viggen

My lease is up in 12 months (RX-8 6spd GT); time to think about what to get next.

My company car allowance is $650-700 net so there's a range of cars to consider, but I'm partial to hi-po smaller cars.

I always wanted a Mini MCS with the JCW package, but I'm certain they'll ruin the car when they launch the all-new replacement in '07. VW R32 may be out then, woulld be very hot car. 350Z has finally grown on me after three years, would be nice to have real power...

Wouldn't mind going back to RX-8, but extremely disappointed that there are no plans for powertrain upgrade -- I spoke to some Sr. Mazda guys at Pebble Beach last August and they suggested their focus was on MazdaSpeed 6 (a loser from what I can see) and MazdaSpeed 3 (a potential winner given powertrain), not RX-8.

Could anything be more irritating than MazdaSpeed 3 and CX-7 running around with more power than our RX-8s? Could Mazda be this stupid? Maybe -- they sure blew it on the MS 6!

Anyway, not interested in Z4 or SLK; perhaps Boxster but I really need four seats.

Other recommendations?

Captain Amazing

Ya, funny how Mazda doesn't want to do anything with the RX-8.

Bart!

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, Nissan 350Z, BMW M3, Audi RS4?

viggen

Don't think new M3 and RS4 would make it under my $650-$700 company car allowance...

Thought anout S4 but it's very underwhelming to drive...

WRX/Evo a little uncivilized for my needs -- ungodly performance, but tin can feel. Next gen Evo looks promising as long as Mitsu doesn't screw it up...

Ike

The Evo X should be available, the new STI should be unveiled, also the E90 M car if you can toss a little money into the company car pot. The redone G35 will also be available and the preliminary shots look very nice. In addition I would imagine we'll know if there's going to be a second gen. RX-8 by then, you you should have some nice options.

I wouldn't worry much about it now, a lot can change in a year, just enjoy your RX-8 over the next 10 or so months and start to worry about it once those 10 months are up.

Ike

I think our ideas of screwing up are differnet, in my eyes if the Evo X is civilized it'll be a screwup It's looking more and more like Mitsubishi is aiming for a bigger market. removing the sharp edges and dumbing the car down a bit.

9291150

Hmmm, you don't want a RX8 because no "real" power, but you are considering a Cooper S. Even with the JCW package, thats 210 horsepower in a car close to the 8's weight.

Regardless, I like 'em too. But I think you should select again based on your criteria.

I suggest a G35 Coupe, more torque...though not much faster than a 8.

viggen

G35 a great car, but kie S4, not an exciting drive.

Mini MCS JCW has a big advantage in terms of power right now (unlike our power up the rev band), extremely responsive and thrilling because power+small size... Plus, I just like it...

viggen

Don't disagree re: dumbing down performance, however, both cars feel like Japanese cars of old -- tin can, flexi-doors, etc... And a little too boy-racer for me.

That sais, I'm not ruling them out!

NoTears316

Well... for $700 a month you could lease a 2006 corvette coupe. It wouldn't come with all the bells and whistles, but not a bad ride.

viggen

Awesome performance, exterior style nice, but couldn't live with the interior... Amazing that the much cheaper RX-8 has much, much better interior!

UFGator12

I happen to like the MS 6. Very practical to drive everyday compared to the sti or the evo.

viggen

It's not bad, just not what I expected it to be... It gets smoked by a Legacy GT for god's sake! So what's the point of it being a MazdaSpeed?

Also, I don't particularly like the looks.

I drove one at last year's Pebble Beach, wasn't the most thrilling ride in the world.

And what's up with the toe-tone ivory and black seats? Yuck!

Mikelikes2drive

i dont like the ms6 as well either, but the ms3 looks like itll be a big hit.

i personally would look into the r32, ms3, or the new 4 series