I'm converted! Trading in my SC430 for an RX-8!
 

Hello:

I'm converted!! In a matter of 2-days from start to finish, I've just send the contract for my new RX-8, 6MT, Silver w/ Black & Red Leather, Navi, Spoiler, Appearance Package, 6-Disc and Rotary Accent. I went to the Mazda dealer on Saturday - on a whim - and that was it! I spent a hour and a hald there - tool the test drive - stared at the car...looked at the options, then went home and found this web-site and spend 3+ hours surfing around the posts until I said - 'that's it....I need this car'.

So, I'm trading in my 2002 Lexus SC430 (great car!) for the "more fun to drive and sporty" RX-8. I'll sacrifice some HP and low-end torque for a sporty, fun to drive and 'young' RX-8.

Thanks to everyone for all the detailed information on this site - it answered every question - and then some - that I could have ever thought of before buying this car. I know what to "watch" with the vehicle - and even how to make it more fun to drive.

Should be able to pick up the car this Wednesday afternoon from the dealer....got it for "invoice" which is a good deal here on Long Island. Can't wait to pull it out of the dealership and start having some fun!

Talk soon.
Adam

Sweet man, I hope you enjoy every second of it

Thanks Chief....looking forward to it.

Re: I'm converted! Trading in my SC430 for an RX-8!
 

My boss bought an SC430 back in September.. That's what promped me to buy my 8... The 430 is a real nice car though.

You are right Guy321....the Sc430 is a sweet car....smooth ride and great speed (for an AT) - but it is my 2nd car (as is the RX-8) and something mort sporty and fun was absolutely in order for 2004!

Welcome...

SC430 to RX-8, I would have more expected to hear a move to a 911. If this is your first rotary, after a few months, you'll never want to have any other type of engine.

Yep - test drove the 911 a million times - racing inspired - that's for sure....but I'm so used to the 'luxary ride' of the Lexus - that the RX-8, although less powerful - was a much happier medium between a nice ride and race handling.

Wow trading in a SC 430? I love my 8 but the whole convertible wind blowing through my hair awsome cockpit and all the other stuff of the SC 430 your trading in too all i have to say is wow.

Both are awsome cars I just love the SC430 though! Grats on the 8 and have fun take it to the track a couple times you wont regret it!

God i would concider trading my 8 for a SC430.. if i had the money that is. Damn beautiful car IMHO and Toyota engineering to boot.

I loved the convertible too Zerohour....but I sat back and counted the # of times I used it here in NY...and it was mostly the first-half of the Spring and the early part of the fall....other wise it was just too damn hot - or too damn humid - during the summer....so, as tough as it was....that was part of the decision-making.

Thanks.....

Well you know what that makes sense. Id prolly use it like almost never too now that i think about it with my current Girlfriend they always complain about the wind messing up their hair and crap. Id prolly just get pissed about having something and not using it. Kinda like with my sunroof I never use that thing when im with other people cuz they complain its cold too windy blah blah blah lol.
Grats and enjoy im sure you wont regret it.

Thanks Zerohour...I left out the "hair complaining" thing from my post because I didn't want to come across as a whoosy during my first set of posts - but you are right - my wife complained EVERY time we were in the car with the top down...drove me batty! With the RX-8....at least she'll have one less thing to bitch about!

Are you getting money back from the Mazda dealer? " :)

Hi there Adamzeit - congrats on you new 8!

I did the same thing.....had a couple of hours free on a Sunday morning back in January and went by the Mazda dealer to "look at" and "maybe" test drive the RX8.

Although I didn't trade anything in, I went home that day in my 8 - and have only grown to LOVE and appreciate the car more each time I drive it. My RX8 is a second car too - and, I can tell you that I start feeling pretty cranky if I don't get in and DRIVE it at least two or three times a week.

Previous second cars averaged under 3K miles a year - have had the RX8 since January 18th and it already has over 2500 miles!

You won't regret - get used to driving around with a big silly grin on your face!

Livitup.....yes - got a good deal from the dealership actually - was very happy!

Riccio - sounds exactly like my experience....my SC 430 has 8200 miles on it (year 2002) so we averaged about the same. My 'everyday' car is the 04' Range Rover - nice ride and good for all weather - but I'm sure it will be sitting in the driveway for most of the summer!

I had a rag top as a second car as well. Test drove the "8" just like you and pretty much assured that I was getting one. The question was which vehicle to replace. :)

Anyway, congradulations. I assume you picked up on the flooding conversations. But if you hadn't, please read them to make sure up to speed on that subject. To me, knowing it in advance of ownership made it a non-issue. Oh and enjoy!

Thanks WHealy....yes - I picked up on the flooding topic online...I'll check with the dealer to assure that I have the latest L or M flash...and I've read about the brief warm-up periods required as well as to not shut off the engine cold.

Any other suggestions?

Just reading the site will pick up just about anything else. Again, enjoy.

I guarantee you will fall in LOVE with this rotary-powered car....congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the club!

Thanks Doug!

Congrats on the '8', it really is an incredible car and also a HUGE bargain.

I traded in a 03 330i with 11k miles on it because I just fell in love with the 'feel' of the 8.

It's good to see a fellow Long Islander on the board, what dealer did you go with ?


_____
Alan

Good move getting the RX8. Also good that it is your second car. I traded a BMW528, thinking the RX8 could be driven year round. After the fiasco of trying to get snow tires on wheels with pressure sensors, I gave up on that idea. I now drive an old Accord in the snow and salt, it hauls my bike too.

Enjoy the RX8. The rotary engine is a little quirky, but it sure is fun. I've had one since last August and with the exception of the flooding issue and the (minor) recalls, it has been all I expected. One tip I have found usefull is using regular gas instead of premium. The manual says it is fine and I can't tell any difference in performance. Saves quite a bit of money.

Hi Alan! I went to Smithtown Mazda....nice guys and they had plenty of inventory. What part of the Island do you hail from? Fort Salonga for me...lots of windy roads!!

SRM858 - thanks for the advice on the gas - I appreciate it. I see you are from Walpole...I grew up in North Attleboro and still have all my family in Mass....I'm there all the time....Go Sox!!!

adamzeit,

Funny you should mention North Attleboro. I am sending you this e-mail from my office on George Leven Dr., in North Attleboro. Unfortunately, outside my window is the old Accord, since there was snow on the ground this morning. But, not tomorrow!