Sams40

Hey guys, I've been recently looking at a few cars and tonight I actually bought one. Its been a long tough decision, but I finally got an 05 RX8 with just over 40K miles on it. I'll post pics later but its the light gray color with the front lip and rear spoiler and all black leather interior. So far its been an amazing, car although I've technically owned it for only a lil over 2 hours.

I came from a Volvo S40, which I still love dearly, just because its such a great car to drive and work on, and I have so many fond memories of it. But at the same time, you cant beat a RWD with an LSD in terms of handling.

So yeah :D Thats it, I had just two questions. But I'll do some forum searching first before asking.

Oh yeah, and also please do tell me your opinions on the other cars I could have purchased, I was between the RX8, BMW 330ci and Lexus IS300 with the LSD.

yiksing

Out of the 3 cars, I think you made the right choice if you are looking for a driver's car.

HomicidalApple

iTrader: (3)

I agree that you made the right choice, IS300 is a great car as well though dont get me wrong, my good friend has one that hes put alot of work in to and not only is beautiful but it drives amazingly too! But just cant compare to the 8 in handling in my opinion.

adamwzl

iTrader: (3)

congrats on your purchase. Welcome to the addiction.

You need to drive the 8 to really know what its about. All though the IS 300 is a nice car it still blends in to much with everyone else out there.

Depending on the area you live in, for my sake I live in the DC metro area. There are more BMW's on the road here than corollas and american SUV's. I do love a bmw they are great cars. Just I dislike being stuck in the group with the masses.

I hope the best for you and your 8. Remember if you have a problem there is tons of info on this forum to help you with anything.

DarkBrew

Congrats and welcome!
Nice to see the 8 still has so much pull after almost 7 years.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the addiction and all the mods you'll do.

SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

I have driven two different 330ci's one 5 speed manual 2003 and an automatic 2002. The auto wasn't very exciting, in fact it was my friend's grandma's car. Oomph was nice with the inline 6 and was very well planted. Not a big fan of the E46 interior, very bland and dated. The 5 speed 2003 obvious felt more connected with the driver since it is a manual.

The 2003 5 speed was owned by my cousin. Unfortunately it was the car that made him turn his back on euros. He had many electrical problems with the car. Finally, he told me that the throttle body went along with a few suspension components. The repair cost was a huge hit, and he decided to sell it and buy a 2006 Evo 9 MR Special Edition.

It might just be his luck, who knows. The car was very well maintained and had all highway miles. My friend's grandma's 2002 auto also has a few flaws here and there. Some electrical issues and something with the transmission not shifting properly in sequential mode.

I am not saying that all E46's are lemons. After hearing about people's experiences with them, I dont think I would consider an E46 unless it is an M3. I do think they are great grand touring cars if I overlook the issues.

I can't comment much on IS300's since I haven't driven one yet. I'm sure they're solid cars since they're lexus'. My neighbor has a very clean black IS300 with tasteful modifications such as Gram Lite gun metal colored wheels, lowered, a rear lip spoiler, a catback that sounds and looks close to stock (it is fully polished so you know its aftermarket but very subtle), etc. Clean looking cars with few minor modification. From the looks of it, I wouldn't mind daily driving one at all. Can't comment on how they drive though.

When I was on the hunt for my RX8, it took over a year worth of contemplating between cars. At first I wanted an RX7 since I was 14. Later decided to have something more modern for now. Started looking at E9x 330i's and 328i's, Miata's, Mazdaspeed 3's, and Mazdaspeed 6's. Finally decided on an RX8 since I have been in love with the rotary since a very young age. Finally found a mint condition, velocity red, grand touring RX8 loaded with every option except the rear spoiler. 3 hours away for a decent price. One owner that was a wealthy man from the Hamptons. He is in his late 50's and the car was used as a weekend warrior and was always kept in a garage when not driven. Couldn't be happier with my choice.


Edit: Damn, long post. Let me put this in the COOL STORY BASKET, BRO.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Welcome to the addiction.

Sams40

Thanks, I can tell you it didn't take me long to get addicted to the Volvo, so I can only imagine how fast I'll get addicted to the RX. I'm glad I bought it thursday evening otherwise I probobly would have gone insane from the need to take it for a weekend cruise, now I just have to wait for work to be over :D

Also, I did some thread looking, there are some great write ups and how to's here, I only wish that my Volvo forum had this many members. I looked around and apparently a lot of people had relativley low milage tranmission issues, and I think I might be one of those people.

I'll fire it up again today, but it sounds to me like somethings up with my flywheel, When I idle, in neutral with the clutch disengaged I can hear like a slight grinding sound, and then past 7k rpm I can definately here a rolling/grinding sound from the center/pass. side. Luckily, the dealer gave me a 1k mi or 30 day warranty on the car so hopefully, they'll take care of it. But you know those stealerships xD

2tone

iTrader: (3)

Welcome!

there is something completely wrong with this statement...but i can't put my finger on it......oh wait, yes, "addicted" and "volvo" should never be used in the same sentence unless you say something like "driving that volvo made me realize how addicted I am to my rx-8."

i don't think "a lot" of people have tranny issues...that i know of. if you hear something though, definitely take it in before it's too late.

Sams40

Woah, hold on there big guy, I love my volvo-that-can. Yes its a volvo, yes its slow, yes if you take it around a corner it would lean and pitch, but its 1.9L of pure turbocharged glory. Theres something so sweet about letting off the throttle and hearing the pshhft of a recirc. valve. And besides, your first car is always one to remember.