New To The 8
 

Well, today was my first day looking at the car of my dream. The 8. Well, ya today was my driving test (which I passed) As a rewqrd my dad agreed to go take me looking at cars. I fell in love with it, the minute I saw it up close. Well, the dealership we went to, had a bunch on show, and outside. I drooled for a while, before a guy came over and offerd to help us. We first looked at the 6, which I dazed out thinking of the 8. Well, the time came and we got to test drive it. Yah, for me it was the best experience ever. Im jealous of all you guys. Well, the MSRP kinda scared my dad, as we were looking at used BMW's and some others. I convinced him, about the nice airbags, and slick design. Is there anything you guys could do to help me really convice my dad that this is the car I want. My birthday is 6/21 So, hopefully I'll be strolling around here, getting known and as the time comes around I'll get my 8! (I wish). Have there been any problems, I could ask next time I go, to just more familiar myself with the 8. Well, thanks guys for your time. Sorry for the lost thread.

-Ryan

Hello,

Well, first-off don't pay MSRP. I don't know what state you live in but you should be able to get close to invoice (anywhere from $200-500 over).

There's a lot on info on this board, spend a week reading over all the various threads. In general, MPG seems to be the biggest blemish against the car.

Hey brothervoodoo, I live in the state of AZ. Do you think, if theres any way I printed that off, or asked for the invoice at the dealership they would be able to settle a deal. About the gas mileage. What exactly is it. I was told 18 - 24, or 26. I was wondering what you get on yours, city and free way driving

Do not expect 18 city and 24 highway. I think a more realistic expectation is 15 city and 20 to 22 highway.

wow did you find that off hear??? is there a Canadian version?

I'm with you, TODreamer.. ..availability of legitimate Cdn. dealer cost figure, posted by Mazda Canada, displayed prominently (and not dealer sleight of hand), scarce to non-existent.

THanx guys for all your help. I got a couple more questions. Ive been browsing around alot, and you guys mention and say its not a street or drag race car? What exactly do you mean. It isnt capable for it? or Shouldnt be done? I mean dont get me wrong I love to have fun with friends, but if I wanted to race my friend's bmw. I shouldnt do it in the car?

Take it to the track :)

1. Street racing is illegal.

2. Street racing is dangerous.

3. Street racing is not allowed to be discussed on the forum.

Hypothetically speaking though, what people mean is that the RX8 is not very good at 0-60 and 1/4 mile times compared to some other cars in its price range (e.g., WRX STi, EVO, 350Z). The reason is the lack of low-end torque, which requires high launch RPMs to get decent times.

Re: New To The 8
 

Just make sure the two recalls have been done (airbags and some tranny thingie), though they don't apply to all cars.

And save yourself a return visit and ask them to "flash" the computer to the latest level, which I believe is "M."

If you skip the options, you can really keep the price down. Unfortunately, as a new driver, you probably should get the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Ask them to explain that to your dad, along with the Traction Control, LSD, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, huge brake rotors, and airbags.

Consider the automatic tranny too. Less power, but maybe your dad will like that.

Still, it's an awful lotta car for your frst ride. Pretty tame compared to a new 'Stang or something, but still...

Help pay for it. If you really want the RX-8, then put your money along side of your dad's.

gas milage
 

i routinely get 17.x mpg city, a/c, redlining, etc. Took a trip this past weekend to tuscon, got 22 mpg, cruise set to 90mph with bursts up past 100.

Thanx guys, and I'll be sure to do that, when I go to the dealership next time.

About the racing, of course I meant the track. Firebird Raceway (for those in AZ) I would never street race, cant stand the fear of being caught so ya I'll stick to the track.

That and the risk to the general public. No matter how empty the road, how careful everyone is, there's always someone who's decided to take a late night stroll down the road, a deer catching a roadside snack, etc.

The 8 really isn't meant for drag racing anyway. Get some of the cool behind-the-scenes brochures and handouts from the dealer and read up on it's development, it's design philosophies. A LOT of thought went into this car. Every little detail adds something to the driving pleasure, to the *experience* of driving.

I know when you're young, it's difficult to resist comparing numbers: HP, torque, revs, 1/4 mile and 0-60 times, etc.

But the 8 is more about the quality of the experience, not the quantity.

If you really want to take it to a "track" and gain some experience which will benefit you in daily life, consider competing in a local autocross. Not only is it great fun, but you'll learn how to control your car in extreme circumstances.