I strayed from the 8, but now I'm back!
 

I have a fun story to tell which will make you love your RX-8.

Five months ago I sold my Ford Explorer to purchase an RX-8. I had never owned a sports car before, and I was very excited about the purchase. I drove it every day for 5 months, and really loved the car, except for one thing: I'm 6'3" and my hair always rubbed against the roof. It started as a minor annoyance, but finally began to drive me crazy. I decided to sell the car!

Thus began my quest for a new car with plenty of headroom. I looked at the Mini Cooper, the Toyota Prius, and the Acura TSX. I went on test drives, and even rented two of the cars so that I could really live in them for a day. I was all excited about getting a new car with plenty of headroom.

However, after spending time in these other cars I reached an important conclusion: I love my RX-8, and there is no car that I would rather have. Today I got a buzz haircut just so that I can drive it without my hair rubbing on the roof. Yes, I love my car so much that I'm willing to change my hairstyle for it.

The other cars were no comparison to the RX-8. Here are my thoughts on each car:

Mini Cooper: It's a cute car, and it has tight suspension, but it feels out of control compared to the RX-8. I took it on a curvy mountain road that I frequently drive in the RX-8, and it was a scary drive. The 8 handles so much better. Every movement of the steering wheel translates into a precise change in direction of the car. This wasn't so in the Mini. Also, the Mini shook so much on rough pavement that it detracted from my ability to control the car. The Mini also more rattles than I've ever heard in a rental car. The seat didn't hold me in place nearly as well as the 8, and the stereo wasn't loud enough. Yeah, I turned the Harmon Kardon stereo all the way up, and it wasn't loud enough. Try doing that with the Bose stereo in the 8, and you'll go deaf! I was disappointed with the Mini.

Toyota Prius: Ok, I know this is an unfair comparison, but I'll continue. I thought I would like the Prius for all of it's electronic gadgets and good mileage. After driving it for 15 minutes I knew I couldn't stand it. It's no fun to drive at all. It handles like a mini van, and I just couldn't get comfortable in the seats. The electronics and technology didn't make up for everything else that the car lacked.

Acura TSX: This was a comfortable car, and I liked the interior and electronics. However, the handling doesn't come close to the 8. Plus the TSX has fairly dull styling in comparison.

In short, I used to be a Ford Explorer driver, and I was plenty happy driving a SUV. However, after 5 months with the RX-8 I've been transformed. Now I know what good handling is, and I love the RX-8 for so many other reasons: Good looks, decent speed, low center of gravity, 50-50 weight balance, good stereo, attractive interior, excellent tires, firm suspension, smooth ride, cool illuminated dials, decent nav system, rock solid electric steering, cradling seats, a unique sounding engine, high rpm's, and much more. Now that I've strayed and looked at other cars, I've been scared straight. I'll never give up the RX-8, even if I need a new haircut to keep it!

Did you try to adjust your seating position so that your hair doesn't rub against the roof; and does your car have a sunroof?

I bet he has the sunroof. I'm 6' 6" and have no such problem in my (sport package-equipped => no sunroof) car.

Ha ha ... that's a great story! You know, I use to drive a Corolla and loved it. Recently I drove my mother's Corolla for a bit and it felt SO foreign!

My 8 has totally spoiled me!

Try reclining the seat a little more, and tilt the front of the seat bottom up, the back all the way down.

Man, you gotta be an excentric. Wear a baseball hat if your hair is being teased. I would'nt sell a car I love for a reason like that. But thats just me.

Yeah my friend is 6'4" and he drove my car (with sunroof) with a few inches of headroom. Make sure your seat is all the way down and lean back a little bit. You should have no problem being 6'3 and driving it. Hell I'm 6'2 and have plenty of space. Unless your hair was 4 inches high, then you have other problems.... :)

Nice to have you back. :D

i know exactly what you mean. the car i had before this was a sentra, and i would exactly say that i loved the car, but i had no major issues with it. i kept the sentra for a few weeks after i got my 8. and everytime i drove it, it felt so awkward to me. the body roll was such that i felt like i was driving a truck, the bucket seats felt like i was sitting on a soft bench, it had no power, which i already knew, but i was infinitaly more aware of it, and the brakes felt like they took forever to stop.

welcome back.

Fortunately for you, the 8 is full of unconditional love for its drivers. The car will take you back.

Just don't try the same stunt with your wife!

try shaving your head!... its wash'n-go - fast and easy in the mornings... can look very good (depending on your head shape) and it will get you even more head room :)

crazy. i thought thats what "Today I got a buzz haircut just so that I can drive it without my hair rubbing on the roof" meant. ;)

brought in my car today to get my headlight fixed. i was offered a loaner car so i picked up 05 mustang V6 (no GT model available for rent) with a little bit money out of my pocket for this upgrade.
maannn...i tell u this...after driving it...it only makes me love my 8 more. i have driven many different cars but yet nothing in par when comes to 8 handling. new mustang steering totally lack of feel, interior looked cheap, misplaced gauges arrangement, and more. i cant wait to get my 8 back today and rock it ;)

He's absolutely right. After all my problems with my 8, I considered trading her in, but I cannot find a car that can compare. Plus I love her and don't want to get rid of her.

Some say to get a 350Z, but it' only a two seater (I love taking my boys out cruisin). Other suggestions have been a Mini, but it's not pimp enough after having the 8 (I love the comments I *still* get). Plus no other car comes close to having the same take-your-breath-away styling, and no other 4 seater has the suicide doors (save that new Porsche sport sedan concept--but that's a WEE bit out of MY price range ;) ).

This is what Mazda is good at: niche cars. I know they have me hooked. ;)

Great story. If your hair grows out and you get frantic again, get the sport package, which has no sun roof and thus has a lot more headroom (as someone else mentioned above). Problem solved.

Your comments about the harsh-riding MINI remind me: I have not driven one, but countless reviewers have noted that the run-flat tires give an absolutely terrible ride, and recommend opting for the cheaper, regular tires, for dramatically-improved ride quality.

I tilted the seat back as far as I could, but my hair still rubbed. I don't like tilting back too far, because it makes me feel out of control. However, with the new haircut it works well.

Hmm, I didn't think about raising the front of the seat. I'll give that a try.

sounded like a love story slightly, but i like it. :-)

It's not quite bald, but my hair is about 1/2" long now. :)

ummmm..... a buzz cut and shaving your head bald are two totally different things
;)

since he decided to get a buzz cut, I suggested going the extra mile and shaving his head as a buzz cut would make him look like some sorta awol soldier (unless of course he is infact in the military)

I recently sat in an 8 with sunroof with my helmet on. No dice man, no dice, and I am only 6'1. Guess it's no sunroof for me when I get one. Oh well, saves weight and lowers the CG.

oh geez, don't start debating the terminology of a haricut... :rolleyes:

hey man... he started it :D

If you go bald like TODreamer said ... you can save money on shampoo ... thus more money to spend on the 8!