New RX-8 Owner, Almost
 

I've been thinking about getting an RX-8 since driving one last October. It was so smooth, and such a kick to drive. Yesterday my Jetta was in for service, so I was checking out the RX-8s on the lot. There was a used one, 350 miles, 6 spd, loaded to the gills plus some little aftermarket additions, in Titanium, the color I want. It has more options than I would order, including Nav, but the price was the same as a much lower optioned one. I drove it, slept on it, and went back today to work out a deal. I got more in trade for my 01 Wolfsburg Jetta than I expected, and lifetime tire replacement, so I'm happy. I'm leaving the country for a week, so I can't pick it up until the 23rd, but it's mine!

I told my husband that I would sell my 75 Corvette if I got the Mazda, so I guess I'd better get it ready to put on the block. The Corvette has been part of the family for 16 years, I wonder if the Mazda will be with us that long?

I think I'm taking the keys with me whenever I leave town. My 18yo would gladly park his Sonoma and drive the RX-8, but I don't want it anywhere near the high school.

Melissa in MI

welcome!

Congrats!! And wasn't it a little uncomfortable sleeping on the 8?? I know the seats aren't that big but I think you could have slept IN it if you had just reclined.... :D :D

Hi, and welcome! I'm curious about how this barely-driven, low mileage car came to be available on the dealer's lot as a "used" car... was it a previously sold car that was turned back in over the horsepower issue? Or was it a dealer demo?

Whatever the case, it sounds like you got a great deal. You'll have a blast with it... and it might even get slightly better gas mileage than your 'Vette. ;)

Very nice! Welcome, Melissa!

Do you really get lifetime tire REPLACEMENT or just rotation?

My thoughts exactly. What dealer would give this? These tires cost a fortune and don't last very long! (I'm assuming she has the 18" RE040's)

It's a very bizarre case. Some lady inherited lots of money and no brains. She bought a 'little Mercedes Kompressor', drove it for 2 weeks, and decided she didn't like it. She came to my dealer, traded the Mercedes, had them find a max optioned RX-8 and added more. She drove it one week, 200 miles, decided she didn't like the RX-8 and traded it for a Mazda 3! I think she wanted the 'cool' cars but the power scared her. She's had the 3 for 3 weeks now, so she's either satisfied or switched brands again.

Melissa in MI

Yes, that's what I have. This is a standard benefit of my dealer for all new cars, and I negotiated it into my deal. It really is replacement, doesn't cover road damage, and they have a rigorous maintenance and rotation schedule that has to be followed.

I'd been thinking I gave the dealer a freebie in our deal, but now I'm really glad I added this in.

Melissa in MI

Congratulations!

I'm hoping to join the family soon. Finally found the right color/options relatively nearby, will be driving up to the dealer tomorrow.

Now you just need to buy a digitial camera to go along with the new car ;)

Wow, free tires! They are $200 ea.! No deals like that in S. Fla. The Vette is faster, but the 8 is funner! (Talking like my 4 year old). I Paid $375 for road hazzard on wheels and tires for 60k miles. Did I get ripped?

Like most insurance, you probably won't get your money's worth, but it's peace of mind. Over the past 25 years, I can only think of 2 car/truck tires that we've had damaged so badly they had to be replaced. But I'm still thinking it might be a good idea. I bought road hazard coverage for my husband's Harley. When dealing with expensive tires and wheels, I like knowing someone else will foot the bill.

Melissa in MI

Hi Melissa, from Ann Arbor

I looked in October as well, got mine on January 23, just as the current snow started to stick. My trigger was issues with my Accord, but I didn't find the deal that you did.

Congratulations

I'll watch for your car around town. I go to AA frequently. My daughter is a junior at UM, and the food and shopping are much better there than in Monroe.

Melissa in MI

Dealer
 

Did you purchase from Ralph Thayer? I bought mine there and got the tires for life deal also. Mark was my salesperson.

jeremy

Re: Dealer
 

Yes, I did. Kim was my salesman. Do you live in Monroe? Kim was telling me about other RX-8's in town, but I haven't seen any yet.

Melissa in MI

Congrats!

A question about these 'tires for life' deals- does the dealer stipulate what tire you get as a replacement? i.e. will you always get new RE040's, or do they have the right to substitute another 'like' brand/model at their discretion? As fast as the Potenzas wear (10-15k if you really like to drive), seems like the dealer would go broke.

Hmm, good question. I assumed identical tires, but I just read the agreement, and it does not specify. All it says is 'any tire upgrade will be extra'. I'm going to guess that they will replace with comparable tires at their discretion.

My son had Potenzas on his 2002 Maxima, and they were shot before 25K miles. He drives hard, but that still seemed low. I don't recall what he replaced them with, but he's much happier with the ride and handling of the new tires.

Melissa in MI

Actually, I live in Toledo. We have a Mazda dealership here, but they really didn't take me seriously... even though I told them I was paying the full ammount up front... I seem young I think. Anyway, we frequently drive in the Monroe area, our car is blue, maybe we will see you around :)

jeremy