Well, it's official. I own a big, fat, red RX-8 as of 8pm last night.

It's a 6 speed GT with Nav and Moonroof.

I'll say this, the car has thus far exceeded my expectations.

The interior is comparable to any german sportscar I've seen in terms of quality and cool styling, and the outside looks a like nothing else on the road. On top of all of that, the car drives like it is worth twice the price....something I first worried about when going from a BMW to a Mazda.

The big positive surprises (for me):
-The BOSE Stereo: is amazing (this is coming from a car audiophile, I have had aftermarket systems with subs in all of my cars to date). I'll likely not even touch it, as the low end seems fine.

-The Exhaust: This thing sounds like it came straight from the set of "The Fast and the Furious". Only thing is, it doesn't sound like those cheap aftermarket "Cherry Popper" mufflers that wine or make a silly racket. This sounds like pure, smooth, gorgeous rotary power. I love it.

-The Nav System: The coolness factor aside, I think this will honestly be useful. I thought it would be more of a toy, but it can easily and accurately direct you to the closest ABM, Restarant, Hotel, Mechanic, you name it. Not to mention being able to plug in an address and get perfect directions (I tested it to and from work...was perfect, despite the confusing route you need to take).

This is all I have noticed in the first 24 hours...I'm sure I'll have a lot more soon. In being fair, I'll also list what I don't like (keep in mind these are *little* piddly things, I just want to convey an honest impression to potential buyers).

-Lack of power seat on Passenger side, and lack of power windows in rear vent windows. Also, the auto windows only work one way (going down) and only for the driver. All of these were standard faire on my BMW...and I miss them already.

-The front seat cupholders: Has anyone tried using these and driving the standard transmission? Not fun. Your elbow sits right on top of the drinking vessels....propping it up uncomfortably as you rest your hand on the shifter. I've decided not to use them, and instead will put my morning coffee in the rear holders, as they are within close reach.

-No Climate Control: The manual erroneously labels the AC/Heating system as "Climate Control". This term, to me, indicates the ability to set a temperature, and have the car control the fan speed and air temperature automatically. As it is, we're given the 20 year old technology of a 1-2-3-4 fan setting and temperature wheel...with an admittedly cool design. I would have liked a proper climate system here, as the fan/temp balance is a pain in the ***.

The missing feature negatives are all a result of cost controls to meet the RX-8 price point, I'm sure....but I wish they were at least options.

Bottom line for any potential buyer: This car is a steal priced under $50K, and will be the car of the year in all of the mags...wait and see. I honestly love it, and am having a blast thus far driving it.

I'll post pics once my last 2 accessories come in (spoiler and side deflectors)...they are backordered until August 18th, and I don't feel the car is complete until they arrive!

I'd love to hear other owners input on any of the above, or anything I've missed positive or negative.

 

Good to hear you finally got it!

Come on don't make us wait, post pics ASAP!

Are you going on the cruise on Saturday?

 

Ok, twist my arm...I'll post 'em.

I haven't taken any quality snaps yet, this weekend I'll do it.

I'm golfing Saturday, so won't be able to make this one...definitely the next though...I'll keep an eye on posts in here.

What are your thoughts on the car thus far rotorian? (outiside of the usual "I love it" stuff most people post)
:p

 

i agree with your price valuation... more like 40-45 for me base but w t hell go mazda

 

Well, I love the colour, only 1 person said they weren't sure about it.

The car is fast enough, but I have been babying it a bit (break in) Today I took it up to the redline in 1, 2,3 gears. Amazing! It really jumps above 5000 rpm. The digital speedometer goes haywire!

I have a had a lot of great cars over the years, Mazda RX 4, Capri V-6, VW Scrirocco DOHC, Fiat X1-9, Miata, BMW Z3, G35 Sedan, etc.

This car blows them all away. (Of course each car was great for "it's time")

There is so much technology in this car, (but it's not obvious) that every day I appreciate it more.

How about you?

 

Can I be honest? I'm not spending any time "Breaking In" the engine. Maybe it is famous last words, but after reading the manual, it seems to only say not to "race the engine", drive at higher than 7,000 RPM for extended duration, avoid hard stopping, not to drive at the same speed for extended periods, etc.

I interpret this as not taking the car to Cayuga speedway for the night, and not to drive like a total *** for hours on end.

I've got 200km on my car, and I'll take it up to the 8K line every once in a while....I'm just driving it as I normally drive any car.

Maybe it is a mistake...but I never believed in the whole "Break-in" period thing.

All I'll say outside of that right now that I am honestly concerned with how much attention my car is getting. I went outside a few times while at work to find people ogling my car and pressing their greasy noses on the windows peering inside. This car makes everyone look, and is a target for attention...good and bad.

One other thing...does anyone else have really weak air conditioning? I had to blast mine full on the way home today just to stay comfortable.

 

My Air Conditioning is doing exactly what is mentioned in this thread:

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7537

 

Ya the attention is unreal. I've had all sorts of people approach me and ask about the car. Some don't know what it is, some do, but didn't know it was out yet, a few are obviously fanatics like us! Lots of thumbs up and big grins at stop lights etc. I've even seen guys "race' up behind and come up beside and then drop back etc.

I would have to say I'm not really breaking it in. Just not going nuts for the first little while. Also trying to stay a bit conservative, had too many tickets before I got this car (6 points!)

 

I know the feeling with the ticket situation. I got 140 in an 80 zone last summer driving up to the cottage in my 330Ci.

It was late at night and the cop wansn't hearing of any forgiveness. He dropped the speed to 120, but it still stung quite a bit.

 

I haven't noticed that with the A/C. But I wouldn't say it is the most efficient system I've had. Just barely adequate.

 

If you find it weak, it is the same problem...you probably just haven't had it cranked up to setting 4 to really sense the on/off stuff. The car is switching between ice cold a/c and hot humid air every so often, which in turn creates a moderately cool car...that is too hot on those warmer days (like today).

I'm thinking recall / req'd service will be coming up.

 

How about the handling as compared to your 330Ci?

 

In my opinion (and many Bavarian Motor Works afficianados will likely have a heart attack here)....I like the handling better.

It is tighter, the steering wheel feels like it weighs 200 pounds when you move it. It responds solid, and I can detect no under/oversteer whatsoever. My 330Ci had mild understeer.

I've taken it through some twisty roads at a good clip, and it it tight as a drum with no body roll.

You won't lose an ounce of quality on the handling side moving to this car...I think you'll gain.

 

The handling of this car is awesome. it's exceptionally neutral at 7/10ths. no understeer or over steer. I do find that the car gets a little upset over large undulations on the road when on high speed corners, maybe the shocks need a little more rebound damping. I did scare the crap out of a BMW driver by drifting my rear end while he was following me through a corner out in Scarberia. Anybody who complains about low dyno figures, low torque numbers has not driven the car. The handling on this car is what makes it so fun and unique. There is no other car on the market that can seat 4 adults, that handles better, maybe for a few ubersedans from germany that cost twice or three times as much. And by handling I don't mean slalom or skidpad numbers. This car tells you everything you need to know through the seat of your pants. If you drive this car and are still worried about being beat in a straight line by 350Z or any other car and not enjoying the time your having in the corners, get a car with an LS-1 V-8. P.S. anybody complaining about low dyno figures, my butt Dyno tells me this car is producing the right power. I also currently own a Jetta 1.8T that puts out 210hp at the crank and 240 lb-ft of torque. AT the wheels it dynos at 173 whp, and weighs close to the rx-8, a bit over 3000 pounds. My rx-8 is significantly faster in a staight line.
Buy this car you won't be dissapointed

 

...as a side note, Sputnik (having known this for a long time) has been dreaming up some sort of mod, using the power motors from another car with similarly opening windows (i'm thinking a minivan of some kind).

 

Why did Wallace & Gromit suddenly come to mind...?

 

who?

 

Wallace and Gromit, are claymation characters created by Nick Park, but what that has to do with the 8, I have NO FKen idea.

As far as modding the rear windows, I have thought about that also and I am not sure what can be done. So I have opted for a moonroof instead. One can always keep that tilted open for venting.

My Mazda buddy is going to get me a copy of the wiring diagram for the 8, and I should have an answer to the pisser conversion soon.

 

Oh man, Wakeech (head shaking side to side) You don't know who Wallace and Gromit are... for a quick intro link

and don't forget to check out Angry Kid.
link2

Enjoy,

Lensman, I have to agree... I think it has something to do with the handle Sputnik. I also had this scary flash of Red Green and duct tape (Only a Canuck who watches way too much TV will get this reference).

Cheers,

 

I knew this nav system was good, but it can even take you to the nearest Anti-Ballistic Missile silo? Damn, that's hot. Just keep it outa the hands of the Russians, we better not give away all our secrets just yet...