416to212

Hi there.

I'd like to introduce myself - My name is Dave.
I used to be the proud owner of a rather unpractical Mazda Protege 5. Dumped, kitted, 19's, on laughing gas basically a lot of mods that made my car a spectacle for pimple faced highschoolers! So I'm hereby proclaiming the end of a RiCe era for me and have decided to step up with the RX8. As you can see by my old plates I'm originally from Toronto, Canada but have started to lay roots in New York as I got engaged to a New Yorker (though I live in Newport NJ right now) - hence my 416 area code to 212.

Anyway, I'm happy to say hello and as I'm quite familiar with car clubs I'm pretty stoked to see such a live, informative, and humorous board for the RX8!

I'd like to start with a few questions as I'll be buying the 8 very soon:

1. Can anybody recommend any dealerships in the Long Island/NYC area? I'm thinking about Mazda Autos of Great Neck or Wantagh Mazda (seems like they have stock)

2. Is there a difference between the 2005 and the 2006 MT RX8?

3. If I decide on a 2005: MT - Grand Touring and the website quotes around $31,000 what do you think I should be bidding or willing to spend.

4. Is there anyone in my neighborhood with an 8? I see a black 8 diving into our parking garage once in a while.... (BTW I live in NJ in the New Port towers on River Ct). Just wanted to prop you on the ride!

Thanks for the responses in advance!

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

First off: Welcome to the cult!! errr...umm... I mean "club".

1) Can't help you there since I'm out in CA

2) Yes, there are slight differences. There is a thread by Zoom44 showing all the new stuff for the '06. As far as the MT's are concerened, the only difference is in exterior options. The engine / transmission stayed the same but there are 3 new colors (galaxy gray which is a change to the old Titanium gray, Copper Red, and some new Blue color). There's now a new keyless start funtion, and new leather options.
If you're not interestd in any of that stuff, I'd hightly recommend going with an '05. I'm sure you can get a great deal on those right now

3)Spend less then $31K. Check out the Purchasing and Financing sections for what people have been paying lately

4) *waves from CA*

Hope this helps...

Rx8maniac

Got my 05 from wantagh mazda great help and excellent service I give them a thumbs up.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

yea, head out and get an 05 because you can bargain now.
I really wanted to get that keyless start option and the new style card key but that was all i wanted and it just wasn't worth the extra few grand.
as for prices, i'm not sure about up in NJ but getting my car back in January was for 28.4k out the door. that's about a 5k save, but i ended up getting some extra options aftwards. lol. you should be able to do that if not better.


^haha jedi, your wave from CA is very stealth because we don't even see you out here.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

The Force is strong in this one...

Skythe

the only difference that matters is the key. I want that damn key

zoom44

actually another difference that actually matters- the addition of a pcv system to reduce/eliminate the foamy oil in the dipstick tube and oil in the intake

Nopstnz

On the 06s didn't Mazda also add in painted cailpers and fixed that nasty rust?

CosmosMpower

I saw a Phantom Blue 06 grand touring in the showroom today and it no longer has the ribs on the seat bolster, just flat black leather all around. I might try and snag some seats out of an 06 since my 05 sport is cloth and I didn't want a sunroof.

Quest8

It should be possible to get a brand new 05 GT for under $25k. Be patient and persistent and you'll find a deal you're very happy with.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Picked up an '05 Shinka end of March for the same reasons already cited -Great Deal!!!