Just Test Drove a 2008 40th AE
 

Well, out of curiosity, I just took a look at and test drove a 40th Anniversary MT. The ride was short (~10 minutes). I did get to go down a winding road though.

It handled beautifully and seemed 'hold on' better than my 04 GT MT RX8. The clutch seemed much softer than mine (easier to push down) and the ride seemed quieter. The interior is gorgeous. I really do like the leather. It's all very incremental improvements.

I'm actually kicking around getting it on a 39 month lease hoping the 2012 upgraded model will come out around then. The deal is giving me $500 below S-plan pricing (invoice). So, it doesn't seem like they are marking them up much at all. They have an allotment for 3 total. One on the lot now, one in 2 weeks and 1 in March/April that starts production 1st week of Feb. I wonder how many of these they are making in the US?

If I had a 2006 or 2007, I probably wouldn't consider it. I still probably shouldn't consider it given I only have 18,000 on my 04! But sometimes it's good to live with the heart vs. the mind! :)

KF

I'm too frugal to do something like that... Add up all the money you'll spend and ask yourself if it's worth it..

which you like better? the 2006 or 2006?

AND you're forgetting all about the 2006 model. that's the one that came turbo'd from the factory, right?

I thought that was the 2006, not the 2006?

:) All right, totally got me! "2006 or 2006":banghead:

@Drunk IT Guy -> You're right, financially, it makes no sense at all, but you only live once.

LOL:lol2:

Why buy a 2008 when the new 2009 RS is going to come out so soon? Just hand on to what you have, maybe put some upgrades into it to increase its reliability or performance.

I have to agree. The 08's are going to be heavily discounted before too long because of the facelift.

09 RS is the model I am impatiently waiting on... I will have the current one paid off for about 6 months... basically anything that its worth will be able to go directly towards the new one. I call Mazda dealership in town here about once a month to findout if they are taking preorders for it yet, and unfortunately are still not :(

http://news.windingroad.com/photo-ga...serialNumber=2
all kinds of yummy

EXCEPT for that damn steering wheel :banghead:

hope a decent looking aftermarket with radio controls comes out!

you're right. I think I'll hold out for an 2009 or upgrade. ...I do need new tires....

maybe some people like the older style??? hmm? hmm???

i do. i never thought i'd say this considering how busy the current 8's styling is, but it looks streamlined and sleek compared to the new ones. i like mine, thank you very much. springs and a decent set of exhaust tips make the existing car look fairly sexy from the 3/4 view.

That was what actually made me look at the 2008. Wasn't overwhelmed with the 2009's appearance. I do like the 2009 rims and the Anniversary edition's rims are very similar, if not the same. Also, the refinement from 2004 to 2008 is definitely noticeable, yet small.

Thanks
KF

original rx8 with full mazdaspeed body kit > new 2009 rx8

I have been tossing around the same idea myself because I could probably upgrade into an anniversary edition for close to what I am paying now. Problem is, if I test drove one and the payments worked out it would be in the driveway. I have decided to hold off and check out the '09.

Prices on the 08's will be down far enough to make the 40ann more justifiable. I personally loooooooove the interior.

the 2009 rs interior > 40aniv

i like the oe 04-08 styling. 09 looks too subie/nissan for me. too sharp in a lot of places. back end is reminiscent of a z4 imo.

I like the looks of the first version better, though the new rear bumper is cleaner and doesn't have that fake grill on the bottom—an improvement IMHO.

im gonna cut that fake grill out. :)

just waiting till it gets warm.

ya i would rather have the old one then spend the money on the new facelifted one.

Both have there pros and cons but i'll stick to the old 8

Well that's what I just decided to do for sure. I just ordered new tires for my 04 GT MT so it's now a done deal! I ordered Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S. In reality, the dealer made it easy.

I thought the price was great, just the lease deal sucked (same payment and I'll own my car in 1 year). So if you're looking to buy in Cincy area, King's Mazda has a 40th they're looking to dump by January 31. There were offering me invoice, plus $500 instant, plus the $1750 rebate that was only supposed to be on a buy vehicle vs. a lease. That that's $2250 below invoice. Seemed more than fair to me.

KF

+1 =)

Are you talking to me ?