well...i drove the rx8, and I LIKE IT! but, theyre trying to get me into a base 6MT with no options for 25k+tax. I think thats too much to pay for a car that has no options, earlier in the year we got a dealer down to 29k out the door with all options besides nav.

 

I've got to agree.

If you really want an S2000, you should compare the RX-8 with a NEW s2000.

 

Soup or salad? 350Z/Mustang Cobra/EVO 8/STi/C4 Corvette or RX-8? I went with the RX-8. It's such a smooth car, drive-wise and aesthetic-wise. However, I can't tell you what to buy. I hope you make the best choice in the end, and welcome to the cult.

 

Dude, I was in EXACTLY the same situation as you like 2 months ago. 8, 01' S2K, 330ci, 02' wrx, or 350z. By the way im 20 as well. Anyway, I narrowed my choices down to the 8 and S2k after test drives. Then, I went to insurace!!! From the quotes I recieved, the S2k averaged roughly $1000 more per 6 month period... That said and done I bought an 8 and have NO regrets to this day... other than the not so high (notice how I didnt say "low") hp numbers :p

 

and dont worry too much about options... (Don't tell the other guys, but its just added weight :p ) Then again, I could be saying that because i dont have them :D

 

I would of course vote for the RX8, but I am in no means knocking Honda, I previously owned 3 consecutive Honda Civic Si's, a 91 and then 2 92's, I still miss my Honda, actually all of them, but I figured it was time to grow up, Im 25 by the way, as far as insurance goes, that will depend on your credit, and if youve had any tickets in the past few years, the S2k will be more because its a convertible, period, as for the 8 like some previous replies, its listed as a 4 door with a 1.3 liter engine, also the RX8 has 8 airbags and DSC, which make it safer, but you never know, you could save $$$ on insurance but wind up using that money on gas, all I can say is think about it, the choice should be clear. Good Luck

 

I've got no tickets since i started driving at 16. That should help a bit, I really would get the Rx8 now, but i guess now its just too pricey with the options i want. my parents also want me to get an S2000 too( ), but thats just because its honda, and they arent too keen towards mazda.

 

That is way too expensive! Two weeks ago, I bought my 2004 6MT GT (yes, GT but no nav) for 2k below invoice. That's 25+k before tax and license. If you want the 8, call a few more dealers. You can get a good deal if you are not too choosy about the color. BTW, no way I'm paying 24k for a three year old S2K. I've love Hondas but that's too expensive for 3 year old S2K.

 

right now im goin for a 2003 s2k with 13k miles for $24k. unless i can get a damn good deal on an rx8 with at least GT and 6MT

 

nothing beats a new car man. The only use car I would consider before getting the 8 is a used m3 if its at a good price. But in this case 04 all the way.

 

alright now THAT is a nice deal...go for it man.

 

ROTOR IS THE LAW........

i **** on honda, i hate them. loud and slow.....

 

Also the RX-8 has a roll over factor of 5. Its like the car has a roll cage in it. Not that anyone would want to roll there RX but if it ever happens the car will be ok. Not sure of the people. Perhaps we need airbags on the roof too! Just kidding. No brainer for me. The RX is the car to get compared to the Honda. Oh by the way, I have a Honda Accord and it has a few options in it I wished the RX had such as electric controls for the passenger seat and climate control. I love the RX however. Its a thrill to drive it.

 

^^^ to the previous post by OneEvilRx8^^^

uh... dude... I'm not a big honda fan myself, BUT the S2K is NOT slow and handles EXTREMELY well... A friend of mine has 2 and boy do I love to drive them...

On the other hand, I wouldn't trade in my 8 for one either :D

 

wow it's nice to see such owners' pride what a jank.

 

That's a lot better than your initial 2001 s2k with 24k miles. Get it period. You had your eyes set on the s2k the whole time.

 

Are they going to be "helping" in any financial way? Or is it that you just respect your parent's advise and would never go against their better judgement? (yeah sure)

I fully understand brand loyalty, but just cause I've never owned a Mazda (before my 8), didn't make me rule them out.

 

Well for me--I never considered an S2000 because shifting it is impractical and insurance is more--same reason I didn't go for the Z. I was actually seriously considering a 350Z but at the end of the day- i realised my rotary addiction had not passed.

 

I own an '02 S2000 and an '04 RX-8... I'm single w/no kids, and if I need to haul anything from home-depot thats bigger than what will fit in my s2000's truck, I usually have someone deliver :-p

I enjoy the S2000 muuuchhh more than the RX-8. Its a roadster/convertible, can't go wrong there if you live where its sunny!!

However, until your 25 insurance will be expensive... and its not practical..

You really can't compare the two cars..just go test drive both and check on ins. prices... and your living style.. remember, you can only haul 1 (well, maybe 2 /grin) girls in the S2000.

 

just curious why you bought the rx-8 then, amartin?

 

He bought the RX and the Honda to improve his chances for more dates? He is single.

 

as far as not trusting the reliability of mazda, i'll add this: i have a '99 mazda 626, pushing on 70k miles... had it since i was 16 (i'm 21 now). without question, that car is the worst car mazda has put out in the past few years, any reviewer will tell you so. And since i was stupid, i drove that car hard : always WOT and going to redline, running it for extended periods at 110 mph, taking turns at ridiculous speeds, going from 4000 rpm in neutral to drive (it was a/t), doing 180s and what not (yes yes, i know laugh all you want :p ). I looked at the documentation that i meticulously keep on it, and the only times i've ever been to the shop was for regular maintenance. Not a single thing ever went wrong with it, which says a lot i think, considering the kind of things i've put it through. :D

Edit: I was stupid. I don't drive like that anymore. I lean more towards babying a car and getting precise, smooth control over gears brakes and steering.

 

It has... because there's no B-pillar everything else had to be DAMN strong to compensate.

This also means the chassis is very very taut - hence the ability to steer it using only your right foot.

 

yea thats why i always see hot chicks driving nissan sentra's.

 

after running Road Atlanta this past weekend, I'll second that "right foot" steering comment. What a blast this car is on that track!