I am very dissappointed. After planning on getting an RX-8 for some time now, I have concluded it is going to be impractical with a family. Here's why -- please challenge my logic.

I need a 4-door car as I have two small children and am now having to take them to school, etc. I currently own a Miata but have owned mostly BMW's in the past. I have been really excited and have been following the RX-8 as an alternative to a new 330i or used M3/4-door and is more of a sports car as i am used to, but now don't think it will work.

After really studying the pix on rotarynews.com, i think the RX-8 is impractical for children. Why?? If you have a standard 4-door, the kids can get in and out without you having to get out of the car. Well, with the RX-8, you have to open the front door before opening the back, right? I realized this and was OK with it, but then I saw that the back seat is divided. So, not only must you get out and open the front door and then the back, but then you must go around to the other side and do it again as second kid cannot slide over and out the driver's door due to the large dividing console between the back seats. So, any time you take two kids, all 4-doors must be opened every time you stop and get out. Call me lazy but this is not practical.

So, my conclusion is that Mazda is being somewhat deceptive when describing the RX-8 as seating "4 adults." Most people are interpreting this as a statement of large back seat size but i think the hidden message is that it really doesn't work for someone who wants a sports car but has to take kids along. Given this, I think the value of the car is *greatly* diminished .

Who cares about cramming in 4 adults? I have never had a problem with the Miata as if there are 4 people that need to go somewhere, we either take two cars or one of the 4 has a larger car. Screw the adults -- I need a family-justifiable sports car!

If anyone has more insight as to how the doors work on the rx-8 or if i am missing something, pelase let me know. I was really excited about this car (getting ready to put down a deposit) but i think i am back in the bmw camp now. what a shame.

YMMV

-Paul

i don't think they were really marketing it as a family car but more as a practical sports car. ie. times when u need to take more then one person with u and this is ur main car.. the main reason i lost interest in the 350z. and also im hoping it will be considered a sedan for insurance purposes..

you should check the infiniti g35, its getting some nice reviews so far..

Whats so tough about getting out and opening the doors? :rolleyes:

Do you have kids?

Originally posted by Johnny
Whats so tough about getting out and opening the doors? :rolleyes:

I can kinda see your point, but that's the only way a design like this could work. If you just have 1 kid it wouldn't be a problem really ... 2 it would be a bit more of a nuisance.

Although kids will just trash the car anyway, so better that you trash a Bimmer than a RX-8 :D

Originally posted by nt5k
iyou should check the infiniti g35, its getting some nice reviews so far..

NO manual trans unfortunately. BMW is about the only manufacturere that makes 4 door, rear wheel drive sports sedans.

would rather open 4 doors ever time i get out than drive an automatic! :D

Well, some of the cars that I were interested in were the BMW 330i and the Lexus IS300. I personally fell inlove with the Lexus. It is only slightly slower in 0-60 and has more high end power, the features are about the same to the high priced Bimmer at a lower cost. Thats just in my opinion. but check them out.

Originally posted by veloceracing
Well, some of the cars that I were interested in were the BMW 330i and the Lexus IS300

yep, have looked at one. can't get past the ricer tail lights (sad to see the rx-8 had to go that way too) and cramped interior. also, if you read some of the long term tests of them it is clear that it is no real match for the bmw. just a (good) pretender. maybe the next gen. will be the bmw killer.

i've been considering starting a business to "de-altezza" new cars that are coming out with hideous tail lights such as th altima. what do you guys think?

-pk-

Originally posted by plking


i've been considering starting a business to "de-altezza" new cars that are coming out with hideous tail lights such as th altima. what do you guys think?



you'll surely have my business! altezzas blow..

This is a repost from another Thread in the Forum:

here something I was gonna do with an IS300's tail lights.

Take the light from the car, or order a new set, and remove the glass that encompasses them.

Cover the lights and make sure that no paint can get on them

Take them to a body shop or paint shop (Maaco wont do this I dont think) and have them spray over the chrome, you may need rough the chrome with sand paper before you do this.

After they get painted simply put them in the car again and you now have a custom looking taillight thats not clear but not generice either. Ferrari Did Something Similar to the front lights on the 360 Modena.

Just get a 4 door RX-3 or something.

New IS300's in darker colors (red, black...) have smoked taillights that look much better than the clears.

a couple weeks ago in Boston, I saw a "de-altezza'd" Altezza (IS300).

They painted over most of the clear, so that only the circle for the reds, and the little sliver on the bottom for the blinkers and reverse were shown. It looked VERY clean, and actually better than stock, IMO.

DOWN WITH ALTEZZA LIGHTS! (gawd, like every stupid Nissan has them now, too...ugh)

for sure a is300 would meet your needs better.

Can't you just make one of the kids sit in the front seat and his/her sibling sit behind each other? this would make much more sense in my book. if there are 2 adults in the front, all you have to do is open your door. No one said anything about getting out of the car. Just open the door so the sucide door can open. Thats just my 2 cents.

Originally posted by Aznplayer911
Can't you just make one of the kids sit in the front seat and his/her sibling sit behind each other? this would make much more sense in my book. if there are 2 adults in the front, all you have to do is open your door. No one said anything about getting out of the car. Just open the door so the sucide door can open. Thats just my 2 cents.

that's a good point but my kids are little at this point (4 and 2) and have to be in a car seat in the back seat for several more years. that's what's keeping me form an early e36 m3 -- getting the kids out of of a 2 door will kill my back!

thanks for the thought. -paul

Originally posted by plking
Do you have kids?

I do. :) What is so tough about getting out and opening the doors? :)

At ages 4 and 2 I would not be allowing the kids to get out on their own anyway. I get out of the car every time my kids need to regardless of door configuration. My older eyes are more tuned to parking lot dangers and such. ;)

If your oldest is four, legally he/she can be done with child seats if necessary for your sanity, although I plan on keeping mine in them until they don't fit any more, because it is vastly safer than having adult seat belts going across the kids' necks.

Hell, you could probably use the exorcize if you think walking around the car and opening a door is too much work. There was a time when that was expected (for your date) if you were going to try to make children in the first place. No wonder us middle aged guys get love handles so easily... :D

Originally posted by BOOSTD 7
Although kids will just trash the car anyway, so better that you trash a Bimmer than a RX-8 :D
You need to make them enthusiast while they are very young, and teach them to respect fine automobiles. ;) My kids have yet to trash a car. It's my WIFE I have to worry about... :D

I agree on trashing the BMW instead of te RX-8 though. If you MUST trash the car that is. But don't blame the kids. They only know what you teach them. ;)

4 years, 10 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days since this thread has seen the light of day.

The 8 is definitely not really marketed at being a family sedan. I think of it more as a spacious 4 seat coupe.

Freebie!

4 years, 10 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days since this thread has seen the light of day.Nice job - that might be the record for resurrections.

Any point to it (other than to watch folks reply to and quote the long-gone-original-poster)? :cool:

Celica GTS, works OK with kids.

Just because you have to open the front door doesnt mean you have to get out...

Wow, this is a blast form the past and I am still here.

As an update, I ended up having a deal I couldn't refuse come my way on a 3 series coupe and have owned it for several years now. Great track day car and it has more usable interior room and is easier for the kids to use. Now they are 7 and 9, so they're huge and get in and out by themselves!

I still like the RX-8, but have been additionally turned off by the reports on gas mileage and oil consumption I have heard about. I guess the "Renesis" marketing was all smoke and mirrors, pun intended.

Who knows, maybe I'll get a second hand one someday if they get cheap. If I am going to spend new car money, the way to go is definitely the new BMW 335i coupe or sedan as they are making mid 300 whp and torque from a quick software change.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41284

That's an interesting complication. Hopefully people will be able to learn from this, and properly weigh the consequences of marriage and offspring with their rational minds.

good stuff.

That's an interesting complication. Hopefully people will be able to learn from this, and properly weigh the consequences of marriage and offspring with their rational minds.

Not sure i get your point. I ended up with a car several X less $ that is more usable and great on the track (not saying equal). If I were to get a new car, the new N54 BMWs make 2-3 times the torque and get better mileage. Not trying to bait you here and I like the RX-8 on some levels, but I think they mis-executed on several fronts. I was an existing Mazda owner waiting to buy, but found the end product did not match the buzz.

Did they sell well?

If I am going to get 15mpg in my daily driver, it better have at least 400 hp and ft. lbs. of torque!

Get a Buick. They're easy.

i'm glad i don't have a 4-door family sedan

i'm glad i don't have a 4-door family sedan
but you do with the 8 :mdrmed: sorry, i had to.

ha, ha, funny :p:

Can I tow the family trailer with the 8?

If Buicks have 400 ft. lbs and spank RX-8s, I'm there. Otherwise, a new 335i or e46M3 will have to do...

Did you just come on here to dis our car? Otherwise, what is the point. I have carried kids in the back seat. Yes, I had to get out, go around, open the door. BFD. The kids love to ride in it. They would rather ride in it than have the ease of our SUV. My brother as owned 4 325s. I would rather put up with the doors on my 8.

If you are looking for an honest opinion, you came to a very biased place. If you are here to complain then, go away. We have enough of that on here now.

Wow old thread!

FWIW my 7.5 yo sits in the front seat becasue he does not weight enough to activate the passenger side air bag. Thank you Mazda! My 3.5 yo daughter sits behind him so he opens both doors for them to exit the vechile. No problems here with the door setup the 8 provides.

From a user interface perspective, the 2 "doorlings" on the RX-8 can be considered analogous to flipping the front seats in a standard coupe like the M3. So the inconvenience is similar I think.

Regarding having to open an extra door for the child on the far side, I admit the RX-8 is at a disadvantage there because of the "backbone". However, I believe most kids requiring adult help are on booster seats, no? If you have two booster seats in the back, I doubt the "backbone" is an issue.

The only issue with RX-8 rear doors is when the car is in a tight parking spot. You need to do a little yoga with the front and rear doors.

no, i was promted to come back by whoever revived the thread, then my sanity was questioned! :)

I like the 8, I just thought the execution didn't live up to the buzz. to each his own.

yeah. git im.

damn you wanted2!!

lol. check the post dates kids.

This thread is over 4 years old and the original poster has 12 posts (7 of which are from this thread). But more impressively he came back after those 4 years to respond to new comments. I'm not even sure what to think at this point.

:mad: I must learn to look at the post dates. :spank: :dunno: :wallbash: :dunce: :dammit:

:mad: I must learn to look at the post dates. :spank: :dunno: :wallbash: :dunce: :dammit:

i purposely replied just because of the post dates lol :Eyecrazy:

my email address never changed, so i keep getting notifications!!

i purposely replied just because of the post dates lol :Eyecrazy:

You did it just because you knew some idiot would not read the last page and not look at the original post date and say something stupid.



Ok, I geuss you were right. :dunno:

Whats so tough about getting out and opening the doors? :rolleyes:


LOL, there oughta be a law tp prevent lazy people from having kids :cwm27:


j/k


.

I guess my dislexia kicked in at some point because I fail to see how getting 2 kids into a car with or without child seats is that big of a fuss?

With child seats you put behind you and one in the passenger seat, which can be easily done by reaching across the center console. The passenger seat can slide all the way back until the back of the seat is TIGHTLY pressed up against the rear seat. Lean it back a little bit and that'll leave you with 2 or 3 feet between the childseat and the airbag.
If you don't trust the spacing between the airbag and your child, why not just pop a squat in the driver's-side rear seat and reach over the console as you buckle them in? I've done the same when loading groceries (yes - I buckle the plastic bags in so that I can still drive hard without risking spills), and it's actually easier since you don't have to arch over whatever's in the seat while you look for the buckle.

If they aren't in child seats, just have them get in on the same side and have one of them climb over the center console. I mean, dude, they're kids! They'll hop over that console for FUN. You risk a few footprints and dirt on the seats from their feet, sure, but if you have kids you really shouldn't expect your appholtery to last long in the first place!
And, if you happen to have obise, physically challenged, or imbalenced kids that can't deal with the climbing thing, have you ever seen how far forward the passenger seat can go? Just have the kid reach down and pull up on the lever to make the seat lean all the way forward, and then pull on the bar underneath to slide it all the way up. After they get in, they have plenty of room to access both door handles.


Yeah, both cases require a little extra work, but it's not like it's grueling hard; just take a second or 2 more getting in and out to move some things around. It's no more daunting of a task than unlocking your glovebox and remounting your radar detector every time you get in...

This thread is over 4 years old and the original poster has 12 posts (7 of which are from this thread). But more impressively he came back after those 4 years to respond to new comments. I'm not even sure what to think at this point.

couple of suggestions:

a) lighten up

b) learn to have a little fun

:ylsuper:

4 years, 10 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days since this thread has seen the light of day.
How did you guys miss that part?

CYA Statment: I only replied because the original poster was still here and I wanted some clarification on the "problems" I still fail to see.

Face it. You are all post whores. :yelrotflm

yeah - you're all post whores and should be ashamed of yourselves!

ashamed, I say!


:lol2:

I am very dissappointed. After planning on getting an RX-8 for some time now, I have concluded it is going to be impractical with a family. Here's why -- please challenge my logic.

I need a 4-door car as I have two small children and am now having to take them to school, etc. I currently own a Miata but have owned mostly BMW's in the past. I have been really excited and have been following the RX-8 as an alternative to a new 330i or used M3/4-door and is more of a sports car as i am used to, but now don't think it will work.

After really studying the pix on rotarynews.com, i think the RX-8 is impractical for children. Why?? If you have a standard 4-door, the kids can get in and out without you having to get out of the car. Well, with the RX-8, you have to open the front door before opening the back, right? I realized this and was OK with it, but then I saw that the back seat is divided. So, not only must you get out and open the front door and then the back, but then you must go around to the other side and do it again as second kid cannot slide over and out the driver's door due to the large dividing console between the back seats. So, any time you take two kids, all 4-doors must be opened every time you stop and get out. Call me lazy but this is not practical.

So, my conclusion is that Mazda is being somewhat deceptive when describing the RX-8 as seating "4 adults." Most people are interpreting this as a statement of large back seat size but i think the hidden message is that it really doesn't work for someone who wants a sports car but has to take kids along. Given this, I think the value of the car is *greatly* diminished .

l

I have 2 school age daughters myself. If the RX-8 is your ONLY "family" car, then I would say you are quite right in your decision. It's not going to be as practical as a standard 4 door sedan. The back seat has to be seen as something you use occasionally, much like anyone who would opt for a 2 door coupe. But even here, the RX-8 is better: the front occupant must get out of the front seat to allow ingress to the rear seats, the RX-8 occupant simply opens the door and removes the seat belt.

I use my car chiefly with one or two passengers. When we go somewhere as a family, the Passat gets used.

If I did not own a sedan, I could not own the RX-8.

hehe just stiring the shit pot :smoker:

Hey WantedTwo. Here ya go.

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=91846&stc=1

Put one kid in the front seat. Problem solved.

Most Americans lived with out wearing seatbelts.

Use the damn wifes car. Once again you have sucmbed to her will. Be a Man and roar like a Rotor ZOOM ZOOM 9 grand.

:mad: I must learn to look at the post dates. :spank: :dunno: :wallbash: :dunce: :dammit:Yeah, it's a lot easier to see his point of view based on when he was writing.

FWIW - The RX-8 has been plenty practical for me and my three daughters (one in a car-seat). All things considered my wife was pretty understanding about me buying a 4-seater car for a 5-person family. Shall I cliche'? Different strokes......

I was going to say something else but DaveCM203 said it best.

plking I think it's hysterically funny that you got the notifications and came back here after 4 years. I'm glad you found a car you like.

I'm so ashamed.

I need a 4-door car as I have two small children and am now having to take them to school, etc.
I, too, have 2 kids. 5 and 2 y/o. The 5 year old, he goes with me everywhere and the 2 y/o is a mama's boy. I've taken everyone on a drive in my car and it's not impossible. It is, however, a pain. For all family trips, we take the Accord or rent a car. On a daily basis, it's just me and my eldest and he gets in and out fine. I can sympathize with your complaint about having to do all the doors, but if your REALLY have it for the 8, it shouldn't stop you. If you are only slightly interested in it then maybe a full sedan may suit you better. The G35 is no better as it's back seats are smaller and there are only two doors so the front passenger has to recline as well.

oI realized this and was OK with it, but then I saw that the back seat is divided...So, my conclusion is that Mazda is being somewhat deceptive when describing the RX-8 as seating "4 adults." Most people are interpreting this as a statement of large back seat size but i think the hidden message is that it really doesn't work for someone who wants a sports car but has to take kids along.

I've found that the center divide is great for the kids. It has a center console to keep wipes, toys, etc. as well as two drink holders. It also keeps child seats & booster seats from slipping around as they fit perfectly inside. I am also able to sit behind "myself" in my driving position. The car is by no means a "Family Car." If you have another car and am willing to compromise for the "fun" factor when you are solo in the car then it is fine. If you must have 2 kids with you everywhere, I'd recommend the MS 3.

I hope this helps you justify (not)buying the car. Let us know what you decide on?

couple of suggestions:

a) lighten up

b) learn to have a little fun

:ylsuper:
You must not pay attention too much. I have absolutely no idea how you read my post and thought I was upset about it. This thread has become the defintion of people failing at the Internet.

I hope this helps you justify (not)buying the car. Let us know what you decide on?Burned! You should check the dates and read the rest of the thread before you invest that much time in a reply to the first post. ;)

To answer ½mv² (since I've done these things)If you don't trust the spacing between the airbag and your child, My 11-year-old is tall enough to be compatible with the airbag. I still like her chair as far back as it can go - but it's not all the way back because the toddler seat is on that side. FWIW, that's the best place for your toddler seat becaues then you can glance at the toddler with a motion similar to checking your blind-spot before merging. Gotta keep an eye on the little buggers you know. ;)If they aren't in child seats, just have them get in on the same side and have one of them climb over the center console.Actually, with a child-seat there it's not easy for the 9-year-old to cross-over and I've made that forbidden anyway. I figure if I can walk into the street to get in the driver's door then I can also walk out there holding a child by the hand (yeah, sometimes I hold the middle daughter's hand, just to be sure).

Here's a key point - the RX-8's doors are *perfect* for this kind of 'traffic-side' loading. I can swing open the bigger front door, stand close to it with the child, then swing open the back door without our having to step out into traffic any further than the front door. While she's scrambling into her back-seat I can face the rear of the car and glare at the on-coming traffic before shutting her door for her.

Now, with a regular 4-door I might hold her door open while she climbs into her seat on the other side of the door and thus, out of my reach. Ever imagine a toy rolling out when the door opens and the kid darts after it? You couldn't reach them on the other side of such a door, but with the clam-shell arrangements of the RX-8 door system they're right there.

Allright, so that's reaching, not everyone will be impressed by that, in fact, very few people will find that it applies given they don't stuff a quarter-dozen kids into their RX-8; but plking never really tried it and ½mv² discussed the logistics of it so I'm just adding my $0.02. I'm delighted with it, not because I'm stubbornly trying to make it work; it really does work for me.

Burned! You should check the dates and read the rest of the thread before you invest that much time in a reply to the first post. ;)

whoops! Thanks CBD. Got a case of the lazy eyes and itchy typing fingers... :)

whoops! Thanks CBD. Got a case of the lazy eyes and itchy typing fingers... :)s'cool man - it would be so boring if you didn't care. :cool:

s'cool man - it would be so boring if you didn't care. :cool:
Your old avatar made you seem more jolly. Your new one seems more like you'd punch me across the face if I crossed you.

Your old avatar made you seem more jolly. Your new one seems more like you'd punch me across the face if I crossed you.Yeah? Which one matches my posts? Anyway, don't worry, I've never punched a member of this forum in the face. :icon16:

haha

Your old avatar made you seem more jolly. Your new one seems more like you'd punch me across the face if I crossed you.

I dunno. He kinda reminds me of a more mature Bo Bice. Not to offend CBD, don't want to loose any teeth. :icon16: Just a resemblance I noticed.

I bought this car partially because I could have a really neat car AND carry around a kid. I really wanted an 3rd gen rx-7, or even a miata, but I knew I'd have to give them up when I had children. And then I found the RX-8, and my problem was solved! We have an easier time getting my daughter in and out of it than we do in our Volvo station wagon, and until Sunday, when we switched her to a new car seat, she rode in my car as much as she did in the Volvo (and as soon as a I buy another Marathon, we'll go right back to using my car again- too much to switch the seat back and forth atm). We even use the 8 for all of our family trips, because it's more fun for US to drive, and she fits in perfectly. I don't see this changing once we have a second, either. A third- well, that may complicate things a bit, but that's what the Volvo and whatever SUV we buy this year will be for.

So, it worked out perfectly for me. I have a sports car/coupe/whatever the hell you want to label it, AND I've got plenty of room for my family. It was really a perfect solution.

And yes, I know the thread is 5 years old now, but since you guys had to bring it up again...

so my opinion is this:

1. mazda did the whole family package thing in switzerland, saying it be a 4 door, 4 seats, fam. car.

2. with two kids (depending on how old they are) u could also put one in the front seat..

3. with two kids, at school u could hug them before school starts - so u dont get out of the car for no reason ;)

4. is there no school bus or any busses in your area?

5. if u love the 8 enough you could think about getting a electrical door opener put in, though this would cost probably lots of money.... but would be nice....

6. take it as extra exercice ?.

all together i think it is possible to have family and 8 but it comes with a little more effort than just a usual car. think about it either ull have a special car and a little more effort, or ull have a casual car and no effort -----

i dont know how much u liked the 8 but i fell in love with it.

The RX8 doesn't make a great daily family hauler and it's not supposed to be. I'd recommend a used S4, AWD, manual and good power.

I have two kids one almost 4 and one a little over 1 and the RX8 works fine (if you don't mind a 4 year old kicking you in the back). It's not a 5 day a week hauler though but I do have one or both in frequently. I like the fact my little terror can't get out until I get him out even if he is in a booster. Its almost easier to have him in my 8 then my wife's van because he has no where to run.

yeahr but the S4 is in a very different price class ....

You got it backwards.

It's a sportscar that's more practical than touted.

2 Kids and a wife here and the RX-8 holds them well. We do have a Outback as the main family car but I take the kids across the state to visit my parents in the RX. No problems and the truck is great.

PS Cool-Blue-Dad: I have to say I to liked the old picture better, the new one is too "ZZ-Top at NASCAR". :)

yeahr but the S4 is in a very different price class ....


Thats why I said used, 04 S4's run about 30-34k with under 50k miles. Plus Audi makes the only wagon I'd buy S4 Avant (manual, V-8 and not bad looking for a wagon)

2 Kids and a wife here and the RX-8 holds them well. We do have a Outback as the main family car but I take the kids across the state to visit my parents in the RX. No problems and the truck is great.Just to clarify - is that trunk with or without the spare? Makes a big difference. ;) I had the spare in for a year. Then it fell and rather than rehang it I thought I'd try the trunk without for a while. BOOYA!! It's amazing how much difference that makes.PS Cool-Blue-Dad: I have to say I to liked the old picture better, the new one is too "ZZ-Top at NASCAR". :)Yeah, that a silly picture - I was goofing around on purpose. I don't *quite* have *that* much attitude in real life; at least, not most days. :cool:

2 Kids and a wife here and the RX-8 (#) holds them well. We do have a Outback (#) as the main family car (#) but I take the kids across the state to visit my parents in the RX. No problems and the truck (#) is great.
Funny similarity, my wife just sold her Outlander and I tried to get her to get a new one but she wanted the Pathfinder. I have a seven year old and a 12 year old and my RX8 works great for family hauling and for Haulin'. I drop my daughter off, my son opens the door for her and then I drop him off at middle school.

let's revisit this thread when the OP's kids are in high school. And then college. :wiggle:

i don't think it's misleading at all.. it does exactly what it says.. it seats four adults. not two adults and two carseats. not even two adults and toddlers. it's geared as "somewhat practical" but in no means a family sedan. i have a three month old and with the carseat in the back it makes the passenger uncomfortably straight up and down. doesn't mean i would sacrifice the car though. just means my wife is uncomfortable until my daughter sits upright.. :)

let's revisit this thread when the OP's kids are in high school. And then college. :wiggle:Revisit? This thread could very well take off and keep bumping until the OP's kids are members of this forum. ;)
i have a three month old and with the carseat in the back it makes the passenger uncomfortably straight up and down. doesn't mean i would sacrifice the car though. just means my wife is uncomfortable until my daughter sits upright.. :)Doesn't your wife sit in the back next to the baby? :scratchhe:

sometimes.. she tends to get motion sickness though when she can't see where she's going

why cant you put one kid in the front?

well that would depend on how big the kid was too though.

why cant you put one kid in the front?Can and do if the kid is the right size. You must consider the airbag (can't be disabled automatically or otherwise).

holy thread resurrection batman!

holy thread resurrection batman!
lol...

Can and do if the kid is the right size. You must consider the airbag (can't be disabled automatically or otherwise).
this is what i meant exactly..

I have only one child (3 years old) for now.

I keep his car seat on the passenger side rear, so that I can look back and talk to him if I want to. He also gets a better view of my driving, which he loves.

To drop him off, I get out, walk around, open the passenger front, then the passenger rear, and off he goes. That NEVER seemed like a problem to me. In fact, the massive opening when both side doors are open is easier to work in than the 4-door Accord I used to have. Since I am opening my door also, a second child in back wouldn't be much more work.

Honestly, this is the best car I have even driven, AND the easiest one to get my son in and out of. OK, so maybe my wife's Sienna with the power sliding door is easier, but who the hell wants to drive a minivan??

My wife just read the above and told me to post the following: "Why are you so lazy???" LOL. Get the RX8.

To drop him off, I get out, walk around, open the passenger front, then the passenger rear, and off he goes. That NEVER seemed like a problem to me. In fact, the massive opening when both side doors are open is easier to work in than the 4-door Accord I used to have. Since I am opening my door also, a second child in back wouldn't be much more work.

okay, let's not get too crazy here. i love my 8 and have nothing but good things to say but i wouldn't go so far as to say it is easier to get a kid in and out than a 4-door accord. i also have the 4-door accord and with the door open you are at a better height and aren't reaching in. don't ge me wrong, it's not difficult to get kids in and out of the 8 but i wouldn't say it's easy and certainly not easier than a 4-door accord. just bringing things back to reality a bit here.

okay, let's not get too crazy here. i love my 8 and have nothing but good things to say but i wouldn't go so far as to say it is easier to get a kid in and out than a 4-door accord. i also have the 4-door accord and with the door open you are at a better height and aren't reaching in. don't ge me wrong, it's not difficult to get kids in and out of the 8 but i wouldn't say it's easy and certainly not easier than a 4-door accord. just bringing things back to reality a bit here.

I can't argue with your experience, but it did become easier for me.

You got it backwards.

It's a sportscar that's more practical than touted.

Definitely the stance I'd take. The 3-Series is a nice car, but it doesn't have the handling and overall feel of a sports car. The RX8 does.

Which other cars combine the feel of a sports car with the ability to carry a couple kids in the back for less than $50,000? I'd say none.

As for Mazda's claims being misleading, does the OP want a warning label warning people that getting kids in and out will not be as easy as in a conventional four-door car? If it's easy to figure out from photos, it's not misleading.

Definitely the stance I'd take. The 3-Series is a nice car, but it doesn't have the handling and overall feel of a sports car. The RX8 does.

Which other cars combine the feel of a sports car with the ability to carry a couple kids in the back for less than $50,000? I'd say none.

As for Mazda's claims being misleading, does the OP want a warning label warning people that getting kids in and out will not be as easy as in a conventional four-door car? If it's easy to figure out from photos, it's not misleading.Remember, the OP was writing 4 years ago as a person who had been anticipating the RX-8 for quite a while with only market-hype for data. The OP had finally gotten a good look at real pictures for the first time ever and didn't find what he expected to find based on his understanding of Mazda's press releases without pictures.

That's different from what any of us would experience now-adays where RX-8s are reasonbly easily found on dealer-lots.

Not picking on you mkaresh, just clarifying. Some people have overlooked the date and not understood the perspective of the OP.

Did notice the original date, didn't realize that he'd been forming an impression of the car without pictures. The Evolve concept demonstrated what the car would be like years earlier. But maybe he thought the production car would be even more practical.

I'm personally looking forward to the time when I can put my three kids in an RX-8. Oldest is seven, so still too young for the front seat I think. Also, it will help if I first divorce my wife :)

I'm personally looking forward to the time when I can put my three kids in an RX-8. Oldest is seven, so still too young for the front seat I think. Also, it will help if I first divorce my wife :)I put the oldest in the front finally based on height. Her knees bent at the front of the seat and the shoulder belt fit properly across her shoulder instead of across her neck or forehead. ;)

Personally, it wasn't necessary to divorce my wife, at least, not to get the car. She enjoys using the car for 'just-us' trips without kids. Most of my running around is either 'just me' or me shuttling one or more kids. If the 5 of us must travel together we take her new car or the back-up van (her previous car).

Besides, in addition to being sufficiently practical for my needs as a driver and parent, it's completely cool for those `tween to teen kids. Dropping my 11-year-old off a middle school dance the RX-8 got more attention and excitement than a limo would have. She loved it.

I'm in Michigan, so another reason I'm holding off on getting an RX-8 is I'll probably want a family hauler as a second car for trips, snow, etc.

I currently drive a Mazda Protege5. Which at least in my head is far cooler than the other cars doing drop off at the school.

No spare in my truck, I need the room. My best haul was my 10 year old son and his friend along with camping gear for all of use for a 4 day weekend and it was a big tent.

Just to clarify - is that trunk with or without the spare? Makes a big difference. ;) I had the spare in for a year. Then it fell and rather than rehang it I thought I'd try the trunk without for a while. BOOYA!! It's amazing how much difference that makes.Yeah, that a silly picture - I was goofing around on purpose. I don't *quite* have *that* much attitude in real life; at least, not most days. :cool:

Lets see if I can get any others to reply to this thing and see if plking is still around hehe I'm evil.

Thread necro'ing ain't cool >.>

barsteward !

if you need really need attention

bump up the first thread created on this board..

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=1

Sounds like a cross post to me.
Post in one thread and it shows up in another.


That happens to me all the time.

if you need really need attention

bump up the first thread created on this board..

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=1

I alreay did, before you even joined the board I think.

you people have zero sense of humor and should lighten up.

Wow someone quoted me on a post i made in 2002 :lol: