fkoolaggie

lol i dont' find him cocky either. To be honest this car would be good for him. After coming from a z28 this car is slow! if trying to race anyone he would be embarrassed so badly that he's losing to sedans that he would not want to even try. Putting this car on a pedestal because its classified as a sports car and labeling it unsafe for teenagers is just dumb. He could easily do as much damage going 100 mph in a pinto and crashing then going 100 mph in a rx8 crashing. Imo going strictly on what he has told us (because i dont' know him personally) he seems responsible enough to buy his own car then he seems responsible enough to treat and drive it correctly.

simplyphp

No there a couple other blind people here too.
Ok you are using a personal experience of your z28 and saying this car is slow, yet he is coming from a Sentra so it will be fast.

fkoolaggie

I am using the experience that this car sucks at straight line and how do most street racers race?? How do most people classify if a car is fast?? How many people actually have have access to a track with lots of twists and turns?? The sentra could probably beat this car in a straight line lol So even coming from a sentra..its slow

hondaboi

questions like this never get old and always seem to net the same range of responses no matter what board.

I presume at least 90% of responders on this thread are male and were 16 year olds themselves at one point, but everyone grows up differently and in different towns, etc.. So to me there is no point in pointing out your own experiences and attitudes in high school as a young car enthusiast.

Personally, I've known folks that were responsible teenage enthusiasts, some idiots, and a range in between of course too.

Having a teen ,or anybody really, get a cheaper car to build on vs. getting what they really wanted can also backfire as you get into a case of pouring the same passion and money you would've spent on the more expensive option to begin with.

So I will contribute instead with my own 8 ownership experiences instead to help OP gauge ownership costs, etc.

Got my 8 for an insane deal new (btw $17K and you can have my pristine 04 lol) here in the NE and enjoyed it much since. I had to buy a beater to get around in the wintertime though, so unexpected cost there but I work so it's ok and now I actually like having multiple vehicles, one with 4 doors and comfort and one for me.

Insurance will depend on where you live etc but given the car's value still in the $15k range, getting full coverage would be smart.

If you ever flood the engine, having your factory warranty is nice to get the free tow and service to dechoke, etc. Gas is a bit of a concern, but really no different in its comparable class, I get about 22 mpg driving 80 % highway commuting to work, so take that for what it is and cost out according to your local 91-93 octane gas prices and the mileage you typically drive.

Tires are in the $250/ea range from tirerack etc. , chewing these up with consistent aggressive driving can be expensive. Same goes for brake rotors and pads, actually I haven't had to change them yet so I'm not familiar with their costs at this point.

The car has pretty damn high handling limits and has a plethora of safety features, progressive power delivery, so IMO it's actually a relatively safe entry into the sports car world. I'd be more concerned with mashing the throttle on a z28 mid corner than doing the same in an 8.

Really other than gas and insurance, I see no difference between blowing $15K on a used 8 than say blowing the same on say a Scion Tc or something. Outside of these costs, you're bound to make the same mistakes that you would anyways.

simplyphp

Oh god did you read what I wrote in my other posts in this thread? I'm not saying the 8 is super godly fast, I'm saying it can get up there better than most other normal cars, look at the teen who just made a post saying OMG 90mph is FAST... seriously this thread is retarded. I'm done posting here, it's like talking to a brick wall

ken-x8

Personal insult and possible ADA violation. Impressive.

Or a teenager.

But, unlike the brick wall, your opinion is recorded for all to see, and to value as they see fit. You haven't been shouted down.

Ken

catchmeifyoucan631

Before I throw in my $0.02, Just a lil background info so you know where I'm coming from..

I passed my road test on my 2nd try at 17. My first car was a 2003 Chevy S10 Xtreme, in red. I dumped so much money into that thing between sound and rims and lights and yes my car did get messed with by envious ******** in the school parking lot. I fell asleep at the wheel on the way home from work, and if you saw the wreck, you'd be baffled to know I'm alive and well.

My 2nd car was a 2002 Mitsubishi OZ Rally. Another project car, and eventually, I was cut off by a tractor trailor and wrecked that too.

The reason I shared that info is because it was my inexperience as a driver that rendered me unable to prevent the accidents. I was not experienced in keeping myself awake and my reflexes had not yet been sharpened.

I bought my RX-8 in April 08 and I just turn 20 2 months ago. It 's my first rotary car and now I've become accustomed to the maintenence requirements and the overall car. My point behind all this info you may ask??

Because I was a perfect example of the kind of young driver that Simplyphp and other make young drivers out to be. I got into accidents, I was not as attentive as I am now, I did stupid things, the whole 9. And I have to say I am very glad my 8 was not my first car. I always said how I'd be a responsible driver but I'd be lying if I said I never hit 120 on the highway at 3am. Sometimes temptation kicks in, and there's no excuse for it. Even 2 years later, with the 8, sometimes I test its limits. And to the elders on this forum, let's be honest here, when you categorize young drivers as reckless with a lead foot and all that, you all grew up in the american muscle era. those with the big blocks, did you not spin those wheels and drag? everyone does it at that age (do not assume I'm justifying reckless driving, but it's not right to judge someone because of their age when you possibly did the same thing). What I'm saying is no matter how much you tell us you're going to be responsible, you are at some point or another going to floor it. There's no way you're going to be in your sexy sports car with a long straightaway, and stay the speed limit.

Financially, because of my 2 accidents, I pay $100 A WEEK to keep it insured. and that's under my parents insurance too. The insurance is very high for this car, ESPECIALLY at your age, whether you have a clean record or not. Gas is alot too. I put in premium and it's about $65. Right there is at least $165 a week to get around. Take into account monthly payments, maintenence fees (and you'll be buying alot of oil and changing it alot as well), and what if something goes wrong? Like stated earlier, this isn't your average engine, it's rotary. It's as different as baseball and basketball, which means more $$ to fix. and do you want to have the 8 as your first stick car, then have to replace your clutch? There's a difference between driving around the block in your friend's car, and driving stick on a daily basis. Plus every car has a different feel.

I'm not tellin you that you should or shouldn't buy this car, TBH I couldn't care less, but don't just jump into a car based on its looks without knowing what it comes with.

Overall I think it's a great car. It's not the fastest car in the world, but it is a quick little car. and with 50-50 weight front and rear struts and DSC, I think it's one of the safest. So there's my contribution to all aspects of this discussion

And you did get a little cocky and followed that 16 yr old stereotype, as I saw a complete attitude change between now and when you first posted. Just keep your cool and listen to the elders, they do know more than you, and mean good intentions.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

First off, the car isn't slow. It may not be the quickest made. There are many cars that are quicker, but it isn't slow.

My 21 yr old son doesn't drive as fast or corner as hard as I do. He drives a 300ZX.

fkoolaggie

Didn't say it was slowest. Just slow at straight read post 103

Marklar

The 8 is not underpowered so much as other cars are overpowered these days. The horsepower wars have led to entry-level cars with ridiculous power. Ten years ago the 8 would have been considered a very powerful car.

The 8 is not slow, it is a fast car. Just because other cars can accelerate faster in a straight line does not make it slow. It's a sports car, not a muscle car. There is a difference.

There are luxury sedans out there with 450+ hp. Does that make sports cars with less than 300 hp slow? No, it means that the sedan has far more power than it needs just because some people will buy a car based on a hp number, rather than looking at the overall performance.

The 8 is just as fast around the track as other cars with more power. It isn't a drag car, it's built for handling. Few cars are as fast in the turns as an 8, and those that are cost much more. If you are only looking for massive torque that slams you back in your seat, the 8 is the wrong car for you. That's not really what true sports cars are about.

CyberPitz

I don't find this guy cocky, I just think you guys are trying to pull the "We know what you need to do, and you don't want to do it...how dare he." out. Let him do what he wants, if he messes up his financial being, then he will hopefully learn from it.

Seriously, what's up with all the hostility in this thread? He just wants a car, what's wrong with that?

alexanderiv99

Im done with this thread as well...its going nowhere because this kid doesnt want to hear anything unless its his way...most people are like this but he doesnt know how to handle it maturely

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

How about post 101.

Rhawb

He seems to think he knows better than anyone who tells him that 16 year olds are, by and large, not great drivers, and all the people telling him his money is better spent elsewhere. All the advice and cautionary tales are going in one ear and out the other.

Now, I'm typically one of the few who defends kids who drive or want to drive this car, but this kid just seems way better off (both from a monetary and from a safety perspective) sticking with what he's got for a few more years. He's certainly free to do as he pleases with his money, but I think it may be a decision he'll end up regretting.

I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

Marklar

Look at the title of the thread. He's asking for advice, and then getting upset when it isn't what he wants to hear. Tough cookies. If he didn't want to hear our opinions, then he shouldn't have asked for them.

fkoolaggie

Only reason I say its slow because typically if ur 16 and ur going to race, its going to be in public road, so u would assume that they do it on a quarter mile straight road and the rx8 isn't made for it. And ur bashing him because u think he will race and kill someone blah blah.. So if u already assume he's going to race u would assume how he would race. So like I said he would embarrass himself in this car racing like that.

catchmeifyoucan631

Granted, but your judging the Rx-8 as a car based on how you think he'll race. The car isn't slow because it can't take off in a drag. That's like saying Michael Jordan was a bad athlete because he sucked at baseball, however he's arguably the best basketball player to ever live.

fkoolaggie

I 100% agree that they own at twistys. But like I said at least where I live there isn't any twistys to race on at least I wouldn't attempt it anyways becuase ur pretty much blind to other cars if u do this on open streets. So he is 16 and is saving for the car what makes u think he can pay the track fees and even then he is on a track in a controlled enviroment. So his only alternative logically thinking is that he would race in a straight line and repeating again he will be embarrassed when he loses and loses and would not want to race like that again.

catchmeifyoucan631

Keyword, Saving. He's saving for his car, just like he can save up for a track fee if he wished. But I digress, I try not to go off-topic, and I think i addressed most of the points in this thread with that post i wrote earlier.

RX8-Frontier

Ok. My useless post...

Dude, you're 16/17/whatever (I can't remember). If you want to save up your money to buy something, to hell with anyone else that says otherwise. It's your money.

What you need to be looking at is not the "street racer" crap that's being fed in this thread. Since I'm assuming you'll be graduating high school soon, and either going to college, or getting out into the "real world" (no, college is NOT the real world), start thinking about more important aspects of the car. Yeah, it's hella' fun to drive! No, it's not the fastest. Who gives two shiites...

Look at the reliability, insurance costs, and whether or not you can afford to go car-less if something should happen and it's in the shop for a while. Not saying it would be, but just prepare yourself for worse case scenario. Save up a few thousand dollars MORE than what you plan on paying for the car, and put that in a rainy day account, for "just in case". Some of my dumbest financial mistakes in college happened when I was out of money, but needed something fixed on my truck...

But seriously, do what you want to do with your money. Just research what the "true value to own" costs are (Edmunds does a pretty good job estimating/summarizing that for different cars), and decide if the -8 is good for your situation.

The Sentra is a darned reliable car, but ugly as snot and slow as sin...

The -8 is sexy as hell, reasonably quick, excellent handling, but has had some past history of not being the most reliable.

Make up your own mind. To hell with the users that just want to post about how bad street racing is, and how bad of drivers teenagers are these days...they're just looking for something to BS about 'cause they're bored.

For the record, I'm 30 years old, got a used -8 last summer, and am currently paying off about $30k in debt due to bad financial decisions that started in college...However, I own my own home, own two vehicles, middle class, etc. It took me a while, but nowadays I know a whole lot of what NOT to do....and a little bit about what I wish I had done.

fkoolaggie

You totally disregarded my post. Yes he can save for a track fee but then he's on a track in a controlled enviroment and not harming someone out in the public. Thats why alot of you oppose him to getting one because you think he will race it/not know how to drive it. I think my argument about how this car would be great for him is on point. Performs best on long track like roads, very slow at drag short roads. Which would take him to a track which is what we want. (This is all assuming that he will street race which i believe he is responsible not to do and if he does the embarrassment would stop that)

catchmeifyoucan631

I agree with you 100% on that and my bad about missing your point, but I didn't recall him saying anything about racing. I could have missed it, but this is only relevant if he wants to race the car. Again, he's going to do what he wants anyways. I don't want to turn this into a discussion about the ups and downs of the -8. I he's responsible like he claims to be he will take into account all the factors provided and race, if he so chooses, on a track, but as the famous syaing goes, those with great power will abuse it, he will probably just speed around the streets.

CyberPitz

I really can't agree more. It's your money, who cares if someone is going to tell you that it's the worst decision of your life. It's what you want, go for it. You live once, might as well have some fun with it,

enthegen

400!? When I was 24 I had a number of different cars all the way to a BMW 3 series , 2000 civic SI, and a Subaru WRX my insurance wasnt even over 200 a mth.. and thats with speeding tickets. now with the RX8 at 27 with speeding tickets its only 150 a mth.. You might want to shop around for insurance

xAbre1200

Bro, at 16 if you want to drive a sporty car, your better off looking at used mitsubishi eclipses or acura integras. I really doubt you will be able to save up even close to $16,000 for a used RX8. Even if you do, how will you pay for gas?