new to site (Z owner looking to be RX-8 owner)
05-18-2007, 01:22 AM
#26
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Yea I have heard, but not experienced, the new iteration lost a bit down low in favor of a bit higher revving and higher peak numbers on the top end.
I almost forgot to mention you should search for and read a thread called "The little things". I believe its a sticky.
And as far as gas mileage goes I believe it was Road and Track that did the long term comparison between the 8 and your Z's sister car the G35 and the 8 was within .5 MPG overall after a full year of driving.
A couple of things I have noticed since I got the car...my gas mileage is basically the same ....always.....no matter how hard I drive ( sans full out track driving). I can put my foot in it away from lights and signs constantly, and run up in the high 70's to 80s and pass in the 90 MPH range on the highway and still get the same numbers as when I went for a day trip today and set a cruise at ~75-80 and ran an entire tank down. When i filled up yesterday I had put ~290 miles on the tank and put in just over 15 gallons which worked out to right around 19-19.5MPH. I get that every time.
I almost forgot to mention you should search for and read a thread called "The little things". I believe its a sticky.
And as far as gas mileage goes I believe it was Road and Track that did the long term comparison between the 8 and your Z's sister car the G35 and the 8 was within .5 MPG overall after a full year of driving.
A couple of things I have noticed since I got the car...my gas mileage is basically the same ....always.....no matter how hard I drive ( sans full out track driving). I can put my foot in it away from lights and signs constantly, and run up in the high 70's to 80s and pass in the 90 MPH range on the highway and still get the same numbers as when I went for a day trip today and set a cruise at ~75-80 and ran an entire tank down. When i filled up yesterday I had put ~290 miles on the tank and put in just over 15 gallons which worked out to right around 19-19.5MPH. I get that every time.
05-18-2007, 01:26 AM
#27
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The car is pretty reliable for the most part. Try to get a late model 05 or better, otherwise make sure the car has all recall work.
The engine will seem weak based on the Z but it is fun once you get use to it.
Gas mileage is the weak part. I do almost 100% city driving and average 12mpg. A good portion of RX's get really poor mpg and if you get one Mazda will do absolutely nothing to address this issue. Before you buy see if you can test drive the car for a day and check the mpg. On the Highway I have gotten up to 20mpg but average 18mpg on the Highway. If you drive hard this car will inhale gas.
The engine will seem weak based on the Z but it is fun once you get use to it.
Gas mileage is the weak part. I do almost 100% city driving and average 12mpg. A good portion of RX's get really poor mpg and if you get one Mazda will do absolutely nothing to address this issue. Before you buy see if you can test drive the car for a day and check the mpg. On the Highway I have gotten up to 20mpg but average 18mpg on the Highway. If you drive hard this car will inhale gas.
, thats a tough one.
05-18-2007, 07:07 AM
#28
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I am a former Z guy as well, had 3 Z's in the past , and was always curious about rotaries but was to intimidated to own one because of the horror stories. One test drive of the RX-8 and the rest is history.
The Rx-8 is "fast" (IMO its very quick, not fast) like somebody mentioned before on this thread,you just have to drive it harder in order to make it scoot, which is staying in gear longer and redlining it out. So at first , when you drive the 8 make sure you drive it hard or else you will feel left empty handed. This is one car that loves to be driven hard repeatedly. If you get one seek the redline often,
9KRPM IS YOUR FRIEND IN THIS CAR!!!
If you are concerned about fuel econemy, another alternative would be the
S2000. Its very similar to the Rx-8 minus the back seat and its a vert and is slightly quicker than the 8 . Revs high but you'll get anywhere from 26-29 mpg even on brisk runs.Ahhhh.....
You did menetion you needed a back seat though.... but if you absolutely don't have to have back seats and you want a fun car that is pretty good at the pump , the S2000 is your awnser. Anyway you look at it, wether its the RX-8 or the S2000.... its a win- win situation!
05-18-2007, 08:12 AM
#29
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07 Gti
I have both an 07 GTI and an 04 RX8, and if you thought the 07 GTI felt weak, you wont care for the feeling of the rotary. To me, the GTI feels powerful compared to the RX8, but the rotary does gain speed quickly, you just don't feel it like you do with a car with more torque. (207ft lbs GTI, 166ft lbs RX8). But it is way more fun getting there with the engine wailing at 8500-9000 RPM. And concur that the RWD is much more of a pleasure to drive.
05-18-2007, 08:48 AM
#30
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when I was looking for a car, there were 3 factors that made me get the car....
1) The wife likes it. - (and I have 2 kids, so the back seats are a plus)
2) The price was right
3) The test drive convinced me that this car handles.!!!! I fell in love right there on the spot.
1) The wife likes it. - (and I have 2 kids, so the back seats are a plus)
2) The price was right
3) The test drive convinced me that this car handles.!!!! I fell in love right there on the spot.
Last edited by puch96; 05-18-2007 at 08:50 AM.
05-18-2007, 10:00 AM
#32
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Never tought the RX-8 would win in it's class against competitors such as the Z and S2K. I mean, it is the slowest one in it's class but like they said in both articles (I read the whole article of Edmunds and a bit of motor trend) it is the best one for the price. Funny they say the Z is like a muscle car in it's class.
I watched the top gear video before I purchased the Z and was very surprise that Jeremy always prefered the RX-8 over the Z. Anyways, he always hated the Z.
I watched the top gear video before I purchased the Z and was very surprise that Jeremy always prefered the RX-8 over the Z. Anyways, he always hated the Z.
There have been about 5 different reviews by different magazines between the RX-8 and 350Z, and the RX-8 has won each time. If you want the most recent, pick up the new Car and Driver. There is a comparison between the new Shelby Mustang GT, Audi TT, 350Z, and RX-8. The Shelby Mustang GT came in 4th, the 350Z came in 3rd, the new Audit TT came in 2nd, and the RX-8 came in 1st.
Enjoy your test drive! I can almost guarantee you're going to love this car.
05-18-2007, 10:56 AM
#33
go test drive one, you'll notice there's something about it that you like but you don't know what it is. You'll mind will argue "it has less power" and still you'll wonder what it is that you like about it. Then you'll realize why we all bought ours, something about it that i have no idea what it is.
Mazda has done a wonderful job capturing what makes a car fun to drive and really delivered. Its not the fastest, and its not the most economical (MPG)...but one drive and you'll know if you love it or hate it.
I'm a driver...I need feedback...I need to know what my car is doing...I need to feel connected...
I own an RX-8
05-18-2007, 11:06 AM
#34
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05-18-2007, 11:14 AM
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Yeah the Rx-8 is pretty thirsty for gas. But the pro's outway the latter.....
I am a former Z guy as well, had 3 Z's in the past , and was always curious about rotaries but was to intimidated to own one because of the horror stories. One test drive of the RX-8 and the rest is history.
The Rx-8 is "fast" (IMO its very quick, not fast) like somebody mentioned before on this thread,you just have to drive it harder in order to make it scoot, which is staying in gear longer and redlining it out. So at first , when you drive the 8 make sure you drive it hard or else you will feel left empty handed. This is one car that loves to be driven hard repeatedly. If you get one seek the redline often,
9KRPM IS YOUR FRIEND IN THIS CAR!!!
If you are concerned about fuel econemy, another alternative would be the
S2000. Its very similar to the Rx-8 minus the back seat and its a vert and is slightly quicker than the 8 . Revs high but you'll get anywhere from 26-29 mpg even on brisk runs.Ahhhh..... You did menetion you needed a back seat though.... but if you absolutely don't have to have back seats and you want a fun car that is pretty good at the pump , the S2000 is your awnser.
Anyway you look at it, wether its the RX-8 or the S2000.... its a win- win situation!
I am a former Z guy as well, had 3 Z's in the past , and was always curious about rotaries but was to intimidated to own one because of the horror stories. One test drive of the RX-8 and the rest is history.
The Rx-8 is "fast" (IMO its very quick, not fast) like somebody mentioned before on this thread,you just have to drive it harder in order to make it scoot, which is staying in gear longer and redlining it out. So at first , when you drive the 8 make sure you drive it hard or else you will feel left empty handed. This is one car that loves to be driven hard repeatedly. If you get one seek the redline often,
9KRPM IS YOUR FRIEND IN THIS CAR!!!
If you are concerned about fuel econemy, another alternative would be the
S2000. Its very similar to the Rx-8 minus the back seat and its a vert and is slightly quicker than the 8 . Revs high but you'll get anywhere from 26-29 mpg even on brisk runs.Ahhhh.....
You did menetion you needed a back seat though.... but if you absolutely don't have to have back seats and you want a fun car that is pretty good at the pump , the S2000 is your awnser. Anyway you look at it, wether its the RX-8 or the S2000.... its a win- win situation!
05-18-2007, 11:15 AM
#36
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Its ZOOM-ZOOM...
Mazda has done a wonderful job capturing what makes a car fun to drive and really delivered. Its not the fastest, and its not the most economical (MPG)...but one drive and you'll know if you love it or hate it.
I'm a driver...I need feedback...I need to know what my car is doing...I need to feel connected...
I own an RX-8
Mazda has done a wonderful job capturing what makes a car fun to drive and really delivered. Its not the fastest, and its not the most economical (MPG)...but one drive and you'll know if you love it or hate it.
I'm a driver...I need feedback...I need to know what my car is doing...I need to feel connected...
I own an RX-8
05-18-2007, 11:18 AM
#37
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If you really want to stepup from the Z-car the RX-8 is an option if you look at...
If you really want to step up from the Z-car the RX-8 is an option, if you look at price, but theres so many factors that makes the RX-8 different. We have address gas mileages, Oil maintenance, coolant, blip after short restart and its high reviving Rotary engine.
I think the main plus that the RX-8 has is its more comfortable and tuneable suspension for daily driving or Autox. With rear seats AND a trunk for better storage. So with a growing family you keep your sport car.
The Honda S2000 is pretty much in the same boat as the 350Z but with the 8's gas mileages, probably a little better mpg, but it lack in Rx-8 storage.
But gains in the cool factor of being a convertible you can't beat that in the summer time.
All this said if I was really going to upgrade from a Z-car it would be a 2000-2003 Bmw 330ci or a 325 all the plus of a RX-8 and the Ummp almost of the 350Z.
I think the main plus that the RX-8 has is its more comfortable and tuneable suspension for daily driving or Autox. With rear seats AND a trunk for better storage. So with a growing family you keep your sport car.
The Honda S2000 is pretty much in the same boat as the 350Z but with the 8's gas mileages, probably a little better mpg, but it lack in Rx-8 storage.
But gains in the cool factor of being a convertible you can't beat that in the summer time.
All this said if I was really going to upgrade from a Z-car it would be a 2000-2003 Bmw 330ci or a 325 all the plus of a RX-8 and the Ummp almost of the 350Z.
05-18-2007, 11:19 AM
#38
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hello,
the rx8 is a nice upgrade to the Z as will the G35 coupe too. IMHO during my search for a sporty car, I was disappointed with the Z. It is a wonderful car but lack refinement and sophistication. The engine is fantastic then again I have a stage II 92x Aero that blows by VQ cars all day. In the end, the Z is a bit butch of a car which appeals IMHO to people who paper race alot. I would recommend a G35 coupe. A nicer implementation of the FM platform with the VQ engine. Has back seats too. The 8 is a delightfully great car in that it involves the drivers more and dances around the twisties rather than relying on the accelerator to make up on one's lack of driving prowess. It's one of those rare cars that allows the driver to be integrate with the automobile on every driving occasions.
The quality interior is leaps better than the Z too which you will quickly notice.
the rx8 is a nice upgrade to the Z as will the G35 coupe too. IMHO during my search for a sporty car, I was disappointed with the Z. It is a wonderful car but lack refinement and sophistication. The engine is fantastic then again I have a stage II 92x Aero that blows by VQ cars all day. In the end, the Z is a bit butch of a car which appeals IMHO to people who paper race alot. I would recommend a G35 coupe. A nicer implementation of the FM platform with the VQ engine. Has back seats too. The 8 is a delightfully great car in that it involves the drivers more and dances around the twisties rather than relying on the accelerator to make up on one's lack of driving prowess. It's one of those rare cars that allows the driver to be integrate with the automobile on every driving occasions.
The quality interior is leaps better than the Z too which you will quickly notice.
05-18-2007, 11:19 AM
#39
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I have both an 07 GTI and an 04 RX8, and if you thought the 07 GTI felt weak, you wont care for the feeling of the rotary. To me, the GTI feels powerful compared to the RX8, but the rotary does gain speed quickly, you just don't feel it like you do with a car with more torque. (207ft lbs GTI, 166ft lbs RX8). But it is way more fun getting there with the engine wailing at 8500-9000 RPM. And concur that the RWD is much more of a pleasure to drive.
05-18-2007, 11:24 AM
#40
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If you really want to step up from the Z-car the RX-8 is an option, if you look at price, but theres so many factors that makes the RX-8 different. We have address gas mileages, Oil maintenance, coolant, blip after short restart and its high reviving Rotary engine.
I think the main plus that the RX-8 has is its more comfortable and tuneable suspension for daily driving or Autox. With rear seats AND a trunk for better storage. So with a growing family you keep your sport car.
The Honda S2000 is pretty much in the same boat as the 350Z but with the 8's gas mileages, probably a little better mpg, but it lack in Rx-8 storage.
But gains in the cool factor of being a convertible you can't beat that in the summer time.
All this said if I was really going to upgrade from a Z-car it would be a 2000-2003 Bmw 330ci or a 325 all the plus of a RX-8 and the Ummp almost of the 350Z.
I think the main plus that the RX-8 has is its more comfortable and tuneable suspension for daily driving or Autox. With rear seats AND a trunk for better storage. So with a growing family you keep your sport car.
The Honda S2000 is pretty much in the same boat as the 350Z but with the 8's gas mileages, probably a little better mpg, but it lack in Rx-8 storage.
But gains in the cool factor of being a convertible you can't beat that in the summer time.
All this said if I was really going to upgrade from a Z-car it would be a 2000-2003 Bmw 330ci or a 325 all the plus of a RX-8 and the Ummp almost of the 350Z.
05-18-2007, 11:26 AM
#41
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hello,
the rx8 is a nice upgrade to the Z as will the G35 coupe too. IMHO during my search for a sporty car, I was disappointed with the Z. It is a wonderful car but lack refinement and sophistication. The engine is fantastic then again I have a stage II 92x Aero that blows by VQ cars all day. In the end, the Z is a bit butch of a car which appeals IMHO to people who paper race alot. I would recommend a G35 coupe. A nicer implementation of the FM platform with the VQ engine. Has back seats too. The 8 is a delightfully great car in that it involves the drivers more and dances around the twisties rather than relying on the accelerator to make up on one's lack of driving prowess. It's one of those rare cars that allows the driver to be integrate with the automobile on every driving occasions.
The quality interior is leaps better than the Z too which you will quickly notice.
the rx8 is a nice upgrade to the Z as will the G35 coupe too. IMHO during my search for a sporty car, I was disappointed with the Z. It is a wonderful car but lack refinement and sophistication. The engine is fantastic then again I have a stage II 92x Aero that blows by VQ cars all day. In the end, the Z is a bit butch of a car which appeals IMHO to people who paper race alot. I would recommend a G35 coupe. A nicer implementation of the FM platform with the VQ engine. Has back seats too. The 8 is a delightfully great car in that it involves the drivers more and dances around the twisties rather than relying on the accelerator to make up on one's lack of driving prowess. It's one of those rare cars that allows the driver to be integrate with the automobile on every driving occasions.
The quality interior is leaps better than the Z too which you will quickly notice.
I'm considering a G35 coupe but cannot find one under $25k with under 30K miles. And I been searching for one for a long time already.... I just stared thinking about the 8 the other day since I was giving up on the G.
05-18-2007, 12:23 PM
#43
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Trying to find a low 30k mile G35 for $25k is going to be tuff. The BMW 330ci are nice, they ride nice, get decent milage, has name recognition, etc...honestly you would get bored with the BMW, there nice cars and all, owned a '94 328is , there more focused on luxury than sport. If you want sport you will have to step up to a M3, then again that will put you out of your budget. Its hard to believe
2k2/2k2 M3s are still going for anywhere in the ball park of$37-$43k!!!!
M3's are fine cars.
05-18-2007, 01:09 PM
#44
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my best friends own a 350z and an s2000 as their only cars... whether they admit it or not, they are jealous about the practicality of the 8.
i seriously cant imagine driving a 2 seater w/ shitty trunk every day. my friend with the s2000 gave up golfing a few years back when he bought it, ill let you figure out why...
i seriously cant imagine driving a 2 seater w/ shitty trunk every day. my friend with the s2000 gave up golfing a few years back when he bought it, ill let you figure out why...
05-18-2007, 01:43 PM
#45
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Lots of good info for you on this thread.
I'll point out insurance.
Z = sports car
RX-8 - sedan (State Farm anyway)
I pay ~$60/mo for full coverage. Married (which gave me no discount) and over 25.
Allstate wanted double that.
So figure what you lose in at the pump with the RX-8 is offset by the insurance. Maybe thats the way I can rationalize getting 12-14 mpg (all city).
I'll point out insurance.
Z = sports car
RX-8 - sedan (State Farm anyway)
I pay ~$60/mo for full coverage. Married (which gave me no discount) and over 25.
Allstate wanted double that.
So figure what you lose in at the pump with the RX-8 is offset by the insurance. Maybe thats the way I can rationalize getting 12-14 mpg (all city).
05-18-2007, 04:37 PM
#46
I read all the posts you are reading now before I bought and figured it was a chance I'd get a bad mpg RX but Mazda would surly fix any obvious problem. I was expecting 15mpg, what a shock when that 11 to 12 started to roll in and this is under normal driving conditions. Again test drive the car and try to confirm your mileage, it can save you a ton of money and grief later.
05-18-2007, 04:46 PM
#47
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As others have posted, 8's are all over the map in terms of mileage. Fortunately, mine is able to get 24-24.5 going 70MPH. Some never reach that going 55 with a tailwind.
With a used one it'll be hard to find that out unless you are allowed to drive it for an extended time and allowed to start with full tank.
With a used one it'll be hard to find that out unless you are allowed to drive it for an extended time and allowed to start with full tank.
05-18-2007, 05:00 PM
#48
Indeed...the insurance was a mega plus for me...cheaaaaaap....
And the money saved goes into the supercharger account...
Then I'll have all the straight line I will ever want, all the track capability I'll ever need...and still pay a fraction of insurance...
And the money saved goes into the supercharger account...
Then I'll have all the straight line I will ever want, all the track capability I'll ever need...and still pay a fraction of insurance...
05-19-2007, 08:48 PM
#49
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hey guys, I test drove a RX-8 and yes, it's performance its one of a kind, I understand how many of you guys love the car knowing that it isnt the fastest either the best in gas mileage. Sorry to say I found a Red G35 and under 10k miles. The dealership was asking $33K but unfortunately I still had my Autotrader Mag with me in the car and it was only going for 26-27K. I told them I saw it for 27k and they said, No way.. impossible, I pulled out the mag and they brought the manager, he confirmed that it was posted for 27k on autotrader and he couldnt charge me $33K. So hopefully by next week Ill be able to make the deal and become the owner of it.
One thing, after talking to you guys in this forum and taking the 8 for a test drive, I earned a respect for the car and learned to appreciate it. I feel bad it wasn't the one at the end But I really enjoy this forum and look forward to still be a member and help in any other type of questions regarding automobiles. Other forums tend to have wayyyyyy to many ******** and all I'm looking for is to have a good time while chatting about automobiles and other stuff. (any other members that own any other cars than the Z). Thanks for all the help guys!
One thing, after talking to you guys in this forum and taking the 8 for a test drive, I earned a respect for the car and learned to appreciate it. I feel bad it wasn't the one at the end But I really enjoy this forum and look forward to still be a member and help in any other type of questions regarding automobiles. Other forums tend to have wayyyyyy to many ******** and all I'm looking for is to have a good time while chatting about automobiles and other stuff. (any other members that own any other cars than the Z). Thanks for all the help guys!
05-19-2007, 09:06 PM
#50
Shock and Awe
Lots of good info for you on this thread.
I'll point out insurance.
Z = sports car
RX-8 - sedan (State Farm anyway)
I pay ~$60/mo for full coverage. Married (which gave me no discount) and over 25.
Allstate wanted double that.
So figure what you lose in at the pump with the RX-8 is offset by the insurance. Maybe thats the way I can rationalize getting 12-14 mpg (all city).
I'll point out insurance.
Z = sports car
RX-8 - sedan (State Farm anyway)
I pay ~$60/mo for full coverage. Married (which gave me no discount) and over 25.
Allstate wanted double that.
So figure what you lose in at the pump with the RX-8 is offset by the insurance. Maybe thats the way I can rationalize getting 12-14 mpg (all city).