dave_s

well, here's the deal... i'm 25, live in canada and am looking for a new car since my last one finally died after 9 years of faithful service

the question i'm debating is should i splurge on a 2009 RX-8 R3 or should i be sensible and purchase a 2007/2008 RX-8 GT

are there any major differences that i should be aware of between the two cars? i've read the specs and nothing really seems to jump out at me, however, i'm not exactly a car guru or anything...

also the only mods i really plan on doing are a dvd player inside, possibly a rear bumper for the R3, and lambo doors (yes.. i know.. but i've wanted them for so long... and i think they look good)

also, if anyone lives in canada (ontario) and knows what the price differences are between the 2008 RX-8 GT and the 2009 RX-8 R3 or any financing deals i'd be extremely grateful

EDIT: oh, also forgot to ask... are the RX-8's good in snow? i mean living in canada we get 2 months summer and 10 months winter :S

Thanks,
Dave

fahrfegneugen

The '09 will have an extra oil injector which should help with apex seal wear, which should help engine longevity. I think it is worth waiting, but depends on your budget. You can get an 08 super cheap.

They are probably good in the snow if you really good snow tires (probably studs). I live in northern idaho and I had my Z rated tires on this winter and the car wouldn't even move an inch. I didn't need to drive it though. Consider a Subaru if you are really worried about winter driving.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

the engine output is the same, but apparently the r3 is 150lbs lighter than the grand touring.

i really wouldnt worry about engine longevity because of the new engine warranty. an 08 will have a warranty to 2016. the r3 engine warranty is the standard 4 year / 48k.

claus

dave, good luck on your hunt !!

Mazda are well into the "Kaizen" mentality of "continuous improvement"

i have seen many minor changes in the RX8 through the last 4 years ... brake/fuel pumps, changes in suspension/engine mounting etc

a new buyer should definately go for the latest version of the car, that has all the collective improvements in it ...

definately would propose the facelift for you.

the older models,that we have, are gonna be dirt cheap though !!!

re: winter driving etc:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/rx8-winter-driving-146355/

enjoy !!!

dave_s

great, thanks a lot guys...

i just called a few dealerships today and the sticker price is 40,780 (i'm in canada) which is a bit steep, however they do offer 3 years 0% financing which does help

question i'm wondering is i've heard sticker prices in the states are somewhere in the 31,000 and i'm debating purchasing it down there and importing... can anyone confirm the prices down there being that low?

JRichter

If your talking about the R3: MSRP: $32,580*

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/conf...modelYear=2009

Should be able to haggle that down some...

And as far as '07's, in the US I believe it's $3750 rebate right now.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

if all goes thru well, POST PICS!!!! good luck!

Marc_GS

All RX-8s, including the 2009, have the 8yr/160k kms warranty on the engine. For a 2007, the cash rebate from Mazda right now is 9k, and that's before you negotiate with your dealer, but there is no promotional finance rate. For the 2008s, you get 0% for up to 60 months. On the 2009, you will be paying the premium for the "newness" of the car. You should be able to negotiate about 1000-1500 off the car, and you're already familiar with financing from the sounds of it. I think the 2009 has a lot of good improvements over the previous car, but whether or not that is worth the extra $$$ is a decision you have to make.

champi0n

iTrader: (1)

well since you're canadian, don't expect to pay the 13 or 17 grand most ppl pay for a low milage 8. You'll probably be looking at 20k minimum for something in the 50,000-100,000km range (2004 or 2005).

a 2007 in the same km range, prob around 24-30 grand.

Brand new 2009 fully loaded, i'd say what 45k or more + tax.

Consider yourself lucky if you get any year rx8 in great shape for under 20k in canada.

Ps. The rx8 is FUN in the snow.... but if the snow is deep, you'll plow it and get stuck... if you stop on a hill, expect to spin your tires and have everyone drive around you :\

Detrich

what's with the swapping of the left & right dash displays and how is that an improvement?

me no get it.

mauricio

The R3 is actually cheaper than a gt rx8. No sunroof but many extras...But no rebates price is available at mazdausa.com

claus

it's not the swapping, it's the "as the car gets warmer, the redline gets higher" thing that's the improvement

mdw1000

I would say do some comparison shopping on a new vs used. See what the price difference is exactly and decide if the extra is worth it to you.

You will get the 4.77 gear with the 09, which for me was an improvment. But my gear ratios are much taller than the 6-speed. It seems that most people that have added the 4.77 seem to be happy with it. However, with the manual it means you are going to have to shift sooner.

Jasonawojo

iTrader: (2)

For the 2009s, I'd pick that if you get the R3. I'd rather an older GT/Shinka than the '09 GTs.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

My opinion, I like the 1st gens better in looks. But, thats my opinion

I dont think I helped at all

delhi

wait for another year when the 09 R3 prices drop a few thousands. Then spring for one.

mauricio

Wait till spring of next year when rebates are available on the r3 definetly worth it.....

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

the new rx8s look uuggglllyyyy.

wtf is with that black lip? its like herpes.

arghx7

chill out guys, the new ones don't look much different from the 04-08's. I would go for it because if the improved oil system as long as it isn't going to cost you like $5000 more. general rule with these cars is the later the production year of the vehicle the better.