New - considering buying :]
03-27-2010, 06:24 AM
#26
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: dryden Ontario
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had the opportunity to spend some time tonight in an acquaintance's 06 rx-8 sport. I was surprised how comfortable I was in the car (I'm 6'1). This was my first time to actually get out of the textbook and experience a rotary first.. second hand (I wasn't driving), but it was still new to me and I was really impressed on how smooth the ride and engine were. The engine was quieter than I thought but it really sounded nice at those high revs. The car seemed to respond nicely, I'd like to drive one eventually to get a better feel. But for a rwd I could definitely feel a difference in the turning as opposed to a few of my friends nose heavy camaros and mustangs. This I really liked. Anyways I think going new is going to be out of my price range and maintenance, so I'm going to spend some time waiting, looking, and saving so I can find something I'll like for years. Out of curiosity how many of you do or would daily drive these in the snow?
03-27-2010, 10:02 AM
#27
Registered
@Ken-x8: Why would I want to steer clear of the 04 and 05s, curious?
You don't need to steer clear of the '04s and '05s, just that there were enough improvements by '06 that it's a good break point. In addition to it usually being better to get a less old car.
Ken
03-27-2010, 10:14 AM
#28
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ dmc601: Best of luck to you, can't wait to hear how it went.
@ ken-x8: Thank you very much for your response. I do know its generally a good idea to avoid first year productions but I was curious as to whether the problems were minor or major. Thank you for your detailed response.
@ ken-x8: Thank you very much for your response. I do know its generally a good idea to avoid first year productions but I was curious as to whether the problems were minor or major. Thank you for your detailed response.
03-28-2010, 01:25 AM
#29
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've spent some time searching the forums. Is there no info or FAQ on 20B swaps, particularly the Renesis 20B like in Gordon's Rx-7? Just curious as to what potential this car is capable of. I've seen some cool youtube videos, and have spent some time reading some really old threads on here. Its amazing to see how many users predicted things that actually happened years later. Also waiting on a reply to my question earlier: "Out of curiosity how many of you do or would daily drive these in the snow?". Thanks again for the warm hospitality.
-Josh
-Josh
03-28-2010, 10:18 AM
#30
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: dryden Ontario
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I got back late last night... 9 and 1/2 hours of driving to get there and back I ended up with a very dissappointing trade in value for my truck, I dropped my trailer before I left as snow was in the forecast and I didnt want to get slop all over my car. When I got there it was more like rain, the snow was melting and the temperature in my truck was around freezing (kinda a not bad day for me, this time of year but definitely not warm)
My first impression of the R3 was quite a smorgasborg (sp?), first to mention I have to admit that I am quite biased in my opinion because I loved my old RX7 and would rather have a rotary then have any other car. I found it to be very sexxxy, agressive, mean, purpose built, awe inspiring, low, did I mention sexy?, to say the least ! Has I walked around it , I kept getting flashes of me owning it and it trying to bond with me and become one...I have read several other people have heard of this phenomena, maybe it isnt just Japanese technology, it may have a considerable amount of alien technology as well..
My first head scratcher would have to be the goofy key set up, If they were going to go keyless they should of had a push button starter but not something that resembles a key already in place on the steering coloumn and me looking for a place in a confined cabin to put the credit card sized transmitter which I was surprised to see had an actual key you could remove and use as normally a key is used.. I guess no surprise for all you owners but my first test drive in a Mazda in a long time.
My first impression of the way the interior of the car looks inside with the recaro seats was better then the feelings I have got from looking at pictures.
I immediately tried the back seat found it to be quite roomy..the salesman sid it si easier to get in when the seat was moved forward which he did but I thought of that 1 touch feature that is susposed to be on the Gt model that wwill move them forward... I knew going there yesterday that my main beefs were going to be around the issue of the seats, access to the back and the fact that my I am liking Leather fully adjustable and heated seats.. Once you own a vehicle with these it is hard to find yourself in a non adjustable seat and leather is alot easier to keep clean I find.
When I climbed in the car the seats literally grab on to you and hold you secure..I had to try the seat belts out because some have complained about them being uncomfortable the way they ride on your shoulder and I had a bad collar bone blow out in a street bike crash and also a few seperated ribs at my sternum but I found that to be no problem what so ever, actually really good.
Those seats hugged me tighter than I have been hugged in a long time, evn some major family functions. I am not a chunky guy , I weigh 195 and am 6 ft tall but I know ac ouple of my workers who would not find these seats comfortable at all. The bolstering has zero adjustability!... After seating in it for the 10 minutes or more while it warmed up I was finding that I was starting to get a bit claustrophobic (sp?). I get alot of lower back pain and find I keep my leg left out to the side to relief the pressure and often I am carrying a water bottle between my legs... In this car, the seats definitely keep you in the "business" position so you can drive and around the city I was constantly shifting and such so that was fine, I am wondering though if you were out cruising on the highway if you would be able to lift your leg high enoughso it could get over the side bolster to "stretch" a little.. I think that for the price, Mazda could of had a little more adjustment ability in these seats. I don't see these seats as something that will appeal to every avid autocrosser and daily driver because after all people do come in all sizes.. Who knows they may still grow on me.
I didnt find the drive to bad though, I got to drive it for at least a good 20 minutes or more. I found that ones drivers license is in jeopardy in any gear that you take it to redlineand cruising at highway speed in 4th gear and under 4000 rpm makes you think about how long of legs this car has when there are still 2 gears left. But I also got to see the fuel guage dropping as well so figured that those gears definitely would be beneficial on a nice hwy cruise.
I really enjoyed my drive, the cabin does feel a bit cramped but I guess I could get used of that, I do wish that they had a GT in stock so I could compare.
I think this R3 would be great if you could go out on a track and burn around for the day but I would say the seats make it an uncomfortable daily driver. I could still live with the firm suspension and 19 " wheels, It is definitely not as harsh as my neon R/T. But I do like my Leather R/T seats better all around then the recaro... I still may be into this sexy car, that is if they can do something about the slap in the face he gave me when he told me what he would give me for a trade in.. I hope this helps prospective buyers.. and oh ya ...I asked about why there are no 2010 brochures and what was up with the rumours of the next rotary car, and the owner told me that in his news letters and info on new cars the rx8 isnteven mentioned in next years lineup.hmmm I will keep you informed on what happens when I hear back whether I go R3 or go searching farther for a GT..Take care to all
My first impression of the R3 was quite a smorgasborg (sp?), first to mention I have to admit that I am quite biased in my opinion because I loved my old RX7 and would rather have a rotary then have any other car. I found it to be very sexxxy, agressive, mean, purpose built, awe inspiring, low, did I mention sexy?, to say the least ! Has I walked around it , I kept getting flashes of me owning it and it trying to bond with me and become one...I have read several other people have heard of this phenomena, maybe it isnt just Japanese technology, it may have a considerable amount of alien technology as well..
My first head scratcher would have to be the goofy key set up, If they were going to go keyless they should of had a push button starter but not something that resembles a key already in place on the steering coloumn and me looking for a place in a confined cabin to put the credit card sized transmitter which I was surprised to see had an actual key you could remove and use as normally a key is used.. I guess no surprise for all you owners but my first test drive in a Mazda in a long time.
My first impression of the way the interior of the car looks inside with the recaro seats was better then the feelings I have got from looking at pictures.
I immediately tried the back seat found it to be quite roomy..the salesman sid it si easier to get in when the seat was moved forward which he did but I thought of that 1 touch feature that is susposed to be on the Gt model that wwill move them forward... I knew going there yesterday that my main beefs were going to be around the issue of the seats, access to the back and the fact that my I am liking Leather fully adjustable and heated seats.. Once you own a vehicle with these it is hard to find yourself in a non adjustable seat and leather is alot easier to keep clean I find.
When I climbed in the car the seats literally grab on to you and hold you secure..I had to try the seat belts out because some have complained about them being uncomfortable the way they ride on your shoulder and I had a bad collar bone blow out in a street bike crash and also a few seperated ribs at my sternum but I found that to be no problem what so ever, actually really good.
Those seats hugged me tighter than I have been hugged in a long time, evn some major family functions. I am not a chunky guy , I weigh 195 and am 6 ft tall but I know ac ouple of my workers who would not find these seats comfortable at all. The bolstering has zero adjustability!... After seating in it for the 10 minutes or more while it warmed up I was finding that I was starting to get a bit claustrophobic (sp?). I get alot of lower back pain and find I keep my leg left out to the side to relief the pressure and often I am carrying a water bottle between my legs... In this car, the seats definitely keep you in the "business" position so you can drive and around the city I was constantly shifting and such so that was fine, I am wondering though if you were out cruising on the highway if you would be able to lift your leg high enoughso it could get over the side bolster to "stretch" a little.. I think that for the price, Mazda could of had a little more adjustment ability in these seats. I don't see these seats as something that will appeal to every avid autocrosser and daily driver because after all people do come in all sizes.. Who knows they may still grow on me.
I didnt find the drive to bad though, I got to drive it for at least a good 20 minutes or more. I found that ones drivers license is in jeopardy in any gear that you take it to redlineand cruising at highway speed in 4th gear and under 4000 rpm makes you think about how long of legs this car has when there are still 2 gears left. But I also got to see the fuel guage dropping as well so figured that those gears definitely would be beneficial on a nice hwy cruise.
I really enjoyed my drive, the cabin does feel a bit cramped but I guess I could get used of that, I do wish that they had a GT in stock so I could compare.
I think this R3 would be great if you could go out on a track and burn around for the day but I would say the seats make it an uncomfortable daily driver. I could still live with the firm suspension and 19 " wheels, It is definitely not as harsh as my neon R/T. But I do like my Leather R/T seats better all around then the recaro... I still may be into this sexy car, that is if they can do something about the slap in the face he gave me when he told me what he would give me for a trade in.. I hope this helps prospective buyers.. and oh ya ...I asked about why there are no 2010 brochures and what was up with the rumours of the next rotary car, and the owner told me that in his news letters and info on new cars the rx8 isnteven mentioned in next years lineup.hmmm I will keep you informed on what happens when I hear back whether I go R3 or go searching farther for a GT..Take care to all
03-28-2010, 11:21 AM
#31
Registered
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I opted for a GT w/o nav over the R3 as well. I wanted the leather and power seating as well. I dont use it as a daily driver, but I also do not track it (as of yet :D). I also wanted the moonroof. It is just nice to have a moon roof with a cover that has air vents. Driving on the highway with the windows down is noisy, but using the moon roof with the cover closed gives you the air that you desire and the quietness too! I did not TD the r3, but am plenty happy with the stability of the car. For me, the creature comforts won out.
IMO: It is so nice to have these back seats. Yeah, it is not a full sedan, but i was not looking for that as much as I was not looking to get high MPG. I have been going toward the two seater for years. But I had to make a decision... 2 seater or possible future family. I chose the family. Yeah i have my other car, but wanted to have something safer for the future. The back seats are comfortable, but I usually only have other other person with me. Nice storage compartments and spacious trunk made this car a winner for me.
Good Luck!
IMO: It is so nice to have these back seats. Yeah, it is not a full sedan, but i was not looking for that as much as I was not looking to get high MPG. I have been going toward the two seater for years. But I had to make a decision... 2 seater or possible future family. I chose the family. Yeah i have my other car, but wanted to have something safer for the future. The back seats are comfortable, but I usually only have other other person with me. Nice storage compartments and spacious trunk made this car a winner for me.
Good Luck!
05-03-2010, 11:04 PM
#32
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: dryden Ontario
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I have taken the plunge!!
Just wanted to thank all of you for the input.... It all started Feb 2 with my first call to the dealership then the test drive in march in the R3... I have tried to decide and search for the best deal and nicest car... Damn...I decided to go for sexxxy... I bought the 09 R3 I originally test drove. in Sparkling Black Mica.... I got home with it Saturday night... I have put 500 kms on it already and I love it ... a big step up from my old Rx7... So there you have it ..I am definitely not some poser wanna bee... I am now at home living the dream ... Thanks for the good reading that has got me through this epic part of my life...You will be hearing more from me...When I am not burning gas of course...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Digitz0070
Series I Aftermarket Performance Modifications
55
07-25-2017 08:40 PM