Advice on my first car (looking at a RX8)
 

A little about myself:

I'm 20 years old, turning 21 in 2 weeks, and am thinking of getting my first car - an rx8. I have a soft budget of 8-9k and can spend closer to 10-12k if I really love the car and think its a good deal. I have always loved the look of the RX8, and would really love to own one. I am entering my final year at Umass Amherst (party school).

Concerns:

1) Maintenance- how much should I expect to spend yearly? I'm looking at some 2004 RX8's that are 40-70k miles ranging from $9000-$10500, and also a 2007 RX8 that has 55k miles and is only $11000

2) Vandalism- I will be living in one of the more popular off campus sites at Umass. Tons of kids will be there, how likely will my car be vandalized? I don't have any enemies at Umass, but will other kids be jealous? I will be parking in the open, permit parking

3) Gas mileage- I have read that this car gets 15-20 mpg. That is pretty low, but not absolutely terrible.

4) Usefulness- I will drive this car 5-6x a week, but not very far distances. Just for part time work and to the supermarket once a week.

Can someone calm my concerns?

I contacted about 10 different sellers for their RX8's but now I am a little worried about the 4 concerns I have. Particularly #2.

3)

*hands over flame suit*

im parting my aftermarket parts out on mine. if your interested in the car i'll sell you mine for 10kwill have full racing beat suspension full racing beat exhaust and tsunami body kit. thats 5k in your pocket!!!!! I'm in VA an planing on trading the car in soon so let me know PM me and ill give you my cell and send you some pictures. and i can answer all your questions

Please don't flame me, I'm new to cars; don't know much about them. My friend who does know more suggested a mazda 3 or mazda 6 at first, but I said I would throw in a couple extra thousand for the mazda rx8.

At my age a 2-door is fine, I'm not worried about the size of the car. I just want to know that I will be able to get through New England weather and winters, and that my car won't be keyed by angry or jealous people.

Thanks

wait until you are done with school and have a job before you buy an 8.

+1 on the above post for many many reasons

You need to read the sticky threads on this site. It will answer a lot of your questions.

You're looking at older cars that are or almost out of the extended engine core warranty. Since you're new to cars I'm guessing that you don't have much wrenching experience. If you can't do the work yourself, even general upkeep will put you in the poor house. Vandalism is the least of your worries. Your going to be on the low end of the mpg spectrum since your taking short city trips. 8's don't like short trips constantly.

It's an enthusiasts car pretty much and won't be ideal for a first time buyer, especially if you have no car experience. Get a 3 or a 6 and enjoy college.

not to mention, turning 21=bars and thats not ideal with a sports car. not saying you are that kind of person(i dont know you) but 21 year olds make poor choices. i know i did

+1 there. I drove a shitty car through college. No payment = more beer money.

With nothing to show off, I was less likely to make a bad decision. Well, it didn't stop me from making a lot of them, but at least I didn't try to show off my car after 10 too many beers.

Ok, thanks guys, after some real thinking I definitely will not go the rx8 route, too much money, potentially too much risk.

Now this forum won't be too helpful for my future endeavors :tear:

Good luck to you dude. I don't necessarily want to turn away new owners, but I'd hate to someone buy a car, go ass out in debt to keep it, then hate it because they missed out on life. Don't be afraid to stick around, there's lots to learn and who knows, maybe you can pick one up in a couple years when you have the time and money to have a toy.

Well, actually does anyone have a suggestion to a sporty looking coupe, for <12k that is affordable and reliable?

Miata

The Miata isn't a coupe :)


But you have lots of options with that criteria

just make sure you get the rainbow sticker for it. oh wait i think those were dealer installed whenever a guy bought one. lol jk. they are fun little cars

Thanks man. I appreciate it.

Because of the potential problems and my lack of experience, should I only be aiming for a coupe after a certain year?

by a stock civic and DO NOT rice it out

mattch, try this auto-trader search result.

Manual transmission coupes for sale within 50 miles of Boston City Center for $5,000 to $10,000
Find Your Car: Used Listings Near Boston, MA 02201 - AutoTrader.com

81 results, Scion TC, BMW 3, Audi TT, various Hondas, Tiburon, a couple Mustangs (ugg!) a camaro or two, even an 88 Firebird.


Not that they will all be reliable. Some of those won't. But it gives you some more relevant cars to consider.

Yes, there are a few RX-8s in there, but keep them off the table :)

True, but if the rx8 was not suggested because of potential problems and high cost, then is there a car of similar or slightly less good looks that is reliable?

It's a hardtop convertible :naughty:

I know if I didn't have an 8, that's the car I'd have. They're great.

Only a hard top if he buys one :lol:

There is an MR2 in that list: Cars for Sale: 1991 Toyota MR2 in East Bridgewater, MA 02333: Coupe Details - 323682274 - AutoTrader.com

Just find a decent car that you can live with for a few more years. Honestly don't worry about having something cool. Why spend money on something that you aren't going to drive much or spend much time in.

I had an s10, a neon, and an escort through college. The got me where i needed to go and i never had a car payment to worry about.

Don't get me wrong, a Miata is a great option I think. This is my garage right now:
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1342194965

It's just not in his criteria, and if it's his only car, MA winters will make it rougher. Entirely doable, in fact I enjoyed snow driving in my Miata more than my 8, but not for everyone. :)

Well when am I ever going to be using my car a lot? If not college, it's 40 hour work weeks right?

I don't need to worry about car financing if that's what you mean, I'm putting 100% money down.

Thanks, what are your personal choices for a mix of reliability and good looks?

The scion tc and the audi TT coupe caught my eye.

Audi's... are expensive I assume to maintain.