tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

I too came from Miata's and if the insurance is cheaper, would suggest going that route as they are pretty much bullet proof if taken care of. I bought the 8 because I needed my second car/toy to have a back seat for at least short trips. I would not use my 8 as a DD (although most on here do) because of my commute and the quirks of the engine.

I think the miata would be easier, change the oil, plugs/wires every 25k and the timing belt every 60-80k and you are good to go.

xexok

Yea there are a handful of rx8s that have made it near 200k on the original motor so don't expect that to happen. Those are the people that posted about making it near 200k. I'm sure there are more people out there but it really is rare.

poacherinthezoo

What you're probably not going to want to hear is that the RX8 makes for a poor first car. It's just too expensive when you factor in insurance, gas, oil, servicing and tires.

You probably don't want to hear this but I much better choice on your budget would be a miata. There is a reason that people who actually know how to drive properly don't refer to the miata as "just some girl's car." Great fun to drive, easy on the wallet to run (I had no problems getting 35 mpg on my daily commute), and consumables are dirt cheap - GOOD winter tires can be had for $75 a piece, AMAZING tires like star specs are $104 a piece the last time I got a set!

Lucky Kid

Don't compare the Renesis with the old rotaries. They changed too much and they are no longer as reliable.

I beat the crap out of my 1991 miata between 2001 to 2005 (about 80K) and the motor made it all the way to a couple spec miata races, even then it was just to weak to race but was fine for the street. When I say beat the crap out of I mean rev limit shift 50% of the time;

Roy Dietsch

There is no comparison in terms of reliability between the two. Its your choice, but the miata is the best car ever made in my opinion. If you don't absolutely NEED four seats, get a miata or two and save the difference for a down payment on a house when you are out of school.

You could seriously save that much cash over 5 years between the two.

Cheers,
Roy

tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

Thought I recognized your screen name from miata.net. Agree with your assessment.

I would suggest taking LK up on the offer to try out a miata. Get a hardtop if you don't like the 'vert idea. There is always time later for buying an 8.

Lucky Kid

I just did some quick math about the difference in cost;

99-01 Miata 04-05 RX-8
Car Price 6000 8000
Opportunity Cost (5yr) 1658 2210
Depreciation (5yr) 3000 4000

Monthly Insurance $169 $239
Monthly Fuel/Oil $120 $211


Timing Belt $350 $0
Coils/Plugs/Wires $0 $350
Winter Tires/Wheels $400 $750
Summer Tires $300 $550
Engine Replace $0 $1,250

5 Year Total $23,059.23 $36,114.96

5 Year Difference $13,055.73

When you are 21 you will have enough for a down payment on a house if only you drive the Miata versus the RX-8.

*I used my insurance numbers and doubled them, I am guessing they are pretty accurate for a 16y/o.
*I discounted the engine replacement at generous 50%, and I assumed you would do the labor.

Cheers,
Roy

FungsterRacing

iTrader: (4)

Well OP, I think you can clearly see that many people have many different views and opinions for you. Some more harsh than others, yes, but there have been some valid points made on either end. So here is what I think, and take in mind that I am only 21 years old and purchased my 2004 RX8 when I was only 18.

The car is beautiful, fun, unique, and a joyful blast to drive each and every time. It stands out in the crowd, makes one hell of a nice sound, and gives me more of a personal, me-to-car connection more than any other vehicle I have owned (Including 2 BMW's and an old Evo). For me, the car provides everything I would want in a sports car: Stylish, fast(ish), amazing in the corners, and a rotary engine.

When I bought mine, I did it in a rush. I was 18 years old at the time, and had just smashed an old Cavalier I had at the time into a pole. I worked for my money, never got spoon fed. From the moment I saw the car about half a year after it was initially released, I was in love. So when I needed a new vehicle, I thought right away about the RX8 - the night after totaling my one car, I immediately searched for an RX8, found one (the one I own), looked at it, and bought it the next day. That was without any research, etc.

Now of course I love my car today, wouldn't want to trade it for anything (metaphorically). But let me point this out: I was very foolish to buy the car that quickly. I should have done the research (that you seem to have done), and really gave consideration into other vehicles. Saying that, I somehow have made it today and can still put food on the table; but back then, I was straight out of highschool and working labor. So what can you take from this part? That even though I enjoy the car today, I know that I would have been much better off doing research first to investigate common issues, etc. Not saying that you haven't, and I applaud that you have started to, but just really consider things. I think you will make the right choice.

Now, as for some other things that have been mentioned, such as maintenance costs, etc: This is what I wasn't prepared for at 18. Sure, I knew it was a rotary sports car, but my knowledge was nothing compared to what I had thought at the time. Although I wasn't prepared for higher than average maintenance costs and low fuel economy, I was fortunate enough to be working at a decent wage and was able to keep on going. I was living out of the house on my own, and managed to feed myself adequately, and repair the car when necessary, and this is a crucial part of owning any car - I was able to buy parts when I needed them, and fix as needed to.

So today, I am 21. At 18, I was making $22/hour as my wage. With that, I was able to live quite well. I couldn't save money like I had hoped to, but that was because I had to put it into the car, especially with fuel. But did that stop me from progressing in life? No, it did not. Don't think that just because you aren't making 6 figures a year you cannot afford a car, just be smart with all your choices. As of now, I make $27/hour, which is much less than 6 figures a year. And I have been able to move my girlfriend and I 1000KM from home, and pay for absolutely all costs for the past year - That includes her costs, too. I am able to drive my car, buy new parts and mods for it, and still put high quality food on the plates, and live a great lifestyle. Am I saving tons of money, not exactly, but I'm not spending all my money, either.


Generally when people ask, would you get an RX8?, I would talk more about the car, but you seem to already know quite a bit about the car. What I have told you above, simply put, is that the car itself is amazing. It is a fantastic piece of machinery in my mind, and even though I wish I would have done the research before jumping into it, I am glad that I bought it. You don't have to be making s**t tons of money to afford it, if you know how to budget and take care of the necessary things first, like shelter, food, etc.

There are many things to consider when purchasing any car, and this car is no exception. Maintenance costs, possibility of engine replacement, fuel costs, and most importantly, what your general living expenses are. If you have that figured out, and think that you can afford to live well, fuel the car, put some away for savings and some have ready for fixes when needed, then I say by all means go for it. If you don't feel 100% confident that your financial situation would be solid enough to get it, maybe reconsider, but if you have your numbers figured out, and are motivated enough to stick by a budget for the first while, then of course I would say get one. If you feel that you want to save a good chunk of money, than maybe reconsider because this car can come with some expensive repairs - Just as any other car, but unfortunately it seems this particular one suffers more than many.

You will be happy with the car (I assume). I love it, and never want to get rid of it. This community has so much knowledge to offer, and there are some really great guys on here that can help you out when you need. But just remember that with any purchase, vehicle or not, the number one rule is to be fully prepared for additional costs and repairs, on top of those that are generally accustomed with that type of purchase. Owning this car is not impossible for someone at your age, and you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I hope this helps, just a little thoughts on what other people were saying.

Cartershme71

I'm exactly like you MWisbest, loved the rx8 in most wanted, I played it when I was 6-8 though, so just last year I found out that my treasured car is in my price range. I have 3 more years for my license and am at 700$ as of now. For the past 3 months I've been studying the listing of rx8s in my area and have found that running ones go from 6000-10000 and ones that need an engine rebuild are about 1500-3000. My question is: some of the cheap ones are in excellent cosmetic care, is it better( cheaper and more reliable later on) to buy and rebuild or just buy and pray?

EpikYummeh

The short answer: get a compression test before even considering buying an RX-8.

If the car runs without issue, does not have a check engine light or any other warning lights on the gauge cluster lit, and passes compression testing with some breathing room, it's probably safe to buy and will last you a year or more depending on how and how much you drive it.

To really answer your question, though, a rebuild can end up costing more if things don't go right. Depending on the mechanics available in the area, availability of rebuilt/reman engines in your area, and whatever other issues arise during the rebuild process, you could either come away with an RX-8 with a new-ish engine that will last you for many years to come (assuming the rebuilt/reman engine doesn't have any problems like excess sealant or cooling system failure) or a big problem you now wish you don't have to deal with.

flex87

Get and rx8, once you drive it, in the summer, you will fall in love. Now for the winter, i would suggest you get some winter tires, and be prepared to warm that bastard up before you drive it off. This car is great once you learn to take care of it, and its not that expensive. I've done most of the maintenance work myself. Plugs, coils, brakes, oil, and a few upgrades.. Believe me, youll find all answers here or on you tube.
As far as year, id suggest 2nd gen and up. 1st gen was bad, from what i read on here. Good luck

Cartershme71

@epic yum meh
K, so if I were to get one from Craigslist I would ask the guy to come and get a compression test with me for the 100-200$?

EpikYummeh

Carter, you would be paying for the compression test unless the owner offers to pay for it. Consider it part of the fee of ownership.

LiveWire

iTrader: (1)

Hey now that's how some of us got into cars! Nothing wrong with embracing the ricer within.