I found my thrill
 

Hello all,

I have been shopping around looking for a replacement for my 2001 Mustang GT that I must return in the next 7 months (lease).

I was looking for something a little more practical and I wanted to check out the Mazda 6S. After an uninspiring test drive, I asked the dealer to show me the RX-8 (I have always secretly loved the RX-7, but never had an opportunity to own one).

As soon as I sat behind the wheel and heard the whine of the rotary engine I was hooked. I must say that I was really surprised with the kind of power that the Renesis engine displays. I'm used to more low end torque (4.6L vs. 1.3L), but who cares? This thing can rev 'til infinity.

I was incredibly impressed with the smoothness of the 6 speed tranny. As a long-time Mustang owner (I have owned Mustangs for 16 years) I am really used to a heavy clutch and having to muscle through the gears. The RX-8 shifter felt like I was slicing through warm butter, and the feather light clutch is a godsend.

If a spirited run up the gears hadn't sealed the deal, I was sold as soon as I got to the 90 degree left followed by a 90 degree right behind the dealer lot. I took these in 2nd gear at approx. 7K on the tach. The RX-8 felt like it was on rails. Just a little drift, but nothing to indicate any loss of control.

All this mixed with a generous dose of good looks and a top notch interior. The RX-8 is a winner.

So, no more Acura TL, Audi A-4, BMW 325, Saab 9-3, etc. I will be getting a pure sports car, the RX-8. Oh well, at least it is a 4 door. Now if only I could stop staring at the calendar... hurry up June!

Great job on the website, I hope to be an active contributor in the near future.


:D

When evaluating the drive objectively, it hard not to come to your conclusion.

Welcome.

After getting my car last July, I still can't wait to get in it, when I'm not in it. This is the longest new car feeling I've ever experienced, with no end in the forseeable future. Your going to be waiting about as long as I did, but its well worth the wait. Damn glad I dodn't jump at any of the cars you mentioned, they all drove good until the 8.

Re: I found my thrill
 

Great story, these points you made. along with many others, is what makes the RX8 such a great buy.

Good stuff Pirate... same deal for me.

Looking forward to seeing you as a new member. We all love our cars and most of us are driving enthusiasts (as it sounds like you are) and we look forward to hearing from others of like mind. Even if they like the lightening yellow best :) .

Same stuff hooked me.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I'm really glad that there is a good group of folks here who really love their cars.

I've been reading up on some of the posts regarding oil consumption, flooding, gas mileage and check engine/oil warning lights. It doesn't seem all that widespread and it is a small price to pay for a great sports car. Everyone has issues with a new car. Acura TLers are bitching about tire vibrations and creases in their leather seats, Saab owners bitch about ride quality, etc.

I could write a book (or a series of books) about my experiences with the past 6 Mustang Pace Cars/GTs/SVO's that I have owned. These little issues/problems add character to the car. You want a reliable vanillamobile? Go get a Civic.

Bottom line, the RX-8 is a great car that I am going to love to drive for the 4 years that I plan to lease it for.

Hey Pirate, why wait??? I had a little more than a year left on my MINI Cooper but I was able to trade it in without loosing money on the deal. First, there is a $1500 dealer incentive to move the RX8s right now. Second, the dealers (at least here in NJ) have a lot of stock that isn't moving since it's Winter. I had to negotiate for about a week but I got them to take my MINI and get me into the RX8 with the payments I wanted. I ended up getting over $3500 off MSRP.

It can't hurt to try. :D

Yeah, but the Mini probably has a better resale value than my GT. I don't want to eat the $4,000 that is the remaining lease payments for me. I'll just wait a bit and trade out with a few months left on my current lease.

Trust me, I wish I could have driven out of the dealership with a new RX on Sunday.

Re: I found my thrill
 

summed up very nicely! welcome to the club

I feel your pain Pirate Rex! I too am getting the car in June, and then probably won't receive it till late August. Man, if only I could...

I found my thrill... on rotary up a hill.

I just spoke to the Mazda Sales rep. No dice as of yet. We are still about $30 a month away from where I want to be lease payment-wise. This is with the negotiated price at only $200 over invoice. Looks like it will be a few more months of Mustanghood.

Hey, at least you tried. Tell them if they need to move a car to give you a call if they will sell it at your price.

slightly different story for me.....

I went to test drive the auto trans since I live and drive mostly in Manhattan. The first rx8 I could test (this was in august) was a manual. That did it for me- I couldnt; believe the car- and I wasn't sold until I drove it- even after tracking the car for 8 months before it came out- seeing it at the NY auto show- I still wasn't convinced- it was the test drive that did it. A few days later- I did get to try and auto trans and was dissapointed- but against everyones wishes- I got the 6 speed and loved it (for the 4 months I had it then did the buyback due to 11 mpg city)

I'm picking up my new 8 in the next week or 2- but I honest;y wish the dealer could hold it another month until this crappy weather ends- I hate the idea of dragging slush into my new 8's interior and getting it all salty.

Welcome and the day you get it I bet you will feel more excited than any other car!! I did!! It is still exciting for me to get behind the wheel and I have an automatic.....not quite the thrill of the manual but the handling, sound of the engine and the pure driving thrill is ongoing. 3200 miles on mine so far!! My car has improved with age......engine not as rough and gas mileage improving etc! Only recommendation is winter tires if you are in that sort of climate....it's like night and day!!! Hang in there June will be here soon!!!

Thank you for the warm welcome Cruz. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about snow around these parts. If it ever snowed down here, life as we know it would probably cease to exist. They suck driving in the rain, I could just imagine how bad it would be for Miamians to drive in the snow.

Good to hear that the car gets better with age. I am a bit worried about the flooding problem, but I hope the warm climate down here makes this a non-issue.

...just waiting 'til my rotary ship comes in.