Bankotsu

Somehow, I think I'm going to really regret that decision once I have the Mazda3. I love driving the RX-8 but gas prices are making me think of these bad thoughts. I used KBB.com to see the ballpark area of how much I should try to get. $17,550 it says and the Mazda3 is around that price as well with a couple of options. Any other cars I would look at that are around that price range?

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Did you calculate the fuel cost difference over a year between the two cars?

CarAndDriver

What kind of mileage are you getting on your 8?

Bankotsu

17 city, 24 highway. Not bad but I drive a lot as well.

CarAndDriver

You're doing really well compared to a lot of 8 drivers on here. If you drive a lot it may add up.

Check out the 3's mileage here.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

you get 24 on the highway?! KEEP IT!!!! I would kill for that kind of mileage. I've tracked EVERY single mile on my car for the past 18,000 miles and my all time best tank was 21.3 mpg. (100% freeway)

CarAndDriver

Going how fast on the freeway?

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

cruise was probably around 75 or so for most of the trip. I went from Orange County to San Luis Obispo.

CarAndDriver

For 75MPH avg that sounds reasonable.

dmp

Good lord - 20mpg is my car's 'holy grail' of fuel economy. 24mpg? that's fantastic. The price difference in the rx8 and a new 3 alone wouldn't be worth the 'few' mpg difference, imo.

XRX8X

Well i was at the dealership getting my gas cap replaced(wro)and took a good look at the mazdaspeed 3 and at 22,ooo and some change not to shabby!but when i bought the rx8 (04-t.grey 6spd)and said what the hell have some fun the sticker said 18cityand 24 highway boy was i wrong for thinking that it was true .i also am glad i did buy it.I never had so much fun with a car that gives me the freedom to really enjoying driving even when the a&** holes make you wish you could ban them from the road. i see that the 3 says 18 city and 28 hwy.well this sure felt like daja vu but i am to happy with my 8 for now going on four years soon and i don't even think the turbo could make me like it more than my 8 but who knows a few more years and maybe just maybe? i need to give mazda a hats off because if you relly like or even love a great driving experience than the rx8 for you!if you can stand the gas prices and a little oil every now and then.for the buck i am happy.and let the flame wars begin!

Bankotsu

I also need more cargo room too. Gas is just the biggest reason.

CarAndDriver

Get the 5DR 3. I think its a great car regardless MS3 or not.

Bankotsu

I was looking into the hatchback. Might get it in July. I'm just going to think it over first and not rush the decision.

CarAndDriver

Buy a low miles used one. I am sure there are plenty on the market since its been out for a few years.

Bankotsu

My dad doesn't want me to buy a used car. I don't know why. We have never bought a used car ever. When I got my RX-8, it only had 5 miles on it.

dmorales

Try avg. 100+ miles a day on premium @ 20mpg. Even as much as i drive, the 3 wouldn't save me enough money to make me change to a 3. Unless you drive even more than me I don't see the big deal Unless it's just what you want. In tht case, go for it.

If I can fit a 120w amp, a 65w amp, two elec. guitars and cases, and an acoustic guitar and two passengers. i think that's pretty darn good storage capacity for a sports anything.
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Bankotsu

Your car probably doesn't have a spare tire that my dad made me buy though.

Transam kid 01

iTrader: (1)

What about a civic? or a cobalt?

mac11

iTrader: (1)

whos paying for the car, the insurance, the gas and the other non-car related bills?

alfy28

mazda 3 is a good car btw. even though its a FF car i find it to be a really fun car.

playdoh43

the money you loose in the trade in will likely be more than the money you save on gas for the next 3-5 years

Brandon

Yeah, the loss from the RX-8's depreciation will far outweigh gas benefits. Plus the new 3 will cost $17,750, but it will be worth $14,000 the instant you drive it off the lot. Moreover, if you actually trade it at the dealer, they will stick it to you there as well. If you sell it on your own, you might do a little better, but that's a hassle and who knows how long it would take.

edblor

OMG I spit out my drink when I read that!

Funny....yeah, funny!

RufusVonStorm

Before I bought my RX-8 I was driving a mazda 3: 5-speed 2.3L. Great car! The rx8 is obviously more fun and a totally different kind of car, but the 3 is a good buy and also a fun car to drive. I was pleased with the gas mileage. If you buy a 5-speed and stay above 3k rpm there's a respectable amount of pep. I also found the handling and cornering to be enjoyable. Good car for the money