First time poster, Few questions =)
 

Hey guys whats up. I've been watching the forums for a few months, but im not exactly a vet here, so sorry if the questions are a repost, as I know how annoying that can get. (happens on my forum all the time).

Anyways, I've decided awhile ago that I'm Definatly getting an RX8. My friends relative has a dealers liscense so he is going to go to an auto auction with me when the time has come, and I'm gonna try to get one.

I was looking to get one the first year they were made, which was I believe 2003. (correct me if im wrong) because I remember reading there werent any significant performance enhancements aside from the Sport AT. I'm looking for a 6 speed anyways though.

Do you guys, as RX8 owners feel that the car is made well?

How does it handle and drive? good?

as far as performance driving, how does the engine perform, and hows the torque?

anyways, If you guys can throw in any info it'd be much appriciated =)

reasonably comfy/spacious
as long as you don't get a lemon, the car seems to be made well. there are a few quirks though.
lacks torque (fine for me, but people complain) but revs forever

Why don't you go testdrive one?

Don't listen to ike, just buy it and then post here in a year and tell us how many cars you killed in the twisties.

Do it Tyblat!!!!

worst idea ever.

Sorry guys, I shouldn't have bashed the RX-8 like that. Just buy one, it's teh best car ev4r!!!!11!!!1one11!!eleven!!

If you test drive, be prepared to buy it then. Quite a few of us have got sucked up that way.

This was a brand new car in 03 and had a lot of 1st year issues there are no performance increase but a lot of bugs were corrected in later cars. Transmission seems to be a weak spot so check it out carefully. Not much torque but the car dose feel faster then the numbers would indicate. Excellent road manners and very comfortable to drive. Gas mileage is abysmal the only real draw back. Good luck and enjoy your ride.

The first model year in the US was 2004 with some build dates in 2003. Try to find a 2004 with a build date of April 2004 or later. Many of the "fixes" had been applied at the factory by then. Don't overlook the possibility of picking up a new, leftover '05 when the '06s hit the dealers. There will likely be some good deals for just a bit more than you will pay for an '04 at the auction.

Handling and power are outstanding unless 0-60 and quarter mile times are big for you. To get the most out of this engine you must keep the revs up. That's a problem for some people who are accustomed to power and torque at lower revs with a piston engine. Like others have said, you should drive one before you buy. It may or may not be the car for you depending on your past driving experience and your expectations. Good luck!

Haha, I've been eyeballing one for awhile. I'm dead set on getting one. Right now my car of choice is a 4 cylinder AE86 Corolla (if anyone knows what im talking about haha)

what kind of octane rating does the engine need? oh one more thing haha. Anyone know the upgradability of the engine? (ex: how well does it take to aftermarket parts)

I wouldn't put anything but 93 in, but I'm sure some people have to make do with 91.
Engine does not mod well - not worth the $$$. Either forget about modding or buy a different car.

I can't get 93 octane here. 91 is the highest. I am also at about 5500' elevation.

I am an owner of a 5/2003 car and I am not sure what the "lot of 1st year issues" are, but I can say that I have not had them. I have had a few minor issues fixed under warranty. The only major thing was getting the latest battery/starter/plugs, which is needed in any car built before April 2005, and which is also covered under warranty.

and some use 87

go test drive. Car doesn't have the torque, but it is great nonetheless.

Test drive is a must, however to realise its not as weak as the numbers suggest you have to bring the rpm up above 6000. Don't compare it to EVO or STI rather use the Type R as benchmark.