Hi! I'm planning to take today off and seriously pursue the purchase of an RX-8. I haven't test driven one yet, so I don't know for sure if my 6'2" (35" inseam) frame will fit. I think it should be fine without the sunroof, since I love the tight fit of my '91 Miata. I would pick up one of the remaining 2004's since curent rebates are at $4500 if financed through MAC.

Any pointers about these cars would be appreciated. Are there any gothcha's that I should be aware of? Any TSB's to take care of before taking delivery?

TIA,
Mike

 

Doing search would bring up all known issues. You most likely have nothing substantial to worry about. I am 6'3" and fit in this car, but you are right, make sure you do NOT get the sunroof.

 

You know what we say in my house......................... Dont talk about it , DO IT! Go buy that RX8 you will love it!

 

Don't sing it, just bring it!!!!!!

 

Test drive one ASAP. After that...welcome to the addiction.

 

GOD BLESS....hopefull you will driving home with a HUGE smile on your face!!!

 

I'm your size and have one w/o a sunroof. I have no problem, even with a helmet. No one will be sitting in the rear seat behind me however. Any version with the sunroof brings the roof down ontop of my head.

 

Drive it - Love it - Buy it - Zaino it - Zoom it

Story of all our lives. :D

Check out the TSB's here:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/technical-service-bulletins-tsbs-recalls-rx-8-a-14453/

Different ones apply to different VIN's and build dates.
Make the dealer perform all the ones that apply before you buy.

 

Hey guys, i'm also planning on buying a rx-8 very soon, so what's the deal with the soonroof? im 5'11'', would that be an issue?

 

I'm 6'2" 34" inseam, and I fit fine, seat's not too far back or reclined that much, and I have the sunroof. Space will not be your major concern with this car

 

From what I read on various threads here.. the only issue with a Sunroof typically is that you won't be able to wear a helmet. If you plan on racing, or just like to wear helmets for fun (don't we all?) then stay away from the sunroof.

I believe it reduces the headroom by about 1-2" or so from what I saw (rough estimate from sitting in two cars).

Unless your unusually tall in the upper body, you shouldn't have a problem at 5'11". Keep in mind that both seats (cloth and leather) have a height adjustment for the driver, so you could always lower it a bit to get that extra inch or two as well.

My advice... ask the dealer to show you two of the same model, with and without a sunroof (I think 2005's are the same as 04's for this purpose as well).. and see if you have any issues with your head, though I suspect you'll be just fine

 

thank you

 

Thanks for all your replies!

No go today. I went to a dealer and all they had were loaded ones. The sunroof, while livable, was unpleasant. I'm pretty much out of time for the day and the current batch of rebates is expiring tonight, I think. I'll see what happens later in the week with new ones.

BTW, buying a new Mazda is a pain compared to my experiences with Ford and Subaru. When I was looking around for a WRX I would just click through Subaru's site and got several competetive quotes quickly. I was unable to get any quotes from any Mazda dealers and many don't even have email addresses. I'm not a fan of face-to-face haggling so this may have slowed down the whole process.

I'll be sure to let you if I join the club!

 

You're so lucky, I won't have that feeling until this Summer Bleh.

 

Yeah, no Mazda dealers I talked to liked to discuss numbers on the internet or phone. I looked up the cars in the area on www.Mazdausa.com to find the color/options I wanted. Where are you located, some people in your area might be able to recommend a reputable dealer.

 

I went to www.edmunds.com and got competitive quotes in 24 hours from four Mazda dealers.

 

Ah....yeah. What they ^^^ all said!! Zoom Zoom!!

Still smiling after 12 months of ownership!! :D

- Irish

 

I 2nd it...where are you at maybe we can recommend a dealership? Ask around...I got a pretty good deal for my 8.

Note: Per advice I received, GET YOUR FINANCING FIRST, then go talk to the sharks....

Also, a MUST READ for anyone considering buying a car...."Confessions of a car salesman" it will enlighten you like no other car buying guide...lol

 

6'5" here with a 36" inseem just for reference. Although I don't own an 8, all the local Mazda dealers have my picture up on the wall with the text "NO TEST DRIVES!" cause I've test driven them so many times lol. I'm on a first name basis with some of the dealers :D

Anyhoo, the seat has to be all the way back with or without the sunroof for me, but with the sunroof I need to recline the seat slightly. This isn't a prob for me as I have a '97 Grand Am now and I have to do that anyway. So I'll probably get one with the sunroof :p I didn't see any other seat adjustments, if the seat could go straight down closer to the floor by even half an inch it'd help a lot, otherwise more recline for me.

The 8 just absolutely smokes on these narrow, curvy, windy WVa roads, especially with DCS off

 

I got plenty of e-quotes from dealers here in Houston; I ended up with a killer deal on one that a guy traded in for a Highlander cause his wife got pregnant. They misadvertised the price in the paper and they had to honor it since it was in print. At first they were gonna try and stick me for close to thirty grand.

 

Thanks for the Edmunds sugestion!

Now, at least, a couple dealers have responded. Getting them to give me a quote has not been successful, though.

 

:D

I was off by a week, but am now the proud owner of a 2004 TiGray, touring package RX-8!

 

congrats!
So how did u do? $$

 

I just went S-plan -$4000 in rebates. I'm sure I could have gotten better if I had really tried. But it's just not worth the time and hassle to me, and they did match the incredibly high CarMax trade-in quote.

 

Guess it depends on the person. I wasn't comfortable in the '8 with a sunroof. Wasn't like my head was smashed against the roof or anything, but my hair rubbed on it, and that's pretty irritating. Without a sunroof I'm just fine -- I'm 6'3" with a 32" inseam. I was lucky they had a couple on the lot without sunroofs, or I probably would have bought something else.

Bill