I've been on the fence about getting a car to replace my 8.

Reason for doing so:

1) We have a toddler. Toddlers have more stuff than imaginable, although fellow parents no doubt understand (this is not condescending to non-parents, because I didn't and could not have gotten it prior, either).

Reasons for not doing so:

1) I test drove about a dozen cars over the past couple years whenever the urge to get a sedan with a bit better ingress/egress and a large back seat came up. I literally did not drive one new car that really did anything other than left me cold. Boring, lumpy, loose appliances- all of them. I was even woefully unimpressed with the Audi A4 that I thought I would like and actually didn't.


My '05 was bought new, I've done **** retentive maintenance on it, it was never in any accidents of any kind (I did curb a wheel and replaced it via a purchase from a RX8club member), it has ZERO rust on the exterior or undercarriage despite being driven in 4 winters (I just had it extensively detailed and put up on a hoist). It's always gotten quality oil, oil filters, spark plugs, coolant, etc.

I've had one problem with it: The battery had to be replaced in year 3 as a result of a non-start in very cold weather, and Mazda replaced the starter motor also as a result of a TSB though it probably didn't need it.

It has 52,000 miles and is a 6MT Sport (the Sport now has less equipment than mine b/c Mazda took away HID headlights, ESC, traction control, etc in later years).

Should I? The guy has said he needs an answer within a week at most.

 

If you feel the need to sell in order to help with family travels and care, then IMO, it's an easy yes.

However, if the car is in the condition you say, you have a great attachment to it (is it payed off?), and it is suitable (though not 100% practical) for a family, then I would say keep the car until it crumbles to dust.

Money can always be made. Enjoyment in a motor vehicle can't...

 

Completely agree with Soldier.

I've even see BRZ owners complain that the car is too boring to drive and that was the most hyped car of 2012. Don't forget, the 8 has harnesses for baby seats so it's a family car

 

if you really need a car for family, then just sell it. family comes first. are u gin a have another kid anytime soon?

otherwise, keep it.

sounds BS but, isn't this the kind of answer u need?

 

You can buy a daily driver and keep the 8 if that is an option.

Nothing you can buy with $11,500 is going to give you the joy you get from your 8.

I have a Ford Fiesta 5 door SES with all the goodies which gets 90% of the miles and the 8 gets all the fun drives!

My 8 served me well through the kid phase but I got it after they were out of car seats.

 

Keep it.

your the original owner and it has low miles.

 

+1, and just buy a used Honda Accord or something to haul the kiddos around.

 

If you sell the 8, that money plus another $15k will buy you a different new car that you don't like. If you keep the 8 and buy a nice $15k minivan used, then you will have a car you like and a car you hate (but suits the daddy role) for the same money.

 

You're right, as a non-parent I do not get it, at all haha. I'm actually kinda curious, is there really no way to drive a toddler around in an 8? I know kids have a lot of crap, but I just don't believe you can't find some way to make it work. I mean what specifically doesn't fit in the 8? Please explain.

 

My kids have grown up with my RX-8, room has never been an issue, even on road trips. But then again I never used ridiculously big strollers or anything like that.

 

The RX8 was a lot better for the kids than the two door GTI was.
Also my 8 held enough baggage for 3 adults on a 5 day road trip so it's hard to believe that it won't work for strollers and diaper bags.
But like I said above, my 8 came after the kids were in school.

 

I have a 18 and a 16 year old, and they have no problem sitting on the back (just a little squeeze here and there and it's all good). A little tight, but they have no choice...lol

Anyway, if you really feel you need to replace your 8, then go for it. Family comes first if you ask me.

 

I'm with the others. If you can swing it financially, get another car for hauling the kid(s) and keep the 8.

 

Everyone is giving good advice.

I paid cash for the 8 (as I do with all my cars; I am not a fan of debt, and if I can't pay cash, i don't buy, as it means I can't afford it - this keeps me from incurring losses of the tragic kind).

The points about me being the original owner, knowing it's been well cared for, getting a reliable 8, etc are all good ones.

The guy that wants to buy it is a neighbor and knows that it's been well cared for and problem free, so he probably values the same factors as the ones that make me inclined to want to keep it.

 

It actually works pretty well for toddler duty almost all the time.

When taking a trip somewhere, like to Cedar Point or the lake for the weekend, it can get cramped with all the stuff that needs to be packed.

But yes, the 8 works well in most circumstances for toddler duty. In fact, I found early on that child safety seats actually fit better with more clearance in the rear of the 8 between the child seat and back of the front seats than in a BMW 3 series, believe it or not.

 

I haven't looked it up, but I'm guessing the price is reasonable. It really comes down to the question of whether you want to part with it or work within its limitations. I'm guessing by your post that you're not keen on selling it. Assuming I'm right, I'd just keep it. Either that or I'd negotiate with buyer, including an agreement that you get to drive it for an hour every week

Buyer's remorse is often talked about, but seller's remorse is just as bad or worse. It haunts you.

 

RotoRocket, if it's more room you need in the back and still want fun, I think the only place you will find excitement is in the BMW department, 3 series with a sport suspension and manual, but if your asking if 11.5 is a fair price, I think it is considering your car is a 2005 sport and yes it has low miles, but a dealer would never even come close to that on a trade in, low miles or not. Something to consider if you plan on hangin on to it. I understand your dilemma right now, as I am contemplating getting something else myself.

 

I have a 3 year old and find that the 8 works really well. I got rid of an Audi A4 for it, too. Then again, my wife has a CRV that we take everywhere when all of us go. (My daughter loves the car, though, and tells her mom that her truck is slow and doesn't go vroom.)

 

Wake up one morning, put on your pants. Tell the wife, I'm the man in the family.
The RX8 works fine.
If you need another car tell her she is getting the new family car.

Soon the toddler will be grown.

Got my 8 with an 8 year old and still have it.

 

It's a RWD rotary engine sports car that's fantastic to drive. I see no reason to sell it.

 

I know exactly what u mean. Almost sold mine after I built my STI. However the Subie has not "feeling". So now that I just got a new engine in the rx im selling the subie and buying a z06 but keeping the 8 since it's paid off and has a new engine.

 

I use my 2004 Sport as a daily driver, corner carver, and toddler hauler. I know that I'd have a really hard time finding anything as enjoyable as my RX-8 that can haul a toddler.

You could always get a trailer hitch and a little 2'x4' platform (no wheels) for extra luggage space for trips. Having an '05 with a known good history is a huge plus in my eyes. My opinion: keep your car unless it negatively impacts your family (safety, finances, etc.)

 

Great feedback, guys.

I'm probably going to pass his offer up until a car comes out that I can't resist, which may be next year, or 4 years from now.

I just have not been too impressed with the current crop of cars, especially at the price point range they're at.

I do like the FT86, but it feels lower on power than my 8, the interior materials are not that great, the boxer 4 doesn't produce a harmonious sound, and the backseat is simply not large enough for human habitation.

I'm not knocking the FT86/BRZ twins. I like them and respect Toyota and Subaru for going the purist route and giving people a niche option that few automakers do today. I just don't think they work as well as the RX8. YMMV.

The Ford Fusion that's due to be released in 2013 has my curiosity peaked, but it's likely to be overpriced and problem plagued (at least for the first and maybe 2nd year) given Ford's track record releasing new models lately.

 

Forgot to mention that I can pick up a new Mazda 6 manual transmission that has a MSRP of 22,800 (I think) and all the features that I really need for $16,4xxx OTD, which is a pretty damn good price.

The 2.5 liter is adequate, as most competing 4 bangers are pushing 3300 pounds of car around are, but it seems it's easy to average about 26 mph with the stick in the 6 if driven even moderately conservatively (33 mpg on the highway at a constant 75 mph is consistent, while 45 to 55 mph on city streets can yield 40+mpg if one doesn't rely on the cruise control).

It's actually a pretty well built, roomy and reliable car, and there aren't that many new ones left on dealer lots.