Just wondering what the general opinion is about buying a base vs sport vs GT model IF you plan on customizing the car later on. Doesnt make too much sense to buy the GT or even sport models if you are going to upgrade suspension and audio, add mazdaspeed kit, etc.

Ive noticed that most recommend at least starting with the sport to get DSC, but if you arent racing autocross what is the point?

Again, just looking for thoughts (opinions) on this since I stopped by the local dealer today and looked at different models/packages/pricing.

Thanks All!!

 

you never know when you might need the dsc, thats just a cool feature to have. plus you get hid lights with the sport package and that is a must in my eyes, good luck with your choice

 

IIRC, studies have shown that cars with DSC (not just the RX-8 but in general) have half the single car accident rates. Single car accidents are the ones where people spin out their car on an off/on ramp, swerve to avoid a dog and hit a telephone pole, etc. Sounds like a very worthy safety feature to me.

As for autocrossing a lot of people with cars that have DSC turn it off when doing so - again not RX-8 specific.

 

If you're really into racing road courses or autox I would expect people would prefer a base model to NOT have DSC or TCS...

 

people recommend getting at least sport pkg because sport pkg comes with FACTORY HID headlights and foglights... HID makes a big difference for the 8 at night, aesthetically and safety-wise.

actually the base model is the preferred model for people tracking or autoxing, lightest weight of all 8's and no nanny electronics to get in the way of going faster :D

 

I agree 100% - the sports pack is the best deal package on the 8 - you get the most for the least with it and should be considered the minimum for getting a new 8. Stability control, fogs, HID headlights - and on an auto 8 you get traction control, larger brakes, larger wheel w/lower profile tires.

Dennis

 

I say go with the base. I think the halogens are more than sufficient.

 

I wanted a base....I ended up with a sport package...I love the lights, but I hate the DSC/TCS.......

 

Mazda really makes it difficult. I want HID's and cloth seats, maybe, maybe a sunroof. Is that so hard, really??

 

That's easy...That's the touring package....

 

Hmm... I have the same dilemma, NAVILE. I am not sure how crazy I will be about the TCS. If the thing had just a toggle switch for on/off it wouldn't bother me. I'd just turn it on when it's raining or I'm feeling lazy, otherwise I'd want it off most of the time.

 

They don't have it in Canada
It's either base, or GT package. GT comes with leather and HID's, base comes with cloth and no HID's. Only the GT can have sunroof too.

Breaking my ***** Mazda, breaking my *****.