Airtraffic

OK, I have been lurking a while here on the boards.. I have driven a couple of 8's and had the smile on my face going around the corners. I have done the research and read about the blown up engines from people who don't take care of the car, or the morons who flood the engine and then blame the car.. I used to own a Mazda RX-7 first generation.. (Never should have gotten rid of it!)

I've read a lot and done the searches and still have a couple of questions..

So questions are.. It seems out of the three cars I've driven I couldn't read the center console readout in ANY of them! Is the thing only visible at night? It wasn't that bright during the drive, although it was mid-day.

It seems I need to avoid the '04 altogether and get at LEAST an 05 or newer? I want to pay cash! I have about 10K now, so I can't go buy a $18K car.. I can save another 2K fairly quick and buy a $12K car.

It seems even the BOSE sound system has a hard time holding itself together? Or is it just a few folks complaining? I have seen more than a few threads about stereos/CD players going bad. Is this a chronic issue?

Will I get at least 22 MPG on the Hwy at 75 MPH cruise? If all miles are HWY miles, do I still change oil at 3K miles? (I have a 75 mile each way commute)

Will the car be comfortable for a 1+ hour each way commute?

Thinking of buying an 05 6sp man. with 50K on the clock at around $12K.. seem reasonable?

Thanks!

Razz1

There is a light that controls the dash brightness

The Bose system is just fine.. could use better speakers.

No guarntee on MPG

Depends upon your size. Very comfortable for me.

Nothing wrong with an 04 if it is maintained properly.

yoluun

There's a long research thread on MPG. Mainly depends on your driving style and car status. Mythbusters showed that driving when angry uses much more fuel.

Kaiser bun

iTrader: (2)

some sunglasses might make the screen hard to see i think, if you weren't wearing any then get your eyes checked :P

i came from a dodge neon so the bose system is absolutely amazing to my ears, but people who insist on/have had subs probably wont think so.

i would say at least 19-20 ish if all miles are highway is more realistic then 22, but thats just my experience and others get 22 frequently.

i too think the car is also extremely comfortable for long distances but size could be a factor i guess

05 for 12 k seems reasonable to me

You won't regret it if you get one trust me

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Everything looks answered but your oil question.

Yes! still change your oil every 3000 miles no matter what type of driving you do.

Polish Person

Mazda apparently updated the '06 significantly, so it may be beneficial to look far and wide for a slightly newer one.

But apart from that, that '05 seems plenty reasonable.

RX22

I say get it, but know that your gas mileage will stink. You're going to use a half a tank a day, so with your commute be prepared to fill up every other day at around $40 to $45 bucks a whack.

If you're okay with that find a good one and enjoy it. As you can see I love the RX's.

yiksing

1. Although you seem to be someone that appreciate how the RX-8 can lit up your inner fire in the corners, buy it only if you "REALLY" don't mind getting pass in the straight or you have FI planned in the future.

2. There is a switch that you can roll up to change brightness and adjust the color of the dash from bright white to blue (when headlight is on for night) while still remaining bright white during the day.

3. I have enjoyed the BOSE system so far, this is coming from someone who used to have a car loaded with excellent audio (uncle owns a car audio shop) and loves metal. The clarity and thump is sufficient for me, this is subjective so you have to check it out yourself.

4. Mileage is better when you are on long distance trips.

5. The car is comfy enough for 1+ hour trip but the centre console area do get a bit heaty from the transmission.

6. Get the car already if it's in pristine condition.