Any prospective RX8 "baby boomers" out there?
 

I'm a 55 yr old "geeser" that just had a test drive today.

WOW!!!!!

My wife and I have raised three wonderful boys who, for all practical purposes, have flown the nest. She's a hybrid, save the earth type, while I'm a '71 351C Mustang Mach I Hurst 4 speed in the garage holdout.

The kids are gone, and I think it's time for my mid-life crisis.

I've always preferreed driving a stick more than an automatic, and so has she (years ago she LEARNED on the Mach I)

Anyway, we now have a 626 that is dying and we need to get rid of it.

I saw a couple RX8's on the road recently and they got my attention.

I've been researching the internet reviews and they have been, for the most part, spectacular.

So I had a test drive today, and again -- WOW

So now I have to convince my wife that I should have this RX8.

I'm going to try an overnight test drive, but these are what I think are the biggest problems:

We are so used to big cars with lots of room and visibility (Volvo wagons and Honda Vans), that even I was surprised at the confined amosphere of a sports car like the RX8. (after 30 min in it and getting used to the petal location and feel of the clutch, I was getting pretty excited)

Howevcer, I'll bet when she gets in, she'll feel the confined spaces and think this is not acceptable.

If any of you "mature guys" have been in this situation and have sucessfully acheived your goal, please let me know how you did it!

Thanks

I'm at the end of the baby boom .... You might read the Little Things sticky at the top of this part of the forum. Lots of good info and comments about the 8. (could be used as propaganda :eek: )
There is a surprising amount of room in the trunk especially if you do not have the spare in the trunk.
My wife never liked long trips in my FC (RX-7). She has plenty of room to stretch out in the 8. We took it to the Outer Banks in NC in the fall for a quick trip. Several hundred miles from MD. She didn't mind the ride in the 8 at all. All the luggage fit in the trunk even with the spare installed. She drives a ML-320 so she is also use to a bigger vehicle.
The mt is a joy to drive. She might like it too.

Good Luck!

I told my 45 year old wife that she looks 35 driving around in the RX8, EVEN AS A PASSENGER , SHE CANT DRIVE MANUAL :)

iT WORKED HAD MY RIDE SINCE 26 /7/04 now with 34,000 km never looked back and she still feel like a youngster every drive :cool:

cheers
michael

does 42 count? I love my car!

Encourage your wife to have her own mid-life crisis. Mine got her Miata in July and I had my 8 in October!

I'm 49 and my wife wouldn't even test drive the new 6 she wanted the 8. Three adults then rode in it from PA to Fl and back 2000 miles comfortably. Had to leave the spare tire at home though.

glassetcher:
I'm 57 and I just picked up my '04 RX-8 last Tuesday. Velocity Red with grand touring and appearance package, manual--a great drive! It goes along with my motorcycles and sail boat, and I'm grateful my wife indulges me in my "sporty impulses". Of course I drove a '95 Ford Probe for the last seven years which was similar in size to the RX-8.

My wife's car is a four-door sedan ('04 Taurus) that she really likes, so we use it about 50% of the time. It's well equipped and I don't mind driving or riding in it. The name of the game, my friend, is compromise. Get her a car or something else she really likes (that you can live with) or let her participate in some activity she enjoys.

Hope it works out for you. We "geezers" can't let the young guys have all the fun!

Glassetcher,
The RX-8 is a fine choice. I will assume that you will have a second vehicle that you can use for grocery getting, transporting people, etc.

If you are interested in an extremely nimble car with a unique, sporty engine than this car will provide you with miles of enjoyment.

If you are looking for something that will leave rubber marks at stoplights or are worried about cost of gas (16-18 mpg) and rotary TLC (warm-ups, checking oil) then maybe the car isn't for you.

Good luck in your decision. I find the car is totally comfortable for any cruising (long or short) that you might need to do. Climate will play a factor too if you have severe winters.

I'm a 58 y/o boomer in similar circumstances, though our 70 lb dog hasn't flown the coop yet and hopefully won't for many years. Last year we replaced our Volvo wagon with a Saab 9/5 wagon and our 10 y/o Prelude with an RX-8. (Before that we had a 626 coupe and a Mazda MPV.)

The Saab, an automatic, is the family hauler and the primary dog car. Lots of room, more than any but the most gigantic SUV and a consistent 23-28 mpg. The MT/GT RX-8 is the family sports car. (Thankfully, it gets 18-20 mpg so we don't feel like Bin Laden is riding in the back seat.)

Actually, I decided on the RX-8 in part because, unlike the S2000 and the Nissan Z, it can be used in a pinch to haul additional passengers and/or the dog. You'll be amazed at the carrying capacity of the rear seat combined with the trunk especially, as someone else noted, if you don't carry a spare tire.

As far as "feeling small" is concerned, I'd suggest that you consider the GT with the sunroof unless you're so tall that the extra 1.5 inches of headroom is essential for you. The sunroof does help eliminate the enclosed feeling of the cabin.

If that still doesn't work for you, consider the Mini Cooper (S), which, I suspect you'll find gives you a feeling of enormous interior space and provides a tremendous carrying capacity (for a car its size) with the back seat down.

Don't get me wrong. The Mini is not an RX-8 and, for that matter, the RX-8 is not a Boss Mustang, but the Mini is a fun car and, if it were the only family car, would be a somewhat better compromise than the RX-8.

If it's not your only car, go for the RX-8 and haul the occasional cargo in a wagon or an SUV, preferably the former.

My wife is 53 and I am 56 and it was my wife's idea to get the 8. She traded her 2000 Jeep Wrangler Shara for a Velocity red GT. The only time she dosen't like her decision is when it snows and she has to drive my truck. Love the car and so will your wife after she drives it. My wife's boss was pissed at her because she wanted the 8 but said she couldn't afford one. Hope my wife dosen't endup with a pay cut from her bosses envy.

my wife
 

I am 44 and I let my wife take it out while I am at work. She always puts 50-60 miles on it....no idea where she goes, she just drives. I did teach her to respect the ride. When she is done, she fills it up and washes and dries it. Could I ask for morehttps://www.rx8club.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=796214#
Big Grin

I'm 62. Traded Miata 10AE for the RX8 because the wife was was uncomfortable with small cabin. The 8 is roomier for her and she seems appeased. We've taken from the Carolinas to Florida with no complaints. The back seats are excellent for hauling grandchildren when necessary. The older grandchildren want to drive the car. NOT!!!!

LMAO...classic

I'm 35 but i FEEL 60! Does that count? :D

I am 50 years old but I have always owned at least one vehicle that was on the sporty side. This time around I looked at 2 seaters but I really needed a rear seat. From what I was willing to pay, it was between the 8 and a GTO. I chose the rx8 because I like the styling and the nimble handling. Also, the rx8 seemed to have more usable space and the driving position was more comfortable. The little trunk does haul a surprising amount of luggage without the spare tire option. My wife thinks that the rx8 is more comfortable on long trips than her GMC Envoy. I would drive everything out there in your price range before you buy.

I'm 54. My wife says she mises our Bonniville SSEI. She also hates driving a stick and says this car goes too fast when she drives it. LOL

Told my wife that I was having a serious mid-life crisis (43) and it was either an RX-8 or an affair. After making the point that it takes two to have an affair, she said "no car for you". Got it anyway. And still happily married.

I must say, this is the most comprehendible thread on the entire forum. I'm glad there is at least one thread without "aol" speak.


As far as the RX8 for babyboomers. I was walking a couple miles away from my home once. I ran across a lady who was aparently over 50. She was washing her RX8 and she was telling me how much she loved it.

My "manopause" came and went a few years ago but I still had an unquenchable desire for an RX-8. (Always wanted an RX-7 too but it was too impractical, not to mention $$$.) God knows why but my wife went along with it -- even the Velocity Red -- and is, I think, quite proud of it. Spookily enough, our previous car was also a 626. Don't forget the snow tires!

It's my RX-7.....
 

Had a used RX-3 when I got married, then the RX-7 came out - no question I wanted one, also no question of ever getting one!

Two kids, college, a couple of houses later, the RX-8 was announced. The wife just looked at me and said "Oh, you HAVE to get one of those!" God bless her.

I had never bought a 'new' car before, always found used 'deals', so this was my first. Manual tranny, so the wife doesn't even get a drive, but she loves the ride!

She's a keeper! ;)

S

Someone saw the RX8 in my driveway and asked if it was for my "midlife crisis". I said, "No, the 1990 Mustang LX Convertible in my garage, that I bought new, was for that." ;)

I'm 54 and had my gray 6 spd RX8 since last July. Got tired of watching my son (now 21) at diff track events with his WRX. Now I'm autocrossing and been to 2 track events so far. I love it! :p Feel like I'm 25 in my RX8. ;)
PS I'm a 'girl'.

The 8 was a graduation present---my son graduated from college, is now gainfully employed, and I have no more tuition bills to pay, so I got the 8. Initially, I felt a bit confined, but I have gotten used to it. My wife has an Avalon and that is good for the trips that require more stuff; the 8 is great for everything else. We both love the car and its comfort. Go for it!

Another 62 here. Had mine since December '03. Still puts a smile on my face every time I get in it. Hauls the grandkids too.....but not all at once...I've got 6 of those.

I'm 54 and haven't been as proud of a car since I got my '68 GTO for graduation. My wife talked me into getting it but now is complaining that she doesn't want to take it on road trips. She said its just "not comfortable". I really don't want to take the Protege 5!

I'm 52 and have had the 8 for 5 months- best car I have had other than the Trans Am convertible I owned 10 years ago. My wife is my age and can't stand the car-too low to get in and out of she said. As long as your knee joints hold out, I recommend the 8. She drives a PT Cruiser Turbo and we use that as the family car.

I am 38 and everyone accuses me of having a midlife crisis car. Isn't 38 kind of early? I listen to modern metal not because i want to be young again but because its who I am. Do you have to change as you get older? No thanks! My Dad is 58 and says he would look silly in it. I said, no way, alot of people your age are drving them and this thread kind of confirms that. He bought a Caddy :( Nice car though but I won't change myself for anyone no matter what they say. Rock on! If you love the car who the hell cares what anyone else whispers? I bought it to impress myself not the gossipers.

57 year old boomer checking in here.

How did I get my RX-8? Well, I didn't really set out to bargain for it. About 3 years ago I screwed up my left shoulder pretty bad, and while I've made a 90% recovery, I started thinking about replacing my trusty 14 year old Nissan pickup with a better truck (read, power steering, etc.).

Meanwhile, we acquired a "new" house that badly needed some remodeling, including a complete new kitchen. I did a lot of ground work with my wife that resulted in a kitchen to die for, among other things. This will probably be our last house and I really wanted her to have a beautiful kitchen (she's a very, very good cook, BTW).

Anyway, after the remodel was complete and we moved in, we started shopping around for my pickup. One day, she mentioned that it might be a good idea to just keep the old pickup and buy a car (she was sitting in a new Miata MX5 at the moment). I thought about it for a second and went yeah, what great idea!

After considering many different vehicles, I settled on the 8. My wife never drives it, but loves going for rides with me.

Short answer: we enjoy making each other happy :D

1.3L

How dare you call me respectable!
 

I may change myself, or I may hire a nurse to do it....Depends.

:D S

glassetcher, usually all the teenagers and 20somethings here make me feel old (I'm 34). So thanks for starting this thread, old man :)
When I got the RX8 a year ago, my wife remarked, "What is this, you third mid-life crisis?!?!" (the first two being my WRX and Integra).

Everyone assumes my RX8 cost $40k and is totally impractical. The main reason I traded my WRX wagon in was it only had one child-seat anchor (RX8 has two). And once people get in, they're always surprised at how spacious it actually is (it's no minivan, but it's fairly utilitarian). And it's stylish, has amazing driving dynamics, and my 6-speed cost $24k. I still can't believe Mazda can offer this kind of car for so little cash... hell most reasonably equipped FWD econoboxes cost $17k-23k.

43 yrs old here, with a young family... one four year old. It makes my day to hear my daughter say "daddy, let's take the race car". As much as I've always loved the 8, my lovely wife of 16 years was the one that was really excited about getting it. Who was I to disagree! She looks fantastic behind the wheel... one day, I'll actually teach her how to drive a 6 speed!

Thank goodness some kindred spirts! I'm old but love the car! The kids are fighting over who eventually gets the keys when I'm too old to drive!

Doug DeBug

LOL :<)

If it's a pretty nurse, let them do it! LOL!!!

1.3L

What if the nurse doesn't want to change your Depends?

46 here with very s&p hair. Love the 8 but got a 94 civic for rainy/ snowy days. The kid is grown and gone, the ex too. I love the way the 8 helps me meet younger women. It is like a magnet that draws them to it. I am really thinking about tinted windows though, they always walk away when they get close enough to see who is driving it!

Wow! I've NEVER had such a response to a post on any forum in the last 10 years!!

From most of the posts I've read here over the last few days, I thought most of the frequenters were under 30. These posts make for some very interesting reading, and some good suggestions. However, the anticipated problem may have resolved itself.

This morning, while we were waiting for our Navy son to call from Dubai (all's well), I sat down at the kitchen table and showed her the RX8 brochure, saying this is a car I'm considering for the replacement of the 626, while trying not to show how much I liked it after the test drive yesterday. Said it is a sporty car, although Mazda considers the 2 seater Miata their real sports car (hows that for not making the 8 sound TOO sporty?) Pointed out the rear seats and how most reviews say full size adults can actually sit there. I did hedge my bet on that one though by saying that I'm not sure that I buy that story after I saw the car yesterday, although at least the seats are there, unlike other "sports cars".

Talked about the 8's excellent govt. crash safety rating and the 6 airbags enveloping the occupants. Gas mileage, while not great, was nearly comparaable to the 93 Camry and 02 Honda Van we also have. That didn't get any great reviews by her, but somewhat acceptable.

Anyway, to make an already too long story short, she was at least mildy receptive to the idea! I tried to hide my excitement, but I almost fell out of my chair!

So, I called the dealer and he agreed to let me have the car for the balance of the weekend and I went to pick it up.

After taking the LONG way home from the dealer, and another drive after dinner, I think I am falling in love with this 8! (oops, I think my wife heard that)

I did take her for a 15 min ride after I first got home (she was on call, so couldn't be away too long). You would have been proud of my restraint from doing any 8 grand power shifts or taking any 20 mph curves at 50. Just a quiet, conservative "ride".

Although she generally seems to like the car, one of her concerns is for the safety of rear seat passangers. She wonders that, since you can't get the rear "doors" open if the front door isn't open, in an emergency maybe the rear passangers would be trapped. Anyone heard this one before and have a plausible solution?

Rear door question crossed my mind as well, but I let it pass. Sounds like she is buying into your plan...hahahaha... Its a great car. Have fun with it.

Rear doors.....
 

Have her sit behind the passenger seat, and down by her ankles, near the centre console is a little strap....when pulled the seatback flips forward, just far enough to reach the front door handle.

While she's still sitting, don't forget to mention the EIGHT airbags, including that one that would protect her head back there! ;)

S

You should get some insurance quotes as well. You should be pleasantly surprised how your quote does't remotely resemble the cost of insurance for a sports car because of the 4 doors. This is a positive.

However, I wouldn't bring up the gas mileage unless you think it will be an issue. You probably won't approach the EPA numbers, unless you are constantly doing highway miles. Expect to average around 18mpg at best, in my opinion.

The insurance cost IS another issue that came up. I said the cost is obviously going to be higher in going from a '97 626 to a 2004 anything, just because it is newer (praying that it is not going to be out of sight because of some generic "sports car" rating by the insurance companies.) What have you found for relative insurance costs for 55 year old "geesers" with an 8?

Geezer fees....
 

Insurance for me & my 8 = $700, ($550US)

:D :D :D :D

S

I'm 56(just turned). Geezers are entitled to a little fun too. Go for it!!!

Geezer Partol
 

I'm 45. And I also want to thank you for starting this thread. I bought my 8 a month ago. Since then, I've seen what seems like an endless parade of teenagers post about their parents buying them their 8 for their birthday (Geez... Don't get me started. )

The short story for me is that my wife and I had an '89 RX-7 Convertible and loved it. We looked at the 8, but I was leaning toward the S2000. My wife nix'd the S2000- only 2 seats. So, the past history with the RX and the 4 seats did it for me. I'm glad it worked ut that way. I'm happy with the 8.

My 11 yo daughter loves the car. Especially when I drop her off or pick her up from school. She's already plotting for the day it becomes hers (we'll see... When she proves she can handle it.)

The cabin is a little small, but fits like a glove once you limbo your way in. Just turn on some early Stones, hit the gas, and let 'er fly.

Rock on!
Bob

Cool! My post was #45 - matches my age!
BOb

I'm 47 and have been driving RX-7s for almost 25 years. I *HAD* to have the 8.

Four seats, the rotary engine, the interior and exterior styling make this car one elegant yet exhilarating ride. It can be both a sports car as well as a practical and confortable cruiser.

Read more through this site and you'll be assimilated, I mean convinced. :)

There's a lot of people on here claiming their insurance is quite low relative to the cars they came out of because a lot of companies classify the car not as a sports car, but as a 4-dr vehicle.

I found my insurance for this car is rather low, but on the other hand it's classified as a "pleasure vehicle". I've got 2 other cars currently on my policy. So it would not be a good comparison. But I think in general, insurance is quite affordable on this car.

Two things to think about: how often will you have passengers in the back seat, and how often will you have accidents that are that serious? For me, life is too short to be basing a car-buying decision on something that has a very low probablility of happening.

The fact that rear-seat passengers can exit the vehicle by flipping the front seats forward should address the concern to some extent.

Go for the 8. Your wife will love it. Just don't teach her to drive manual, or you'll never get to drive it.

Just realised I misread your post. Since your wife drives manual, just let her take a test drive and she'll be sold.