Raptor2k

How you guys doing? I can tell that these forums are providing a great environment, and I feel fortunate I found such a website dedicated to the rx-8. Anyway, to get to the point, I'll be going to college soon and of course, I'll be needing a worthy car. I'm into the sleek and quick cars, and I've made many comparisons of affordable cars lately.

Initially I considered the 350z and S2000 as suitable cars. But with the family, two seaters can't get the job done at all times. I've thought about the Firebird, Mustangs, and RSXs as well. I've been test driving many different cars with my Dad, and we found the RX-8 to be nearly perfect. I haven't seen many in traffic, perhaps I could spot one or two each day (funny how I can spot more than several 350z each day, too :p). It's definitly a compromise for the family car and sports car; four seats with fabulous performance. Handling is also terrific, and the interior is well designed. It is a possibility that I could end up with one of these sooner or later, and hopefully the good stuff isn't just in the honeymoon. I'm looking at used cars (although some 2004 RX-8s still smell new) and I live near Dallas, Texas.

I'm seeking more info about the car from their owners. What overall opinions and concerns do you have with the car? How long do you think it can hold up? Automatic or manual? What colors do you prefer? Any precaution I should have before buying? I could scan for such knowledge in threads, but that's very time consuming, and I also felt like introducing myself in case I do end up with an RX-8 in my garage.

Thanks, and sorry for the long post.

shaolin

Well, just watch out for the flooding and be aware of gas mileage. Flooding shouldn't be a problem as long as you have a flashed '04 or an '05. Colors are subjective, but I prefer grey because I'm such a huge fan of the Aston Martin Vanquish and for some reason the grey 8 reminds me of it. Buy a manual, if you want an automatic you belong in a different car.

ironmedic

i tried to fit 4 people in my old 8 and it wasnt going to work. i had no room in the driver's seat to push the pedals. the automatics are major dogs so dont expect them to be much fun. im never letting my wife choose an automatic sports car ever again.
if u are into sport compacts, try out the WRX. they are very good cars. they are slightly cheaper (depending on location and build of the 8 and WRX) than the RX8 and comes with AWD and a turbo. i just traded my 8 for a WRX and not looking back. i have alot more room driving now and AWD is alot of fun.

Raptor2k

I've looked for WRXs, I can't find ones cheaper than the '8s, except for the sedans.

fredw1

If it were me, I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money for a car to drive to college. You will likely be parking in lots next to people who are driving '90 Camrys and Corollas or 80's-era Fords and Chevys. In addition, if you are a typical student, you will be giving your friends rides places, and they may be not as careful about the inside or outside of your car. You may be parking outside bars, where the majority of the damage to my cars used to occur (I don't go to bars or clubs any more). In addition, tThe mileage is not all that great (most people seem to get around 17 mpg in mixed driving), so gas will eat you alive.

These are just some of my thoughts. I love my 8, but never would have bought it if I thought I was parking on or near college campuses or bars/clubs on a regular basis, or if I couldn't keep it garaged at night. If I put this much money into a car, I want it to look good, and the typical habits and hangouts of students do not contribute to this goal.

khtm

"Fabulous performance"? Sounds like you're looking for a fast (accelerating) car. I'd suggest you look elsewhere...especially until somebody can crack the ECU and we can really start seeing some F/I gains.

missinmahseven

^^ *sigh*.. that post just made me feel blah. The dude allready said he drove and liked it.

So khtm's condemnation aside, I'll say this:

It should be as reliable, if not more reliable, than the previous na rotaries. Properly cared for, 200,000+ miles isn't unheared of. This one should do as good or better.

Whatever year Rx-8 you get, make sure it has the ECU flash at whatever the latest is when you actually buy it. The dealer will hook it up to his WDS and will be able to say what flash it has.

If you buy used, make sure it's got warranty left, and maybe get an extended. No telling what the prior owner did to the car. Smokey burnouts are pretty but ruin transmissions. Maybe not now, maybe not in 2 years, but an abused gearbox will eventually have something let go. Usually the pilot and/or throwout bearings. Driveshafts also take a beating in burnouts, as do the halfshafts and the diff itself.

Ditto for the engine. If the prior owner can provide receipts for all work done, that's good. If not, then treat the car as suspect and look for others. That's just my advise -- I'm very persnickety about maintenance.

About the only 2 things I can say is: Make sure it's always got oil, ALL rotaries drink oil by design. And make sure the cooling system is always tip-top. One overheat, just one, has a great potential of killing the motor. Won't be a factor on new-ish cars, but as they age, rubber hoses deteriorate.

If you've driven all the cars you say you have, by now you probably know none of 'em really stand up to the 8 in terms of balance and feel. It does make most other cars feel lethargic and heavy.

I'll second another poster's sentiment: Go six-speed. This car has one of the best gearboxes ever built. :D

Raptor2k

Fred: I understand your point. My car may end up in busy areas at times in the next few years. Not to be conceited or anything, but I'm responsible with my valuables and I trust my friends' responsibilities. I won't be giving rides to random people unhesitatingly. One of my friends purchased a new '05 Mustang Roush, and when we all hop in, he makes sure we're careful with the insides. I'll also expect to be staying at home (so it will be garaged most of the time) for most of my undergraduate studies. And I'm not much of a bar/pub person.

khtm: The car's performance is satisfying. I'm not looking for the fastest thing in the world. Like I said, the 8 is a good compromise.

missinmahseven: Thanks for the tips, I'll be spending the summer if I have to find one that has a decent price, and is in good condition. I actually went to see one with about 25k miles the other day, and the previous owner was some lady who had to drive from city to city. I could hear some engine noises I didn't expect, and the interior was just not maintained. It was dirty and dusty. I took a closer look on the outside, and there were scratches and marks everywhere. So I forgot about it and moved on, makes me think about buying a new one

khtm

Sorry, wasn't aware that you had driven it. My bad.

EsCoBaR1

From someone whose going to college, TRUST ME you would Not want to take your New car at the parking lots, Im getting mine soon and i know for sure i wouldnt take my car up there for nothing i rather ride the metro bus or get a ride from my friends. My car right now has so many scratches and dents from stupid people who decide to slam their door at my car........but ive gotten use to it i just make sure i Dont Park next to the shitty cars lol.

rotten42

Stay away from the Auto...go 6 speed.

I've had 4 adults in the car with no problem. I carry the kids around in my car all the time.

I don't think flooding is an issue anymore...that being said you need to know how to treat a rotary.

Gas mileage?....some guys get decent mileage...some don't. There seems to be quite a difference between cars. If your buyng a used one, ask for a three day test drive and go clear a couple of tanks of gas first.

Dinhx8

sounds like you've done some good cross shopping- I looked at similar vehicles when i was shopping and said the same things you are saying "wanted something fast, but found the 8 was a great comprimise". i'd say thats exactly how i feel- its fast enough for me, even though I know mustang gts and s2ks are a bit faster, the 8 is a good comprimise, a great one really. But everyone has their own tastes, and its all opinion - don't be swayyed about 'flooding' and gas mileage, youll get used to it, and its not that big a deal if you love cars and enjoy taking care of your car.

If you really want to mod it and want huge HP gains, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you want a great performer, and some utility and daily driver ability, the8 is a good choice.

I've had my car over a year and if you really want to stay ding free, you'll just have to get used to parking far away. Knock on wood, but ina year, no dings....plenty of extra miles walking though.