To Buy or not to Buy...
 

That is the question that now confronts me.

Hey Guys, Newcomer here... BMW fanatic who can't quite afford an M3 (active on Bf.C and ricecopforums) and active SCCA/BMWSCCA autoXer... I've recently starting giving the Rx-8 a serious look.

I'll start with - I had absolutely no interest in the RX-8 until one day a few months ago I found myself bored, driving by a local mazda dealership when I decided to talk myself into a test-drive... The dealer was really cool, and she took me out to a black, Sport package RX-8 and took me out- telling me to let loose and do whatever the hell I wanted. I did, and proceeded to have some of the most fun I have ever had driving - the car was an absolute blast (as I'm sure you all know), top-teir handling and my butt-dyno felt more power than the numbers suggested... overall I was very impressed.

Unfortunately, I was also poor at the time.

So anyways... I'm no longer poor (out of college, thank god), and I'm starting to take my car search seriously.

I've had a local dealer offer me a Silver RX-8 with Sport Package and Rotary Accents for 26400... I must admit I'm impressed with the price.

So I guess I'm asking - what do you guys think? Whats the best part of your car? the worst? I currently have a '92 325is that I _could_ keep around, I'm under no pressure here- but she's getting a little old and a little expensive to maintain - perhaps I should start looking elsewhere.

My alternatives are the STi (6-8 grand more... hardcore performance but a bit to boy-racer for me), and... well that's about it for now. don't like the G35... might look at a used porsche 951 (944 turbo), but maintence would be a bitch...

*shrugs*, I guess I just would like to get some feedback from current owners... Overall- what do you think?

I figured that I'd add - of course, I'm looking at the 6 speed

I just sold a '94 325is in order to buy my 8. They're both great cars. The 8 is faster on the top end, lower, lighter, and hotter inside. It doesn't get nearly as good mileage as the 3'er. And, I love mine! I do still miss the straight six in the Bimmer. Straight sixes are the best engines. I will have again!

Nah! Don't buy it.

Come on, if you're already here, you know you want it.

oh, god knows I _WANT_ it...

but at the same time, I don't particularly want to be making 600 dollar/month car payments either...

So until someone is willing to give me one, I'm going to have to think about it here;)

I don't know what your situation is, but I'll advise that maybe you should wait until you're out of school, working, have made some investments, then take the plunge. You may want to get out of your Bimmer and get something cheep for a year or two post college. Don't let your passion for the car mess up more important stuff. If all that stuff is in proper order, take the plunge, Dogg!

Re: To Buy or not to Buy...
 

The best part is that there is no best part. The car is so well-balanced, it's difficult to list one single thing. The best part of the car is how well all the parts work together as a cohesive whole.

The worst part: frequent and expensive trips to the gas station.

Worst part: The interior trunk release...never can 'feel-find' the thing.

I am serious.