RX8Club.com - New 8 Owner!! first impressions

I've been layin low on the board for a few weeks as a commentator, but as of 1 pm today I am officially an rx-8 owner! All I can say thus far is, damn. I'd driven the car on two seperate occasions beforehand, even spun it up to redline a few times, but I was still kinda of skeptical. If you're in a similar situation, dont worry. it all goes out when they're your keys in your hand :D.

The car's ride and handling is amazing. I came from a honda with some pretty serious suspension work, but it doesn't even come close to the 8. It's rock solid at any speed this side of insane, and body roll is non existant.

the motor was definately what suprised me that most. I'm a manual tranny noob, but now that I've gotten the hang of it, it seems much quicker than before. it's really gets to 5k fast (break in :mad: ). i was considering CZ's stg 1, but I think i'll be just fine for a good while :D

as far as the car itself and the things I love thus far:

1. all the compartments, like a minivan, but not gay :D
2. the xenons, they're bright, and they're aimed high...sorry oncoming traffic, i need to see!
3. the nightime lighting scheme, i think the red/blue is much easier on the eyes in the dark. the white is really nice too however.
4. seats 4
5. fast....for now anyway
6. shifter/clutch kicks ass
7. the sound of the motor
8. quiet at speed

i ended up getting a hell of a deal too. I was looking at a 6 speed GT in Ti Gray with red/black and nothing else. I had arranged for $320 under invoice, but when I drove to the dealer (2 hours away) the car was gone. I had even called before I left that day to make sure it was still there. turns out it had been transferred to another dealer, and didn't show up as a sale in their system. anyway, to make a long story short, I got the same car plus NAV for only $800 more, which makes me a very happy man. BTW girls love the NAV, just tell them to keep their hands off the controls when you're slamming through gears.

i dunno...i think i havent really let it sink in that I actually own a car like this. im so damn excited, it's 2 am and I've just been out driving all night, going absolutely nowhere. it's like carmen electra asking me out on a date...just somethin you never think will *actually* happen :P

pics to come soon!