I had a half hour test drive (not nearly long enough) of a high power velocity red with red/black leather at Nyetimber Mazda (Bognor Regis) on Saturday.

I loved the car. It was fast, but still happy to sit at 30mph in 4th. It seemed very well put together and the quality of the plastics was well up to scratch.

A few weeks ago I test drove an Audi A3 with sport suspension. The suspension was so harsh that I actually felt travel sick for the first 10 minutes. Also, you need to be a yoga expert to get into the back (although once you manage it there is actually loads of space). The RX8 shows the way it should be done. It's firm without being harsh and the balance of the car is superb. And getting in and out of the back seats is a doddle.

I did not have much chance to push the engine. The car had only done 360 mile and when I hit 7000 rpm in second on a slip road the salesman told me to ease off - what a kill joy! But the sound of the engine was just superb.

However, I've yet to convince the wife.

Her main dislikes:
1. Thought the car looked like a male mid-life crisis car
2. The boots was too small - no space for 2 big suitcases for holidays
3. Running costs (MPG)

I'm working on it but think I have an up hill struggle. I'd welcome any advice from anyone else who has successfully dealt with similar issues!!

It didn't get off to a good start as we had the test drive booked for 2:30, but were kept waiting for 15 minutes. I didn't mind this but it's the sort of thing that winds the wife up. The relatively small showroom was very busy. Mazda are currently bringing out some greats cars and I wonder if their dealerships are up to the demand? And could this affect after sales service?

 

Sorry, I don't know what to say!

My wife actually agrees with this purchase as we have an 11 and 8 year old and there's plenty of room for them. If we're away en famile the we have here Grand Cherokee. Still, reckon it's acceptable for a weekender.

MPG, who knows but what can you expect from a 200+ BHP sports car with great performance?

Finally "mid life" crisis, NO certainly not! SMILES PER MILE:D

Cheers
Oilman

 

Thanks Oilman

I agree with what you say. I'll just have to see what happens and keep chipping away!!

Anyway, I wish you well with your car - have you got an estimated date from the dealer yet?

 

I’ve found the best way around this is to plan long-term.

I had a Ford Puma, but due the arrival of our son in Sept 2002 I needed something bigger. I saw the RX-8 at last years Birmingham Motor show and was smitten, but waiting till the (then) expected delivery in July wasn’t an option - just as well I didn’t as it turned out. My wife wanted an Audi A2 or A3. I quite fancied a Golf 4motion. But I could foresee that trying to convince her that a RX-8 was practical enough after a Golf or A3 was going to be a tough sell, so I bought an A2 1.6 FSi Sport.

Now size isn’t even an issue. (We are still taking about cars, right?).

 

Brooker,

Did you let your wife drive the car? Although my wife took up half of my 20 minutes test drive (leaving me a measly 10 minutes) at least she came out of it on my side of the decision (yippee)!.

Jim

 

1. Is that a problem? You are entitled to your crisis, better the car than a motorbike or a mistress.
2. The size of the boot is not an issue, the clothes your mistress needs to take away for a weekend fit in her handbag.
3. The time for her to worry about the running costs of your 'dependent' is during the divorce settlement.
I hope this helps

 

jumpalongjim

My wife doesn't drive (or has not for the last 9 years). Expect a test drive in the RX8 is not the best place to re-learn (although it would be good to see the saleman's reaction!!).

JohnnyCumLately

Totally agree with what you're saying. I'll put your points to her tonight!

On a slightly more positive note, she's OK about getting a VW Golf Mk V (we used to have a Mk IV GTi) - I suggested waiting to get the new 200bhp GTi due out at the end of 2004. This seems to have provisional approval! Not quite an RX8 but it could be worse!

 

Brooker,

Sounds like you are fighting a loosing battle, if she does not like the looks then have lost. If she prefers a Golf you need to ask yourself some very serious questions.

rael

 

J.C.L - you are a great philosopher. Do you have your own website?
:D :D :D :D :D

 

Booker, I have two children and a wife who would have preferred I ordered a 330i or 270CLK (both the same price for me as the RX8 - as mine is a company car).

My line of thrust was 'everything I do is for the children and you..blah...blah.. This is the only thing that is for me..is that so unfair..?

Point 1: Show her the titanium colour - not so midlife-crisis-ish..?
Point 2: I agree - we took a picnic basket on our test drive which wouldn't fit into the boot (the boot is ok - it's the entry point).
Point 3: You’ve got to spend your money on something..

Cheers, Pillman

 

Thanks Pillman

I'm currently concentrating on the stuff she liked:

- Nice centre console
- Quality of interior
- Good ride/handling compromise

Also, running costs are not so much of an issue when you consider Mazda's current high reliability and expected high residuals.

I'll gradually work on the negatives. I think the boot will fit 2 fairly large 'flat' style suitcases. Problem is we recently bought a couple of the large more boxy design - no way they will fit. So what, we'll just have to get some more!!

My colour choice would be Winning Blue - has anyone who ordered this colour got a delivery date yet?

 

divorce her.

 

I really don't think talking about the mistress is going to help your case.