Matt RX8

Maybe I will get the RX8 .

Well folks, things might be looking up for me.

Went to the Chicago autoshow this morning with the wife and she admitted that the RX8 is really not too bad and it's starting to grow on her. So maybe she would be able to live with the RX8.

Furthermore, on the way home (after some Dim Sum in Chinatown ), we stopped by the Nissan dealer so she could test drive the Z.

To be honest, the Z is too much car for her. Mainly due to the torque she was having tons of difficulty shifting it without jerking the car around. She also felt really intimidated by the low seating position of the Z and the horrendous rear visibility (while the RX8 isn't great, it's much better than the Z. To make matters worse, the particular car had an annoying vibration on the gearshift when the car was in neutral and in gear. The dealer said they were all like that (especially when cold) that was the wrong answer as far as the wife was concerned.
Also some airbag warning lights came on and one of the windows stopped functioning, although that might be because we somehow locked out the window. Wifey also felt the suspension in Z was too brutal which it pretty much is, especially compared to the RX8.

So anyway, the RX8 is back in the picture. I think if my wife drove it I might be able to sell her on the car. The fact the the RX8 is less torquey will make it easier for her to shift (similar to her BMW 325) and hopefully she'll fall in love with the car like most people do that drive it.

At any rate, she has promised to test drive an RX8 6-speed before we make our decision. If I get her favorite color (whitewater pearl) that could clinch it. She actually liked the Shinka at the autoshow but I wouldn't want one due to lack of helmet room (with the sunroof).

As for my other issues, I'll gladly put up with them, especially since the RX8 will cost much less than the Z. The 1.5 mile commute is the worst concern, but I can train myself to warm it up or take the long way to work (Unfortunately, no twisties even if I take the long way.

So wish me luck, and maybe I'll be able to get an RX8 after all. :o

MI_FamilyMan

Hmmm.... so which car do you prefer?? I'm assuming you've driven both, right?

Matt RX8

I've driven both two times each. I think the RX8 is a better drivers car. I like the styling of the Z marginally better. I like interior of the RX8 better.

But since I'm addicted to autocross and want to do some DEs, the driving ability is my primary concern. So the RX8 is my preference.

and since I can pick up a new 2004 RX8 6speed with sport package for about 23-24K right now it's an awesome car for that money.

Japan8

Run a search... aftermarket leather. When I finally get my *** out of Japan and back in the US... I'm getting a sport package 8 with aftermarket leather. I took out a GT package during a trip back home and I was hitting my head in the passenger seat when we hit bumps. That clinched it for me... no sunroof. The pics and comments on aftermarket leather have been VERY good... some woudl say better than factory leather (no plastic inserts).

Shiri

Maybe the 8 is more suited to women?

budebaker

I've had both cars and I have the 8 A/T currently. I've driven the 8 stick and I like the way it shifts more than the Z, however, the Z just has that torque and that is hard to beat, especially for city driving when instant power can come in real handy. The 8 though is a lot more comfortable for daily driving and the MP3 player is awesome.

Too bad I can't have both.

MI_FamilyMan

Agreed!

Ike

I'm 30 and have been in the Milwauke area about 5 years, Pay Mccurity sounds familiar but have never seen him, but I think I've seen his name up at the Up and Under a few times.

rx8wannahave

I'm confused....is this car for you or your wife?

Please explain because while I'm married too (so I understand the "WE" & "US" stuff) if the car is for you it seems she has TOO much say in this. Don't get me wrong...I had to do some fighting for the 8 too...but if the car is for you I don't get it...

Don't take this the wrong way please...sorry if that was harsh or something???

Matt RX8

It's a car for me but we'll end up sharing it since she has a long commute and drives a limited mileage (12K per year) lease car. We swap out cars every once in a while to even out the mileage.

She's a good sport about things and doesn't mind that both cars are rather sporty and have stick shifts so give her some credit :p .

She normally wouldn't have so much say but I'm currently ditching a car I bought just over a year ago (Dec 2003) to get the RX8. So since I'm trading so soon, she is being more of a bother than usual :o .

rx8wannahave

That explains everything...ohh, OK.

Heck, with you getting another car so soon after getting one...you are lucky she is even letting you do it, LOL.

Thanks...I understand now...

Matt RX8

No worries.

The dealer called me today and said there was another $500 off due to the autoshow, so it should pretty much be a done deal.

rx8wannahave

Good luck! No wait, sorry...I'm Christian and I don't believe in luck (force of habbit saying that)

GOD BLESS! That's the best thing I can do for you...GOD BLESS your up and comming decision!

Matt RX8

Thanks,
Test drove again last night (my third drive, first for the wife) and would have bought but dealer is making it tough. Not because he's trying to screw me but he is giving me a great deal on a model he has in inventory that is not the color I wanted... So I can buy a black one (my first choice) or buy a more loaded red one for $1000-1100 off. I had to ponder this last night so I couldn't buy one. I think I'm going with the black.

rx8wannahave

I got a black one too....nice choice...

Matt RX8

I put the deposit on the black one last night . Dealer has to go get it for me from another dealer so I want get it until next week. Can't wait.

Now I just have to sell my BMW 330 and wait patiently to brake the car in and wait patiently for spring.

Can't wait for autox season to start.

Rhawb

Congrats! Nice color choice! (I swear I'm not biased :D) I think you're going to be very very happy with how this car performs in autocrosses.

Matt RX8

Thanks to everyone and my apologies for even thinking about buying a 350Z

DreRX8

hahahah--thats something I think a large percentage of us did before we took the plunge.

Whitehot

Good job! I hate to admit it but I'm guilty of checking out the Z as well. Didn't last very long though; went to the dealer to check one out, but they wouldn't even let me look inside, gave me a bunch of BS like "we can't find the key." Another good one was "this is a $40,000 sports car."

RX-Hachi

Wow, this thread has done a 180 degree turn, thought the Z was a done deal. Welcome back to the wonderfully addictive world that is the RX-8!

I like the Z too, can't go wrong either way, but obviously the RX-8 was my choice.

mjd

Can someone explain to me exactly WHY the 8 has so little torque? Im not saying it needs as much as the Z. Something around 200 would be perfect. Was it just impossible to give it any more than 159 with the rotary?

rx8pilot

um...i don't think this is the thread for that question.. it's been asked ...and answered before though.. try the search tool.