Couple questions from potential RX-8 buyer
 

Hi all,

Most know me as JD. I've been looking around the board for a few days now, and seriously getting to the point where I really want an RX-8. I currently have a 2004 Mazda 6 wagon (link in sig), and I love it to bits. I'm 24 at this point, and I feel that now is the best time for me to have a "sports car." I really love the look the RX-8, but haven't driven one yet. I'm looking into a used one ('04 ish) but have yet to find one with the options/paint/price that I like.

There are a few concerns that I have (and I've done my best searching around to find answers), so hopefully they can be addressed by the experts here.

1. The whole flooding issue is a bit worrisome.

2. This would be my year round driver. I live in Ontario, Canada and we can have some pretty fierce winters. How well does the RX-8 work in the snow? The RWD and lack of torque is what I keep thinking of. I have a 16" winter set with Goodyear Nordics that I would use.

3. The insurance. It would actually be under my parents' for the time being, and my Mazda6 currently is $1300 CDN a year for me. I'm probably going to get a quote tomorrow. Hopefully they see the 8 as a 4 door, 4 seater.

4. Fuel economy. It's not the best by any means, I realize that. I'm happy with what my 6 currently gets, I just don't want to hurt my wallet too badly. I drive maybe a total of 3 hours a week (50/50 city/highway). I'm still living at home, and want to be able to afford moving out eventually :hahano:

That's all that's on my mind right now, but I will post more up if I think of anything. Thanks a bunch, everyone!



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1. flooding is not an issue anymore with the upgraded starter, plugs, and battery. Buy a 2005 or newer if possible

2. lots of guys on the East Coast and in Canada drive their 8's in the snow. I live in SoCal so can't comment but with winter tires / wheels, it's possible

3. Not sure if they insurance companies have figured it out yet but when I got mine, they listed it as a 4 door, 4 cylinder so it was cheaper then my old '99 Mazda 626.
Being listed under your parents should help you out quite a bit if they list themselves as primary drivers and just put you as an authorized driver.

4. Premium fuel only. 91 octane and up. If you can live with 15 mpg in the city with agressive driving then you'll be fine.

Thanks for your input, Jedi.

Also, is buying an 8 with high mileage a worry? I mean around 150,000 kms (90,000 miles), is there anything to be nervous about?

I would be very leary of buying an 8 with that many miles. With the warranty that Mazda extended on the engine going to 100,000 miles you had better have a few grand saved up if your engine blows after that

Nationwide still has it has a 4 door coupe and the insurance for me is exactly the same as the chevy cobalt I had before the 8.

the gas you can get away with anything and the car seems to be ok. I've been using 89 only because I can't get 91 and the 93 being like 20 cents more than 89 is just silly. I know there are a bunch of people here that use nothing but 87 even.

Try asking this in the Canada Forum

I think 16" wheels will only fit the base model, just a note... I could be wrong, but they won't clear the calipers on sport/T/GT models..

If you ever want to move out on your own dont spend another dime on any car till something breaks. Cars are huge money pits and unless you make lots of money it will just eat you up. If I were you I would call around and check with the insurance companies first. The older the car is the cheaper it is so it shouldn't be too bad.

I would just save for a house lol. I dont know how things are where you live but down here in Miami all the houses have dropped in price 100k easy.

I believe that is correct as well, you'd most likely need a new set of larger winter tires. Bigger brakes = bigger rims required for clearance.