Why an RX8?
 

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. Im sure you have heard this story before...
I am 17 years old and I am torn between getting a 350z and an rx8. For anybody that thinks im just another stupid 17yo, I have been working very long in order to afford a car like this.
Could you guys just give me some advice to why I should get an rx8? What are all of the major pros and cons of the rx8?
Thanks for all of the help, Craig.

Your 17................................

Hey Craig, welcome. Take a look at these threads, they will help you figure out if the rx8 is the right car for you:

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...rx-8-a-233937/

Good luck!

New and Potential Owners START HERE! - RX8Club.com

It's difficult to tell people "why this car". People have different goals and different mindsets. Do your research on both (as well as other cars), then come to a decision. And, make sure to read all the "sticky" threads. Tons of info. The link I posted above is an example. As well as this one https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...-things-67045/

Thanks for the help and links guys

I got mine because it is unique. I might see another RX8 every few weeks or so. Sometimes the same ones. I see a 350z every couple hours if not sooner.

17 and working hard just to own an rx8...good job. ;)

Best advice:
Buy a car or motorcycle you can afford to operate, maintain and insure.
Invest in yourself; Get a good education

i really do recommend something else.

RX8's are expensive to run and maintain, and first cars are usually neglected and end up wrecked.

I'm not saying you would do that, just most 17year olds would.

If your chasing numbers, the RX8 is not for you.

If you want a car that puts a smile on your face and handles like a dream, look no further

I have two brothers, one is 25 (drives an sti), the other is 18 (drives a 2000 mustang gt). I have driven both cars multiple times. The speed of both doesnt amaze me, its cool to have but not what im after. I dont think im after what the typical 17yo wants.
I personally hate the fact that the mustang takes turns like a boat and the fact that the sti is so uncomfortable that you cant drive more than 20 minutes. I want a car that is going to look amazing (IMO the 350z and rx8 do). I =m looking for a car that i am not going to get bored driving, I plan on having it for quite some time.

If that's your criteria, get the Z.

BC.

I won't speak for the RX8 in general but for my 8. In the past year I have spent $1800 for reman engine (priced at that for military discount normally $2001 plus tax), radiator ($110), a/c condensor ($60), throttle body (don't remember price, bought used from here), plugs ($120), coils (free cause lifetime warranty from oreillys), tires (usually every two years and don't do burnouts/doughnuts. The camber wears out tires prematurely), I need struts, replaced radiator bottle (forget how much but i think it was $200), fuel pump ($100), spark plug wires (bought yellow to match so more expensive but $80), MAF sensor (forget how much), O2 Sensor ($200), Radiator hoses ($280, but I bought the silicone ones so more expensive than just buying the one that blew), battery (forget how much but it was prorated). I think that is it. It is expensive to maintain, and if you think for a second that you don't have an abundance of cash overflow then I probably wouldn't suggest it, I was having a hard time keeping up maintenance on my 8 prior to me coming back into the navy. Now my 8 has all new parts and runs like a champ. Before you buy it pay to have compression test done on it, and make sure all the upgrades have been done, then make your decision. I love my 8 and wouldn't trade it for anything, thats the reasoning on dumping all the money into it.

I don't know that I would recommend the 8 for your first car. Nor the Z. Both are going to hurt your wallet at the gas pump. Maybe you've got a better job that I did at 17, but no way could I afford $40-$50 fill-ups every week back then. Tires are also expensive. And oil changes every month or two can add up. I imagine insurance will be dang pricey too. But then again, maybe you have a really good job (please tell me this car won't be delivering pizzas) and you don't have to worry about those costs.

If you don't care about blazing speeds but want a fun, good handling car, I would seriously look at an MX-5. Obviously you're fine with a two seater since you're looking at a Z. You'd be hard pressed to find a more fun car that's relatively cheap to own and run. Your brothers will no doubt make a ton of "girly car" jokes, at least until you take them out on a twisty back road.

I appreciate all the help and I obviously have a lot to look into.
Just to clear it up, I used to have a Dakota (11mpg due to bad/old tranny) and an Explorer (17mpg). And I did pay for all the gas that both of those sucked down.

Pendleton, I promise it will never be delivering pizzas

Well guys, on Monday I bought an rx8 and all I have to say is WOW!!
Its an 04 sunlight silver with Racing Beat intake with air duct and a racing beat catback. Its the gt so it has the bose stereo, black leather seats, and the moonroof.
I absolutely LOVE THIS CAR!!
Just want you guys to know that there is now one more highly satisfied rx8 driver out there.

Why a 350z ?

Grats on the car!

Forget whoever was flaming you cause youre 17. Glad you got an 8, its honestly the prettiest car on the road. You might see one every once in a while and its cool to cross somebody because you know they like the car for the same reasons you do and are probably rotary enthusiasts!

The rx8 will never go out of style. Its got curves in all the right places, its pretty and slick design, handles like no other car on the road. Its high maintenance but rewarding. Ok i agree the power aint all that great, but thats not what it was meant for. You can take on-ramps at 70mph and the car is still gripping the road leaving your dust on the M3 behind you that was tailgating you.

Everyday when I park at work, I turn around and look at it. There is mutual love. It turns heads, more so than most sport cars because of its rarity.

I guess the rx8 is like a high maintenance princess girlfriend. You take care of it, it will take care of you in more ways than one :) Maybe it will get you some action in the front seat as well :) Speaking of experience... lol

I have always liked the 350z and the rx8. However, the rx8 was more affordable and I cant say I would be any happier with a 350z at this point.

350z is also nice... more hp...but two seats...Handles like shit compared to the 8.

Rx8 is cheaper 4 doors. Handles like a dream. But any wannabe racers are gonna get you... unless u start modding the engine which you can do for about 6k $. Which comes to the price of the Z.

I own the 8. I'm very happy with it. fuel consumption is higher than the Z. But BE PREPARED for a lot of expenses ( Parts ).

Engine replacement costs about 3500$ in Europe for a used rotary. (1 year warranty tho.)

Both 8 and the Z are really good looking it's up to you.

Cheers, CR