Hi all, great forum you have here.

I love the 8, and like everything it's got, and will compensate or install everything it doesn't, but my biggest problem is the incredibly stiff sport suspension. My Lotus Esprit felt like a Lincoln compared to the Sport Suspension on the 8! I test drove both the base AT and a GT AT, and I LOVED the base level's suspension.

The dealer (yes, there's only one, and we've all met him ;-) ) said that they used to make grand touring option packages that came in sport suspension and regular suspension, but that they discontinued that. Now, unless you want a stripped down version, EVERY level above base HAS to have the sport suspension. Does anyone have a regular suspension with the GT package?

I'm left to try an order an '05 with all the options except the suspension (and 18" tires and larger brakes if necessary), and am seeing if it's possible.

Your input would be MOST appreciated,
Bruce

 

That's a good question there. I know you may get some flames from others asking" WHY WOULDN"T YOU WANT THE 18 INCH RIMS, SUSPENSION, AND BIGGER BRAKES? It seems to me like you are looking for less performance, and better luxury feel with all the amenities. Thee suspension is indeed stiff, but pretty decent for a performance car. It certianly is a lot more ruff then regular suspension though. Unless there's a demand for a pure luxury rx8, you may have to downgrade car yourself. Mazda really should have made the 4 speed auto version with that option.

 

Even the base MT has the sport suspension. Your only option is the base AT as far as I know.