I just picked up my Titanium Grey last Wed.(27th). After a few days to reflect, I can honestly say it is really a nice car to own. {of course no gremlins have creeped up yet}
Some notes: My shock sensor seems to be working w/o a problem. It did go off during a Severe south Fl thunderstorm, but only once when my whole house seem to shake. so that has been a possitive for I had worried about that upgrade.
The response from people is sometimes overwhelming. It might be because there are not too many 8's on the road, but 90% of people stair/point to it as we drive by. It helps that I have the apperance package, spoiler,some other goodies, for the car really does look hot.
On the A/T -- No problems there. I am happy w/ the response. The manual mode is fun. (Backwords position from the 993 so hard to get used to) After reading some post i expected the A/T to be a dog..BUT .. no, it is plenty hot for daily rush hour driving, and some great fun around town. (for tracking-maybe get the 6)
When you are showing the car to friends, they all love the back doors. Once they get in, they also like the room available. I also like that my kids are safer there than in my other car, for the side curtains will help in an accident.
I do concour that the drink holder area get hot after awhile. In the future some additional insulation is needed.
The A/C issue: A non-issue. It is 95 in Miami. I have yet to have any problems keeping the car cool. (and believe me-it is HOT here)However, The cars I have owned are all European, so they might not have the power of some big V-8 American car. Maybe the air on a Lincoln is superb. But in my standards it is fine.
Dealers: I went to about 5 before i decided. Some wanted 5K over msrp. I finally decided for a smaller dealership in Ft. Lauderdale Gunther Mazda. I rate them a 10/10. My sales person Derryl was great, and working w/ the sales manager Donald H. was a pleasure. We ordered it just how I wanted it. Then even put more goodies before i was to pick it up. When I got there, no BS. the car was ready. Mazda matched my 3.99% financing. And out the door i went along w/ gifts like a RX-8 sunshade, keyring, hat. and a personal visit from the owner Mr. Gunther to check out my car at delivery.. That folks is service!!
On the missing hp: forget about it. A blessing. 4-years free maint. plus $500 smakers.. take it and run w/ it.
My windows were also tinted at the dealership.It ooks sooooooooooo great! it is hard to describe.
Sorry, got to go and have fun driving around. :D . Chow!!

Ohh yes, before I forget: I LOVE the interior lights scheme. blue/red/"other". . The NAV is also a fun toy. I am just learning how to use it, but the GPS tracking is a neat icon to observe.

The Bose: could have better speakers. buts thats life below 40K.

Congrats! Nicely loaded-down too with lotsa oem goodies!

Happy trails!!

RX-MEN-8: I live right between Hallendale Beach/Hollywood and I drive through Collins and the Aventura/Biscayne Blvd area at least twice a week to visit a relative (I own a green Mazda 6).

I saw an RX-8 on the street for the very first time tonight. It was stopped at a light next to me right by the Aventura Mall and the exterior color was dark grey. I read this thread earlier this morning before I went to work and so I thought it was you (all I remembered was you had a dark grey RX-8).

What a damn mistake. I followed the driver for two minutes down Biscayne (he had a problem with EXCESSIVE SPEEDING) and when I finally caught up to the bastard at another light, I got the guy to roll down his window (after almost yelling at him), and I congratulated him and complimented him on his stunning car. I realized the driver was a very young looking boy who wasn't too fond of conversing with me, so I asked him, "Aren't you a little young to be driving a car like that?" He responded to that by rolling his window back up, revving the engine, and moving his car up away from mine. LOL. :D

Now that I'm back home and I've re-read this thread, it obviously wasn't you at all, as this RX-8 did not have any spoiler or apperance package. Despite the lack of accessories, it was an amazing looking car, and after seeing/hearing it on the road, I want one now more than ever.

I guess that dark silver color is too popular since two people in this area already have it (including you), so if I do get one, it'll be in a blue or black exterior. :p

If you see a latino guy in a green Mazda 6 stalking your car and honking at you constantly, pull over and let him check it out, cause it's me. I won't bite, I promise.

To A 6S Owner.. No way that was me.:mad: I am as friendly as they come, and LOVE to talk cars.. I would have pulled off to chat. I am in my 40's, so don't look for a young teenage kid, unless my son has snuck it out w/out my knowledge.:eek:
I go to the Aventura mall area all the time, so I will look for you.
It is impressive the attention you get, specially w/ the package I ordered. In south Florida, the window tinting really accentuates the lines, and blends w/ the Titanium color.
Nice hearing from you...till we meet.. happy motoring to you!