dirkyd3rk

So I think I'm in the market for a new car. My 8 is an 04 VR with 84k (second engine) and still running strong. It's also paid off and I'm just feeling the market around for something "similar" the the 8. What I mean by "similar" is the drive, handling, weight, style, etc. I know there's not another car that will ever compare to an 8 but what out there could possibly offer a similar experience. I took my car, cleaned it up and took it to Carmax just for fun to see what they'd offer me for it and they said 7300. That may be reasonable I guess since my interior is almost perfect and the exterior is decent. I know this is a forum dedicated to the 8 and I love my 8 but I'm just curious to see what you guys think/feel. We currently have a sonata and rsx (GF) at the house and nothing puts a smile on my face like the 8. In terms of something actually comparing to the 8, I sort of actually like the genesis coupe and 370's. I'd like to stick with something small and I'm torn as to if I want to sell my 8 or just keep it. We don't need 4 cars lol. Again, my question is, is there anything out there remotely close to offering an experience similar to our 8's?

NotAPreppie

I'd also cross shop:

BMW 1-series. Bit heavier but more torque (potentially LOTS with ECU flash)
BMW M-Coupe/Z4 Coupe (rare but not out of the price range)
Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ (yes, less power but still in the true sports car vein and should be tons more reliable)
Audi R8 (okay, not really, but a man can dream)
Audi A5 (a bit large but still a nice ride, reliability on par with RX-8)

Jake33

iTrader: (2)

BMW 1 series, WRX, S2000, Genesis sorta, lancer Ralli-art (so fun to drive), 350/370z, solstice GXP is a fun car but its meh, scion frs, BRZ, VW R32

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

If you love your 8 and it's paid off, why sell it?
All you're going to end up doing is having a huge car payment and missing the 8.

dirkyd3rk

Well depending on what i could get for a trade in, hmm lets say at least 8 grand, that could really help knock a chunk off whatever car i decide to go with. A fully loaded genesis couple (v6 not 4 cyl) is about 30 grand (touring ed with black/red leather etc) So you get my drift? Having another car would just turn my 8 into the step child no one likes. Plus id go from (oh no not another gas price comparison) 19mpg to about 36mpg. The sonata (07) i drive during the week gets about 30 hwy and I just don't think I need 4 cars at the house. My 8 doesn't deserve to just catch dust so id just give it up before i let it sit. Idk know though, i like BMW's and whatnot but those may be out of my budget right now; i could probably only do about 32k with me trying to get my first home very soon. Main reason im looking into the genesis is because i really like what hyundai is doing with their warranty these days. I just HATE that dreaded badge lol. I will look into what others suggested above!

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

That's true but having a car payment vs not having one is going to cost more in the long run than saving a bit on gas, especially depreciation. Most people have a DD and use their 8 as a weekend car so it's not going to be completely wasted. If you think the genesis gets around 38 mpg you're mistaken. Check Fuelly for average fuel records, it's usually around 17-25mpg. When I sold my 8 I was checking out the genesis coupe, It felt like an Infiniti knock off down to the engine tone. The interior is so cheap, and quite frankly, handles the same way. I was going to wait for the Subaru BRZ, but I needed a car for my job so I ended up getting another 8. That Subaru doesn't seem too bad though and they make great cars.

dirkyd3rk

I wouldn't be getting another car for gas though i just threw that out there. I REALLY like Subaru's but those suckers are quite expensive. You're correct, the genesis coupe 4 cyl (not the V6) gets about 35 hwy but its a decent car. I test drove one and thought it was cool. I dont know if ill sell my 8 yet i just wanted to see what opinions others had, its going to be hard to part with her if i do. Man would i jump on a 2013 RX8! Anywho, thanks for your responses dude!

godesshunter

Put a turbo in it and make it a weekend warrior.

monchie

You'll regret selling your rx8...but then, do what you have to do, and you'll regret selling your rx8 more...lol

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

Well, it's your money and your decision but even the 4cyl genesis only averages around 22-25mpg. Check out fuelly.com and check real fuel averages for the Genesis 2.0T. So you'll be saving around $7-8 a week on gas. Not only does it get around the same gas mileage but it's slower than the 8 by a lot and it has a turbo.

dirkyd3rk

Actually checked out fuelly, ok you were right! The genesis averages about 22 and the wrx is about 23mpg. The genesis coupe is turbo and slower than the 8 You *may* have saved me from a potential bad purchase. I dont buy on impulse but i will continue to shop around for the right purchase that suits me best.

dirkyd3rk

Im pretty sure I would this car and community is one of a kind. Just as i was finally starting to get a "feel" for it like changing my own plugs, coils, wires, and just other small things after all these years lol.

Voodoo22

The s2000 would compare to the 8, I have owned one in the past along with many other cars. it is a little bit quicker, better fuel mileage and handling is on par.

I have owned audi s4, porsche 911 a multitude of rx7s and an s2000.

I would still rate the rotaries at the top and put the s2000 equal with the rx8

dirkyd3rk

Someone else told me this that i know personally. They actually said the s2000 is the only car out there that has that "similar" feel i was referring to in the op. I had the opportunity to get an s2000 before i purchased my 8 in 2007 but i chose the 8 instead because its so sexy. Just has that unique look while s2000 looks ok at best; meaning it doesnt look special its just another honda 2 door lol.

NotAPreppie

Are you talking about the new (2013) 2.0T GC with 271HP/275tq?

custom8on15s

that sounds like a good solid engine there

Flitzr951

New: 370Z (Genesis not on par)

Used: S2000, Cayman, C5 Z06

Older: FD (duh), Porsche 944 Turbo (951) or 968

I have owned/driven all of these cars, the 370 is an awesome package but is pricey. If you are looking for a daily driver that you don't need to regularly tool on, I would say Z06 or Cayman hands-down. If you like doing basic maintenence and bad-*** potential...944 Turbo.

jayscoobs

Im actually kind of car shopping but I keep going back to the 8, nothing can compare to me. Only cars that are staying on my list are E36 M3, E46 M3 and the BR-z or FR-s. Maybe the 1 series too but their still really expensive and the M3 looks a lot better IMO

Ouch you actually like the 944? to me that thing is quite ugly. Have yet to see a really nice one. Agreed on Z06 and Cayman but those are really expensive.

I actually want a 370z just to mess with the Rev Match system but if the driving position is anything like the 350z I wont like it.

S2000 is on par with the RX8 but I wouldnt daily that, way too small.

Id only keep a rotary powered car if I had another daily, but for cars that you can daily they all been mentioned.

Flitzr951

I forgot about the E36 M3, I would put that right with the 951 and FD. An E39 M5 is an option too, but maintenence on those is a bit overkill. You can get a nice used C5 Z06 or Cayman for ~$25k (which is a bit less than a 370 I think) Finding a nice 951 can be tough but they are out there:

jayscoobs

Isnt the hand brake for those at the bottom left on the floor? I really dont like that position. Ive been thinking about a E36 M3 for a while but im not sure if it will put a smile on my face like the 8. I believe its not much faster either. Well the US version.

Bamsterman

E39 M5: NO!!!!! Way too much money in parts alone. And this is coming from a BMW employee who gets them the CHEAPEST possible! If I have to replace my RX8, if I'm not getting something under warranty, an E36 M3. Parts are cheap, they're light, handle great, easy to find used parts for, look great, make good power. What else do you want?

Joe-the_tattoo_artist

Since no one has said the obvious, I will. Get a newer model year RX8.

Novoken

iTrader: (7)

Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ

I actually had my 8 sold. Test drove over 6 cars from wrx/sti-m3. Then said to myself...... I will regret it. Told the guy dont come pick up the 8.

So spending over $3000-4000 to finally finish my 8 (getting the engine rebuilt and other things)

So go out test drive some cars. And remember modding the 8 will change it to become only better.

8 Maniac

iTrader: (1)

S2000 felt remarkably similar to me. You sacrifice a bit of size, but it handles great, has enough power, gets good gas mileage and is fairly reliable. I've heard people not recommend going from the 8 to an S2000 (if looking for something different) because of how similar they feel.

jayscoobs

I actually might go Scion FR-s/BRZ, Only because I like the interior and the aftermarket support will be huge. Yes its underpowered which sucks, but thats what everyone said about our car. I feel the BRZ mods will be much cheaper since it should have a lot of aftermarket support.