He seems intelligent enough to have and handle this car. Cut him some slack. We're all driving this car because we want it, not because we need it. The car is getting cheaper by the year so expect to see more kids driving them.

 

Who's to say he can't? I know when I was 16 I was making ~1000 a month working construction. Didn't last forever, as I had to go back to school..but he may be able to work something out similar. Don't let age justify your assumptions.

 

Make sure to do your research before even considering an rx8. I myself am a 17 year( almost 18) old browsing these forums daily getting tips to maintain the 8 and what not to do. Yes there are alot of dumb teenage drivers but occasionally some smart ones. Im not getting the rx8 to be a show off or anything im getting it cause its unique and thats what cars lack these days . I guess this comes from driving my fathers chevy ssr turbo around alot which is one of the most unique looking cars ive seen.

If your willing to take responsibility to maintain your car and pay for it then its fine. Dont buy it with your parents money just to crash it and cause a whole problem for yourself. And dont buy this car just to race. Dont even think about racing on streets.

 

umm i couldnt disagree more..... i totally need this car....doc tells me i need food water and rx8 to keep pumping blood....true story....and im not sure but i think the value is climbing on this car like most cars do...

 

You have that too?! Damn I'm not the only one after all!

Another point to bring out, is idk how the law is by you, but here on Long Island, a young kid driving a car like that means drug dealer, which means cops busting ***** for every young kid with a nice sports car. If it's like that by you, expect to be pulled over for no apparent reason. A lot.

 

Usually these threads get out of hand, and I usually like to read through them, but tonight I'm really tired so let me just saaaay:

Don't be an nimrod and race it or try to full any fast and the furious shenanigans. The way the car looks and feels should be impressive enough to anyone that tries to pressure you to do something you'll regret.

The good thing is atleast you're not getting a V-8 F-body, the bad news is the RX-8 isn't slow enough to keep you from wanting to push it. Take it from me, getting tickets and having near misses while it I won't lie and say it isn't fun, because it is, it's highly dangerous and comes at a price if you do it. So don't.

Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to get it, and be safe.

 

You're in the wrong crowd of people if you're looking for a 16 year old to get cut slack when trying to buy an 8.

I feel bad whenever they come here and start talking about buying the car, doubly worse if they mention their parents are buying it because then poor parenting gets used as ammunition for the flame war

 

Plus insurance and tyres. I can't believe a 17 yo wouldn't be looking at getting a job, saving for a home, and getting the lowest cost wheels he/she can find. A car can be a useful tool, or a nightmare that burns up every last dollar. Have a good look at your priorities in life - your decision at this stage may change the rest of your life. If an expensive to run car is still your priority, go for it, but expect to have no money for anything else.

 

I wasn't trying to put anyone down. I was just trying to get him to think realistically.

 

dont get me wrong i love my car as much as the next person. I just think that we should all be a little more open minded when an person who is not retarded wants our car. Now people like "DaRotary" are totally different, and they don't deserve to own this car. Who cares if he is 16 he seems like he has least given it some thought.

As far as the value of this car. I think your a little backwards. 8's are available for as low as 12k now.

 

age is just a number. get an 8. youll love and respect it.

 

Ok, you are going COMPLETELY off subject and out of hand. You need to get off your computer, go take a breath, and then come back and chill out. I already know that insurance will be high. And I looked, and I know the exact price. I never said they wouldn't charge me a lot of money anywhere, so I don't see where you got that idea from.

I am currently aware of that, thanks for the post and helping me out.

How would this be my first car? Didn't I already say that I owned a Sentra...?

Apparently asking a question, and defending my opinion is being "cocky"? And any car can be a "dangerous weapon", so no matter what car I would have, if I wanted to race, I would have already. And I might consider keeping the Sentra to save money. But I have nothing to save for.

Thanks... I don't see where they're getting it from either. They think I'm not listening to them, but I'm actually reading and considering EVERYTHING they say.

I didn't become cocky, it seems like a select few became hostile because I'm a teenager, so I defended my opinion. And I guess it may be a cultural thing... but where I'm from, someone "wishing I would smash into another car" aren't "good intentions".

Thanks for this post. I was feeling the same way.

THANK YOU

Uhm, I don't see one place where I haven't acted "maturely". I've kept my cool during the whole thread, but just because I don't agree with you, you freak out. And fine, don't post here. You've done nothing but make hostile posts and attack me. If you can post in a helpful manner, then feel free.

I never said I was a great driver, nor did I ever say 16 year olds in general were great drivers. And just because I don't say "I might consider this" to each post, doesn't mean I'm listening. I obviously have more questions and have heard things elsewhere, but when I try to post/counter-argue, I get flamed and accused of not listening. Why not read and put yourself in my position? Oh wait... you might be too busy flaming to consider that option...

That's definitely an option. But that's like me saying "you have the money to buy a 62" TV for the SuperBowl, but you have a 32", so you would be better off sticking with that one"... I mean, c'mon? I definitely want a new car, I'm just considering the RX-8. I'm also considering just keeping the Sentra. I haven't made my mind up yet, so let me ask more questions without the flaming.

Where did I post that I didn't want to hear your opinions? I didn't. Don't assume... you know what that does.

 

Dude, anyone hostile towards you is just jealous, who doesn't wish they had an RX-8 when they were 16?

 

Hehe

 

I'd get the car, I was in same position, had the money, had the option of either sticking with old n busted car (very busted.. no ABS, no airbags, steering never stayed aligned, transmission was going down the toilet, etc) or buy new car (and wanted RX8 of course).

Sure, it means you pay extra when you probably don't *need* it per se.. but define need.. If we went by *needs* there wouldn't be sports cars XD

Make sure to post pics when you get it

 

dude, get whatever you want...

 

Not quite true. I bought sports cars after I had bought a home, had no debt, and had enough money for my family so that they didn't miss out on anything. Then I indulged myself. Clear all the "needs" first, then go for the "wants". That's just the way I operate - however, it's not for everyone.

 

lol who knows if DaRotary even owns an 8...lol

 

That had to be the worst group of responses I've ever read. You have nothing to save for? At 16 or whatever age youre at you have a lot to save for!! You say you want to go to college....howbout saving up for those books you'll need. They cost an arm and a leg! Howbout an apartment? If you can afford the high insurance and payments and maintenence then you can probably find a nice 1 beroom apt. I guarentee you a young kid having his own place with a sentra is MUCH more impressive than him driving a sports car and living with his parents. I dare you to argue that.

Just because you have the money for it does not mean you have to spend it. If you say you're not going to race and speed then why do you need a sports car so badly? Of course it's nice to drive a nice car, but it's not like you're missing out on something soooooo great. Take it from me, I'm not much older than you. I had the money to cover it, but now I put myself in a financial struggle and only have $100 a week to get by. I fill up once a week which leaves me with $35-$40 to last the week. Plus I smoke. so I have nothing by next payday. For the love of god do not do what I did. And a 62" TV is the same as a 32" TV. A rotary is not the same as the cylinder engine in your sentra. Bad comparison.

You admit to never saying 16 yr olds are good drivers....but you don't have to say something to think it's true. And if you are as responsible and mature as you say you are, you will understand that young drivers insurance is high for a reason...read my long post again higher up, not jus the part about you being cocky.

Like I said before, IDC what you do, and frankly nobody here does. But the advice you are getting is much MUCH more than I got when I went car shopping. everything I'm telling you is from experience. Financial trouble is not something to toy around with. These mistakes are not something you want to learn the hard because because by the time you do, it's too late to do anything about it. Take everything weve all said with a grain of salt. Except for that crashing part, just brush it off and listen to those who are trying to help you.

 

teenagers should have to drive 4 port automatics...

 

i got my 8 last year when i was only 18..and still dont regret it. but i got a little help from the rents. and got it used for 18k. im also a full time college kid so it does well. gas sucks, but im over it now. and if i had to pay own insurance, well then i couldnt afford it. just look around you can get a nice one with lower miles for aroun 14k.

 

This thread is hilarious: Everyone gets so angry about what a young guy is posting! Put in your two sense and let it be. Its not like he's your son - nephew - etc. No need to start swearing and getting all bent out of shape because you disagree...

Anyway,
I think everyone has covered 90% of the aspects to think about when getting a car like this.

I waited until I was 24 to get a nice car; the 8. The rest of the time, I had fun cars that I could live with (except for a mercury sable that was just a stereo on wheels). In my opinion, that is what you should do. Just until you're either out of college or in a very stable job and able to take care of the car properly and not worry the costs.

It was mentioned before, but getting an 8, people will mess with it. Want to race you (and in a teenage drag race, the 8 will lose so that sucks. If you're going to college, do you really it sitting out in a college parking lot? I still worry about my 8 whenever I park in a city or in a parking garage.
But if you can live with that and honestly not be upset when a car that you're making some big payments on starts to drop in value quickly because it is getting beat up, it is your choice.

It is very nice that your parents are helping out. My parents assisted me in my first car purchase. But can you afford the car if they decide to pull the plug on you for whatever reason? . . . just something else to consider.
Gas is only going to get more expensive, and the 8 is a thirsty car.
Your insurance may go down, but not for awhile. And those good student discounts pale in comparison to a speeding ticket or accident.

I'd say get a fun car you can live with and enjoy before spending so much. If you're going to be storing it outside in a lot or something, try to get a sleeper or something that will draw less attention.

Sometimes... only sometimes. I wish I had gotten a more practical car with more storage for around 15k and then spent 2-3k on a 2nd gen RX7. Which equals the 17k I got my '04 8 for in March. (12k miles and many mods already done.)

Just some more things to consider.

I'd work hard, save up the money, make a list of everything you want the car to do, and then compare that with what the next 5 years of your life will look like. (College vs working vs single vs married vs wanting to move to the beach and smoke pot. . .) Just try to consider everything before you buy. The 8 will still be around in 3-4 years, sometimes you may have to wait until the timing is right.

but I digest.

 

For those who tell me to save for college.... I'm actually not going to college :/

And if I do eventually plan to do so, I am joining the army who will pay for that, and I will be living with my parents during college(they live RIGHT next to K-State, it would be stupid for me to pay when something else will suffice). And with saying that, I can use that mindset when looking at cars. It would be stupid for me to buy a new car when my Sentra will suffice.

So I've decided to stick with my Sentra, and do minor work on it to make it look nicer and a bit faster. Thanks for all of your opinions and stories, they were very interesting to read.

Edit: But the RX-8 is something I will buy in the future, probably in around 2-3 years, so expect me to stay around (good for some of you, but some of you might be disappointed I'm staying :P )

 

Good that you made a decision. Hope you get yourself into an 8 soon, though

 

!st and foremost NO WAY FOR 16 YR OLD !!!!
These are quirkey cars, add oil , Blind spots on passenger side
Very fast car for a 16 yr old ?/