fasto

Well, it finally happened. Death of another fine RX8 by some jerk not paying attention in traffic. Kia SUV, uninsured, hit and run. Fortunately I had already dropped off my boy at daycare, and I sustained only minor injuries. So no worries on that front.

Sadly though, I didn't get a fair value from my insurance because they would only pay out based on the average value. Take this as a friendly reminder to go to agreed value insurance if you rebuilt half of your car in the last two years... They average in all of those cars being sold with low compression, so you get nailed by that. Oh, and good luck explaining that to a non-rotorhead insurance adjuster. They mean well...

So why not buy back and part out or repair? Well, I had just accepted a job across the country just an hour before. Combine that with the time I spend with my one year old, and it's simply too much hassle right now.

Since a used rotary is a bit risky and potentially time consuming, I copped out. My friends talked me into getting a new WRX. I'm still in the break-in period, but here's what I think of it. Stunning torque, easy to launch, awesome in a straight line. After that it's mostly a step down. Though keep in mind I paid almost the exact same for it as I did the RX8 almost 12 years later... What burns me the most is that the suspension in clearly not as well done. The base model is too rough and choppy for what it provides, and the premium that I got is smoother but not as confidence inspiring. Sorry Subaru, but Mazda kicks your butt at handling. I'm planning on modding the steering and shifter for more feel and precision, but I'm hard pressed to believe those will ever be as good as the 8 either. However, it's definitely more practical and fits my family better (not that an RX8 is a failure on this front). Such is the compromise. The lesson here is, keep your RX8 going for as long as you can. They got a bad reputation, but they are so worth having if you can manage it.

So here's the thing. I have some parts lying around that I don't need. I'd like to offer all of these free to locals (except for the Cobb AP that I'll list in the FS section). I'm located near Rotary performance in North Garland. Here is what I have:

PARTS GONE - ENJOY THEM
OEM 2009 S2 MT (rare) Radiator - Used with ~30k on it
S1 Engine Cover
Racing beat radiator and oil cooler screens (missing some hardware)
New set of S1 Ignition Coils
Several bottles of Idemitsu Premix
Used S1 Driver side front brake caliper
Used Deatschwerks DW200 Fuel pump motor
Trunk basket and cargo net
2 spare rotor housings left over from my rebuild (mostly ornamental)

Unfortunately, I'm leaving town in a week and a half, so please come get them quickly.
PARTS GONE - ENJOY THEM

Thanks to the all of the forum members for the troubleshooting help and ideas. Yeah, I didn't speak up much (maybe I used the search button too often?), and yeah some of the core guys can be hard on the newbies, but seriously this is a great community of people driving great cars. What more do you want?

All the best in motoring, and keep the rotary alive.

Bryan

G_ man

iTrader: (2)

Good luck with the new ride/job and location,

acroy

Sorry to hear the story of woe! Glad everyone is OK.

I am local but no need for these parts. I'm sure you'll find someone.

FYI don't feel too bad about getting a low amount from the insurance co. 'Agreed amount' insurance costs a LOT more. So you only got what, $4k? but you've been paying premiums on a $4k car instead of $10-12k.

Agree with you on the Subie. Soul-less compared to an 8....

Good luck with move and all!

fasto

Thanks for the wishes, guys. Yeah, I battled to get the value up to 5k, but acroy is right. I was probably paying a lot lower premium because of it. It's all a trade, right?

However, on the WRX being soul-less, I agree, but only because you said comparatively. I think one of the things that drew me to it was it's quirkiness. It's a bit of an underdog brand like Mazda and they do their own thing, which I love. It's just that it's obviously a hopped up economy car and it shows in it's sloppiness and feel. I hope that it can be amended with some mods. It's tough competing with a sports car that was engineered that way from the ground up.

So audiodallas came by and picked up a bunch of parts, but he's got an auto so some didn't apply.

I still have the S2 Radiator and the MT Brake Caliper. I'd hate to trash them...

audiodallas

Thanks again Bryan. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Good luck on the move buddy!
Paul Osborn

fasto

Okay, El Conquistador grabbed the remaining parts. All that is left is the Cobb AP. I'll list that in the FS section in awhile.

pcs

iTrader: (2)

Careful on the insurance - there are 2 types of endorsements - stated value and agreed value. On your personal auto policy, you're not likely to get agreed value unless you're insuring with a classic car company of some sort.

Many agents are unaware and often assume that these two items are the same. If you get it, READ THE POLICY LANGUAGE. Stated value gives you a cap at which to obtain coverage - the insurance company will pay you actual cash value (the value for a similar car, similar mileage, average val, etc) or the stated value, whichever is less. This gives you the option to insure your car for less if you think that you don't need as much coverage for something. This is the OPPOSITE of what we want.