Monster13

I'm very sorry if these are in the FAQs (i actually looked, But didn't see a lot of info the helped in my particular case).

I am in the market for a new car, and recently started looking into RX8's (the local dealers have quite a few ranging from $15K to $21K). (i originally was looking at RX7s, but FD's are scarce, and i'd like to have a newer vehicle).

The issue is, I have never owned an import (All previous cars were Domestic.), So i am really clueless on the power of the cars.


Firstly, What is the "Grand touring package"? I mean, I know its the top of the line or whatever, But what does it actually add to the vehicle (i googled it, but found no useful info). Because, from what i see, Its an Extra 5K for a used grand touring one, and I'd rather not spend that extra if it's not really much of an upgrade i would care about.


My second question is one that was Kind of answered from the FAQs but not fully, Whats the performance like?

I don't plan on racing it, it will be more of a daily driver that looks nice.But i would like to have a little bit of power to back it up.

My old car was a 1989 Mustang GT with a pretty much stock 5.0 V8 (about 225hp). I loved that car. I did'nt really race it, But i always got little hondas and stuff revving their engines at lights... and by the time we got to the other side of the intersection, I was ahead of them.

My mustang was totalled three weeks ago, when someone didn't look both ways before crossing the road and T-boned me without breaking. And i would buy a new one, since i liked it.... But I don't like the newer mustangs, and I want a newer car for once.

Anyways, Basically what i am saying is.... I'm looking for a car that has decent acceleration. Doesn't have to be a 9 sec car.... Just something that can out accelerate the average tuned car you see on the street (namely the hondas and acuras).


If anyone has any suggestions, or info that might help me out... i'd be greatful. I have been looking at cars for 3 weeks now, and i am nowhere near close to figuring out what i should get.

Mazurfer

Gonna keep this simple:

1.) The Grand Touring adds the leather package and a few other things. It's worth it in my opinion, but that is just it....an opinion.
www.edmunds.com can break down the differences for you.

This is for a 2008, but basically applies:

The RX-8 Sport automatic comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, a CD player and full power features. The Sport with the six-speed manual transmission, as well as all the other trims, gains more performance via a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels. The midlevel Touring adds a sunroof, foglamps, a Bose audio system with six-CD changer, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and xenon headlights. The Grand Touring provides luxuries such as a power driver seat, heated seats, leather upholstery and heated side mirrors. A performance package is available on the Sport that includes xenon headlights and foglamps for the six-speed manual, while the automatic also gets the limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels and tires. Stand-alone options include a navigation system (Grand Touring only) and an in-dash six-CD changer (Sport).


2.) It's not a muscle car, it's a sports car. Know and understand that difference. Without serious cash and after market mods......you may not be happy.

3.) Based on all you have said, this is not the car for you. Again, that's my opinion. But go drive one and see what you think....that's the best way....and I would like to see your impression once you drive one! Takes for ever to get the silly grin off your face, so don't worry about that.

4.) Oh...not sure if you were going to buy brand new, but I think I would stay newer than at least 04, and maybe newer than 05.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

The '8 is 'newer' than the 'Stang by about 35 years.......

S

Mazurfer

Well....that's true.

IcarusX8

The RX8 will already have more HP than your mustang, but you probably wont notice it. If you want something with a good acceleration, I recommend getting one that's a year or two older and then all the money you'll be saving by not getting a brand new one; put into small performance mods-- Unless you can afford to do that to a new one. 8s are good. You can buy a used and not worry about problems really so long as it's checked.

And I'm glad to hear the hondas didn't pass you.

Monster13

Thanks for the replies.

I was actually thinking about it today, And i'm not sure the lack of acceleration in a car would really kill it as much for me as i thought it would.

Today i got my rental car... A 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT. It's almost painful to get it from 0 to 20, but then 20-60 is pretty decent. And i was able to drive just as aggressive as i would in my mustang. So, i kind of think that my standards are lower then i Previously thought (then again, its probably just the fact that the mustang is the ONLY 'fast' car i have ever driven... so it probably seems a lot faster to me, then it truly was. My cars before that were an 85 bronco and a 88 Thunderbird that had a top speed of 85).

But yea, the rx8 has to be faster then a crappy rented Caliber..Right?!? Haha.

Oh... I have another question... How's the blind spots on the RX8? The caliber i rented has HORRIBLE blind spots, I almost feel like i am in a Cargo van. Not to mention the rear seat headrests block the view out the back window. I know the RX8 looks like it might be like that on a lesser scale, But is it really?



Anyways... I plan on going and doing some car shopping/test driving on Monday, when i get a day off of work. And my planned first stop is a place that has a nice little Black '05 RX8 GT.

Thanks again everyone!

xsnipersgox

acceleration? evos and wrx would be better on the import side, 350z? mazda rx8 are not known for start up speed at all, we shine in corner, curves, and handling. oh and the knowledge that u are driving a rotary =D

Monster13

I have considered Both the Evo and WRX. I can't find a Cheap enough Evo at the local dealerships (i have to be financed.. and the cheapest ones i can find are near 25K...which is about 5K too high for me to feel comfortable with). And, although i can find a WRX for 15K.... I'm not a real fan of them (they look kind of goofy in my opinion).


I have Also considered a 2G Eclipse (Decided against it because i cant find a GSX model), Rx7 (i can find an old one... But i'd prefer a newer car), and the S2000.

Anyways... I have plans to view an '04 RX-8 on tuesday, i emailed a dealer and he is very eager to sell. But i will not decide until i see/feel it in action.


New question though..... is 47K miles about right for an 04? it has 47K, But i see others as low as in the 20Ks and one thats at 75K miles...So, i'd assume 40K's about average for this old?


Oh..FYI... theirs 3 RX8 GT's for sale at dealers, from what i have found. The cheapest is a $15K automatic, then 2nd is the one i'm looking at (6speed), and a nice black one at another dealer for $21K


Anways... here's the ad for the one i'm looking at this week.... Let me know if you see anything that makes it a good or bad buy.. Haha.

http://automart.com/vehicledetail/ad...8/beaverton/or


Thanks again. You guys are great.

Monster13

2 more questions i should have asked in the begining:

- How are the reliability of the RX8? I read a lot of stuff saying they break down a lot, But i also saw people saying they are very reliable.


-And How hard is it to maintain? I know they take more work then a normal Cylinder engine, but is it actually harder, or just more stuff you have to remember? (Such as when to change the oil)

oh, just to sound completely stupid here.. I must say, I can't drive a stick. Ha. Would it be a bad idea to learn on a RX8? A dealer i talked to told me that its a wise idea to just buy a Manual (as opposed to buying an Auto, learning on a cheap throw-away car, then buying a Manual as my next car) and learn on it. He said he did it, and all i'd have to worry about was having to replace the clutch.


Again, Sorry for the 100 questions. Finding a car, is officially making me go crazy.Haha.