In need of some directions
 

Hey all, this is my first post and forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section.

I am in the midst of changing my car an I am considering RX8 to be one of them. I have been reading the sticky threads on the forums and they have been really helpful.

I am looking to get either a 2008 RX8 or a 2009 RX8. I know both of those cars come from a different generation and the 09 RX8 has some engine revamping done. However, I also found out that the 09 RX8 doesn't have much aftermarket support (in terms of tuning). I was wondering if it is worth getting the 08 more or the 09 more? If I get an 08 model, what are the gains on the tune?

Personally, I like the styling of the newer 2009 RX8 but I prefer the better aftermarket support of the older RX8. I am only looking to tune the car and I have no desire to do any forced induction.

Also, I come from a Subaru background and how are the RX8 in winter? Will all season tires cut it during winter? I know RX8 won't have the traction like an AWD car has but I hope RX8 won't be stranded if there's more than 1 ft of snow.

Hope someone can help me out here. :lol:

I don't know about snow, but it's not much fun on ice.

For snow, it's usually not the car. It's the tires. AWD is ONLY good for drive traction. All cars have 4 wheel braking and 4 wheel cornering/turning.

All-season tires are generally for light snow no matter what car you drive. One of the best, if not the best performance all-seasons for the snow is Continental ExtremeContact DWS.

The RX-8 does very well in snow with the right tires. Ground clearance is the concern.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo1sudvLNNQ

NOTE: As for your previous question, make a list of aftermarket stuff you want to do to your car. Put these in rows. Make 2 columns, 08 and 09. Put check marks in the compatible cells. The answer to your question will appear.

generally speaking RWD on all seasons suck in snow. be prepare for some tail happy action.

Okay, that doesn't sound so bad. I am prepared for some tail actions during winter.

How about the 2008 and 2009 models? Can someone give me a good direction which is much worthwhile to go with?

Remember, prior to 1978, most passenger cars in USA were RWD. How'd they get around in the snow then?

Remember that the stock tires are performance summer tires, not all-seasons. The stock tires are unusable in snow.

I replied with a footnote on my first comment.

Haha. I am not that old. When I was born, the world already had FWD cars with 5 speed manual transmission. :lol:

Yeah, I saw it and I made a mental note.

I am leaning towards the older generation RX8 then. Unless I get a really good deal on the newer RX8.

Anyway can someone point me in the right direction in checking the car out? I know I should ask for a compassion test for safely sake. Anything else I should be asking? Rough idle? Water in exhaust? Weird foam in oil?

Search is your good friend.

I did search and saw some sticky threads. Just wondering if anyone else has additional input or advise that could add in. :)

just get the 2009 and be happy with it.

checklist:
maintenance records
engine compression check
recalls/TSB's performed