So i've been pretty much obsessing over this car enough to declare that I love it. I took the initiative to even test drive twice. Honestly, it was great, of all the vehicles on the road, this one has the finest styling, what a beautiful car. Correct me if i'm wrong though, at an intersection an average family van can blow the rx-8 out of the water, since it has so little torque.

But I also drove a MazdaSpeed6 once, it's not spectacular looking (it's got nothing on the Rx-8), but the torque and performance on it is still puts a smile on my face. The Rx-8 can't do that, and it really bothers me.
MazdaSpeed3 is not for me, I recently bought a 2006 Mazda3 5-door, a very nice car. Also, the new design (2009-2011) on their hatches is truly ugly.

I can't negotiate my need for a nice looking car with a performance car. I even recently considered a 350z/370z, it's design is slowly growing on me. But it's a 2 seater, and there might be issues with that. Doesn't the Nizzan Z have blistering insurance too? For the car itself, it is affordable for the performance.

Now, what would make me REALLY happy is if I found a way to but FI on an Rx-8. I'm not a mechanic, and it would void a warranty on a car that really should be driven within one, from my research. If i'm not mistaken, when putting FI on a car, you better do it yourself, and you better be able to do all work yourself. I have no friends who are good with cars, and though I do have the time and urge to learn, I feel that I cannot without an actual person to help.

Kind of stuck, really need suggestions here. I'm doing long term planning, not planning to spring for anything until mid-2012. And when I do it better be good.

 

Mustang GT.
Your not going to be happy with an 8 and paying others to go FI is risky. That said I have owned my 8 since 2/2004 and really do not find it slow. A downshift into 3rd at the right time is quite enjoyable. The only thing I am missing is dusting kids at stoplights, something I outgrew 20 years ago. I live in a congested state with ticket happy police, not really many uses for 400 HP on New Jersey roads.

 

Oh boy, not this again. Just drive on a road with a few twistys and you'll forget all about it's lack of torque.

And when you are looking to buy why not just look for a used one that has everything done to it that you are looking for if it has to be FI? If you don't know how to do FI, I definitely wouldn't start with this car on your own.

 

It's a great car, not the fastest but I always get looks from people on the style and it's very unique. Performs and handles well. You want something that let's you stand out, get the 8.

 

I didn't know people sold used Rx-8s with FI on them. I have yet to see one on autotrader. Or am I looking in the wrong place?

And even if a person found one, you'd need to know about as much as someone who can install one to maintain it, don't you?

Yeah, don't get me wrong guys, I don't have any medical blood lust for killing hondas at traffic lights or anything (but they are pretty ugly, admit it). It's probably more like I've been driving automatic toyotas for 12 years since getting my license and now I'm in a financial position to think about something truly fun now that I've learned stick and been driving a mazda3 for a while.

The torque happy 6 really triggered something in me, despite my insistence for aesthetic appearance, which only the 8 does.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-wanted-43/

Look in the for sale section here, recently I saw a turbo 8 in there. As far as taking care of one, some knowledge would undoubtedly help. Do your research on turbos and make sure you understand everything you need to, after that post and ask any questions you may have. If you have searched and checked around the forums a good bit people will generally be more than happy to help at that point.

 

You are right that the RX-8 isn't doesn't accelerate nearly as fast as some of the other cars out there in a similar price range (370z, Camaro SS, or whatever other high hp sports cars you can come up with).... That being said, the 8 isn't a slow car. When you put your foot down, its not like the speed starts slowly creeping up. Yes, it is slower than some other cars, but it doesn't really feel "slow" while driving. If you floor an 8 in 3rd gear on an on ramp, you will be pretty happy with the result...


He nailed it... Acceleration is one of the aspects of performance that is the least important in daily driving (atleast once you reach a certain point). While the 8s acceleration isn't as good as some, its handling beats just about all of them. I literally haven't driven a car that handles better than an 8. And for daily driving, I would take a car with decent acceleration and great handling over a car with great acceleration and decent handling any day.

 

If twisties don't get you off, and off the line speed does, the rx8 is not for you. I'm sorry to say it, but it isn't. I love my car, and I bought it because it makes a great daily that I can take to track events and it's damn sexy. If you're worried about boosting it before even buying, you should look elsewhere. It will cost you less in the long run. If you want looks, 4 seats, good handling and off the line speed, look at used E46 M3's if you don't like the z cars.

 

"torque happy 6".........which is front wheel drive!

 

Not making a commitment until mid 2012 ? Sheesh - that leaves a lot of time to test drive a lot of cars. I recommend you do just that. Drive as many cars that turn you on. Give em all a fair chance.

And I will now officially welcome you to the club 18 months in advance of your purchase. And remember, 2011 model year is the last year of the 8.

 

I'm thinking about buying a Porsche in 2020. WTF! Some of these posts just make me scratch my head.

 

Its always been too easy to criticize the 8 for some of its weaknesses.

Focus on the strengths, and hopefully you will then realize why this specific car creates such an intense bond between man and machine.

OP, good luck with whatever decision you make down the road..

 

RX-8's aren't for everyone. I love mine for exactly what it is. It doesn't seem to meet your criteria though.

 

2011 is the last year they will produce the rx? Crap. What happens after that? I dunno, that kind of makes the decision just a little easier. But in all seriousness, I'm not even close to dismissing it, and having a few things pointed out by actual owners does help. My wife thinks it's certainly more practical than a 370z, which has an incredibly more muscular appearance than the 8. Totally different personality. I think I'll just have to drive one and mull over this one. No BMWs, i don't think I want to get involved in the maintenance in those. Besides, Japanese cars are sexier. Not that any of my other options involve low-maintenance or anything...

 

If you're waiting until 2012, I'm sure gas will be over $4 by then and the economy will still be in the tank so you should be able to get one for practically nothing by then.

 

The RX-8 is a good all around car for its price. (very cheap if you go used). It has amazing handling a ton of room inside (my parents have no problem sitting in the back), and it is pretty fast. I don't really see why you would need a much faster car on the public roads.

I mean it does 0-60 in a little over 6 sec with a top speed of 150ish.

Also the car not being made in 2011 shouldn't bother you. If you are going to buy an RX8 you should buy a used one.

 

torque is how you use the engine. whats the point of staying in 5th all day with a lotta torque when you just can go 2nd and lots of rpms.

 

i actually went to 8k rpms today in 2nd gear and noticed i was driving 46 mph in a parking lot

 

As things stand right now, a few things make me lean to the Rx-8. I doubt they will change, and the fact that it's a car that won't be around perpetually means it will be the last practical chance of owning one, and I'd certainly like that regardless of what the speed is off the line. I know, i know, it's still far away, 2012.

As for fuel consumption, it won't be a daily work commuter, so it's not a serious concern.

Is there any actual information online about the rx-9 they are planning to produce after the 8?

 

An average family sedan can get you from zero to 60 in around 10 seconds. The RX-8 can do it in 6 seconds. Don't underestimate the car because of low torque. The RX-8 around 400lbs lighter than say a Mustang, and the engine revs to 9000rpm. The only concern with the car is gas mileage. The car gets around 18mpg on average, and it uses premium fuel. Gas is projected to possibly hit $5/gallon in the upcoming year so yea...it's something to consider.

 

nope

 

Hi there...I am going to buy an RX8 in South Africa but unfortunately I can't afford a new one. I drive a modified Opel Corsa Classic 1.7DTi but want the Mazda RX8. The car looks awesome and every time some bastiardo drives pass me with that car my wife goes mad with oooohhhh and aaaahhhh. Now I got to have it. I am looking at buying a 2nd hand RX8 2004 model as it seems to be the most affordable but I heard the engine floods and there are always other issues with the car with regards to maintenance. My next option is the 2006 or 2007 models but need some help in deciding.....I really must have this car so that my wife can stop smiling when that bastiardo comes pass me again :-)

 

ya the 8 weighs less, and is high reving. torque isn't as big as a problem, but still a problem. it may look bad on paper. but its really not that bad at all.

 

You're thinking of the MS3. The MS6 is all-wheel drive and around 265hp. A few mods and it'll destroy Evo's and STi's off the line and in corners.

 

Get an sti or evo