I was wondering last night is there a sterotypical RX8 owner?

Or is the car one that appeals to everyone?

Personally I am 29 years old Civil Engineer, with my wife expecting our first child in December / January.

Do we have any 70 year old grandmothers or grandfathers for that matter?

Chris

You seem fairly typical... (or at least similar to me!)

Also , looks like Oilman could have a 2nd member for the 'West Country RX8 Club' :)

I think that many to-be owner are used to sports cars but are now having to compromise with the 8 being either the new family car or the 2nd car (in my case) which could take the kids if needed but still has the performance and looks of a sports car.

Age seems to be spread with some teenagers in the US and more oldies elsewhere.

rael

34 year old IT consultant who's last 2 cars both did 0-60 in sub 7 secs and topeed 145mph but had 4 proper seats. Because I commute 136 miles a day I have to lift share and so need a car to carry at least two adults. I also have a 3 yr old and a 20 week old baby so occasionally need to fit sprogs in the back but I couldn't ever drive a mundane car on a day to day basis. The economics don't make sense but sod it!!:p

Good on you Andy and nice to see some familiar faces (well usernames) round here

PhilC

Lol Philc, this becoming the new dvdforums?

For my sins I'm a 32 (on sunday) year old Software development team leader.

Currently driving a shopping trolly with a ford badge, getting the RX-8 as is the only thing with 4 seats I find acceptable, least for the price. Dont actualy need 4 seets but do commute 60miles a day , and Andy is right, the economics dont make sence :)

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Lol Philc, this becoming the new dvdforums?


It's way too quiet round here in comparison - but at least you can keep up with the new posts over here!

It shows a good crossover in interests that a few of us from the DVDForiums are buying into the RX8 (and that we've got less sense than money!!)

We'll have too keep the RX8 thread over there going - make all those Leon Cupra and MR2 owners jealous!!:p

I'm a 25 year old IT Consultant. It's replacing my current daily-driver, a VW Polo G40, which I bought when I purchased the TVR to keep the miles off it.

Want something sporty and fun around the 20k mark, and want 4 seats (don't *need* them, but don't want the impracticality of 2 2-seaters).


-andy-

Have details of Mazda's target market at home, will post tonight.

I'm 43 today, run my own oil distribution business, play golf as much as possible and have 2 kids. I want a 4 seater that does 0-60 in under 7secs and looks damn good!!

Don't consider the BMW 330 or Golf R32 as an option for me as they don't look good and there are far too many around.
Looked at AudiTT 225 but don't consider it as a four seater (it's really pathetic! My 10 year old wouldn't be happy in the back!!) besides, where would I put the golf clubs??

The RX8 is the perfect combination for my needs and boy does it look great.

Cheers
Oilman;)

Now I understand the 'Oilman' user name. Presumed you worked in a garage or just ran really old oil guzzling cars:D

rael

I'm 29-year old helicopter/Herc crewmember for USAF and father of twin boys. My daily commute is also 60 miles or so. That does not include my almost daily run to Sonic for a Cream Slush ;) Need 4 seats to go to lunch with co-workers, and cruise with my wife and sons on the weekends. Wife's daily driver is a Hyundai Santa Fe. I'll have to think of something to prevent my greasy nasty flightsuit ruining the seats after my flights. Will probably end up bringing a change of clothes and changing before getting into the car.
When I gave up my 91 RX-7 a few years ago, I swore that I would one day own another rotary, and had my eye on the RX-Evolv. I was a bit surprised when my wife told me 18 months ago that she wanted me to get the RX-8, and that I deserve it. Great timing, as the preorders were not even close to starting, and NAIS had not happened yet. I was able to START the waiting list at my local dealer. Now I wait for my 1st allocation Velocity Red 6MTGT :)

Interesting to read so far that most are in IT. Me too, Support and Services manager for computer and server manufacturing company. Married, no kids yet. Wife almost 30 so the preasure is on for kids.

The 8 will be my first real sports car. Can't wait!

Well I'll just add to the stereo type that's emerging -

34, IT consultant, 2 year old daughter.

I'm hoping the RX8 will be large enough to haul a lot of windsurfing gear around. Otherwise if you see an RX8 with a towbar it'll be me!

Well, I'm 37, an ex games (ie nintendo etc) programmer who now owns a printer/laser/refill shop (coz it pays regularly!)

No kids, but married. I'm always giving lifts to people so the 4 seats suit me fine. Car is fast enough, like the looks, practicality etc.

So you want to know what Mazda think?

Letter to Uk dealers dated 18/12/2002 states as follows:

Target Customer.

Driver profile.
We are targeting independent thinkers, who are not mainsteam, but willing to experiment with innovations and who want to be seen as owning something different. Someone who is comfortable expressing individuality, is imaginative and a trendsetter, but also loves driving. (so far so good?)

Demographics
Predominantly male aged 30-50
Above average income and education (ok?)
Proffessional, managerial, entrepreneur, artistic

Current Model Owned
BMW 3 Series
Volkswagen golf
Vauxhall
Ford Mondeo (???)
Audi TT
Honda
Toyota Celica
Vauxhall Vectra
Honda Civic
Subaru impreza

Now you know, is this you?

Interesting non the less, I wonder who does their market research??

Cheers
Oilman

I fall into that Mazda bracket but then I think the demographics and cars listed including the 8 are almost interchangable.

Also, in a simalar thread on the TT Forum most owners also seemed to be IT linked.

I am a 32 year old single blond female glamour model who loves life in the fast lane. :D

rael

Well to continue the stereotype I am also in IT. I am the Infrastructure Manager for a large distribution company. Married but no kids.

A similar thread on Scoobynet a while ago had a majority of IT people on it. I think that is because there are still a large number of youngish IT people about who have a significant disposable income.

Im fairly close to Mazda's target customer:

Driver profile. - MOSTLY TRUE
We are targeting independent thinkers, who are not mainsteam, but willing to experiment with innovations and who want to be seen as owning something different. Someone who is comfortable expressing individuality, is imaginative and a trendsetter, but also loves driving. (so far so good?)

Demographics - TRUE
Predominantly male aged 30-50
Above average income and education (ok?)
Proffessional, managerial, entrepreneur, artistic

Current Model Owned - TRUE
Subaru impreza


Maybe they got their research right.

I also think theres a significantly high proportion of IT folks who spend all day posting on bbs.

Were what 20-30 of the 1000odd uk preorders, and all into IT? Hmm... and onthe web too....

Well guess what I do for a living? Thats right, I work in IT :D

I'm a 25 year old IT analyst, working for a financial company in central London.

Shahpor

hmmm. Could be onto something....

(speaking as a 31yr old IT Infrastructure Manager who loves his motorised toys...)

Morgan.

It seems that myself and Oilman are in a bit of a minority here.....

I'm a 33 year old IT director for a software company.

So much for us being 'independent thinkers'. More bloody IT people. Aaaaargh.

So Rael, glamour modelling huh. Any piccies.

How long before we It guys get the RX8 online then? That way we can XML from our laptop / PDA/ Mobile to turn the engine on and warm the seats on those cold days or turn the AirCon on in the summer!:D :p

With such a concentration the problem is that as 2nd car prices may fluctuate as the IT world goes through good and bad times.

What we need is more plumbers as they seem to be able to charge what the want irrespective of economic climate.

rael
(well adjusted mid 40's male, wife, 2 kids living in fantasy world)

nice one rael!

Me 33yrs old, sales manager, glad to break the trend.

Good on you ROTORIST!

Cheers
Oilman

I'm a 37 year old Electronic Engineer, involved in chip design in the computer networking industry. It's IT really, isn't it?

I like the bit about:

"independent thinkers, who are not mainsteam, but willing to experiment with innovations and who want to be seen as owning something different."

I'd say that was spot on. One of the problems I would have with owning a 350Z is that I can see it being the next Audi TT - a must have automotive fashion accessory. Whatever your reasons for buying it and however good a car it was, everyone would assume you were just following the crowd, buying this year's cool car.

27 yr old Structural Engineer with a semi-detached girl-friend, and an unhealth car obsession
(parents both racing drivers, best mate a rally driver),

Probably fall slightly outside their target market, but i've been looking for ages for something to replace my J-Spec MX-6.

Hoping that the '8 will be close enough to the 4WS assisted handling of the '6 not to disappoint.

At least I shouldn't be too embarrassed going up against my mates road going Focus RS (not daft enough to try it on with a rally car)

No! not another one.

35 year old IT consultant.

(Who has just spent the day changing the timing belt on his MX-6. Nightmare, but beats the 550 quid Mazda wanted to charge!:eek: The belt only cost 28 pounds.)

Originally posted by ChrisW
I'd say that was spot on. One of the problems I would have with owning a 350Z is that I can see it being the next Audi TT - a must have automotive fashion accessory. Whatever your reasons for buying it and however good a car it was, everyone would assume you were just following the crowd, buying this year's cool car.


That's exactly what I think. The 350Z could do it for me (I'm still not very convinced tho), but I expect it to become another Audi TT also - flooding the roads with them in 6-12 months. And just to top it off, I expect "So Solid" will all be driving around in them too.

That's made up my mind!


-andy-

TW Wite and Sons in Weybridge had a 350Z in their back yard today and I was lucky enough to get to sit in it and start it up. Wonderful wonderful car. The 8 is in a different market...blah blah and we all have our reasons for buying the 8 rather than the Z!

But the Z is better than the TT. The Japanese have come back with a vengeance with the launch of the Z and the 8. It is about time too.

I can't believe the number of IT people buying this car in the UK, perhaps theres something about the RX-8 that appeals to a logical British mind. The rotary engine certainly makes a lot of sense to me...

As for me: mid-30's, IT of course, wife, 2 month old daughter (hence no two seater convertible as intended). From London but living in the USA for the last 6 years (and Singapore/HK for the 4 years before that).

Its not just this board:


http://forums.evolutionm.net/poll.php?s=&action=showresults&pollid=583

Originally posted by pelucidor
I can't believe the number of IT people buying this car in the UK, perhaps theres something about the RX-8 that appeals to a logical British mind. The rotary engine certainly makes a lot of sense to me...


I don't think it's the car - more the method in which we're discussing this on (ie: the internet).


-andy-

me,


35 year old IT Consultant married (4months) 3 bedroom semi in the burbs (Herts) no ankle biters yet, soon to change if the missus gets her way.


Currently driving an upmarket (if you call it that ) mondeo in the form of a Lexus IS200 (getting this because its an excuse to not fit the kids into it) Bought her a new 323 1.6 GSi so i could get the RX8

Driven the past -
vauxhall Astras ( company cars :- total crap)
Vauxhall carlton
Volvo T4 (superb mota)
IS200 SE

NON I.T

I sell high-end kitchenware to fund my obsession.

Well my wife calls it an obsession, I think its normal.:D

So far this year I've gone from:
Mini Cooper S
Audi A6 2.8 Quattro
BMW 330ci Sport
Merc A-Class (not nice)
Golf R32 ( 2 weeks ago)
Audi A4 Avant Quattro Sport (tomorrow)
RX8 (at launch)
Audi A3/S3 3.2 (end of year possibly)

I think it was about 5 or 6 last year. I just can't make my bloody mind up:eek:

No kids, 1 wife and 1 dog.

Originally posted by 18ME
So far this year I've gone from:
Mini Cooper S
Audi A6 2.8 Quattro
BMW 330ci Sport
Merc A-Class (not nice)
Golf R32 ( 2 weeks ago)
Audi A4 Avant Quattro Sport (tomorrow)
RX8 (at launch)
Audi A3/S3 3.2 (end of year possibly)

I think it was about 5 or 6 last year. I just can't make my bloody mind up:eek:


All new? whichever that lot must cost a packet to switch from.

Buy a shopping trolly save up and get a 360 marinelo or something...

Originally posted by 18ME
NON I.T

I sell high-end kitchenware to fund my obsession.

Well my wife calls it an obsession, I think its normal.:D

So far this year I've gone from:
Mini Cooper S
Audi A6 2.8 Quattro
BMW 330ci Sport
Merc A-Class (not nice)
Golf R32 ( 2 weeks ago)
Audi A4 Avant Quattro Sport (tomorrow)
RX8 (at launch)
Audi A3/S3 3.2 (end of year possibly)

No kids, 1 wife and 1 dog.


Sounds more like a waste of money to me! lol.

8 cars in 6 months?? Hardly time to get used to any of them, let alone even run them in!


-andy-

All justifiable in my eyes anyway. I've lost no more in depreciation than running a focus over the same period. We need 2 cars, so the changing is halved and 3 were used.

Last year was a different story.
:(

Well, my 2p

I, like oilman am in the utilities business. I work for the biggest supplier of Gas (like Jon Tickle who works in our office in Staines down the road from me) am work in the bit of the company that actually MAKES the money. I am whats called Energy Balancing Manager. I ensure there is enough electricity for all of our customers and that includes the running of our 5 power stations.

However, 3 and a bit years ago I was the Service Delivery Manager / Network Manager / SQL DBA lol, but got bored and made the jump just after Y2K cos I saw it all going tits up.

MUCH prefer to be in the business side.

oops forgot the rest of the profile

31 in July
1 x 2yr old daughter
1 x other one on the way in october

Had a Mk II brand new '5 (in bronze mmmm)
then had to flog it when the little one was born. Got a Mk I Eunos in Red and a silver Mondeo (!) ST 24 (phew) instead.

The Eunos 3 yrs later has now gone to my best mans missus and Im currently driving an ebay purchased (!) E reg Honda Accord aerodeck and just WAITING for that moment to arrive...

My first post, been lurking for a while.

I've not pre-ordered, however much I like the looks of the RX-8 in pics and on paper. I need to drive one first, or at least see one in the flesh.

28 year old systems administrator, so continuing the IT trend. No longer attached but still want something with more than 2 seats that looks different to all the other 'sports' cars out there.

If I wanted something quick that can only seat 2, I'll get a bike. Fed up with so many cars looking almost identical, want something that looks sporty, is sporty and don't want to give up all the practicalities.

Almost definately going to get the HiPower in either Winning Blue or Titanium Grey. Love the two-tone leather, hope they do a blue/black combination to go with the blue metallic paint as I've seen in a couple of photos.

Looks like a gorgeous car that will definitely turn heads.

Welcome to the forum.:)

You probably won't be able to drive this car until September.

Then, if you come to order one there will probably be a waiting list so you probably won't get one until the new year at the earliest.

Are you Ok with this?


An order now will only cost you 100 pounds if you decide to pull out, however the colour combination you want is not available yet.

There seems some doubt that the blue black interior will be available at all, as this seems to have only appeared on a photochop or production car. The yellow black interior was dumped by Mazda due to the difficulty keeping it clean. The silver black interior was apparently just for the X-Men car.
Therefore the only interior choices seem to be black black, red black, tan black (not available here yet).

Sorry to seem a bit negative about this but don't go getting your hopes up until you hear something directly from Mazda.

Hi, and thank you for the welcome. Glad to be taking part at last.

I've read everything I can find about the RX-8, collected photographs, etc. Not that I'm becoming obsessive or anything :)

Yes, I know that the UK dealers won't have a car until late this year, probably around September time and it doesn't really matter if I'm impatient or not, 'cos there's not much I can do about it.

I'm happy to wait (well, kinda happy anyway). It'll be sometime next year before I'm ready to order anyway, so its not too much of a problem.

On a local note, I'm also from near Warrington (Widnes), and chatted to the guy at Mazda Warrington too.
Your post at: http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2124&perpage=15&highlight=Warrington&pagenumber=2

Very helpful although I knew more than he seemed to, he seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the RX8, offering to lend me various magazines for their articles about the car and a video he had from the Geneva motorshow.

Fingers crossed about the blue/black interior. I like the red/black combination, but not too keen on the red metallic. I wonder if they'll do a two tone black/grey leather for the grey version.. Guess I'll wait and see :)