Razz1

Don't forget you need to redline it every other day to prevent carbon build up.

Rems31

what if you only drive it on weekends?

eviltwinkie

Keep it always on teh redline...duh!!! heh

zerobio

There's a lot of people here with AT although most of us recommend MT for the most enjoyment. However, nothing wrong with AT (as some have already said) AND you can still have an awesome car, get your experience with RWD and the RX8 in general and I'm sure you could sell it in a few years, recoup some of your cash, and then get a new MT. Meanwhile, you'll thoroughly enjoy the car, AT or MT.

Maybe this is my teaching background coming through so sorry about the speech but ... if you do get the RX8, winter or summer, you'd better be a smart, safe, conscientious driver (to the extent you can). Being young, you are much more likely to screw around with the car and take unreasonable chances. Don't do it. If you drive the 8, my feeling (shared by others I think) is that you are "representing" for Mazda and 8's. We don't want a whole bunch of people looking down on the rx8 because people drive like idiots. Be smart, be cool, show off the car to your friends, make your parents calm by not burning out in the driveway (or anywhere preferably except track), and make us all proud, man.

... end of rant.

bk1yce

I like that, a sense of pride driving the mazda rx8, and to be 100% honest, i do speed but only smart places, wide open highways with no or little cars to be found, i never weave though traffic. Other then the highways, i never speed in cities and towns, i go slow with generally loud music going (but not like deafening) . If i do end up getting the rx8 i will keep what you said in mind and always be cautious, especially in the snow.

Still a little afraid though, The rx8 i like / great deal i would probably have to take is a standard rx8, and getting standard + learning it so close to winter and snow im afraid i wont have enough experience with it in order to keep myself from an accident.

rx8phase1

iTrader: (1)

i wasnt calling anyone here a brat just gets me mad when other people talk $#!t cuz they think our parents gave us the car they say ur too young ur a mommas boy and most of the time they themselves dont even have jobs or go to school or theyre sometimes older people.but my family and friends know how hard i worked for this car so whatever but yup nice car lol

TheKDog

I'm 30.

Is the RX8 right for me?

rx8phase1

iTrader: (1)

lol of course i've seen a lady in her late 50's waving hi to me in her 8

Dookie_Rx-8

.......I been bangin' the 8 since i was 15 (done over 100k miles already with the 8 with +4other cars total, NO ACCIDENTS), being young its very important to not neglect the 8 since its demands are so damn high, haha oh well
enjoy and Drive smart&safe

CERAMICSEAL

Gish's comments are what I'd like to add to here.

The reason that I'd recommend against the auto is that they highlight Renesis weaknesses. They are more likely to develop excessive carbon buildup and exhibit signs of expiration pre-maturely.

If you aren't going to excercise this motor often then it won't have a long life. No RX8 is for pure cruising and the autos are the worst for encouraging that and then making you pay.

Seal.

zerobio

Cool! I'm the same ... love the tunes going and driving quick here and there but always keeping in my mind other drivers and pedestrians. Sounds like you have an excellent driving attitude. Congrats.

Yes to taking the standard.

Yeah it's going to be a harrowing winter for all of us, experienced or not. This will be my first winter with the 8 ... coming from a FWD Celica GTS with eibach sportlines and good winter tires. But still a bit of a sled on the roads. In general, I think most sports cars will be a b1tch in the snow to some extent so just practice a lot in parking lots and side streets, be really careful on the highway and avoid crazy weather when you can. Many of us drove MT as our first or second car at 16 or 17 yrs and I come from Ottawa which has miserable winters. You learn as you go.

Good luck whatever you decide and keep up the excellent attitude.

mdw1000

I would agree that learning to drive MT at your age is a good idea, and the MT is more powerful and ultimately probably more enjoyable.

That said, the AT is not a complete piece of crap like some would want to to believe. Especially if you are coming from a cavalier. The handling, smoothness, etc will blow you away. And it will most likely save your folks some cash as ATs are generally cheaper, all other things being equal. Most people that get this car want an MT.

I would recommend if you get an AT to make full use of the manumatic mode and frequent revving. It is fun, helps clean the carbon out, and helps keep the apex seals lubed. I could definitely see not wanting a rotary with an AT that didn't have manual shifting available.

I would be very reluctant to recommend this as a first car, as this car is so easy to drive you won't be able to drive anything else after it But since it is not your first car, then that isn't as much of a factor.

I'm also of the school that parent's shouldn't buy their kids cars, but that's a personal belief that doesn't really impact your situation.

If you are going to have to buy your own gas, you might want to go with something that gets better mileage. Especially with oil hitting 90 bucks a barrel.

And no matter what you say, the 8 will make you a more aggresive driver It sure did for me. Hard not to want to tap into all that handling. Kind of like crack - once you experience it once, you will be addicted. That said, keep the risky stuff on the track, especially at your age. As in the aviation field, you really need to trust your gauges in this car. Specifically the speedo. You will feel like you are going a fair amount slower than you actually are.

CERAMICSEAL

Well said mdw. Accurate statements and good advice.

Seal.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

....what?

whiteweazel21

Get a manual. Automatics are for people in their 50's heh..

tajabaho1

well, the rx8 is only my daily driver, I drive a 997 turbo on the weekends......

ayodog

Just for a little enlightenment.

Most parents would prefer to buy their kids a car so they dont have to be driving their kids around everywhere. Saves the parents time, plus giving them a servant for them to send on errands.

durrr <3

tajabaho1

exactly how I first started driving..........errands for my dad, and get my own *** to school........