I'm considering buying an RX-8 and took a test drive in the R3 last weekend and enjoyed it (other than the seat, according to the R3 I have a fat ***), so if I was to buy new it would most likely be a GT. I've been looking through this forum since then but wanted to ask a few questions.

1. I've got 1 kid (currently 20 months) and another one on the way (due in 4 months). I'm not planning any road trips or anything with this car, but I will need it take both kids plus stroller from time to time, plus after the wife goes back to work picking up/dropping off both at daycare. Any other parents on here? Is the RX-8 ok for kids or am I nuts to even consider it?

2. I may buy used since the basic car doesn't seem to have changed all that much. If I did I would probably buy a 2006 or 7 so it would still have some time under factory warranty, anything I should know about/look for if buying used?

3. From my unsderstanding there is no spare tire, does that instaflate repair thing actually work?

4. Anyone know what sort of discounts can be negotiated on 2009 models at the moment (I'm in the Toronto area)? There seem to be a lot of R3's at dealers, but not GT's, just wondering if Mazda was caught out by the econmic tumble or if they just messed up thier estimates of R3 v GT demand and if I can work this in my favour.

5. I've also just found some new (i.e. not been registered) 2007 model GT's which I may take a look at, any reason to go/not go for this model over this years model?

 

I am a newbie too so I can't tell you much still about the car, technically, other than so far, we love it.

However, I can tell you that the woman we bought it from had a new baby last year and basically stopped driving the car. I ran a vincheck on it and it literally had 1000 more miles on it when I bought it last week than it did when it was inspected almost a year ago. She cited the kid as the reason she could no longer justify keeping the car. However, with that said, with the way the doors open on these things and the fact that there are factory support points above the backseats for child restraints, I don't see it as being all that impractical to carry infants around in.

The only issue that fix-a-flat kit is not going to help with is a complete blowout. Run over a nail or something like that, and it should be fine.

 

There is a spare tire kit available.

 

I had a baby and 11 year old and it was fine with a baby car seat. I used to just bring an umbrella stroller so it was no problem.

 

Only thing I can think of is it might be slightly invonvenient to get both kids out as you have to open both doors each time

 

Recaro makes an awesome child seat that would match the R3 seats perfectly haha. Seriously though, this car is perfect if you want a sports car and thinks vans are a joke. Has the anchors and largest annoyance is maybe you have to fold the seat forward to make for ease of insertion of the kid. I've had four large adults in my car and everyone was comfortable.

 

From what you are saying, I get the feeling that the 8 isn't terribly practical given that you will have young kids riding along. You don't want to make a decision that you will regret (i.e., having wife and kids complain about "who has to sit in the back").

Used is the best way to go. Lease rates don't seem to be all that great. The low interest rates make a used 06, 07, or 08 a good deal. Just make sure you get a reasonably priced extended warranty.

As far as deals on new ones go, I have seen 08's sitting on dealer lots here and there. I have heard of as much as $7000 off the sticker price.

If you want something sporty and practical, look into a used Acura TL or TL-S.

 

I have an 8yr old, a 5 yr old, and a 4 month old baby. A forward facing car seat is fine in the back seat(except kids tend to put thier feet on the back of the front seat!) A rear facing car seat is a little bit of a hassel but if it is only occasional you will have no problems.

 

Thanks for all the quick responses. I obviously understand the 8 isn't a super practical car, but I'm prepared to put up with some issues. My wife has a practical car and we will use that when we go places as a family. Most of the time that I will be in the car on my own or with just me and the 2 kids, plus they aren't going to be old enough to sit in the front for some time yet.

For the first year my wife will be on mat leave and the kids will probably be in my car at most once a week, after that they will in the car daily to and/or from day care, but not with much stuff. Other than that it will be occasional weekends when I take them somewhere on my own or my wifes car is in for service or something.

I have just called a dealer and found 2 07's still on the lot with quite a lot off the sticker price so I may go and look at those at the w/e and take the car seats with me to see how everything fits in.