However disappointed, most of us are still going to wait for our RX-8.

In the meantime, it would be interesting to see what actual cars are available to buy today, if you wanted to part with your £24,000 or so.

If you find any good links for cars for sale then post them up. How about this one for starters:


http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?modelexact=1&make=ALFA+ROMEO&min_pr=15000&postcode=b91+3js&source=0&model=156&max_pr=25000&sort=3&miles=40&max_records=50&search.x=20&search.y=5&start=3&distance=37&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200324094951323

or this 321bhp monster....

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?modelexact=1&make=BMW&min_pr=15000&postcode=b91+3js&source=0&model=M+COUPE&max_pr=25000&sort=3&miles=40&max_records=50&search.x=13&search.y=3&start=2&distance=8&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200324094616624

The M-Coupe is but ugly.

Now the GTA alfa would be near the top of my list. :)

2nd hand Volvo C70T5,99 Jag XK8,TVR Chimp 5L,Focus RS?

Not my personal preference but I can imagine that some people would see this as a bargain...

A nice yellow S2000GT, I might go and drive this one on the weekend....

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?modelexact=1&make=HONDA&min_pr=20000&postcode=b91+3js&source=0&model=S2000&max_pr=&sort=3&miles=40&max_records=50&search.x=16&search.y=10&start=9&distance=24&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200325095860491

Alright, so it has a few miles on it, but so what. If I could insure it I would still take this car over the 8.

Also, Mark, how do you link to the autotrader website that way?

Thanks.

Originally posted by MarkW
A nice yellow S2000GT, I might go and drive this one on the weekend....

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?modelexact=1&make=HONDA&min_pr=20000&postcode=b91+3js&source=0&model=S2000&max_pr=&sort=3&miles=40&max_records=50&search.x=16&search.y=10&start=9&distance=24&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200325095860491

Hey, if you do go down that route then at least get the Roadster.

Originally posted by shahpor
Alright, so it has a few miles on it, but so what. If I could insure it I would still take this car over the 8.

Also, Mark, how do you link to the autotrader website that way?

Thanks.

It's done 102,113 miles in less than 3 years!!! No wonder it's cheap(ish), it must have been hammered.

Originally posted by Lensman


It's done 102,113 miles in less than 3 years!!! No wonder it's cheap(ish), it must have been hammered.

Nah, it has probably just been up and down the motorways all day. Very little strain on the engine and transmission.

Also, you got to remember that it has also lost £30,000 in less than 3 years! :)

Shahpor

Or how about this one?

How about another one?

Sorry, getting too excited looking through all these cars! :)

Shahpor

Well, no link, but I'd have to say Integra Type R imported via Litchfield.

The S2000 would be on the list but the S2200 is due for unveiling at Frankfurt:D

And if you need the space, the current rumour of a 2.5litre 250bhp Accord Type R being unveiled at the same time is looking very promising.

Other than that. 350Z I suppose. Or 147/156 GTA (but why not hang on for the new GTV- gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous).

TT? *snigger* I'll get my scissors and mousse;)

Funny - been looking at most of those myself!
There are much lower M5's for not much more money too. Think insurance might be lumpy though on 400bhp.
Like the MZ3 coupe - many people hate the shape - but I quite like it. Just would like occasionally to take rear passengers.

I really like the NSX too, but looking at quite an old car for the same money.

Really rather struggling to find something at least as quick as the TT, with better space in the back, that looks reasonable, not convertible (live in london) and will hold it's value.....

Answers on a postcard.

Watch it Ali!

Originally posted by Ali
Well, no link, but I'd have to say Integra Type R imported via Litchfield.
I suppose there's no chance Honda will actually start selling these in the UK any time soon? If they had brought this to the UK when it came out I would have bought one immediately. Crazy marketing decision by Honda UK not to sell them here.

I'm with Edo on that one.

rael

Originally posted by Lensman


Hey, if you do go down that route then at least get the Roadster.

Lensman,

The GT has a hardtop for the winter and a softtop for the summer, so you get the best of both worlds. One of the things that put me off the S2K was the softtop but I quite like the idea of the GT model.

Shahpor,

To get the URL, right click on the autotrader window, choose properties, the you can cut and paste the link.

Mark

Oh, I see. I kept right clicking on the link and all I would get is the javascript.

Thanks Mark.

Shahpor

Originally posted by MarkW


Lensman,

The GT has a hardtop for the winter and a softtop for the summer, so you get the best of both worlds. One of the things that put me off the S2K was the softtop but I quite like the idea of the GT model.

Didn't realise that. Nice!
Still won't have a decent audio system, nav, SF instruments or the many other things that make the RX-8 special though. Ooops, I accidentally dropped into positivity mode, sorry it's not like me... ;)

Agree about audio, dont need nav, but it STILL has 237bhp, weighs under 1300kg, revs to 9k and it has a starter button :)

Booked a test drive for Sat. Dont expect to get one, but depends on what I think of it.

Ive decided like many others, I may as well spend the summer test driving now!

MarkW,

Whist you're out and about, test drive one of these puppies, I guarantee you'll love it.

Cheers
Oilman

The blue above is the 2.5, this is the mans version 3.0

Oilman

Oilman,

No doubt the Z4 is a good car and not bad looking , but it's not really for me as I cant get past the designer hairdresser image :)

Also, the 3 litre is over 30k if I remember and there is a waiting list so I couldnt have one today. I must admit I dont want to test drive it as I might like it, and then I would have a dilemma.

Cheers
Mark

Im in the same frame of mind....

I hate beamers but this one looks like fun and if i take it for a spin i might actually start hating myself and i wouldnt want to start that self hatred lark.


Seriously though as i like many others want the 4 seats (but not necessarily compulsory) what can you get that gives some decent sporty performance for around the 25k - 35k mark and has 4 seats.

Ok. 4 seats...

New;
Golf R32 - looks like a golf
Impreza - goes well, but not exactly pretty
Civic Type R
???

Second Hand;
M3
Evo 6,7,8
M5
S3, S4
Turbo Volvo (S60?)

even though i hate BMW's im off for a test drive in a Z4 on Tuesday..


Heard they are really good fun and seen a few on the roads now.


Incidently saw a white Rx7 yesterday on the M1 northboard around junction 6 at 8:20am - why i know this cause it looks very old in the shape, first one ive seen in a long long time.

Heard good things about the Z4, but it really isnt an option for me - I want a bit more rear space than the TT, and a convertible is a vandal magnet in London.

Originally posted by Edo
Heard good things about the Z4, but it really isnt an option for me - I want a bit more rear space than the TT, and a convertible is a vandal magnet in London.

I've seen two and didn't like them but I don't like the Z3 either so I suppose it might just be me. The RX-8 is far better looking in my opinion.

I'll be one of those waiting I guess.. there are very few 4 seaters out there that actually have useful backseats. The idea of 2+2 where it's two adults and two midgets doesn't appeal!

Current rumour is that the IT will be brought in with very limited numbers (in the low hundreds) for the 2004 model year. 2004 is the facelift year for both the Integra and Civic.

Here's hoping, though a 2.5l ATR sounds most appealing at the mo.

Have to say, with the power drop, I'm going off the RX8. The bhp/ton is now no better than my Civ type R and the torque to weight is worse.

Originally posted by cw007
Seriously though as i like many others want the 4 seats (but not necessarily compulsory) what can you get that gives some decent sporty performance for around the 25k - 35k mark and has 4 seats.

I can get a new Volvo S60 R for £31k and that is a rapid machine (0-60 5.6 IIRC.) It is supposed to have a very good sport settings but you can also use the luxery setting for cruising. I'm sure a couple of forumites had a go in it at the motrodrive live event and can comment on it.

But thats £9k more.

Dif between a 225TT and a boxter 's'.

I was one of those fortunates, and I can tell you, at the hands of a seriously quick racing driver, we were motoring. Even on the small handling curcuit, it was keeping up with an Airel Atom....

Originally posted by RobDickinson
But thats £9k more.

Dif between a 225TT and a boxter 's'.

I was replying to Chris's request for a 4 seater with sporty performance in the 25k - 35k price bracket (as quote above) which it fits nicely into.

In all the discussions of different options I hear nobody mention
the Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 sport.

Ok it's £4000 dearer than the 8 and reaches 60mph in 7.1 but it's a fine car with a fine engine and better fuel economy.
It's residuals are also excellent. Plus the missus loves them!

Must confess to be looking at one as an option for maybe 2 years whilst the RX8 thrives or dies a death.

Will decide for sure on the 8th when I see the RX8 in the flesh for the first time. If it's further delayed may lose interest anyway.

Cheers
Negative Oilman:(

Originally posted by oilman
Will decide for sure on the 8th when I see the RX8 in the flesh for the first time.

I confidently predict that you will be revitalised.

Edo,


Where abouts in london do you live? i lived there myself, well Finchley and it wasnt to bad but from insurance perspective yes anything with either a N or even a G (Glasgow) costs a fortune yet with that in mind moving from a N3 post code to a WD23 made no change in my premium for my is200

Originally posted by oilman
In all the discussions of different options I hear nobody mention
the Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 sport.

Ok it's £4000 dearer than the 8 and reaches 60mph in 7.1 but it's a fine car with a fine engine and better fuel economy.
It's residuals are also excellent. Plus the missus loves them!

Must confess to be looking at one as an option for maybe 2 years whilst the RX8 thrives or dies a death.

Will decide for sure on the 8th when I see the RX8 in the flesh for the first time. If it's further delayed may lose interest anyway.

Cheers
Negative Oilman:(

Oilman,

I think that is the most negative post of yours Ive seen :)

The A4 3.0 has croseed my mind. Its not really a drivers car or that fast, but it is a great cruiser, looks the biz, and has good kit and great residuals.

Cheers
Mark

Markw

Not my style to be negative, I'm normally :D and ice:cool: but I feel very let down.

I ordered expecting a 5 month wait and was up for it but, 8-9 months because they really don't care about the measly 1000 orders here is quite frankly out of order. (AND NO APOLOGY!)

Always fancied the A4 3.0 cabrio, it's a well built, good looking cruiser and the 0-60's not shabby.

Still maybe "the lensman" is right I will be bowled over when I see it in the flesh and will wait forever!!

Such a shame it's that same old blue pre-production hack that we've seen dozens of photos of already. Cannot believe that Mazda can't do better than this.

Cheers
Oilman (still hangin' on in there!)

Originally posted by oilman
(AND NO APOLOGY!)

That's the real issue, lack of customer service and consideration. If they'd get that right then we'd all be a lot happier.

Regardless of all the problems it really is a nice car and hopefully the climate control works well in snow so it should be worth waiting for.

I must admit, I saw a gorgeous Audi A4, white, tan leather and the top down...it looked really good!! After lunch yesterday my husband & I went a dealership that is all imports to look at them as well as let me see some colors on the Mazda's.
I was tempted to just get one, my husband thinks it would be a great car for me, but he thought that about the BMW convertible too. He was ready to get one but I am waiting for that RX-8, as hard as it is when you have something right there in front of you can drive off with. I also really liked the Audi TT. I sat in that as well and it is a sharp looking car. I thought the Red and Blue looked good in that model.
After all I've put my poor father through over this RX-8 (I tried getting it in white here, then decided on Silver, and just changed to Black), there is no way I can pull up in an Audi and tell him....here's my new car, I don't need the 8 anymore.
Not to mention the 8 is worth the wait!! My husband says he just can't picture me driving around in the 8 (which is my car btw), but he could see me in one of the other cars I mentioned above. I just keep telling myself, just like when I saw the woman in the white Audi yesterday driving, I will be driving my RX-8 down the road and someone will go.......WOW....what a gorgeous car, I wish I had one of those!!! And I will be driving thinking, this is a great car!
I know you're discouraged, oilman, but your 8 will be worth the wait.

Originally posted by HalleysComet
I must admit, I saw a gorgeous Audi A4, white, tan leather and the top down...it looked really good!! After lunch yesterday my husband & I went a dealership that is all imports to look at them as well as let me see some colors on the Mazda's.
I was tempted to just get one, my husband thinks it would be a great car for me, but he thought that about the BMW convertible too. He was ready to get one but I am waiting for that RX-8, as hard as it is when you have something right there in front of you can drive off with. I also really liked the Audi TT. I sat in that as well and it is a sharp looking car. I thought the Red and Blue looked good in that model.
After all I've put my poor father through over this RX-8 (I tried getting it in white here, then decided on Silver, and just changed to Black), there is no way I can pull up in an Audi and tell him....here's my new car, I don't need the 8 anymore.
Not to mention the 8 is worth the wait!! My husband says he just can't picture me driving around in the 8 (which is my car btw), but he could see me in one of the other cars I mentioned above. I just keep telling myself, just like when I saw the woman in the white Audi yesterday driving, I will be driving my RX-8 down the road and someone will go.......WOW....what a gorgeous car, I wish I had one of those!!! And I will be driving thinking, this is a great car!
I know you're discouraged, oilman, but your 8 will be worth the wait.

Of all the cars you mention the RX-8 is (in my opinion) the best looking. It is worth the wait and will be a great drive. My negativity has not recently been about the car just Mazda's treatment of us. Seeing is believing! :)

I agree, Lensman

I hope you're right, 8th july decides really as we went and tested an A4 3.0 V6 in silver with leather and blue hood.

It may not be a sports car but it's a work of automotive art and very well built. It's also nice to drive.

May buy one as residuals are good and revisit the 8 in a couple of years at half price??

We'll see but if Lensman is right I'll still be here next month:D

Cheers
Oilman

cw007

I'm in west london - just outside Ealing. At the young age of 30, with 6 points (just down to 3 now I think) an IAM licence, 5 yrs NCB, and having had license since 17, I'm paying 1200 on a TT225 coupe. Could be worse I suppose. RX8 is coming in a bit cheaper. Which is nice.

I have just test driven an Evolution FQ300.



what can i say ....


I am totally hooked on this thing....


Even the wife loves it..( she wants a test drive as i wouldnt let her drive it when i was in it)

Yes you might say expensive to maintain. But ...

i may be changing jobs in a few days so i will be working in the city of london so the 4500 servicing wont be a problem.

Residuals are superb..

And the road holding and drive is so much FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Escort RS cozsworths and twats thereof lie in my wake.......

please try to presuade me not to buy!!!!!

(ive also had a few jars at this point.)

As per my other post - wherever that woz, I'm concerned that inside and to look at it doesnt feel like a nigh on 30k car. That rear spolier needs to be removable too.....

What about the second hand old style CLK with all the trimmings, should be very affordable now with initial depreciation out of the way.

If only Alpha were reliable, the 147 GTA looks great.

rael

What about the upcoming V6 Quattro version of the new Audi A3? 247 hp, 4 seats and according to Autocar it will cost £23000-and-something. Should have great residuals too. Anyone know when its out?

Originally posted by rael
What about the second hand old style CLK with all the trimmings, should be very affordable now with initial depreciation out of the way.

If its one of the larger engine ones it will almost certainly have automatic, and I'm not sure I'm quite ready for cruising around in a large(ish) automatic Merc (maybe in 10 years time ...)

Having said that, I think you can pick up 430's quite cheaply. So if you're OK with the image and running costs you wouldn't be short of performance (no "torque problems" there).

1995 N Reg Aston Martin DB7 Supercharged 3.2 Automatic
Petrol, Cheviot Red Metallic Magnolia hide piped seats, 95,000 miles . ABS, Automatic Transmission, Tracker, Cruise Control, Heated Seat, Immobilizer, Leather Gearknob, Leather Steering Wheel, Adjustable Steering Column.Mesh Grille, 20"Alloys,Deep pile overrugs, 6 pack CD system, Full A.M. history, Part ex. taken, A stunning vehicle, Mobile: 07970 831 608 Managing Directors personal car! £29,995.

How about a W reg M5 (with trimmings), advertised on Autotrader (in Black) with sensible miles for £28K.

AnilS.

SLIGHTLY OUT OF MY REACH, BUT NOW THAT YOU MENTION IT, i HAVE SPENT THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS LOOKING AT SECOND HAND 5 SERIES,

(oops caps was on)

saw a couple of nice 528's with serious amount of kit, or perhaps a 530d and forget all about this sports car with zero mpg thing.

Like the idea of the M5, but servicing and insurance is going to hurt. I got a quote for an ZM3 coupe this week to get an idea, and bearing in mind my 225 TT costs me 1200, the lowest quote was 1800 up to about 3k! I suspect the M5 at 400hp is going to be well over 2k.

Serious motor though..

KEF, I have driven the following in the last couple of weeks;

M5 - Very, very fast and lovely noise, but heavy clutch so tried..
530i Sport - fast (enough) and sport has all the bits you need, plus it was an auto, which really drove well.
530d Sport - as above but with so much more torque.
840Ci Sport - nice looking but heavy and a bit yesterday. Still turns heads though.
Merc SL320 - for glorious cruising, with the glass panoramic roof.

All were sensible mileage, some warrantied and between £19K (840Ci) and £28K (M5).

Will decide soon if any replace RX8, for my affections though M5 and SL320 very close.

AnilS.

Originally posted by ChrisW
What about the upcoming V6 Quattro version of the new Audi A3? 247 hp, 4 seats and according to Autocar it will cost £23000-and-something. Should have great residuals too. Anyone know when its out?

Considering this one. Have a look at http://www.drivethedeal.com/options.asp?manuf=AUDI&model=A3+HATCHBACK&modeldesc=3%2E2+V6+Quattro+Sport+3dr&capid=25515 for a price. I think its not available until November. According to WhatCar the residuals are about 5K better.

Originally posted by simrjor


Considering this one. Have a look at http://www.drivethedeal.com/options.asp?manuf=AUDI&model=A3+HATCHBACK&modeldesc=3%2E2+V6+Quattro+Sport+3dr&capid=25515 for a price. I think its not available until November. According to WhatCar the residuals are about 5K better.

3.2 V6 sounds very good indeed. Only problem, as with most german cars, by the time youve specced it up it costs a lot more.

Add leather+heated, metallic, BOSE, 17"s and Xenons and youre over £27k.

Originally posted by MarkW


3.2 V6 sounds very good indeed. Only problem, as with most german cars, by the time youve specced it up it costs a lot more.

Add leather+heated, metallic, BOSE, 17"s and Xenons and youre over £27k.


Your specs around £25875 from http://www.drivethedeal.com/options.asp?manuf=AUDI&model=A3+HATCHBACK&modeldesc=3%2E2+V6+Quattro+Sport+3dr&capid=25515

Its not just german cars, swedish outfits saab and volvo arent that far behind on the "ahh i want that option" then adds a shed load to the actual cost.

Anyone else like SLK's? There are several SLK320's (manual) on Autotrader. 2 years old for about £25K.

It would cost more to maintain and insure than an RX-8, and it's about as thirsty - but that will be more than offset by the very low depreciation. And theres lots of torque, great build quality and that amazing roof.

but the slk is a 2 seater is it not.

Or the seat in the back for the midgets...

The SLK320's a bit slower than the RX-8 but a good car, decent residuals too (not sure after new moddle is launched, but wont be poor).

As to that Aston wow, but 95k miles? heh servicing wont be cheap...

Originally posted by cw007
but the slk is a 2 seater is it not.

Or the seat in the back for the midgets...
Yes it's a 2 seater. But at least it's an alternative to the S2000's everyone seems to be planning to buy at the moment.

Oohh I found a compromise!

not 2 seats, not 4 seats...

But 3!

here it is lads ....

http://www.qv500.com/adschristiesf1.htm

Now where was that bank load application form....

Great option. I'll take two please.:D

AnilS.

well well well

some of the more interested among us may find it mirthworthly that my mates Z4 has had oil usage issues. A bit, no in fact a LOT like the issues that the S2000 had when it came out. Another mate had a REAL issue trying to get his S2000 back on the road when all of the oil leaked out in the first week of getting the car and it seized! His was one of the first few released and probably was the first person to point out the oil problem which plagued the early cars.

Also, back to the Z4, my mate was sent a part of the car they forgot to put on before giving it to him (so much for BMW checks!) - the chrome exhaust pipes! hahahahahaahaha
AND they sent them to him in the post to fit himself (not hard I know) hahahaahah

lol fitting your own parts to a brand new £30k BMW.

I'd want serious groveling for that.