SP767

Hey guys and gals,

First post.

I am a 2003 Audi A4 quattro owner. I have a friend that owns several car dealerships. He has graciously allowed me to drive a new 2004 RX8 demo (2,500 miles), while my A4 was in the shop for a troubled turbocharger.

I absolutely cannot believe how fun this car is. I want to drive it all the time. I just got my Audi back today, and as much as I love that car, I can't stand the thought of turning the RX8 back in.

My A4, with a larger-than-stock turbo, has plenty more torque than the Mazda, however... this car is a brilliant all-rounder. I love the rev range. The engine has little torque in the beginning of the range, but it just keeps pulling and pulling like you are on a sling shot! My favorite gear is accelerating in third gear at about 6,500 rpm and increasing.

The balance of this car, and the handling feedback is second to none.

The exhaust tuning is perfection.

The only thing that i would miss in my Audi, is that it is part luxury car and has the size and comfort that luxury cars offer.

I am very tempted to sell my Audi and buy an RX8.

My question for you guys is this; I'm sure that all of you instantly fell in love with this car from your first test drive. But after some months of ownership, does this enjoyment continue? Or do you begin to tire of the sportiness and long for the benefits that a luxury car can offer? Softer ride, bigger inside, etc...

Steve

Truss

Maybe you can afford the depreciation hit you'll take for turning your Audi over so quickly, but I would give the RX-8 dope a few days to wear off. Not that it isn't an incredible car, just that there seems to be a rash of people who are eager to trade in perfectly good, almost new 2003 whatevers on RX-8s.

I guess I just have a different notion of value, frugality, etc. When I finally decide to pop for an 8, it will be with intentions of driving it until it dies, regardless of what better comes along.

T.

SP767

Hmmm. Yeah, you have a point. I just hit my one year anniversary with my Audi.

Steve

mysql101

Depends on you.

I test drove an RX-8 without any intentions of buying it. Two months later I was still thinking about it, so I bought one.

I think many here had similar experiences. There is something about the car that draws you in and doesn't let go. Maybe they're lacing the seats with illicit drugs.

rumatt

Steve, I am having similar problems. I have a 2003 BMW 330i and I've been thinking about RX-8's and S2000's for a few months now. Hmmm.

I'm struggling to decide if I should upgrade to the a car that is "right" for me and I will finally be happy, or if it would be a mistake to give in to the eternal "grass is greener" symptom because it would be a waste of money and I would eventually miss my 330.

Decisions, decisions.

mysql101

Oh, just realized I didn't answer your question.

Yes, the car is still every bit as great as it was when I first test drove it. In fact I consider my car better than when it was new due to the mods it now has....

There are a few minor issues:

1) Fuel, it gets 18-21 mpg for me so far. Keep in mind I rarely do much highway driving. But it's a sports car!

2) The interior scuffs easily. I find myself worrying about damaging stuff.

3) The car is a work of art. I worry about people scratching it up in parking lots.

Only the 1st one is a real issue, the other two are mostly in my mind... so my answer is: No, I have no regrets, I'd buy another RX-8 if this one ever got totaled. The ride in the car is great and I don't miss even my Porsches I used to own.

SP767

Thanks for the replies guys. I think that this car is so good, that you won't miss whatever you have previously been driving.

Jeffjett

I lusted for the 8 long before it was built, during the initial planning and discussion phase. However, I hate buying first year vehicles due to the "bugs" inherent in new vehicles. So I waited till two weeks ago to get mine, when they had addressed a number of the initial production problems. There is no doubt the 8 is a remarkable car, and I plan on driving it for years to come. It is plenty comfortable, and performs well, a blast to drive. I am totally satisfied with this purchase.

However, both the Audi and BMW are great cars, and you would both get killed on depreciation. If I were you, I would probably wait a couple of years to lessen the hit. The 8 will be around for awhile, and they are talking several variants to this vehicle in the future.

A word of warning: If you keep visiting this forum, you are toast. You will end up buying an 8

Just my .02

rumatt

Well, I did European Delivery on the 330, so the discount lessens the depreciation hit substantially. If I knew I would be happier, I would do it right now. My concern is that I would regret it after a few months.

What's making this even harder is that my wife needs a new car soon. She *could* start driving the 330, and I could get something new. Too bad she isn't into cars and would be just as happy in a Honda Accord.

mysql101

There you go - you get a new Rx-8, and your wife can get the new five door 6.

They will match nicely in your driveway.

Brandon

Man, it's a tough call. I thought I'd buy one used later this summer but couldn't wait, because, frankly, it's a comparitively cheap car, especially if you don't need a lot of options. I got a base version and in my mind, nothing else compared to it that wasn't $5,000+ more expensive. You may soon have the ability to get one really cheap thanks to year end clearances coming up or even a used one.

Bankotsu

same here. I hope the people in Texas is as nice as I think they are.

rotaryxlr8

I've had my car for a couple months and every morning, I get up early to go to the gym...just so I can drive it before I go to work. How does one tire of something as incredible as this car? Your Audi may be luxury sport, but I don't think it "looks" as good. I think you'll turn more head with the 8. And it's not like the other uncivilized sport cars out there with their ultra stiff suspension. I can drive mine for hours.

- Giddy like a school boy...still

rx8daniel

I hope I can contribute some to your dilemma. I got a ride in a Quattro 2.8 A4 a couple years back with a fellow participant in a performance weekend event, in the rain. He took turns at corners at nearly WOT with no worry. I was amazed.
Used to work with a guy in Dallas who had a 325 then an M3. Went to an autocross w/him. Didn't get to ride or drive it on course, but during lunch.
Both the A3 and the 330 are great sports sedans. One might call them sporty sedans. I believe most of the major mags do in their tests.
They fulfill greatly the luxury end of their purpose in life. They also fulfill the feel and handling of a very sporty car at the same time. In the end, they do compromise 'sports car' some for the luxury world.
That's where your love of sports car or your desire for the pampering of the luxo/sport sedan needs separated.
I've had 4 first gen RX-7s. Not even close to the RX-8 in power, ride, handling, etc. When my first GSL-SE got totaled, I went on a hunt for a worthy replacement-Supra,BMW, MR2, a few others. Nothing satisified me like my wrecked RX-7 (I could still drive it).
I got another GSL-SE, flew w/ fellow rotary-holic to SC from Dallas and we drove it back. It was a great car - until it got totaled. The RX-8 is an improvement to the GSL-SE of about a 5 magnitude.
But - every long trip - you feel the road when you are just roaming down the interstate more than you will in your A4 or 330. I have a 90 mile r/t commute of which about 76 is interstate unless I take a curvier state highway route for grins. Those are the great driving days. It isn't brutal, to me, for every day driving. One fella recently posted his owner review on C&D's website,and gave his 8 a 5 on 1-10 for ride. I have no idea what he's expecting - he seemed to like the performance. You can't get a Town Car ride over rough rodes and expect RX-8 handling around the curves and corners. At the same time, the rear end suspension design of the 8 does a great job at making it handle the rough roads a litte more forgiving than it's nature would suggest.
Anyway - back to the dilemma at hand. If you can swallow the depreciation, go for the 8. If not, perhaps a lightly used 8 will get you close to even on that end of the financial impact. You likely won't regret getting an RX-8 - If you like the sports car world. I do not worry about what others 'see' - the car is for my driving, not others' visual discernment.

AQA101

As for you fear of missing luxury and size - the 8 isn't exactly a small car. You will have less space, but still plenty enough to travel with two or three persons and luggage for a week or two. The only problem is the small trunk door. There is luxury in the 8 as well, but the feel is a little less solid then in an Audi or BMW. With a few upgrades you can change this though.

The 8's biggest backdraw is mileage - don't get it if you're into saving money by having a low mileage car. If your Audi happens to be a TDI, you're in for 2-3 times your current mileage with an 8.

As for the fun, the 8 simply outmatches the Audi and the BMW. The decision boils down to emotional versus rational.

MTLbroker

I've had various BMW, Ford, M-B, Lexus, Chrysler, Subaru, Toyota, each time going for more hp, luxury, features, etc. This is the first time I've tried a pure sports car. One that flies in the face of the current hp wars - ie. lighter weight and handling over engine power.
I've had the car for about 2 months and I still look for excuses to get into the car. 9 times out of 10, I'll take the long way vs. a shortcut. Often, after the novelty of a new car wears off, you drive it less. With the 8, driving becomes part of your entertainment. It's akin to playing a sport. You will not become disenchanted with the sportiness of the 8. It is a sort of refined, unobtrusive sportiness. Comfort very good. Cargo carrying capacity can be lacking. Unlike a Mustang, 350z, that have a hard edged prformance focus that compromises refinement and comfort so you get tired of the cabin noise, hard suspensions.
Also, as far as usefulness, I can put 2 full sets of golf clubs in the trunk, or one set plus a foldup pull cart. Medium size suitcases are not a problem as I can put it in the back seat (those 2 extra doors REALLY do help). I would have problems with my large suitcase. I can take the occasional adult passengers in the rear seat. I have never run out of room in the trunk for a grocery run (we are 3 in the family).
As far as what you read on this forum:
1] mpg - who cares, if you have to ask.......
2] flooding - myth. Never happened to me, and I've tried.
3] a/c issues - I dunno, my car was built in Mar'04. Maybe the bugs have been worked out.
What I'd like to have seen on this car for ex Audi, BMW, MB owners:
1] less hard plastics in interior, more durable materials
2] maybe more tasteful fake titanium or fake carbon fiber trim
3] better leather seats (the vinyl bits are a bit of a turn off) but then again, M-B used M-B tex vinyl forever, BMW 3 series come with vinyl seats in base models, Audi I don't know.
4] brand recognition. the BMW propeller, M-B star, Audi 4-rings, and Lexus L are sort of symbols for conspicuous consumption. No one knows what to make of the Mazda M (even tho it's their top-of-the-line model, it's still just a Mazda). It's important to some people.
5] styling is a bit controversial. The low key types will find certain styling elements a bit over-the-top. They find the 8 has a bit too much of a toy car or show car look to it. I must admit, I was a bit self-concious in the car at first, but I've come to like the attention.
Just my $0.02

Jeffjett

Wow . . . The decision gets harder and harder ;-)

apaul

Agreed ..the 8 is truly seductive. When considering a replacement for my 2000 Miata, I drove everything in my price range :A4's, Passats, Infinity G-35 etc. but settled for a demo 2004 Mazda 6 GT (3,000 Km.) at a spectacularly good price. Fine , fine automobile and yet, it wasn't really what I had wished for. When the 8's began arriving at the dealership the lusting/coveting began. I knew that somehow I would have it. Two test drives ( a Titanium MT and my current Yellow AT) and I was hooked. Considered the MX5 Mazdaspeed. It is remarkable, a charmer, but I wanted more room and a few more creature comforts for the $$. Yes, I took a hit on the trade but not as severe as I had feared. And now, after nearly three weeks of ownership I can honestly say that it is the greatest auto that I have ever owned/leased. No looking back and no regrets about the AT. None. While I value the opinions of those who with passion and rationality praise the merits of the MT, I ignore the diatribes of the anti-AT lobby. Hope this helps a tad..

HeelnToe

It gets even BETTER over time.

For me, I end up appreciating the car more and more every day. I think it's because the car is SO good, SO well-rounded, that the more you drive it, the more you appreciate the harmony, the smoothness of everything working together as a well-sorted whole.

I spend an hour+ commuting time every day in my 8. The car is insanely comfortable and easy to drive casually. It's not in the least bit punishing (loud, over-stiff ride, etc.) for daily use. In fact, it's just sporty enough to make commuting and shopping fun, but not anywhere near so hard-core as to become annoying. For me, it's the perfect blend.

Someone started a thread about how they're now "one with the 8," lol... and it's true, it happened to me too. There comes a point early-on where the two of you will suddenly understand each other, and begin working together as a team or one entity. It's an almost religious, zen-like experience... and I have to credit the car for being designed specifically to allow that to happen.

THAT'S what you get to look forward to, lol.. not dissappointment

SP767

I really appreciate your sincere thoughts.

I think that I am prepared to sell my Audi based upon the fact that I really feel that this car is so enjoyable and that it's dynamics will always keep the car interesting throughout the ownership years of the car.

Thanks All!

steve

cebat

I loved this car when it was still a concept. I loved it even more with my first test drive. Now, almost 1 year later, it still is the most fun I've had on 4 wheels. Also, the fact that it is one of the most unique cars (rotary) on the road today.

srm858

Well I traded a 2000 5 series for the 8. Don't regret it for a minute. I've had may share of flooding problems(MTLBroker - This is not a myth), but the car is running great now. The interior is no where near as nice as the 5 series or the Audi, but it's not bad for a relatively inexpensive sports car. The back seat is probably as comfortable as your Audi, but more claustrophobic.

Personally, I would keep the Audi for another year or two, then go for the 8. Or, maybe something even better will come along.

AQA101

Well, it's kinda a phenomenom. If the RX-8 gets to you, you're lost. I try to tune down my own emotions about the car in order not to become an inofficial Mazda sales person, but people keep telling me what a good idea it was to get this car. I pay my gas bills with a smile and find myself driving to places using stupidly long ways to get there. I'm looking for excuses to drive somewhere. This car has increased my mood big time, it's really like being in love somehow.

Yes, it's only a car.

But a very special one.

ZoomZoom

I've had my 8 since last July and the car still puts a smile on my face everyday! As previously mentioned by several owners, the only fly in the ointment is the relatively poor gas mileage, but heck no car is perfect.

ice8

I also moved from the A4 to the 8 and this is how I feel about it. The 8 is a better driving car but the A4 looks better inside and out, more comfortable and more solid. When other peple are in the 8 I have regret not having the A4. When I drive by myself the 8 fine. The stying in the 8 has not worn well with me, first I saw sporty, now somewhat cheesy. If all you care about is the thrill of driving then the 8 the car! Maybe we coudl trade.