Canceled RX-8, Bought Evo VIII
06-16-2003, 01:19 PM
#51
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
first, congrats G-man on a great car!
second, i think G-man did a great recap of all the issues that have been posted in this forum over the past 3-5 months. he was very objective in the recap. what most people forget is that everybody has their own unique cirmcumstance; for example, Gordon rarely keeps his cars for more than 15,000 miles. In Texas, that's <15 months. If I had that luxury I wouldn't have even considered the RX-8 at all. I get something else and wait patiently for the 2005/6 model. Back to the recap, a lot of shortcomings/observations were made by people who have attended various Mazda promo events as Gordon pointed out. i also tend to believe these people since they have seen it first hand, but i think it's in everybody's human nature to want to see it for themselves. It's like that ol' Satuday Night Live skit in which the father tastes spoiled milk from his fridge and says "Man! That's so rancid! Here, you taste it!" and hands it to his son, who eagerly tastes it too. So anyway, the bottom line for me is that while I love reading what others have observed and will definitely keep my eye out for them, in the end, buying a car is such a personal preference that even if you tell me, "Man, the backseat is so small, or the car doesn't have enough torque!", I'll want to taste the spoiled milk for myself, thank you.
third, yeah, what's up with the "step down" in cars, g-man? i'd be rolling a C32 AMG if i had the $$. Heck, I'd consider giving up 4-doors and get the SLK AMG.
second, i think G-man did a great recap of all the issues that have been posted in this forum over the past 3-5 months. he was very objective in the recap. what most people forget is that everybody has their own unique cirmcumstance; for example, Gordon rarely keeps his cars for more than 15,000 miles. In Texas, that's <15 months. If I had that luxury I wouldn't have even considered the RX-8 at all. I get something else and wait patiently for the 2005/6 model. Back to the recap, a lot of shortcomings/observations were made by people who have attended various Mazda promo events as Gordon pointed out. i also tend to believe these people since they have seen it first hand, but i think it's in everybody's human nature to want to see it for themselves. It's like that ol' Satuday Night Live skit in which the father tastes spoiled milk from his fridge and says "Man! That's so rancid! Here, you taste it!" and hands it to his son, who eagerly tastes it too. So anyway, the bottom line for me is that while I love reading what others have observed and will definitely keep my eye out for them, in the end, buying a car is such a personal preference that even if you tell me, "Man, the backseat is so small, or the car doesn't have enough torque!", I'll want to taste the spoiled milk for myself, thank you.
third, yeah, what's up with the "step down" in cars, g-man? i'd be rolling a C32 AMG if i had the $$. Heck, I'd consider giving up 4-doors and get the SLK AMG.
Last edited by med_mx6; 06-16-2003 at 01:21 PM.
06-17-2003, 10:12 AM
#52
Pure Gold
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good choice of vehicle and the reasons for choosing it. But having waited two years for the RX-8, why not wait just another 4 weeks and test drive one so that you have a valid comparison with a US production model RX-8 and KNOW that you are buying the right car for your needs (whichever car that happens to be).
06-17-2003, 11:11 AM
#53
M0D Squad -charter member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good choice of vehicle and the reasons for choosing it. But having waited two years for the RX-8, why not wait just another 4 weeks and test drive one so that you have a valid comparison with a US production model RX-8 and KNOW that you are buying the right car for your needs (whichever car that happens to be).
06-18-2003, 08:04 PM
#54
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Canceled RX-8, Bought Evo VIII
Originally posted by G-man
Well gang, it has been real, and it has been fun... and actually it has been real fun too, but as of today, I canceled my order for the RX-8 and dropped $30K on the table and walked out with my new 2003 EVO. The discussions in this group actually helped me make up my mind. I love the fact that this group offers lively debate, an open mind and an ever more open forum. Thanks.
Over the course of the last few months that I have been an active participant on this site, I have discovered that my passion for all-wheel-drive and forced-induction is really what rules the day. It was hard coming from the 2002 911 Twin Turbo to think of buying something wtih 4 doors and still be happy. All I can say is that you have to weigh your options carefully and make up your own mind. For me, the EVO is the real deal!
I thought it would be helpful to offer my top 10 reasons why I canceled my order for the RX-8 in hopes it might stimulate further discussions. My desire is not to have more people buy EVOs or try and convince people to cancel there orders, only to focus attention on the factors that lead to my decision... so here are my top 10 reasons that I canceled my order and bought an EVO:
01) DELAY IN DELIVERY OF RX-8
This car has got to be the most hyped car in history with anticipation building for over 2 years. That is a lot of build up in to what is likely to be a let down for some buyers.
02) REALITY NOT LIVING UP TO THE HYPE
In many cases, the first drive tests complain about lack of power and other little things that seem trivial at first, but after re-reading many of the articles again and again, it is hard not to wonder where is all the torque and is 250hp really enough?
03) FREESTYLE DOORS
You either like them or you hate them, but many of you have discussed the difficulty of having to open the driver door just to let out the rear passengers. When you have kids, they are in and out all the time and that means more doors to open all the time.
04) SAFETY RECORD UNKNOWN
There was a discussion of safety and how light the car is and how irresponsible it was for someone to use this car as their primary mode of transport for the family. I don't think I would go that far, but it is true that it is unknown how the car will fare in US side impact tests and how you would get anyone out of the car in the event of a serious accident.
05) CLAUSTROPHOPIC BACKSEAT
Many of you have written about how the back seat in this car is really confining by virtue of the small "port hole" sized windows. I have noticed since I read that how much my kids enjoy looking out the windows as I am driving even on short trips. It seems silly to restrict their view.
06) TRUNK ACCESS AND STORAGE
Many of you commented on how the trunk is hard to get stuff into due to the small opening even if there is lots of room once you clear the opening. That gave me some cause for concern especially since things like the stroller, child seats, large luggage, golf clubs, etc have to go back there.
07) ICE (IN CAR ENTERTAINMENT)
As nice as the BOSE system is in this car, there is still no DVD option. The factory unit is VERY nice looking too, but the EVO comes with a base unit I won't worry about tossing for a $2,000 Alpine DVD unit and the Subaru Sti doesn't even come with a radio.
08) PERFORMANCE: 0-60 in 4.6 seconds
The Motor Trend test and my 20 minute test drive of the EVO made me a believer. This car is faster than my NSX, my M3 and feels almost as fast as my 911 Turbo. The handling of the EVO is insane! You have to drive it on a mountain road to really appreciate it. The RX-8 while fast, isn't that fast and I would have expected more.
09) BACK SEAT <90 DEG SEAT<> BACK ANGLE
Many of you have commented that the backseat of the RX-8 had a steeply raked seat base and that the seat back and base are actually at an angle less than 90 DEG. You can tell just how bad it is by the placement of the ISO-FIX latch system for the kid seats that sits a good 4" up from the union of the 2 at a point there you MUST use the latch system. I have the RECARO Start Child Seats and RECARO does not advise the use of those seats in the RX-8 just like it was not advised in my 2002 BMW M3 Convertible. Too bad and what a same for a car that was supposed to be targeted at the Family Man?! Who fell asleep on that deal. RECARO promises to make a new seat sometime next year that will work with this new system but current seats require 90 DEG or GREATER to be uses safely.
10) ALL-WHEEL DRIVE AND FORCED-INDUCTION
Well, when you get right down to it, I love to drive 90 mph in the rain. There really is nothing like it. Ever since my 1996 Porsche C4S, I have been sold on real world all-wheel-drive in a sports car. I also think that either super-charging or turbo-charging is also a welcome way to make buckets of cheap horsepower. So while good handling and other RX-8 pluses were important, you just can't beat the safety all-wheel-drive for interstate travel next to a 40 ft tractor trailer in a driving rainstorm near the freezing point. The EVO makes an insane level of 19psi of boost at just 3,500 RPM. You really have to drive it to appreciate it.
SUMMARY:
Now, I am sure you will all get your shots in about how ugly the EVO is and how beautiful the RX-8 is and I will have to agree with all of you on that point. Just keep in mind that beauty and styling can only go so far and in the final analysis you need the heart and soul of solid technology underfoot in order to build an enduring relationship with any car. The RX-8 unfortunately comes up short on the 10 items above and I would ask you all to consider if these are important to you too before actually taking delivery of your RX-8.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful group and if anyone knows an equally great place as this one for the EVO, please pass it along... you all are great! Thanks,
G-man
Well gang, it has been real, and it has been fun... and actually it has been real fun too, but as of today, I canceled my order for the RX-8 and dropped $30K on the table and walked out with my new 2003 EVO. The discussions in this group actually helped me make up my mind. I love the fact that this group offers lively debate, an open mind and an ever more open forum. Thanks.
Over the course of the last few months that I have been an active participant on this site, I have discovered that my passion for all-wheel-drive and forced-induction is really what rules the day. It was hard coming from the 2002 911 Twin Turbo to think of buying something wtih 4 doors and still be happy. All I can say is that you have to weigh your options carefully and make up your own mind. For me, the EVO is the real deal!
I thought it would be helpful to offer my top 10 reasons why I canceled my order for the RX-8 in hopes it might stimulate further discussions. My desire is not to have more people buy EVOs or try and convince people to cancel there orders, only to focus attention on the factors that lead to my decision... so here are my top 10 reasons that I canceled my order and bought an EVO:
01) DELAY IN DELIVERY OF RX-8
This car has got to be the most hyped car in history with anticipation building for over 2 years. That is a lot of build up in to what is likely to be a let down for some buyers.
02) REALITY NOT LIVING UP TO THE HYPE
In many cases, the first drive tests complain about lack of power and other little things that seem trivial at first, but after re-reading many of the articles again and again, it is hard not to wonder where is all the torque and is 250hp really enough?
03) FREESTYLE DOORS
You either like them or you hate them, but many of you have discussed the difficulty of having to open the driver door just to let out the rear passengers. When you have kids, they are in and out all the time and that means more doors to open all the time.
04) SAFETY RECORD UNKNOWN
There was a discussion of safety and how light the car is and how irresponsible it was for someone to use this car as their primary mode of transport for the family. I don't think I would go that far, but it is true that it is unknown how the car will fare in US side impact tests and how you would get anyone out of the car in the event of a serious accident.
05) CLAUSTROPHOPIC BACKSEAT
Many of you have written about how the back seat in this car is really confining by virtue of the small "port hole" sized windows. I have noticed since I read that how much my kids enjoy looking out the windows as I am driving even on short trips. It seems silly to restrict their view.
06) TRUNK ACCESS AND STORAGE
Many of you commented on how the trunk is hard to get stuff into due to the small opening even if there is lots of room once you clear the opening. That gave me some cause for concern especially since things like the stroller, child seats, large luggage, golf clubs, etc have to go back there.
07) ICE (IN CAR ENTERTAINMENT)
As nice as the BOSE system is in this car, there is still no DVD option. The factory unit is VERY nice looking too, but the EVO comes with a base unit I won't worry about tossing for a $2,000 Alpine DVD unit and the Subaru Sti doesn't even come with a radio.
08) PERFORMANCE: 0-60 in 4.6 seconds
The Motor Trend test and my 20 minute test drive of the EVO made me a believer. This car is faster than my NSX, my M3 and feels almost as fast as my 911 Turbo. The handling of the EVO is insane! You have to drive it on a mountain road to really appreciate it. The RX-8 while fast, isn't that fast and I would have expected more.
09) BACK SEAT <90 DEG SEAT<> BACK ANGLE
Many of you have commented that the backseat of the RX-8 had a steeply raked seat base and that the seat back and base are actually at an angle less than 90 DEG. You can tell just how bad it is by the placement of the ISO-FIX latch system for the kid seats that sits a good 4" up from the union of the 2 at a point there you MUST use the latch system. I have the RECARO Start Child Seats and RECARO does not advise the use of those seats in the RX-8 just like it was not advised in my 2002 BMW M3 Convertible. Too bad and what a same for a car that was supposed to be targeted at the Family Man?! Who fell asleep on that deal. RECARO promises to make a new seat sometime next year that will work with this new system but current seats require 90 DEG or GREATER to be uses safely.
10) ALL-WHEEL DRIVE AND FORCED-INDUCTION
Well, when you get right down to it, I love to drive 90 mph in the rain. There really is nothing like it. Ever since my 1996 Porsche C4S, I have been sold on real world all-wheel-drive in a sports car. I also think that either super-charging or turbo-charging is also a welcome way to make buckets of cheap horsepower. So while good handling and other RX-8 pluses were important, you just can't beat the safety all-wheel-drive for interstate travel next to a 40 ft tractor trailer in a driving rainstorm near the freezing point. The EVO makes an insane level of 19psi of boost at just 3,500 RPM. You really have to drive it to appreciate it.
SUMMARY:
Now, I am sure you will all get your shots in about how ugly the EVO is and how beautiful the RX-8 is and I will have to agree with all of you on that point. Just keep in mind that beauty and styling can only go so far and in the final analysis you need the heart and soul of solid technology underfoot in order to build an enduring relationship with any car. The RX-8 unfortunately comes up short on the 10 items above and I would ask you all to consider if these are important to you too before actually taking delivery of your RX-8.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful group and if anyone knows an equally great place as this one for the EVO, please pass it along... you all are great!
Thanks,G-man
What color did you get and did you opt for the sunroof?
06-18-2003, 09:56 PM
#55
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: LA, CA
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The EVO certainly is a great car. That's why we bought one (my brother drive it). Any one who buys for performance will NOT be dissappointed. HOWEVER, I personally cannot see myself driving it. It just didn't feel right for me: more evidence that a test drive is perhaps the most important thing.
If the RX-8 really SUCKS (during the test drive) then I'll get a S2000. But right now, I'm keeping my options open and waiting for my car to come in so I can know FOR SURE.
If the RX-8 really SUCKS (during the test drive) then I'll get a S2000. But right now, I'm keeping my options open and waiting for my car to come in so I can know FOR SURE.
06-19-2003, 03:45 PM
#56
rx-8 converted 2 evo.
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: california
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whatever.
most of the people here that are getting the rx-8 are without a doubt rotary enthusiast. If you were never in love with the rotary the rx-8 would just appeal to you, like g-man he was appealed but is he a rotary enthusiast probably not, that's why he went for the evo. Sure he had those 10 reasons but if he was in love with the rotary he would careless.
"I got me a 4G63 engine on my car 2 so I already got my evo...lol."
most of the people here that are getting the rx-8 are without a doubt rotary enthusiast. If you were never in love with the rotary the rx-8 would just appeal to you, like g-man he was appealed but is he a rotary enthusiast probably not, that's why he went for the evo. Sure he had those 10 reasons but if he was in love with the rotary he would careless.
"I got me a 4G63 engine on my car 2 so I already got my evo...lol."
06-19-2003, 09:57 PM
#57
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good choice G-Man. It's an amazing machine. I picked my EVO up a couple months ago. I think I was the first to jump ship to the EVO. All it took was one test drive and I was hooked. I just have two complaints:
1.) the gauges suck (compared to STi's and Mazda 6)
2.) paint quality is not too good.
Would I buy the car again? Hell Yeah!!!! I don't even want to list all the possitives. This car is so fun it should be illegal.
I've had zero problems in 3500 miles. In fact for those that think Mitsu's build quality is crap...we've had more problems with my wife's Mazda 6 than with the EVO. It's hard to compare the EVO's reliability and build quality to current Mitsubishi's because all the EVO's are built in Japan where I think they hold to a higher level of quality. Everything (materials, plastics, build quality...) is much better than the old Eclipses. I'm still taking a chance with reliability but it's one that I'm willing to live with because the EVO is that good.
Here's a good quote from someone over at evolutionm.net:
cheap/fast/reliable - pick two
Only time will tell how reliable the EVO will be.
moogle -
I love the rotary and I think it's an amazing design. But in the end it's an engine that powers the car. That engine did not meet my requirements. I wanted something that would run 1/4 miles in mid to low 13s stock and have power on tap at any rpm. The RX8 just didn't have the torque or power that I wanted. Now if a RX7 comes out in a few years with 300+ hp then I may reconsider. I wouldn't say that G-Man is not a rotary enthusiast because he wanted something with a bit more performance.
Anyways. Hope to see you over at evolutionm.net G-Man. Take care and have fun, it's not hard when driving an EVO.
1.) the gauges suck (compared to STi's and Mazda 6)
2.) paint quality is not too good.
Would I buy the car again? Hell Yeah!!!! I don't even want to list all the possitives. This car is so fun it should be illegal.
I've had zero problems in 3500 miles. In fact for those that think Mitsu's build quality is crap...we've had more problems with my wife's Mazda 6 than with the EVO. It's hard to compare the EVO's reliability and build quality to current Mitsubishi's because all the EVO's are built in Japan where I think they hold to a higher level of quality. Everything (materials, plastics, build quality...) is much better than the old Eclipses. I'm still taking a chance with reliability but it's one that I'm willing to live with because the EVO is that good.
Here's a good quote from someone over at evolutionm.net:
cheap/fast/reliable - pick two
Only time will tell how reliable the EVO will be.
moogle -
I love the rotary and I think it's an amazing design. But in the end it's an engine that powers the car. That engine did not meet my requirements. I wanted something that would run 1/4 miles in mid to low 13s stock and have power on tap at any rpm. The RX8 just didn't have the torque or power that I wanted. Now if a RX7 comes out in a few years with 300+ hp then I may reconsider. I wouldn't say that G-Man is not a rotary enthusiast because he wanted something with a bit more performance.
Anyways. Hope to see you over at evolutionm.net G-Man. Take care and have fun, it's not hard when driving an EVO.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
whitelight42
RX-8 Parts For Sale/Wanted
0
08-06-2015 01:10 AM
