Sigs

Hey, I'm new to the forum. The FAQ seemed a little outdated and lacking, but don't worry I'm not here with a million age old questions! I know how to use the search function. I've been a member of rx7club and a few other forums for a while. I'm considering trading in my current vehicle for an 8. I would love to go rotary, and I'd like something on the more reliable side (as much as I love the turbo sevens). I wanted to say hi and meet the community Feel free to ask me any questions or point me in any direction. Thanks

-Josh

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

go for it congrats and welcome now go get one and post some pics of it or you will be called out for being a fake lol

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

so what excatly are you trying to ask?

ken-x8

He's just saying hello.

Hi, Josh. The only direction I'd point you to is that if you're buying used try to get an '06 or later, and make sure the MSP16 flash has been done.

And, while pictures are nice, they're not required. Just tell us what you get and we'll believe you.

Ken

Sigs

Thanks for the kind words. I'm going to be taking the process slowly. I jumped into my current vehicle a little too quickly and now regret it 3 years later. I definitely need to test drive one, but I'm sure it will be unlike anything I've ever driven.

@Ken-x8: Why would I want to steer clear of the 04 and 05s, curious?

ccd

Most of the problems with the RX-8 occurred in the '04-05 MYs. There were some major mechanical changes that should further increase reliability in '09 MY, but there is limited aftermarket support for the S2 engine. So you have a choice. If you are interested in mods, '06-'08 MYs would probably be your best bet. If you are not planning on making mods and have the money, the best bet is '09-'10.

ZumnRx8

IMHO... if you cant afford a new RX8 from the dealer, then most likely you shouldnt buy an RX8 at all because Maintainence is expensive. But that's just how I look at it. And Considering the money you are going to waste on making an 04/05 as reliable as an 09 (add second oil cooler, replace plugs, wires, coils, brake rotors, pads, oil, tranny fluid, clutch, rear diff fluid, brake fluid flush, radiator flush, new hoses, better brake lines, drop in a K&N filter, Replace belt, New Tires... makes up the difference in price gap between the 09's and 04/05's. I would replace all the named parts just to be safe when buying a used vehicle. AND PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT WHICH EVER RX8 YOU GET (if not new) PLEASE GET AN ENGINE COMPRESSION TEST BEFORE BUYING IT AND COMPARE IT TO WHAT ITS SUPPOSE TO BE. I would buy an 09 with the $5000 rebate that Mazda is handing out and other Gov' rebate/grants or Clash for Clunkers program, is well worth it. Having new is way better, that way you have warranty and you have to worry none

Sigs

Great, thanks for the quick responses guys. I had already planned to do a compression check at http://irperformance.com/ I wasn't aware that cash for clunkers was still going on? That might be enough incentive for me to go new. Thanks for the info I will look into it.

ZumnRx8

ALSO:
If you plan on going Turbo you need to get an 04-08, unless you plan on swapping the 09 engine to a FD3s 13b. There is currently no engine management system when going turbo in an 09.. (well at least no COBB support device)

BUT: The new 09 R3's and the Base 09's themselve are plenty fast and there are enough mods for them to keep you happy until someone comes out with an engine management system for them.
Mods Available: LoweringSprings,Intake,Exhaust,Header,Midpipe,Body Kits,MetraKit,Pulleys,..... Should be fun.

dmc601

I also am new here and tomorrow is my meeting for the purchase of a new 09... I was hoping somebody would give their opinions on their preferance if be a R3 or GT... There definitely are creature comforts standard on the GT but are you owners finding happiness with their new R3`s.. Are you finding the ride harsh... my old Rx7 had a nice ride and handled great but I must confess that tomorrow will be my first test drive... I know that rotary fever is still affecting me almost 30 years later.. Good luck to you Sigs and thanks to Rx8 club for all of the great reading.

jasonrxeight

R3 ride is bumpy with these shocks and 19 inch wheels, but really depending on what you need. if you need comfort, go for GT, if you want that little bit handling, R3
and only blue is available with R3

ZumnRx8

^FTW a real Winner

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Welcome Sigs.

Latter half built 2005's are just fine as well.

DMC, as Jason cited if you want a more track-ready type ride go R3, otherwise GT preferable for daily driver.

Sigs

No plans to go turbo. I stated earlier I'd like reliability.. I'll save the turbo rotary ideas for a future FD :P

dmc601

the r3 that they are trying to sell me is sparking black mica... I know in Canada they have in white,red ,silver , grey&brilliant black.. The other car I have been dealing on is an 09 Gt in sparkling black with tan leather and it has the R3 body kit and 18`wheels..I really love this car but it is in the southern part of Ontario and I am in the northern part which means 21 hour drive to get there.. I dont think the R3 can be as rough as my R3 neon with eibach sport suspension..that car will rattle your fillings loose.... I guess I will know tomorrow... I am thinking of trading my white 05 Nissan Titan LE crewcab 4x4 with nav&dvd for another taste of rotary to handle this midlife crisis dilemma I am dealing with.. In Canada you can save 12-14000 off of new 2010 prices...they are really trying to put them out the door... Another thing worth mentioning is that to my knowledge they never even put a 2010 brochure out yet where the other models have a brochure long ago.. As in another post today , I also had the new superstreet magazine and they are saying 2011 models to be coming with the new 1.6.. I asked the mazda dealer this morning to try to find out what is going on in the dealer meeting he is going to today because it may be worth the wait.. There is nothing like new with warranty and a good deal...

Sigs

@ Dmc: I'm pretty sure the 1.6x has been in the rumor mill for quite some time. I wouldn't hold your breath for it. I'm sure we would all like to see it come into play though, but I think it will still be a while.


http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...-mazda-rx7.htm
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/r...g-on-new-rx-7/
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11001132...for-first-time

Those are just some quick links off of google. I've also read some articles stating they're having problems with the engine as recent as january.. and then Maeda saying "... we need the U.S. economy to come back, first and foremost."

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/r...o-revive-rx-7/

ccd

The rebate in March for '09 RX-8s is $5,500, up from the $5,000 offerred in Feb. Should be able to get a R3 or GT (w/o nav) for something in the range of $24,500 brand new if you can find one. I've seen one R3 in my area in that price range. Dealers should be very eager to unload '09 inventory and willing to deal.

ZumnRx8

^Even used R3's and 09's are nice.

dmc601

Thanks for the links Sigs...
The state of the economy certainly does seem to be the most crucial matter and it is definitely the reason that is helping to get such incredible discounts and financing rates on the Rx8... I just hope that my new car will be as dependable as my old 81 with the 12a... That car was great fun and the Rx8 has over twice the power.. It seems like the only beef really is the fuel economy but I think it will be a huge improvement over my Titan.. That is one thirsty truck but awesome performance... I think the you tube videos on the RX8 inspire me to get one but there is nothing like going on a forum such as this to get the opinions and support of other owners ..There is such a wealth of knowledge here.

ZumnRx8

^Thank you.

ccd

As for 2011, there is lots of speculation, but no one really knows. Mazda has kept a pretty tight lid on their plans. Sales figures here point to 2010 being the last year for the current RX-8. As for the future, no one outside of Mazda knows where 16x development really is or what their marketing plans are for RX cars going forward.

ccd

No argument about a used R3, but with the size of the rebates offered by Mazda, there isn't that much difference between the cost of a new '09 R3, for example, and a used one with low miles.

dmc601

In canada new 09 R3 are going for 30-32000 and gt around 34-36000..New 2010 msrp are 42900 for the R3 and 45900 for the non nav Gt... Now that you have told me that I should be thinking of taking a flight to the USA and road trip back... I know alot of people have been doing that and was the case with 350z and titans... but they brought new vehicles into Canada only to find that they had no warranty.. I am going to have to check this international warranty coverage as there are several dealers nearer to me just across the boarder... thx

ZumnRx8

^Well one thing is for sure. I'll find out at SEVENSTOCK in September

Sigs

I had the opportunity to spend some time tonight in an acquaintance's 06 rx-8 sport. I was surprised how comfortable I was in the car (I'm 6'1). This was my first time to actually get out of the textbook and experience a rotary first.. second hand (I wasn't driving), but it was still new to me and I was really impressed on how smooth the ride and engine were. The engine was quieter than I thought but it really sounded nice at those high revs. The car seemed to respond nicely, I'd like to drive one eventually to get a better feel. But for a rwd I could definitely feel a difference in the turning as opposed to a few of my friends nose heavy camaros and mustangs. This I really liked. Anyways I think going new is going to be out of my price range and maintenance, so I'm going to spend some time waiting, looking, and saving so I can find something I'll like for years. Out of curiosity how many of you do or would daily drive these in the snow?