northerner

I have an 04 RX8 GT red in color and 22000 kms. It's in mint condition ( I don't even take it out in the rain) and i'm seriously thinking of trading it in for a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3. The salesman asked me what I would like to get for my car so i'm wondering what it's worth and maybe someone here can help me on that. Also, if someone has any idea how the MS3 is like and do you think it would be a good trade?
Thanks

risky business

keep the 8.

rwd slow sports car > fast fwd hatchback

Shamusodoofus

If keeping the 8 is an option, I would honestly consider that. The current value of your 8 regardless of the condition and mileage on it will not affect the value you will get from your car. Chances are you will get less than $20000 for it, maybe even less than $17000. I try not to be pessimistic, but when I tried to trade in my '05 C230 Kompressor, the best offer I got from a dealership was $19000. Keep in mind I store my car during the winter, and it only has 16000kms on it. If you definately cannot keep the 8 I would look into doing a private sale. You will probably gain an extra $2000-$4000 from your car's value but again don't expect much since it is an '04.

rotarygreg

i agree with RB, opinions are like....oh nevermind.


on the subject of MS3 vs rx8...i had this debate with myself when i was looking to get a car. the ms3 is really fast. almost violent when the turbo spools (which is almost immediate). it has a really heavy clutch. it has a really twitchy (torque steer) steering wheel when you are on the gas. It handles well for a FWD car, but thats acheived mainly with really stiff suspension and a limited slip differential. the ride is very harsh and they are very low. These things make for a very annoying daily driver. Also, all that straight line speed is only good for making you feel like your peter is bigger and getting you speeding tickets. on the plus side, it has alot of room and better gas mileage than the 8. in the looks department...well thats subjective. The 8 is so mild mannered until you get rude with it. thats the best part. the suspension doesnt beat you up. I went on a 6hr drive with it in the winter and the roads were terrible. ended up going through downtown toronoto and areas like that and i wasnt sore at all. but then take the car to the track and it handles like its got 6 wheels. the clutch is so nice and easy, its pretty quiet when you keep the revs low....really, a very good compromise car. if you do any racing at all, the 8 is forgiving, the speed3 gets to its limit and theres no turning back.

as for price, you will get shafted on the price of your 8. doesnt matter how clean or how low the KMs, these cars arent worth alot anymore. just look at what comparable rx8s are selling for in your area, then figure at best, you will get 3000 less than that.

IMO, you would be wise to stick with the 8, but seeing as how you are even concidering this, you must not be a die hard rotard like me and risky business.

ZmFnZm

Keep the 8. that's all i have to say...

chris_rx8

Also keep in mind when you come to a light and everyone looks because it's a beautiful car doesn't that make you feel good, you can say good bye to that because your driving a mazda3 like a million other people and diving no difference. Your not going to get any looks because they don't know the difference between a speed3 and a mazda3. keep the 8 get a turbo if speed is what you want like me.

Gyro_Bot

I know it is a very tempting comparison isn't it?

We are NOT TALKING ABOUT the pre-2010 MS3.... completely different comparison. For all those who do not know what Mazda did to the 2010 Mazda 3, you better take a look it's a work of art.

For starters the base car is quick, and the chassis and suspension pulls 0.84G in the corner. Compare that to the RX8's 0.89G (stock of course) in the corner. Things aren't looking so cut and dry anymore, when the medium grade Mazda car starts pulling numbers like their top sports car.

Let's not forget about the 2010 M3 price, or it's sick fuel consumption (or in this case lack there off) I'm sorry.... but I have to admit, Mazda made a great upgrade to the old Mazda 3... in fact.... it drives more like a sports car, then it drives like the old Mazda 3.

I'm really upset about this! because if the 2010 Mazda 3 comes out with a turbo upgrade *Cringe* it'll have performance numbers like the RX8 or better. I'm even more upset.... that if... (like you) trade my 8 for a 3, then I'm compromising my loyalty to my beautiful car, for a much much much less beautiful car with a ghastly smile.


Website Source

rotarygreg

what makes you think the base car is quick? have you driven any yet? I have driven all variations (2.0 auto and 5spd and 2.5 auto and 6spd) as i work at a dealer. even the 2.5 with a 6spd isnt a car i would call fast. peppy, but the old 3 was always peppy anyways (at least with the 2.3). also, the new threes ride even on a base car is harsh. i cant imagine how dreadful the ride quality will be after it gets a mazdaspeed treatment. every bump in the road is really pronounced. its not uncomfortable, but you can really feel every hit as a sharp little slam to the chassis.

in the end. the way i see it is that the rx8 is more of a lifestyle. the speed3 is just a car. its a hunk of metal and plastic that goes like stink on a monkey. I find it hard to be near my car and not admire how nice it really looks. looking at the current speed3 or even the pics of the 2010 speed three. its juts a car. the old one is plain and the new one is just Fing ugly.

rx8thunder

The decision I think comes down to whether you want a sports car or not. Answer that first.

An RX8 is a sports car and the Mazda 3 most certainly is not. Great economy car for sure but it is not a sports car no matter what bells and whistles they have added to the 2010 model. Comparing apples and oranges here...

For me, I'm done with economy cars, I don't care what the price of gas is or how practical they are... life is too short and the kids are grown up

rotarygreg

okay, i think you guys are missing this...ms3 means mazdaspeed three. not just a run of the mill mazda three. anyways, gyro bot, the info you posted is wrong. the base engine is the 2.0 with abuot 150, but the next level up engine is a n/a 2.5 with about 170. i dont know where you got that quote from about the 2.2 turbo. as far as our info from mazda, these are the engines we are getting the mazdaspeed edition is yet to come out, but it wont only have a 185hp 2.2 turbo if thats the case as the last generation mazdaspeed3 was nearly 270hp 2.3 turbo.

also, this is anything but a "completely new car" the car is virtually the old car with differnt body panels and interior. the suspeions is all the same design (but im guessing differnt spring rates and valving by the increased firmness in the ride) as the old one. the underbody even looks exactly the same as the old model acept the muffler is in a differnt place now.

rx8thunder

^ I am aware that it is a Mazdaspeed product... doesn't change my opinion. It's still not a sports car, just a fast economy car.

northerner

Keeping my 8 is definitly an option and I might just do that. I was just trying to save on gas and have a warranty since I live 460 kms from the nearest city it's expensive to go often. This summer it will be great because the price of gas is low but in a year it will be back up. I don't care about straight line speed, handling is what I like. I want a car that has a short breaking distance and can handle well, as I understand the MS3 is quite capable in those areas. It's a hard decision to make as my wife and daughter are against it. I guess the best thing to do is find a dealer with a MS3 to test drive and then decide.
Right now I'm 70 % in favour of keeping my 8.

ZmFnZm

I'll say it again...... Keep the 8!!!!!

rotarygreg

if handling is what you like then theres no reason to get a speed3. yes they handle well, but they do that as an added bonus. its not really what its for and its not what you are paying the premium for. I think something like an S2000 is more to what you are looking for. Although im not sure what sort of gas mileage they get, but if you like cars that handle that one is a better fit. Plus reliability and whatnot could be better. im not 100% on that though. I've always loved S2000s. I say just go and test drive a bunch of cars and go from there. also, when you test drive a speed3, dont get addicted to the torque and just buy it because of that. lol. also, i wouldnt trade a RWD car for a FWD car...thats just a step in the wrong direction.

risky business

keep the eight, buy a turbo, use the extra money for engine rebuild and gas

schnipster

trust me when i say this...on a trade, with your 8 being the least sought after car on the planet for so many reasons, coupled with the terrible ecomony...they will show you 10 grand for it if you are lucky......black book on an 05 with 50 k right now is about 13 grand at the besst of times.....sorry dude but the facts are the facts...

Kafka

ya man...keep the car...swap in 16x when its out...=)

At least that's what I am planning to do...after the 8yr/160000km engine warranty out.

Probably gonna get a 4wd car for DD in 5 yrs...and keep this car for summer track!

Oh yes we can!

Gyro_Bot

The info I posted was wrong? well I hope so! cuz I don't like it either..... (I did add a link to the web site source to show you guys where I got the info)

That looks pretty recent. For those that missed the link, here it is again:
http://mazda3revolution.com/mazda3-g...ecs-confirmed/

Well, if you asked me.... I'd say:
I'm going to stick to my RX8, so long as I have a choice about it. It's a sensational car with minor drawbacks that I am fully aware off, and accept (Fuel Eco and Torque) - which is not a big deal.

PS: Folks, if you want to know for sure if the 2010 M3 is different than the old one, just test one for fun, next time your at the dealership.

rotarygreg

gyro bot, that article is from oct 2008. it says the date right under the title of the article. thats old news that is obviously wrong and im telling you this as fact. its wrong. period. I see these cars every day and i've looked them over and driven them alot lately (its really slow right now). Take my word for it. 90% of the cars i work on are threes, so i knwo them pretty well, and the new one is the same car with some tweaks. its slightly better than the old three at everything, but its by no means half as good as you let on in your first post especially when standing agaisnt an rx8.

Marc_GS

I don't know about the old vs. new MS3, but I will relay my recent experience:

My lease ended on the 8, and I picked up a base (2.0) Mazda3. The car is fine, but it is not satisfying as far as driving enjoyment, so recently I've been looking for other options and I drove a 2007 MS3 at a local dealership. The power is terrific, but I found the handling was not that much better than my base MS3. I came to the conclusion that the balanced, RWD 8 is a much more satisfying car to drive, regardless of power/torque. Given the choice between the two, I'd take the RX anyday.

cruisin

Resale on the 8s is pretty bad but if you change your mind on keeping it, send me amessage, Im looking for one and hoping to have one by spring for my DD

Footman

iTrader: (2)

It's risky business buying a MS3.

shazy

Congrats on the 400th post gyro...

northerner

I haven't decided what i'm going to do yet, i'll wait until the ms3 comes out then we will see. crusin if i change my mind i'll let you know, my car is in great shape, it doesn't even have rust on the rotors.

climacus

Unfortunately a 2004 RX-8 is only worth $11k on a trade-in, so you might as well hang on to it as a weekend car. I think the Mazda3 is a great commuter car, but I don't like the way it drives. I find the car to be nose heavy, and the steering way too darty and hyperactive. It's a nimble FWD car, but it still drives like a FWD car at the end of the day.