dream&accomplish93

hi i came up this website in search of information on whether i should get this car as my first. i just recently graduated from high school and am going to pursue a career in the automotive field so i have a huge amount of interest in cars. since im going to college i obviously need a car so i have been doing some research nd cant decide on what car to get. my dad has a 350z but doesnt want to pass it on unfortunately -___- so i need another. i was thinking of a mazda rx8, acura rsx, toyota mr2, nissan 240sx,300zx, honda prelude, honda s2k, nd so on. so i pretty much want a car i can work on and learn from since of my interest in career. i would really appreaciate for any answers since im not sure what to choose from. if any ? go ahead and ask. ohh and NO AMERICAN CARS!

godesshunter

Hi and welcome. Read this thread. It may help you make up your mind a bit. Please read the whole thing. Its long but worth it.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

DarkBrew

Hi and welcome.

+1 on reading the linked thread

The RX8 is expensive to own and operate but fun to work on.
Also there is a great community to help you.

I would not have survived the RX8 as a first car simply because of cost but enjoy it now in spite of cost.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Of your list, the RX-8 and the S2000 are the worst "first cars" to own. Pick one of the others. Come back when you have time, can keep it as a second car, etc... You will wreck your first car anyway.

Read at least the first 9 posts in that thread linked. There is even a section on young owners.

delhi

+1. Just get a Nissan Puke. Or Honda Corolla.

HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

How much money do you have? For a "normal" kid, the 8 is not for you. However, considering your future plans, a nice (not necessarily expensive) car may serve as a calling card when you go looking for a job. Even so, the job experience you get with a rotary may not apply. Think more about say a body-nice older 3 series BMW that you can fix up. Or an early Civic Si hatch. Low purchase price with an engine you can rebuild yourself. (Rather few owners are successful in rebuilding a Renesis rotary).

Marklar

I recommend the Prelude, or better yet a Camry or something similar.

The RX-8 is not a good starter car, it is expensive to own. At this point in your life it's best to get something economical and practical, get a sports car when you have some financial security and some money to burn.

ken-x8

Why not?

Ken

dream&accomplish93

so in response to all this i think the 8 won't be the wisest decision for me due to the fact that its gonna kill my pocket and i want to work on it while seing improvements to the performance..but despite all this it doesn't cross the rx8 out of my list from the posts i've been seing it seems like a great car to keep just not the first. maybe later once i get financially secure and am where i want to get will i go for the car. but i do have another question now. if not the rx8 then what car do u guys recomend. i plan to work on it nd cherish it..i don't want thats all about numbers i want one that i can enjoy driving and working with while going to school for automotive.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Of this list, the RSX, Prelude, and 240 are probably your best bang for the buck, and all have extensive aftermarket communities with lots of information and support.

SamiRX-8

Then maybe you should consider the MazdaSpeed 3 series, or just the 2.0 NA in it

Razz1

+1.

dream&accomplish93

the 240 is just a bit tough to find lately im lookn for the s13 240 but no luck and the only s14 i see are auto..the rsx is a car im actually considering higly..as well as the prelude.. the mazdaspeeed 3 is pricy..what distinguishes these 3 cars apart?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Everything?

Just about literally. Years, drivetrain configurations, weight, handling balance, price, mods, engine details, maintenance costs and effort, quirks, problems, etc...

For people who are passionate about cars, they are very much like clothes you wear. A very few fit you perfectly, some fit you well enough, many fit you terribly, and most don't fit you at all.

You did good coming on and researching about the RX-8 before blindly jumping into purchase. You should extend the same effort toward each of the others that you are considering, and it will serve you well. Though keep in mind that the maturity level of other forums will likely be different, and probably not for the better, so be wary of blindly taking information from members that aren't willing to articulate their advice or point you to anything to back up what they are saying.

Art L

What about a first or second generation Miata?? Plenty of good, low cost ones available. Reliable, very easy to work on and parts are cheap. Plus the after market is loaded with all kinds of stuff to make it your own. In addition, the fun factor is there in huge quantities. A great handling, proper rear drive car that is a joy to drive.

Also, as mentioned above you'll want to find a good forum, so check out the Miata Forum...


The group over there is very mature and will give it to you straight. The collective wisdom on that forum is astonishing. BTW, it was the guys on the Miata forum that sent me over here when i asked for a good RX-8 forum.

Marklar

All of that is true, but the problem is that a Miata is very impractical as a daily driver. But if he can live with a ragtop that barely has room for his girlfriend and two bags of groceries, then I guess it might make a good choice.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

To be fair, there IS the trunk, and if he isn't making his girlfriend go to the grocery store, he certainly isn't going to the grocery store WITH his girlfriend

I can easily fit a weeks worth of food for 2 in my Miata.

For just school, it's quite practical. Just get one that is reliable, unlike mine which goes through more oil and engines than my RX-8.

monchie

My first car was a Mitsubishi Mighty Max pick-up mini truck. I think this one is one of the cheapest truck back then. I just started working and my parents helped me with the down payment, and I paid for the montly.

Anyway, if the rx8 is a good stater car, then your wrong. There are some problems and issues with these cars if not properly maintained. If I were you, just get a car that you could afford and cheaply maintained.