Sephiroth

Well. The time has finally come to get a new car and im looking for some viewpoints on each of the following: 2008 40th aniv or 2009 GT RX-8, S2000, or 370z.

For the record, im very familiar with rotaries. I have an n/a FC.

I just test drove the 09 RX-8 today and it seems very similar to the 04-08 models. So im thinking if i go with the 8 then why not just get the 40th aniv and get the better financing incentives on 08s from mazda. I also have access to S-plan from my father but i doubt ill need to use it.

The S2000 is the car i have always wanted. I only have access to leftover 2007 models where i am but i think i can get smoking deals on em. Its the car that just feels right, even more than the RX-8. The only doubt in my mind is if i can live with the vert on a daily basis, never had a vert before. I have a prelude that i intend to keep and use for the winter so thats not a concern with any of these cars.

The rx8 and s2k have retained the same drivetrain components over the years, but the 370 is different from the 350 in many ways. So there is a concern for first model year bugs and recalls. Im interested in the base + sport pack with this car but local dealer only has a touring. I sat in it and immediately i noticed that i didn't get the 'it fits like a glove' feeling. On paper this car obviously has the performance and it looks better in person.

What do you guys think? If you could start with a clean slate right now, you have a dd for the winter, which of these 3 would you pick?

BlueEyes

Well, just a comment. Many of the upgrades, and certainly the engine, in the 370Z are in use in other Nissan/Infiniti models, so the first year bugs shouldn't be too bad.

ken-x8

If I always wanted an S2000 and had a beater for the winter, I'd get the S2000. Why compromise on your dream?

Convertible is fine for daily year-round use. My first car was an Alfa Spyder. Lived in upstate NY at the time, had it for three years.

Ken

shaunv74

If you get the RX8 go with an '09. It has a new OMP and third oil injection port on the apex seal. Definitely an important improvement in reliability and engine life.

RX26b

If that was your dream car, and you like it best of all the cars on your list I'd buy it. Used '07 S2000s seem to be right at $20K these days; how much more will you have to pay for new?

Sephiroth

Im hoping to pay $20k for a new one lol. But it is a 10 year old design and that makes me stop. It also doesn't have the niceties like in the rx8. Whatever i get ill have to keep for quite a while because these cars are not holding there value well.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

I am going to say go with RX-8 since this is an rx8 forum.....but sounds like you already made up your mind on the s2k. So get what you like best, which sounds to me the s2k.

05rex8

iTrader: (7)

don't buy a car because of the value....no matter what you get, they will lose value. buy something you love. I couldn't care less how much money my car has depreciated in value...I love the car. period. I'll keep it till it dies.

greg985

buy the 370z and then right a review for us

Sephiroth

^ lol. If any local dealer had a base model + sport in red i would be tempted to do it.

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't been following the 8 much in the past few months.

elcolombiano91

lol would have to say rx8 since i LOVE this car but go for ur dream car!

RedefineRX8

iTrader: (-1)

s2000... might be picking one of those up myself in the near future.

alienRX8

test drive them all back to back if possible the same day and pick the best that fits you, there is nothing like test driving a car to see if it will fit you or not.

RedefineRX8

iTrader: (-1)

s2000 feels so tight, and connected to the driver. If you don't have to have 4 seats get one with a hardtop. if you have to have the backseats get another 8. that's really the only reason to buy the RX8 over the S2000 unless you just can't stand a car that small/convertible.

Sephiroth

I've been trying to test drive them back to back but the dealers are not allowing me. They say can't drive till the papers are signed. Happened with the s2k and the evo gsr. But luckily i've test driven all of them (except the 370) at least once, just not back to back.

The s2k is tight and small and i like that. I guess the problem im having is that its not as good a value as the 8. For roughly the same price you get more niceties and backseat with the 8...

RedefineRX8

iTrader: (-1)

but with the S2k you get better gas mileage, a better performer out of the box, and a car that's crazy fun to drive. You only live once, I say go for the S2k for a change, you won't regret it man. I love my RX-8, but sometimes you need a change..

alienRX8

I like all of the cars you have listed. If I was going to buy a car right now it would probably be between the s2000 and the 370z but then again it might happen like last time.

I was looking at the rx8, s2000 and 350z before I bought my 8. The s2000 was too expensive compared to the price I could get for the 8 and it really looks way too simplistic inside while the rx8 has beautiful interior. And when I got into the 350z I almost puked from its horrible interior. And then there is the convenience of having back seats. I have used mine several times already and to be honest the 8 is just a beautiful car all around.

You will not go wrong with any of these cars as they are all very good. Just take your time and choose wisely!

J wind

I vote for getting the car of your dreams, the s2k.

You already have a prelude, which can be used for whenever you need something with more then a 2 seater, and your set for winter.

The 8 is great car, but if it didn't feel as great as the s2k did when you test drove it, then I think you might regret it one day and will always wonder, what if.

On second thought never mind what I just said... get the 8

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

Hmmm...RX8 or S2000?

kvndoom

Yes.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

i'd get the 09 rx8 r3.

but thats just me.

m477

If you ever think you will need to go down to only one car, the RX-8 is the absolute best choice. The nimbleness of a sports car, the comfortable cruising of a GT, 4 seats and lots of storage space. As an all-arounder nothing comes close.

But since you said you had a daily driver, I would definitely get the s2k. I drove a 350z and it felt like a bloated pig to me, and the 370z isn't getting much lighter. However, I would be concerned with a ragtop if you think you will reguarly park in dangerous areas or if the weather is always bad. Otherwise it is great, even just cruising at 60 feels like you are flying, amazing car to drive.

AJ's Shinka

Test drive all three, see what deals you can get and get the one that feels right, sometimes the car will choose you.

I bought mine a couple years ago and at the time I wanted a 350z, Mustang, s2000 and maybe an 8. I went to all the dealerships in that order and the others were marked up while this brand new CR 06 shinka was being given at a great price I test drove it and it was over. I have loved it ever since besides the ride was more tolerable than the Z and the s2000. The car will choose you.

reaper1

If your dream car is the 2000 , then get it . That way you won't regret it . My 2 favorite cars are the Vett and Viper . But as a dream car the Viper take it and thats what I would like to do in a year from now . You only live once and if you have the opportunity to get , what you want ......... Go for it .......

04RX8man

if u love the s2k then go with that but as for the 8's the 09's have a third oil injector and the R3's are very very nice if i was in the market for another 8 or adifferent one i'd get the R3