I don't want to get this thread closed by starting yet another discussion on the HP issue, but I wanted to provide a different point of view . . .

If there were 3 options for the 8 (auto, 6spd 238Hp with scheduled maint, and 6sp 247Hp.)

I would choose the 2nd one! I would test drive the car, love it and say "I don't need the extra 9HP, I want the scheduled maint and $500 less for the car. Think about it. Not all, but many of us would have gone for it . . . I don't know what to say about the auto (underpowered already, and know castrated).

Anyway, this is a rare opportunity for some to squeeze their dealers into parts for cost, better service, whatever.

For me the car IS still the best choice.

If you are a young, family man. Need back seats, but crave attention-grabing looks and performance. Need a practical car, crave a sports tourer -- this is perfect. Thousands cheaper than the g or z as well. And now has scheduled maint like MB, BMW, Infinity etc. I will take that.

This just tells people you can get this car for a $1000 less than MSRP. A good deal indeed. I say, if you are thinking about buying one, NOW is the BEST time.

I could not agree with you more. I feel the same way. My question will be when my car comes in next week, will I also be able to deal lower than MSRP ? They might try to say the $500 is just that.. a discount. (in their minds)
I did order the automatic, for I have been using my tiptronic on my 911. I test drove one before i put a deposit, and i was ok with the way it handled. I think now it has become a "mental" numbers game.

I'd take option #2 as well. I'm happy with the power my RX-8 delivers and frankly, any extra power at this point is just gravy. I'm having fun, and it's all that matters to me.

Originally posted by RotoRooter
this is a rare opportunity for some to squeeze their dealers into parts for cost, better service, whatever.

I'd like to pull this thread a bit. I paid MSRP. The dealer made profit plus holdback (probably), plus I financed through Mazda at a crappy interest rate (over 6%, which I was about to refinance.) So the dealer made mucho kickback on closing this deal with Mazda finance on top of regular profit.

So here's my question: If I give back the car, does the dealer also lose his profit? Can anyone guess just how much this would be? If they stand to lose profit, it would be cheaper for the dealer to "sweeten the deal" a bit if I say I'm gonna give back the car. How much do you think the dealer would be willing to rebate to keep us from returning the car, on top of what Mazda is already offering?

I'm just curious, for those that say the accelration/power/whole car is good enough, what was your previous car?

Originally posted by Quick_lude
I'm just curious, for those that say the accelration/power/whole car is good enough, what was your previous car?

Accelration/power/whole car is good enough for me. I previously drove a Honda Odyssey 4-cyl 140 hp minivan. This probably explains why I'm so ecstatic about the '8s performance.

Originally posted by Quick_lude
I'm just curious, for those that say the accelration/power/whole car is good enough, what was your previous car? Don't see what it has much to do with it... I've driven a lot faster cars than my Millenia so my expectations for the RX-8 were to be faster than it was... but when I flung it into a corner and watched it grip with the jaws of life... I knew that any power deficit would be overcome with the smile on my face.