Fëakhelek

Hey Guys, I haven't posted anything for about a month now. The reason is that no matter how I work it, I won't be able to afford the RX-8. I kept working numbers and budgeting out cable TV, DSL, food, etc until the pre-order deadline and then had to give it up. The Excited part is that last weekend I test drove the Mazda6 and the MazdaSpeed Protege. I had read tons of good press on the 6 and was really looking forward to it. In person it looks great especially with the Sport package. I couldn't find a 6s (V6 model) with manual and Sport package to test, so I drove a V6 manual with standard tires. I have to say that I was not as impressed as I expected to be. It just felt big to me. I mean, it handled well, had plenty of power (220 hp), but to use a word I've heard from others, it didn't feel "tossable". Another thing was the interior. The leather was fine, but I hated the cloth interior. I thought the carpeted door panels felt cheap. The dash looks great in photos, but in person I think it looks like too much silver plastic. The lighting on the center panel is red and actually looked kinda blurry to me. I would still have it in a heartbeat over an Accord or Camry but it is not the car for me. The MSP on the other hand was totally different. Weight / HP is higher on the MSP than the 6, but it felt much faster. Very zippy, very tossable. There was tons of torque from 2k on to redline. The salesman was egging me on to power through a curve (I was already well over the speed limit) and my sister was clutching the "oh ****" handle in the passenger seat when I lost my nerve well before the car's limits. I did notice a lot of torque steer, but it actually felt fun, like riding a bronco! I like the interior too. On paper the Mazda6 way outclasses the MSP interior but in person I didn't see it. All of the stuff I want is in the MSP and I don't think I'll miss any of the 6's extras. I was very pleased that it didn't look "ricey" inside or out (of course I looked at a black one ). The stereo is cool. Wish it had the round vents from the 6, but I will live. And I can't get over how it doesn't feel like a 4 door at all. I am driving a Probe now and I swear it feels like a 4 door compared to the MSP. All in all, this car is a big step up for me in performance, will be very unique, and looks better than anything else available for the money. That said, I will still mourn for the RX-8 that never was. Oh well, maybe in a couple of years and a couple of raises I can get an RX-7 :D Hope you all have fun with your cars. Appreciate the opportunity that you have and don't ever wreck them or I will come and haunt you! P.S. I'm gonna miss this forum. The MSP forum seems to be mostly highschoolers that can't wait to tear up their cars and blow up the engines with bigger turbos. Oh well.

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JTek_55

Hey, you don't have to leave the forum just because you bought another car. Hell, at least your buying a Mazda... I just bought a TT and I'm still here!!

Fëakhelek

I haven't actually bought it yet. I'm going in tomorrow to negotiate a deal. If all goes well I will own it by the weekend.

RotorGeek

Hey Let us know what happens. Good luck. Check out edmunds.com for a ballpark price to aim for.

Fëakhelek

LOL, I checked out Edmunds a while back and got a surprise. They have this TMV (True market value) calculator that is supposed to account for geographical region, options, etc and give the price you should expect to get on a new car. The MSP comes out higher than MSRP. I won't be mentioning that to the dealer. :D

I'll definitely let you guys know how it goes and maybe post some pics (probably in the lounge since this is an 8 forum)

bbrammer

You wrote on the 6:

"It just felt big to me. I mean, it handled well, had plenty of power (220 hp), but to use a word I've heard from others, it didn't feel "tossable"."

There's few cars on the road at the Miata's price-point that are more of a hoot to drive!!!

Great reviews for YEARS! The Miata set the trend. Edmunds, C&D, R&T etc etc. A NEW one comes in at 20,000.

Check it out.
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/mazd...inks..2.Mazda*

BB

Donny Boy

Dont settle for less than you deserve. And you obviously deserve an RX-8. Maybe you wont be able to afford it right now, but a few months after the initial release you should have more money for the downpayment.

DonG35Miata

Edmunds' TMV is a bunch of crap and not accurate. i think they just make it up as they go along. I know it does not reflect market conditions around here. Go in and make your best deal.

Fëakhelek

Hey Don,

Good to see that you are still posting. Have you decided on the RX-8 yet? Last I read, you were kinda waffleing and seemed to have decided against it.

Good news! I am now the proud owner of a MazdaSpeed Protege! Black Mica. I love it! I could pick nits about a couple of things but in the end I think I am going to have a blast driving it (unless I suffer a nervous breakdown waiting for the end of the break-in period). I still want a rotary, but now I think I will wait for the RX-7.

Let me know the latest on your car search.

Steve

P.S. I bought it at Smail Mazda. I pushed hard on the salesman but couldn't budge him below MSRP. He was ready to let me walk and I knew it. No matter. MSRP is still excellent for what you are getting. :D :D :D

Zoom-Zoom

DonG35Miata

Hi Feak

Well, if you get MSRP at least it proves my point that Edmunds' TMV is off!

I am still on the fence, I guess. Last week I was gung-ho to get it, this week I don't know, blah blah blah. If I didn't have two nice cars already it would be a no-brainer, but it IS just a toy, really. I've been wanting another rotary Mazda for quite a while and it would be nice to have a sports car for when the weather's isn't perfect. The Miata is as fun as anything with the top down, but with the top up it's just a noisy, cramped little car.

I guess it is a bit hard to say when I have not seen or driven the car. You never know what it is that will appeal to you. I drove the 350Z and did not care for it, though I like my G35 sedan. I loved my VW GTI 1.8T, but was not impressed by the Audi A4 with the same engine. What it will probably come down to is the test drive.

I've seen a few would-be RX-8 owners drop off as we get closer to delivery time... one guy bought a TT convertible, you went with the Mazdaspeed Protege... wonder what else is happening out there?

cueball

I am glad to see you back on the forum and am sorry you won't be able to get the 8 as of right now. Congrats on the MPS though, and getting MSRP isn't bad on a limited production car like that. As for leaving the board, please don't. Your post have alway been helpful and intuitive. And not having the car doesn't stop me from posting.

wakeech

...i think it encourages me... so, that must mean i must be very, VERY far away from owning one... 'cause i am. :p

lefuton

i'm staring at a $24k '93 VR FD to4s single turbo that has been tuned at 10psi and 15psi in near perfect running condition. i'm torn