From a E36 328i Convertible to a RX-8
 

Whats up guys...I just joined this thread because I am interested in buying an RX-8. I currently have a 97 328i Convertible which I love but it is becoming extremely expensive to maintain, plus BMW's service is terrible. I love the way this car drives but I have yet to drive an RX-8. I was just wondering if anybody has made this jump and if you reccomend it. I went to the dealer today and they had no RX-8's, not even pre-owned. They had a Mazdaspeed6 which I guess is alright I don't like the exterior but the interior was hot. It was two toned blue and white. Thanks for the help.

why dont you go drive it your self and find out? thats the best way to find out more about a car... l

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/did-i-make-right-choice-m3-rx8-88428/ this guy is switching from E36 M3 to rx8

yea I was planning on it today but the dealer didn't have any. my options for my next car are as follows:

2004 Rx-8 Loaded 6-speed for about $20,000 AND SAVE A LOT OF MONEY
2007 G Coupe when it comes out $37,000 (this car looks sick!)
2002 M Convertible $35,000-$37,000

I mean to get the RX-8 and save about $20,000, is probably not that bad of a deal for the performance of the cars compared to eachother. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

go talk to the guy who sold his 96 m3 cause the mantinence cost was to much, he got an rx8, see how he feels abou it

one of my buddies in my local M3 club is selling his 2002 convertible with 16k miles for 34k if youre interested.
btw 2007 G coupe will still be the current body. only the sedan is redesigned for 2007. the redesigned coupe comes out as a 2008 model around the same time as GT-R.

I love the 8 but I'd go for the G-Coupe if I had the money, it's a badass. I'd also look at the Evo X when it comes out if you can afford it.

Look in the M3 thread, and read what I said there. It is the same. But at least you came here and asked before you got the car. The other guy already signed up, and then asked if he made the right decision... Pretty silly I say.

I haven't driven either car, but if money is a big concern, then I would get an RX-8. Not only is it cheaper, but it has a higher class interior and looks than it's price tag would suggest. It will turn heads wherever you go (especially if I see it... :drool:), and is decently quick.

If you want something faster, you know where to look. I wouldn't get an Evo, I think they don't have the same maturity level as other cars. Too boy-racerish to me.

But what you should do is go test drive all the cars that you want to get, get them for as long as you can. This way you know what each feels like, and you will be able to base your decision on good personal experience. Who knows, the lack of bottom end torque may be a factor that would sway you away from the RX-8.

Just know that the RX-8 does have some quirks (having to check oil and the whole flooding thing), but seems fairly easy to maintain.

Have you seen the new Evo X yet?? In my opinion it looks much better and more refined than any previous Evo. Performance is gonna be bumped up again too. I'm sure it'll have a hefty price tag though.

I recently switched from an '02 330i to the RX-8. I've only had the RX-8 for about 1.5 months but am very happy. The RX-8 handles much better but the 330i had a little more room. I find the backseat of the RX-8 pretty much usless unless you load it (front and backseats) with short people or kids. So, I'd say if you only plan on carrying 1 passenger or kids in the RX-8, I think you'll be happy based on my experience. If you need to carry more than 1 adult, it might not be the car for you.

I frequently stuff a doulbe date into my car, and the other couple me and the wifey usually go out with are both larger persons, one of them 6' 1" and 300lbs. They have yet to complain, in fact, the opposet. They frequently remark on how convenient the suicide doors are and how much they like the two bucket seats in back. Mind you this is dinner and a movie driving, but how often do you need to be comfortable for longer than that? Also, the rear headroom is outstanding for a car its size.
Go sit in an 8, you'll be impressed. Go drive one, you'll fall in love.

I drive people around all the time. I'm sure I don't have the most comfortable back seats, but who cares, I'm havin fun drivin.

i hate how much heavier the car feels when you have two in the back. I tend to load my back seats up with lots of light junk to make it look like there's no room so that no one can get a free ride home... just me and my gf.

anyone else continually hearing about BMW's being expensive to maintain?

I am.

that's cuz they are :)

Parts are expensive and aside from the bullet proof trannys/drivetrain and engines, the rest falls apart.

Yyyyyyyup. I can't say I like those much either... Looks like it was walking somewhere, and walked into a shovel, and got its face flattened. But that's just me... :)

I've driven the E36 328 convert.--the RX8 is faster but it may not feel it--it also out handles those E36 Converts. Nice cars but the RX8 wins out in terms of performance.