine, interior, I could go on and on. For those of you that have never seen it in person, you are in for a VERY pleasant suprise. Drove home from Detroit on Jan 19 and ordered my RX-8 on Jan 28.

I spent most of the week in between on this forum which convinced me that the RX-8 is the only way to go. There is so much great info here.

While there are still things I like about the STi(power, AWD, four doors), the RX-8 looks a lot much better in my opinion and has a superior package overall for less money.

Can't wait for the Mazdaspeed 8!!!!!!!!

The Infiniti G35 Sedan or Coupe. But the Sedan had a really cheap looking intertior, and it's rear end was just too ugly for me. From the back of the car, it looks like most everything else that's on the road. Non-excitiment for me. The Coupe is a little bit better looking, but still has the same lacking intertior, but it just doesn't seat 4 adults easily. That's where the RX-8 fills in all those spots.

I've been waiting for this to come out since I saw the yellow prototype on the cover of (hmmm R&T?) some magazine quite a while ago. I don't think that I would be otherwise buying a car at this point, since mine is less than 3 years old. I think it is the combination of performance and style that brings me back.

-->Titanium GT Blk Leather Nav

i was considering the mini cooper s as an alternative, the miata and an FD, probably finding something around 100k miles and rebuilding the engine or so

Originally posted by gazita123
-->Titanium GT Blk Leather Nav

Wow, you are the first person that I have seen with the EXACT configuration I'm getting... good choice. :)

Anyway, back on topic, I was considering the 350z or a SVT Cobra. I really liked the Cobra at first, then I saw the 350 and I liked it alot more. Then I test drove the 350z and I decided I wanted the Cobra again (350Z was not very impressive to drive). While contemplating the Cobra, I remembered I had heard about the newest rotary car that was coming out. I checked the MazdaUSA site and after seeing the looks, price, performance and features I was sold. I went and put my deposit down that weekend.

My first car was an 84 RX-7. So you know my next HAS to be a rotary.. haha.. which leads me to the conclusion..

It's the RX-8 or nothing baby! Hahaha

Add me to the list. If I didn't see the RX-8 at the auto show, I wouldn't even be buying a car. I need to learn to stay away from those things!

I'm in. I would not be buying a car if not for the 8. I had a Boxster as a third car, but I never drove it. Loved the Boxster but need seats for two daughters ( you try and leave one kid at home when you get in the "fun" car). When I saw the RX-8, that was it!!

Now I drive a Explorer until my RX-8 arrives.

Roachman

BMW 330Ci,
Mitsubishi Evo VII,
used Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II,
Nissan 350Z,
Mazda Rx-8

The first two were only temporary ideas. The Lancia is amazing and possibly the finest car on the list (including the RX-8) but is only available at high mileage and left hand drive. I live in the UK and couldn't live with that.
The 350Z was my perfect car and I loved it from first sight for 7 months of ambition. A week before the UK prices were revealed I spotted the RX-8 and jumped ship with a Mazda order. I'm still unsure if I've done the right thing and I might well put a deposit on the Z too and then cancel the RX-8 if owner reviews of the production car prove it to be insufficently powered. If the RX-8 is as expected (or slightly less) then it's no contest. Hell, the RX-8 even has a stereo that sounds better than an AM clock-radio!
;)

My '87 TII was getting a little tired. I was actually thinking of getting a pickup (someone slap me) when I saw the RX-8 on Mazda's web site. Once I saw that yellow pre-pro model, I was hooked. I haven't and I won't even bother to look elsewhere. I WANT MORE ROTARY! Guess I'll have to rent a truck next time I need to haul something! Actually, I told my wife I'd get a flatbed to pull behind her SUV... she was not amused :)

Well, I posted this in a different thread, but I guess I'll throw it in here too.

I have a wife and a 3-year old son, so I've only been considering sedans. My top three choices were: No real order-it varies by week:

Previous generation M3 sedan (new one isn't offered with four doors)

Used Audi S4

Subaru WRX STi

I was actually going to buy a WRX, but I decided to wait for the STi. During the wait, I found out about the RX-8 and now it's the clear front runner.

At one point during my wait I actually sat down to sign the papers on a Black G35/premium/sport/aero. The dealer dropped a "Marketing Assesment" fee on me that he didn't tell me about. He wouldn't drop it off so I walked. In hindsight, he did me a favor.

1997-98 240SX. That way I can keep the car for 1-2 years so I can see what's going to happen with this latest generation of Japanese sports cars. But if I can't find the perfect 240sx (difficult because they are rare), I will buy the RX-8 I have on order.

I'm a die-hard REX-aholic but I would have to say that the Mini Cooper S is a close second choice. I know they are two completely different cars but I think they would both offer similar fun factors. :D

The cars I had been considering at one point or another were,

- Audi A4 1.8T
- Inifiniti G35 Coupe
- Lexus IS300
- Mazda 6

I have been following the RX-8 since it's concept days, but I really didn't think about getting one until I saw it at the car show.

If my RX-8 order should somehow fall through, without hestitation, I would go and order an A4.

Lancer Evolution VIII
S2000 (S2200, if rumor about it is true)

Alfa 156 GTA, I am still deciding.:o

I'm still considering a Subaru WRX STi, but here is the problem. I'm definitely buying a new motorcycle after college. The choice is between the Honda SV-1000S and the Honda VFR. I may not be able to afford either the STi OR the RX-8 AND a new motorcycle, so I may have to give up on the car. I love bikes way too much to give up on that!

My friend wants the STi too. I must say it looks to be a sweet car with a big punch, after my experience riding in a WRX.

However, I think the STi will be even more expensive and harder to get than the RX-8. Whaddyall think. I mean even Subaru's calling it a Limited Edition..

Who knows..

got an sti on order also;)

two cars on order?? sheesh are you made of money?!?

Originally posted by RX-Nut
two cars on order?? sheesh are you made of money?!?

nope only buying 1 car:)

here see my post here
http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=34877#post34877

I was looking at the WRX. I was toyinf with the idea of getting the STI. Then I went window shopping for cars with a friend of mine. We stopped at a mazda dealer and thats when it hit me. I looked up this forum and bam I preordered. I cannot wait.

At one time, about a year ago, my mind was set on...
1) Audi S4, then that changed to ....

2) BMW 330ci, then that changed to...

3) Infiniti G35 Sedan, then that changed to ...

4) Infiniti G35 Coupe, which I was 99% sure I was going to get.

And then along with a brochure of the Mazda 6 I requested for my daughter, was another brochure. It happened to be describing a sports car like no other, with this new generation rotary engine - the RENESIS. I fell in love at first sight. The rest is history. Placed my order for the RX-8 on January 20.

RX-8 Zoomster,

omg, I went thru the exact same choices as you!

Except for me it was:

1)330ci
2)Audi S4
3)G35 sedan
4)G35 coupe
5) RX-8 :D

This all happened last year from Jan till G35c launch.

Well since my budget seems smaller than most here, here's what I was going through.

1) Altima
2) BMW 320? (lowest model)
3) A4
4) Saab 9-3
4a) volvo S40
5) G35 Sedan
6) G35 Coupe
7) Mazda 6 recently
8) RX-8
9) 2005 Mustang??


After more and more research and seeing so much of the RX-8 (still haven't seen it in person) I'm HOOKED man this thing rocks.

I really need 4 seats I can't see only have 2 and barely a trunk. I really want something snazzy to look at and I want performance.

I plan on purchasing june 2004 so I plan on test driving as many cars as I can this summer to prepare for next year. Then I'll make a short list. But right now the Rx-8 is tops on my list. Price is great and it looks like a top notch car.

Time will tell, mostly price will tell, I'd settle for a Mazda 6 if I HAVE to but knowing the way I usually handle things I'll get the 8 no mater what the cost!

Like many of you, I have been weavering from one car to another for a while now.

In 2000, I bought my loaded 00 626 ES V6 spd. At the time, it was the best bang for the buck and had everything I wanted/willing to pay for in a car ($5K below MSRP). Also, there was an aftermarket turbo & supercharger kit for it, well, actually 93-97 Probe/MX-6/626. Later, I found out that the kit wasn't very good and installing it on my 2000 was taking a leap into unknown terriory. Lately, I have come to accept that the 626 has good power and gear ratio, though it would never be pinning me to my seat like the RX-7.

Since then, I have looked into the Altima 3.5 SE, Audi S4, then the A4 1.8T Quattro. Now, I really like the Mazda6, but for a little more $$$, would happily consider an Evo or STi. Wait a little longer and look into a MazdaSpeed6 when that comes out.

My current mind set is to keep my eye on the big picture, which is to replace my 3rd gen RX-7 and to possibly own a fourth car someday, but more likely it will be 3 cars and a motorcycle. The only way for this dream to come true, consider my new home and child, is to hold on to the 626 for many more years. Basically, for a longs as it will run with only regular maintenance cost.

RX-7 replacement considerations:

427 Cobra replica ($25K-35K)
550 Porsche Spyder replica ($15K-25K)
Ferrari 328 GTS (~$40K)
Ferrari Mondial 3.2 or t (~$30K-45K)
4th gen RX-7 or MazdaSpeed RX-8 (~$40K)
Ferrari 250 GTO or California Spyder replica (~$30K-40K)

After the RX-7 replacement is paid off and depending on the condition of the 626, I will consider either a forth car, or motorcycle and shifter cart, or replacing the daily driver most likely with an Evo, STi, MS6, or something else exciting that comes out between now and then.

Glad to know I am not the only one that has spent inordinate amouts of time trying to figure out what my next sweet ride was going to be.

My escapade started ~ 2 years ago when I had to sell my New Beetle & get a Nissan Frontier pick-up truck to do some major home remodeling. These last couple of years have proved to me I am NOT a pick-up truck type of guy! Now that the remodeling is close to complete, it was time to change my daily driver.

Once I made up my mind I needed (wanted) something else, my first impression was to get a convertible, so I looked seriously at the S2000, Toyota Solara, Miata and the New Beetle which was coming out with the convertible version. Test drove the Solara & didn't care for it's handling or feel. While I almost bought the Miata (test drove a few & loved the handling), the real kicker was it being a 2-seater, and my luggage would not fit into the trunk. So that also ruled out the S2000. I decided it didn't have to be a convertible, as there were no other choices in my price range, and I do have a '64 Red Corvette Stingray convertible (owned since I was 22 y.o.) that I can get out whenever the topless urge arises.

Some snazzy sedans were making themselves known, such as the Altima 3.5SE, the new Honda Accord, and the Mazda 6. I ruled them out, only because I do not particularly want to have a '4-door'. I am currently going through my mid-life crisis (44 y.o. now), so the voices inside my head said, "you need to reward yourself, and get yourself a Sports Car !"

I was desperate to find a 4-person Sports type car, but there just wasn't much to choose from. I read about the G35 Coupe, and thought this was going to be my best (and only) choice.......until I stumbled around on the web and found out there was a vehicle coming out like no other, a 4-seat Sports car called the RX-8.

While I was impressed with the styling of the G35 coupe, the looks of the RX-8 were by far a show stopper. The time frame now is early January, and with the help of reading this Forum, I elect to pre-order. Then Car & Driver compare the SVT Mustang, G35 Coupe & the RX-8, which confirms my choice was right.

Now the voices inside my head are saying, "best choice on the Sports Car, now get us behind the wheel so we can have some major fun!"

I'm 17 (18 in may) and bought my first vehicle last year in april (16 years old) with my own money (2000 nissan frontier) ive been working at the same place for 3 years now. With the 8 coming out I think I'll be trading in my tuck for it some time before 2004...just got to save up every penny for a nice down payment.

Originally posted by llama
I'm 17 (18 in may) and bought my first vehicle last year in april (16 years old) with my own money (2000 nissan frontier) ive been working at the same place for 3 years now. With the 8 coming out I think I'll be trading in my tuck for it some time before 2004...just got to save up every penny for a nice down payment.


Good for you. It's nice to see some kids actually earning what they want instead of having it handed to them (I go to a private school where only a handful of kids bought their own cars, many were given theirs, including a '97 supra TT and a '99 M3). I'm 17 as well, but despite my working ~50 work weeks for the past few summers, I only have around $11,000. How exactly did you manage to afford a 2000 frontier?

Originally posted by velociti



Good for you. It's nice to see some kids actually earning what they want instead of having it handed to them (I go to a private school where only a handful of kids bought their own cars, many were given theirs, including a '97 supra TT and a '99 M3). I'm 17 as well, but despite my working ~50 work weeks for the past few summers, I only have around $11,000. How exactly did you manage to afford a 2000 frontier?
Ditto. Kudos to you.

Kids that are given cars and other things on a silver platter are some of the most irritating people I know. They don't know what hard work means.

It's refreshing to see somebody working hard for their car, just like I had to do when I came out of high school and pay for my lease payment on my Millenia.

Originally posted by velociti



Good for you. It's nice to see some kids actually earning what they want instead of having it handed to them (I go to a private school where only a handful of kids bought their own cars, many were given theirs, including a '97 supra TT and a '99 M3). I'm 17 as well, but despite my working ~50 work weeks for the past few summers, I only have around $11,000. How exactly did you manage to afford a 2000 frontier?

found a good price, I get paied pretty well, and I had an internet company that I sold which did computer hardware reviews. I do ecology reserch for Florida International University http://www.fiu.edu/~ecosyst I dont know of a single kid at my school that bought their own car.

I want a car whose engine makes continous power. That means more than 4 cylinders. So at least 5, but putting 5 cylinders into a single exhaust is really dumb, and you can't split 5 cylinders into 2 exhaust (Honda RC211V excepted). So I need 6 cylinders, or a 2 rotor wankel. A cross plane crankshaft V8 (also boxing 8) is out, because of its inherrent inefficiency--its firing order L R L L R L R R. If I won't take an inline 5, that also means a V10 is also out. I haven't seen and quad exhaust V12's lately.

So a dual exhaust inline 6, boxing 6 or V6, or wankel.
So Rx-8, 2004 G35 sedan, 2002+ A4 3.0, next gen 3 series with direct injection/ValveTronic I6's