BigFatSandwich

somebody please give some advice here.

I have a 2005 rx-8. I researched the car to death before I bought it so I was already well aware of the notoriously low gas mileage. I also knew about how much ******* fun it was to drive (thanks to forums and test drives of my own). But here's the issue at hand...

When I first bought the car, I wasn't doing very much driving, so the terrible fuel economy wasn't an issue. Soon after I got it, however, I suddenly found myself in a position where I'm driving tons of miles every week. Not counting trips to and from work, I also have an extra 200 mile trip I must make every week (100 miles each way). Gas prices are kicking my *** right now. Not to mention it saddens me to see such a wonderful car put through so much driving. She deserves better. At first I though it'd be a good idea to just buy a semi-reliable beater and use that as my daily driver... but how much sense would it make financially to insure two vehicles? I don't really need two cars. So everyday I come to the conclusion that I'm going to do the responsible thing and get rid of my 8.......

But then every night, I drive it. And every night I change my mind. This car is amazing.

So I dunno what to do here. Money is tight... and it's about to get even tighter cause I'm living with a roommate now, but I'm about to go and get a place on my own. And plus I need all the extra cash I can get on the side to fund my true passion (making music). So should I do what I know is right and get rid of my 8? Get something a bit more practical? Will I spend countless nights kicking myself over making a stupid decision if I do? Heeeeelp me! .

Mendossa

First thing you gotta do is the maths. Not just "without the 8 I think I'd be saving X bucks on gas" but factor in how much you'll lose on the car by reselling it, how much a new car would cost, the *real* gas savings that will follow... just like the 8 not all cars reach their EPA numbers.

If money is tight, that you need to save to get your own place, need to save to finance your passion... then you have to make a choice.

I sold my first sports car because even tho I *could* afford it, it didn't make sense to live in such a tight financial situation just for the sake of having "the cool car". I sold it, got an econobox, drove it for 6 years before buying my rx-8.

enforcer

Any savings you'll make on fuel with your next vehicle will be inconsequential to the loss on the sale of your RX-8...and you'll be hard pressed to make it up.

The immediate loss in depreciation will hit you hard....plus the loss of enjoyment in owning an RX8.

As Mendossa says...do the maths. You'll know whats best....its a big call and good luck.

Ike

It's just a car, and you'll have plenty of time to get another nice car later in life. I say cut down on your expenses and get that cheaper car, rid of the RX-8, and pursue your dreams. It's no fun being saddled with a car that is difficult to afford.

w0rm

As other posters have mentioned pay close attention to the real cost not just direct gas per gallon cost.

You will obviously have to buy a cheaper car than the 8. The best way to come out 'on top' would be to get a 3-4k econobox car. You can't really do a trade-in, so you're looking at a direct sell of the 8 with heavy depreciation. Factor that money loss into the gas-per-gallon cost.

Don't make any rush decisions and spend plenty of time working out the maths. You might be surprised just how little you'll actually gain going through the process of changing vehicles for gas consumption.

donack456

I'd suggest buying a used car or cycle that gets good gas mileages and keep your RX-8 but since money is tight the money you spend on a use car could go for gas. Really the reason you buy a car is to drive it, with the above in mind just drive your Rx-8 senseibly and you will break even. Or sell the Rx-8 and buy a new econo-box and suck it up until you can buy another Rx-8 or Rx-7 or X9 whatever they do next.

Really Rx-8 are so reasonably priced here 04 $12-$14k, you can have both. We have figured, if you buy a $22k hybred it will take 5-6 years to balance out the gas saving minus the high car pymt for a econo hybred. Unless you buy a used honda civic or corrolla or better yet a Mazda Mx3 you'd save gas money but your car payment will be just as high for the hybred.

Unless its job related drive less or get a 2nd job, and keep your 8.

RotaryP7

I wish they made a RX-8 hybrid.

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

You can always sell a kidney.

shaunv74

I see where the OP is coming from. It's not about overall cost it's about freeing up cash. I would sell the 8 and buy something you can pay cash for or something that you'll have a very small monthly payment on since you probably won't have a warranty. You don't want to get out of a car that gets bad gas mileage and then get in to one that you have to sink lots of money in to for repairs.

Find a Honda or Toyota or Mazda3 and go with one of those.

fitz75

you'll get a multi car credit on your policy. Plus, rating the beater car as the primary vehicle should bring the premium down on the 8. Don't sell the car, get the beater.

Cattywampus

Or sperm

Pink Flea

NO NO NO.... Just get a sugar daddy with a gas card like I did. I dont even know how much gas is now-a-days.

fitz75

To elaborate, I made the mistake of letting my first 8 go. Lost about $6k on her. I had a really hard time settling for a more fuel economic car. I had to have her again... if you really enjoy the car and not experiencing contributing issues, do what you can to keep her.

tajabaho1

or sexual needs to old women

Razz1

Get a used car. Depending upon where you live you can get a reliable one for 500 to 2500 bucks.

The extra 1500 you spend on the used car will be less than the loss of the trade in or resale value you get.

donack456

Pink Flea you still getting screwed but not at the gas pump. Get a 2nd car and keep your 8 that way you not bend over for someone. Now ain't nothing wrong with that if you like it not everybody can say they don't know what gas cost, you lucky doll, I guest you are a doll. Being politcally correct you lucky person.

Ericok

His plan will only work if he can get more for the car than he owes. Otherwise he'll have to roll the loss into the new/used car and start his payments all over again. Agree with the others in that he's got to do the math to see if this makes sense. Here's a tip: Don't let the dealer do the math for you.