Notices
RX-8 Discussion General discussion about the RX-8 that doesn't fit in one of the specialty forums.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

I found my thrill

Thread Tools
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 10:30 AM
  #1  
Pirate Rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Vice City, FL
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
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 10:56 AM
  #2  
Chuck Clifford's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
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.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:15 PM
  #3  
rotarymagic's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: minnesota
Re: I found my thrill

Originally posted by Pirate Rex
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




Great story, these points you made. along with many others, is what makes the RX8 such a great buy.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:18 PM
  #4  
racerdave's Avatar
F125er/Future RX-8er
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: WI, USA
Good stuff Pirate... same deal for me.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:25 PM
  #5  
93rdcurrent's Avatar
The Stickinator
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR.
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 .
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:27 PM
  #6  
TM45's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh
Same stuff hooked me.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:50 PM
  #7  
Pirate Rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Vice City, FL
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.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 03:01 PM
  #8  
Velocity-8's Avatar
Whuumpha!!
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
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
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 03:29 PM
  #9  
Pirate Rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Vice City, FL
Originally posted by Velocity-8
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.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 04:08 PM
  #10  
Winning_BlueRX8's Avatar
Limecat's High Priest
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: The Lounge
Re: I found my thrill

Originally posted by Pirate Rex
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
summed up very nicely! welcome to the club
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 06:30 PM
  #11  
Peggy's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Walls, MS
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...
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2004 | 09:06 PM
  #12  
93rdcurrent's Avatar
The Stickinator
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR.
I found my thrill... on rotary up a hill.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2004 | 04:50 PM
  #13  
Pirate Rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Vice City, FL
Originally posted by Velocity-8
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
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.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2004 | 06:17 PM
  #14  
Velocity-8's Avatar
Whuumpha!!
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Originally posted by Pirate Rex
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.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2004 | 09:21 AM
  #15  
emailists's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: NY NY
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.

Last edited by emailists; Jan 29, 2004 at 09:24 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2004 | 09:45 AM
  #16  
cruzdreamer's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Algonquin, Il....west of Chicago
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!!!
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2004 | 10:35 AM
  #17  
Pirate Rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Vice City, FL
Originally posted by cruzdreamer
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.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cliffkemp
Series I Trouble Shooting
8
Dec 24, 2024 10:48 AM
bosstin87
Series I Tech Garage
8
Oct 5, 2015 06:52 AM
Danield97
Series I Trouble Shooting
1
Sep 30, 2015 05:59 PM
Quiggs321
New Member Forum
19
Sep 30, 2015 05:34 PM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:29 AM.